From celebrity chef-helmed restaurants to cutting-edge gourmet concepts, there’s no shortage of culinary delights in Scottsdale. We’ve rounded up our 12 favorite spots to find culinary delicacies in Scottsdale, whether you want to tuck into elegant classics like caviar and oysters or indulge in a modern tasting menu or High Tea.
Tasting Menu at COURSE
At COURSE, Food Network “Chopped” champion chef Cory Oppold treats food as an art form, curating a culinary adventure for all the senses, based on seasonal delicacies and flavor progressions. Depending on the night, choose between a 10-course tasting menu, a 5-course “choice of” menu, or a Sunday 6-course menu with a twist on classic brunch dishes called Morning Would.
Oysters at Bourbon Steak
Bourbon Steak at Scottsdale Fairmont Princess is all about the indulgence, from the amuse bouche trio of duck fat fries to caviar jelly doughnuts. But the dish that really shines? Oysters. Order them chilled and raw, drizzled with rose mignonette and chives, or broiled, hot and chewy with red miso butter and charred lemon.
Uni at Uchi
Uchi opened in Old Town Scottsdale to much fanfare, and it’s a go-to for uni (sea urchin). Choose between either Japanese or Santa Monica uni—or try both for flavor comparison— wrapped up in one decadent bite. First, you’ll taste a wave of sea water, then a rush of kelp, followed by an accompanying sip of the Rousanne Chardonnay Stolpman “uni”, made specifically for the restaurant’s dish.
Caviar and Korean Chicken at Tell Your Friends
Walk through a secret wallpapered door in The Americano and descend the stairs to this underground supper club. Everything is gilded and covered in velvet, with singers crooning in vintage style. Browse a truly special cocktail list and bites developed by all-star Chef Beau MacMillan, like bone marrow and oysters—but your best bet is to ask for this trifecta of indulgence: Osetra caviar on ice surrounded by chilled shots, Korean fried chicken with kimchi honey, and house-made potato chips with smoked ranch.
“Meat & Potatoes” at La Fogata Kitchen and Bar
At this Sonoran cuisine inspired restaurant overlooking lush McCormick Ranch golf greens, prepare your tastebuds for this seemingly simple yet complex dish. That medley of delicacies on the menu is the “Meat and Potatoes:” Pillowy handmade gnocchi, braised oxtail, roasted mushrooms, black truffle cheese, browned butter and fresh herbs.
Tagliatelle Wagyu Bolognese at The Americano
Diners can always count upon The Americano for bold Italian flavors. While the new tableside mozzarella service by Chef Beau Macmillan and Maine Lobster risotto for two offers a level of panache, pasta lovers keep coming back for the Tagliatelle Wagyu Bolognese. Served in a delicate portion size to counter its richness, this nest of hand-made tagliatelle pasta envelops a meaty ragu sauce of wagyu beef, pork and veal, finished with wagyu beef fat. And to top it off: a small carafe of decadent Fontina fonduta for drizzling.
Paella at Talavera
This Spanish steakhouse is known for dramatic desert views as well as two beautiful variations of paella. Vegans can rejoice with the Paella Vegana, a bounty of grilled artichokes, seasonal squash, mushroom conserva, and plant-based chorizo. And the chef’s signature Paella Talavera is a must, arranged gorgeously in a display of chorizo, chicken, pancetta Iberica, lobster, prawns, mussels and clams,
Afternoon High Tea at The Phoenician
For a unique experience any time of year, the decadent High Tea at the Phoenician can’t be beat. In the elegant dining room, choose from dozens of tea options with three courses: finger sandwiches like soft poached lobster salad and English cucumber, scones with clotted cream, and sweet delicacies like tortes, eclairs, and cheesecakes. There’s also the option to upgrade to Grand Royal Tea with champagne or Rose, or Osetra Caviar service.
“La Bomba” at Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar
At this Fairmont Scottsdale Princess eatery, you’ll find a unique intersection of Central American, Japanese and Chinese-Peruvian flavors—but one of our favorite things on the menu is a showy dessert – La Bomba. A chocolate sphere shell is filled with seasonal sorbet, pistachio and dulce de leche ice cream, fresh berries, vanilla and candied pistachios, then is dropped and shattered on the table, making for a delicious and interactive shared dessert.
Foie Gras at Sel
This sleek modern restaurant named after the French term for salt, “sel” is the ideal word to sum up the eatery’s philosophy: strong, global, flavorful, seasonal. For lovers of foie gras, Sel serves up a flavorful take on this traditional dish: seared Hudson Valley foie gras with smoked bing cherry “cobbler,” bordelaise sauce and streusel.
Champagne Brunch at Maple and Ash
We challenge you to find a brunch menu with more delicacies than the one at Maple and Ash. Order a martini tree, get satiated with steak frites, a lobster soft scramble, or go big with the “Champagne I Don’t Give a F*@k” at $175/person: classic brunch pairings, fire-roasted seafood tower, caviar and endless champagne.
