Scottsdale, Arizona is home to award-winning restaurants and internationally recognized chefs. The dining scene is versatile with diners able to choose not only Southwestern cuisine, but also creative Latin food, impeccable Sushi and unforgettable steakhouses. Over the past few years, while the rest of the United States has experienced a downturn, the restaurant scene in Scottsdale has only continued to grow. When looking to dine in Scottsdale, the list below includes a few standouts in the “West’s Most Western Town”.
North Scottsdale
At the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale is the restaurant Deseo. Here diners can taste the brilliant cuisine created by James Beard award-winning chef Douglas Rodriquez, which is often described as sexy and innovative. This Nuevo-Latin restaurant received four out of five stars from Yelp.com. At Deseo, diners will find fare that is bold and creative, such as the Kobe Beef Tenderloin on Casabe Flatbread, which includes truffle aioli and pickled onions. The menu at Deseo is ever changing to reflect the seasons. Highly recommended dishes at Deseo include the Shrimp Chicharron and the Lobster Escabeche.
Paradise Valley
Roka Akor on Scottsdale Road is a popular upscale eatery in Scottsdale with the locals. This restaurant was voted as a top 10 sushi spots in the United States by Bon Appetit magazine and according to the Phoenix New Times, Roka Akor is the best place to take an adventurous eater. This restaurant traces its roots to the award-winning London based Roka Akor. The food at Roka Akor is contemporary Japanese Robatayaki fare, which means the menu features skewers and a variety of meats that are cooked on an open charcoal grill. The menu is filled with local seasonal ingredients and mouthwatering meats and fish, such as Miso-Marinated Black Cod, Cumin Barbeque Pork Loin and Wild Madagascan Tiger Prawns. Consider trying the affordable three-course Tasting Menu to enjoy some of the delicacies served at Roka Akor.
Downtown
When looking for unforgettable Latin foods, book a table at the Mission on North Brown Avenue. The Mission serves up modern Latin fare in a restaurant that has a gothic yet romantic atmosphere, complete with candelabras and chandeliers. AZCentral.com named the Mission as a Critics’ Pick for the Best Latin American Restaurant. The menu at the Mission is designed by Chef Matt Cater and is a fusion of Central and South American fare. Seafood standouts on this menu include the Peruvian Stew filled with rock shrimp, clams and chorizo and the Veracruz swordfish. For land lovers, try the Roasted Chicken that has been seasoned with lemon, chilies and oregano or the combination of pork shoulder and chorizo.
Neary Place
According to GetOutAZ.com, the Estate House is one of the best restaurants in Scottsdale. Located in a renovated European-style mansion, the Estate House serves creative French-inspired fare by Chef Ron Dimas. The menu at the Estate House is ever changing so Dimas can focus on creating food that uses only the freshest local ingredients. The Estate House features a Champagne Bar, three outdoor dining areas, several indoor dining rooms and an upstairs lounge.