Mexican cuisine in Scottsdale is abundant, but the stakes are high for memorable, quality fare. These 10 top restaurants celebrate everything south-of-the-border, from one hundred-year-old traditions to innovative regional fusions.
The Mission
Old World meets contemporary at The Mission, which boasts a menu (and soundtrack) of influences spanning Mexico, Spain, and Central and South America. It’s no wonder Chef Carter was awarded the 2024 Food Pioneer Award from the Arizona Restaurant Association. Meats simmer over pecan and mesquite wood, brunch offers whole roasted pig, and dinner includes duck confit carnitas empanadas and espresso churros. Tip: “Guac-tail” hour offers dips, chips and a bottle of wine for just $20. The Mission has two locations in Scottsdale in Old Town and at Kierland Commons.
La Hacienda
Plush seating, beehive fireplaces, and high tops ideal for groups, La Hacienda at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is upscale traditional Mexican fare. Choose from five types of tableside-crafted guacamole (or a sampler), including options like watermelon and chile ancho, or sweet corn and cream. And the sunset patio is ideal for sharing one of the signature dishes: the Filet a la Parrilla, a feature at the Governor’s dinner in Puebla, Mexico, or the Tampiqueña, made with ingredients that represent the people of La Huasteca.
Barrio Queen
This Mexican street-influenced spot may sport funky Day of the Dead vibes with Three Amigos humor, but when it comes to flavor, the menu is dead serious. It’s a go-to for vegan Mexican, as well as 20+ tacos showcasing several proteins. Get wild with margarita flights—or if you’re a fan of chili-infused tequila, the Death’s Door margarita is for you . . . just heed the warning label.
Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila
In the heart of Old Town, this casual spot boasts two patios and diners are surrounded by vibrant Mexican-style artwork and rustic lighting. Alongside authentic favorites, the menu has fresh twists, like island shrimp tacos and churro sundaes. You’ll find 100+ agave spirits and specialty margaritas, with mixers and juices crafted daily. Interesting fact: Cien Agaves partners with the Trails + Tequila Tasting Tour, so you can enjoy their tacos and tequila while off-roading in the desert.
Spotted Donkey Cantina
Located in North Scottsdale at el Pedregal adjacent to the Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, this is patio dining at its finest, showcasing desert vistas and a unique dinner menu. Think charred avocado tacos, a surf and turf burrito, and a Sonoran quesadilla stuffed with squash and mushrooms. Then top it off like the locals do: try an oak barrel cocktail, aged just enough to bring a smoky caramel and vanilla note to the end of your evening.
Diego Pops
Step through the doors of this historic pottery shop in Old Town, and you’ll feel as though transported into a laid-back taco shack on the beaches of the Yucatan. It’s a playful menu with reasonable prices, especially with the Sonoran hot dog, a Southwest staple. Cool off with cocktails full of fresh guava, coconut water, and prickly pear, or turn up the heat with Brussels sprout nachos and flamin’ hot Cheeto dusted street corn.
Los Olivos Mexican Patio
Since the 1950s, this Mexican restaurant has been a Scottsdale staple. Nowadays, it’s the family’s third generation running the show. It’s all about the authentic cuisine, like their signature tri-colored Mexican Flag enchiladas, and colorful energy around every corner, like the domed “blue room” with skylights and a large tropical fish tank. The energy is friendly, service reliable, and food always delicious.
Toca Madera
Vines trail the ceilings, live performers spin fire, and Arabesque accents with rich marble and wood adorn the interior. This self-proclaimed Mexican steakhouse at Scottsdale Fashion Square offers a sophisticated fusion menu, with Mayan prawns, chicken al pastor, tacos stuffed with seabass and carne asada, and truffle quesadillas. And don’t forgo dessert—the Oaxacan chocolate mousse is worth the trip alone.
Sol Mexican Cocina
Located at Scottsdale Quarter, Sol is known for fresh coastal Mexican cuisine and authentic techniques, grown out of the owner’s many beloved surf trips down the Baja peninsula—and the Taco Tuesday live music really brings the vibes. The menu boasts 24 house-made salsas and highlights fresh seafood: Ceviche, grilled octopus, shrimp chile relleno, and 18 specialty tacos, including the beloved Vampiro: a double blue corn tortilla stuffed with serranos, scallions, guacamole, chipotle sauce, and carne asada.
Call Her Martina
Once you find this tucked-away eatery on the Scottsdale Waterfront, the effort is worth it. Opened by a family from Sonora, Mexico, the father was influenced by northern and central Mexican dishes from his work in Mexico City. The result? Fare that’s a fusion of old and new. The name represents the strength and power of the family women, and the dishes reflect this with unique flourishes and elegant twists, like roasted bone marrow with elotes and microgreens, crunchy ribeye tacos, seafood tostadas, and “abuela’s” huevos rancheros.
