scottsdale
2020 brought us all a WHOLE LOT of change. And for me, one of those changes included moving to Scottsdale, Arizona for 3 months. Having grown up boating the Colorado River right on the AZ boarder, I’ve always held a special place in my heart for the desert. Now, I can honestly say Scottsdale is one of my favorite towns to visit, mostly because the restaurant scene is 10/10. From girl groups at bachelorette parties, to romantic date nights, to families hitting the town as units, Scottsdale has an ideal reservation for everyone. Here are my favs:
If I could go to Montauk - the real Montauk in New York - like every weekend…I would. So, dining at The Montauk the restaurant is my way of satisfying my need for boujee East Coast vibes closer to home. Don’t get me wrong, I love the desert vibes in Arizona but stepping into The Montauk quite literally feels like you’re entering the coolest beachside lounge, which is always ideal. Plus, the menu is incredibly versatile - fresh fish, burgers, a lobster roll, mac and cheese, etc. - AND features plenty of healthy options, like my go-to kale salad and subbing rice for cauli rice in the bowls. From brunch, to happy hour, to din, this beach club-esque eatery is a must.
My favorites: Crispy Rock Shrimp | Kale Salad | Cauliflower Fried Rice | Orange Teriyaki Salmon (pictured)
If you’re in the mood for a spicy marg and tacos while in Scottsdale, Diego Pops is just what the doctor ordered. This ultra trendy, indoor/outdoor space is LITERALLY always poppin’ - seriously though, plan on a wait time of about 1 hour on most nights since there are no reservations - and rightfully so. The food is just as fab as the bright decor. Imagine all your favorite Mexican classics along with some unique offerings, such as a gourmet hot dog, chip duo featuring plantain and tortilla chips, jicama sticks and cucumbers (love this for us low carb folks) coconut rice and more. I dream about this salad on a regular basis.
My favorites: Brussel Sprout + Prosciutto salad (pictured above) | California Burrito (Will’s fav) | Guacamole | Jicama + Cucumber
The perfect place for a cutie girl’s brunch, trendy lil happy hour or delish and healthy din, Farm & Craft is frequently seen across Scottsdale’s loveliest lifestyle influencer IGs, so you know it’s good. If you’re into farm-to-table dining and can appreciate sustainable, seasonal foods, then you’ll love Farm & Craft. I LOVE when a beautiful restaurant offers SO MANY delicious options that can be easily adjusted to address common dietary restrictions. The vibe is 10/10 and the food is delish whatever time of day you decide to dine.
My favorites: Farm & Craft Scramble (pictured here) | Sesame Cashew salad with chicken | Bacon Brussel Sprouts | Kale Caesar Salad
I love that GOOD Hawaiian food is accessible to us on the mainland. because honestly, who doesn’t love Hawaiian food, and Hula’s is one that absolutely crushes it. And who would have thought a tiki bar would find its perfect home in the desert? Featuring an array of island-inspired menu options and cocktails, Hula’s is one of those that ANYONE will enjoy. Come for happy hour and stay for endless tiki drinks and fresh, delish island entrées.
My favorites: Hawaiian Ceviche | Island Style Poke (pictured above) | Spicy Edamame | Abalone Style Calamari | Sautéed Broccolini | Duke’s Luau Pork Plate (Will’s fav)
Prep & Pastry is a must for adorable and delish brunch AND conveniently located right next to Fashion Square. Its menu features lots of healthy options, the best bacon EVER, mouthwatering pastries and your favorite coffee drinks all under one roof . The decor in here screams Instagrammable girl’s brunch and I’m here for it.
My favorites: All Hail the Omelet | Monster Bowl | Our Bacon
What even is a restaurant recommendations list without sushi, amirite? And if you’ve been to any Ra Sushi, you’d probably agree its sushi is DAMN GOOD. I highly recommend booking a res if you’re ever in Scottsdale (or anywhere you can find Ra) and craving sushi because you can’t ever go wrong. When sushi is good, you just know - and this sushi is GOOD. Plus, the menu features incredibly unique specialty rolls so you can trust each roll will blast your taste buds with new and exciting flavors.
My favorites: Surf & Turf Roll | Spicy Lobster Roll | Smoky Salmon Roll
By far some of the best Italian food I’ve had in a while, and that’s a huge compliment coming from a DeGesero. I kid…I am NO Italian food connoisseur, but I have had my fair share of gorgeous Italian meals and can absolutely say Parma is truly a must if you’re craving delizioso Italiano eats in Scottsdale. The trendy yet homey vibes of the North Scottsdale location are the perfect backdrop to the FIRE menu options with some of my favs like crispy brussels, salmon, chicken marsala and ALLLL the wine.
My favorites: Chicken Marsala (I subbed the Capellini for the Wood Oven Carrots and it was divine) | Crispy Brussels | Pappardelle Bolognese (Will’s fav)
Appropriately named Best Scottsdale Wine Bar, Sorso is a must for anyone who LOVES and appreciates wine. Whether you’re into whites, reds or rosés, there is a wine perfect for you at Sorso. Plus, you can opt to utilize the Wine Emotion dispenser to test and enjoy several wines vs. choosing a glass or bottle - a wine buffet if you will. Will and I thrive when a date night starts with beautiful drinks and apps, and Sorso is quite literally the place to do just that while in Scottsdale. Come here for a pre-dinner drink paired with some incredible apps to set the mood for a lovely night ahead.
My favorites: Brussels Board | Hummus Platter
Other Scottsdale favs (that I don’t have a photo of):
The Mission - glam Latin food
Hand Cut Chop House - ideal for a good burger or steak
elements (at the Sanctuary) - 5 star Asian fusion with breathtaking views
The Greene House - California-inspired menu with seasonal ingredients
