Desert-inspired flavors meet world-class refinement in Scottsdale. For those with a taste for the extraordinary, from multi-course tasting menus that push the boundaries of gastronomy to intimate, chef-led classes where culinary techniques unfold before your eyes, Scottsdale is where you’ll find exclusive culinary bucket-list experiences, unlike anywhere else.
Sushi Rolling & Tasting Menus at Uchi Scottsdale
James Beard award winner Tyson Cole has brought his beloved sushi spot, Uchi, to Scottsdale. Like its Austin counterpart, Uchi Scottsdale offers a delectable lineup of sips, sushi, and small plates like the delectable Wagyu Carpaccio and refreshing Masu Crudo. In addition to the house menu, Uchi offers private dining experiences, ranging from curated tasting menus to immersive experiences. In fact, guests can experience an omakase style chef's-presentation called "Oheya" where they'll enter an intimate room and be greeted with omatenashi hospitality at a 12‑seat bar. Additional bookable experiences at the Old Town sushi haunt include chef-led whole fish breakdowns and informative, cheers-worthy sake tastings.
Chef Roulette at ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho
Delight your senses at ZuZu with Chef Roulette, an interactive dining experience guided by Executive Chef Russel LaCasce. This ever-changing, rotating menu of six-courses tempts the taste buds, offering surprise dishes and tempting libations at each course that keep diners guessing with every bite and sip — because you never know what you’re going to get when you order Chef Roulette. Past dishes have included inventive bites like Hamachi shooters with passion fruit pearls and an innovative take on Nashville Hot Chicken, paired with buttered popcorn ice cream, dill pickle and hot honey.
Maialino Experience at Virtu Honest Craft
For the ultimate in carnivorous feasts, Virtu Honest Craft delivers a bucket list-worthy experience. Chef Gio Osso’s Maialino Experience is a multi-course meal that elevates pork to star status. It all begins with a hefty selection of Italian meats and cheeses, followed by house made sausages, salads, and pastas that set the stage for the grand finale: a smoked and roasted Spanish suckling pig, served Calabrian style with potatoes, peppers and salsa verde. For dessert, if you’ve saved room, indulge in the chocolate date cake with maple bacon toffee or opt for a European classic, crème brûlée, to bring your epic feast to a sweet close.
Wine Cellar Experience at Lon’s at The Hermosa
Unearthed in the 1990s, the wine cellar at Lon’s is equal parts mythical and mysterious. Legend has it that American painter Lon Megargee, who settled in Paradise Valley in the 1930s, built the secret room to host his illegal poker games during the Prohibition era. While the poker tables are long gone, the underground hideaway is accessible by way of a narrow stone stairway or passenger elevator. Inside, the wine cellar is accented with a handsome dining table, plush chairs, and antique elements including reclaimed 18th century fir beams and ornate hacienda church doors — the perfect setting for a culinary bucket list experience ideal for private groups and your celebratory occasions.
Cocina Latina at T. Cook’s at Royal Palms Resort & Spa
Bring your culinary skills, and your appetite, to T. Cook’s “Cocina Latina” where you can learn how to make delicious ceviche. Happening each Friday and led by Chef Aaron Ochoa Gonzalez, this hands-on culinary experience is an educational master class, covering everything from the history of the dish to the best ingredients to use. And best of all, you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor when the class comes to an end.
With over 1,000 restaurants citywide, Scottsdale is the perfect dining destination for your next culinary bucket-list experience.
