December is officially here, which means that it’s time to put those Christmas carols on repeat, take a drive to see glowing lights and, of course, dive into the flavors of the season. While there may not be snow on the ground in Scottsdale, it doesn’t mean our restaurants aren’t serving up holiday-inspired dishes – many with a local twist. Below are some of our favorite local dishes representing all things holiday in Scottsdale.
Talking Stick Resort
With a variety of award-winning restaurants, Talking Stick Resort helps you celebrate in style with traditional holiday favorites and unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else. With six restaurants - ranging from seafood to Southwest cuisine - all featuring a Christmas menu, you can find the perfect holiday meal to enjoy with family and friends.
Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn
This four-diamond restaurant is named after cowboy artist Lon Megargee, whose iconic painting “The Last Drop” is featured on the satin lining of every authentic Stetson cowboy hat. Nestled in the shadow of Camelback Mountain, Lon’s offers a three-course seasonal tasting menu. The current menu features delights such as Delicata Squash Goat Cheese Salad (with Crow's Dairy whipped goat cheese, local greens, and Desert Blossom honey vinaigrette), Chilean Seabass (with chorizo sausage, roasted parsnip puree, leeks and black garlic gastrique) and Key Lime Pie. If you go, be sure to request a patio table – the views won’t disappoint!
Marcellino Ristorante
Craving authentic Italian for the holidays? Look no further than Marcellino Ristorante, a locally owned restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale. The menus frequently change to serve fresh, seasonal and delicious cuisine for all Italian food lovers. Current dishes include Saffron and Squid Ink Infused Ravioli, Rosemary Infused Papperdelle, and a Santa Lucia Fettuccine.
The Phoenician
Don your finest frocks and attend Holiday Tea at the Phoenician, which celebrates the charming English tradition of Afternoon Tea. You’ll enjoy house-made finger sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream, pastries, teas and more. With an expanded menu and a personal gift for every guest, Holiday Tea is the perfect way to celebrate the finer things in life. $85 per adult, $35 for children ages 5 to 12.
Prado at Omni Scottsdale Resort and Spa
Inspired by the heritage of Spain’s Andalusian region, the picturesque Prado restaurant offers sweeping views of Camelback Mountain. This winter enjoy the Chocolate Crema Catalina, an inviting twist on a traditional Spanish custard dessert. Made with chocolate instead of vanilla, the s’mores-inspired dessert also features graham crackers, honey marshmallows and cocoa nib bark.
