Dining and Drinking

Even with its mainly uptown image, Scottsdale still sometimes likes to refer to itself as 'The West's Most Western City', and in some respects, the moniker applies. But is this a cow town that only chows down on burritos and barbecue? Absolutely not! Yes, you can bite into a burrito at hundreds of eateries all over town—but they are as likely to be stuffed with duck confit as they are with beef and beans. And, if you thought barbecue was limited to pork ribs and steaks, you are in for a treat when your server sets down a plate of succulent grilled javelina chops or deep-fried rattlesnake.

Old Scottsdale

The most variety can be found in Old Scottsdale. The Old Town Tortilla Factory is set in a 1930s adobe-style cottage and specializes in expertly-prepared Mexican dishes. While Robert McGrath's Roaring Fork has a hunting lodge atmosphere, the classic setting belies his modern culinary creativity. Scottsdale restaurants also have great steaks and ribs. For decades, folks have been coming to the Pink Pony Steak House for both. Don & Charlie's has served over a million racks of ribs. Locals with a taste for Thai will attest that Malee's on Main is a perennial favorite. Several of the city's premier dining destinations are the products of long-time veterans who have gone solo. Leonard Rubin, who has cooked in Moscow, Santa Fe and some of Arizona's top resorts, delights diners with his Mediterranean/Southwestern creations at Medizona. The Cordon Bleu-affiliated Scottsdale Culinary Institute's L'Ecole Restaurant showcases the talents of tomorrow's top chefs, serving 3-course luncheons and 5-course dinners at amazingly affordable prices. Also vying for 'top toques in training' honors are the Artichoke Grill/Desert Oasis Restaurant at Scottsdale Community College's Culinary Arts school. The restaurant has recently received top honors for school dining from Phoenix New Times.

Central Scottsdale/Paradise Valley

Just leave your tie at home or it's guaranteed to end up hanging from the rafters. Prefer your steaks with more of an upscale sizzle? Try Fleming's Prime Steakhouse at Merv Griffin's Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas. Scottsdale restaurants put a special spin on Southwestern cuisine, transforming the area's indigenous ingredients—fiery chiles, multi-colored corn, heirloom beans, pungent citrus—into edible masterpieces. While Chrysa and Tom Kaufman, too, find the perfect balance between cowboy kitsch and comfort food at Rancho Pinot Grill. Tired of all-American grilled meat? Roy Yamaguchi's Roy's is a Pacific Rim-themed hot spot that consistently receives raves. For food, atmosphere and wines, La Locanda and Leccabaffi (which translates as, "lick your mustache") are the rival of any city's Little Italy. Dine at the Hyatt's Ristorante Sandolo where a romantic gondola-style boat ride follows your meal. Scottsdale's food with a South-of-the-border attitude includes Erasmo Kamnitzer's chic and artsy Razz's Restaurant & Bar. BJ and Gilbert Hernandez serve up a taste of the tropics at Havana Café. What about fish, you ask? Even if you are one of those people who won't order fish unless you can see the water from your table, you are in luck. There is no ocean in Scottsdale, but Buster's on the Lake will almost make you feel the sand between your toes.

North Scottsdale/Airpark

Pinnacle Peak Patio is legendary for its cowboy cooking and is a must dining destination for Valley visitors. Mastro's Steakhouse serves premium cuts of beef. Likewise, Florence Chan's Flo's restaurant transcends its strip mall location to be one of North Scottsdale's most popular Chinese choices. You can even experience Brazilian rodizio at Rio Sabor. Michael DeMaria, a U.S. Culinary Olympian, melds Arizona ingredients with classic techniques at his eponymous Michael's at the Citadel. He even has a kitchen studio where he holds regular cooking classes and demonstrations.

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