Now that I’ve lived in Arizona for almost a year and a half (time FLIES), I wanted to round up an extensive list of my favorite places to eat in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area. I love getting messages from you all on Instagram telling me you’re visiting the area and are looking for recs, so this shall serve as my official list of recommendations for casual dining, nicer/special occasion dining, and quick bites.
Casual, Quick Bites, Coffee:
- Postino’s: A solid go-to, they’re known for their bruschetta flights (tons of different styles/flavors), and they have great deals on wine and beer before 5pm daily. Recommend for light bites and drinks during the day!
- Loco Patron: You probably won’t hear many people talking about this one because its a no-frills type of place, but Tyler and I both love their food! It is a sports bar that serves Mexican food in a open-air type of atmosphere. Good, hearty Mexican food!
- LaLaLand Cafe: Yep, we have one here now! Two actually! This is an iconic coffee shop that is known for supporting youth through mentorship and fostering. When you leave the cafe, the baristas yell “bye, I love you!” I have had a few of their signature coffee drinks and while they are delicious, they are sweet! So if you like less-sweet coffee or matcha, order accordingly! Their matcha is Tyler-approved, and he is picky with his matcha!
- Press Coffee: our usual spot on the weekends becasue its reliable! A local coffee chain!
- FROST Gelato: our go-to! we get the alpencarmel and lotus cookie flavors together in one container and share a big one after dinner!
- Grimaldi’s Pizza: get the hot honey pepperoni pizza! its delish and we crave it.
- Fly Bye: fast causal type of local place with great fried chicken and pizza! They give Raising Canes a run for their money.
- La Grande Orange: The first place I ate as soon as I got off the plane visiting PHX a few years before we moved here, and part of the reason we fell in love with the area! Super cute little spot nestled in a walkable neighborhood. They have a coffee/bakery/bookstore area where you can shop trinkets and refrigerated to-go food, and the other half is a sit-down dining area. We love their pizza and wings (wings are only served after 4pm or 5pm but they are some of the best I have ever had).
- Baggins: A local fave! They have fantastic sandwiches, but Sourdough & Co still takes the cake for me (keep reading)
- Wildflower: I’m sitting here eating lunch as I type this! Laptop-friendly casual spot for sandwiches, soups, salads, and baked goods. It’s kind of like a Panera vibe (but way more delicious, and local!)
- Sprouts sandwich bar: If you’ve ever had a Publix Sub in the South before, this is our AZ equivalent! Sprouts is a natural/organic supermarket and you can order sandwiches (starting at $4.99) at their deli. We love to pop in before a pool day for sandwiches, chips, and drinks to enjoy poolside.
- Sourdough & Co: Calling all sandwich fanatics!! We just discovered this sandwich spot and have already been a few times, it’s incredible. They have unique sandwich combinations and we love to come here on our way home from a hike.
- Zinburger: Great spot for a burger at the mall, I only prefer sitting on their patio though!
- Bad Jimmy’s: If you want an incredible, messy smashburger this is the place to go!
- Ingos: They have a couple of locations, great airy spots for indoor or outdoor dining, I love their salads!
- Angie’s Prime Grill: TBH I have not had this one yet but I wanted to make sure I include it because it seems to be a local favorite! Sandwiches, salads, and dupes of things like the Snack Wrap and Crunchwrap but with real ingredients for cheaper. That is what I have heard! I’ll update this blog post once I try for myself 🙂
- Zipps: I really only go here for their Zipparitas which are STRONG frozen margaritas with a ton of different flavor options. It’s a sports bar with typical sports bar food, so I only go here with Tyler if we are trying to watch a game!
- Agritopia: this is an area in Mesa where you can park and walk around a sort of “campus” with gardens, restaurants, and local shops. We love both of the restaurants we have tried there: Fire and Brimstone pizza and GarageEast Farm Winery (live music some nights).
Nicer but still casual:
- The Greene House: Airy indoor-outdoor type of place; my go-to for a girl dinner! I love to get their greek caesar salad (yes, GREEK CAESAR😍), fries, and a glass of wine. But they also have other great entrees too!
- Born & Bred: get the chicken caesar salad wrap with fries and a diet coke!!
- The Mission: The best happy hour! We go 2-3x per month for happy hour for upscale but still laid back vibes, chips, salsa, guac, cocktails, and tacos.
- The Henry: My favorite spot for brunch. they have a couple of locations now, but their patio vibes are unmatched! Great spot for an IG-worthy brunch pic.
- Zinque: This is located at the Fashion Square mall and I LOVE this place. They have a great baklava latte and breakfast bowl, but everything I have tried from them is delish!
- Francine: Also at the mall! I went here for a girlfriend’s birthday celebration and it was fab! Pastries and breakfast food, yum!
- Tommy Bahama Bar: Go upstairs for Camelback Mountain views and a couple drinks or food!
- North Italia: This is a chain so you might find it in other cities too! I get the chicken parmesan and its amazing.
- Olive & Ivy: My favorite spot near Old Town for lunch. Fresh, hot, pillowy focaccia and pesto are served before every meal and their chopped chicken salad is my go-to every time.
- Obon Sushi: Delish Asian food at the mall! We also have a Din Tai Fung here in Scottsdale now too!
- Buck & Rider: I feel crazy saying I haven’t been here yet, but it’s definitely a favorite by locals so I wanted to make sure to include it! I hear they have great seafood and happy hour, just make sure to book a reservation as far in advance as possible.
Nice Restaurants:
- La Hacienda: This is located on the Fairmont Princess property in Scottsdale and it did not disappoint. We celebrated Valentine’s Day here in 2025 and it had really peaceful, relaxed, but still slightly upscale vibes. We sat outside on their patio and had wine, chips/salsa/guac, tacos, and entrees and everything was delicious. Even if you’re not staying at the Fairmont Princess, this is a great area to come for dinner and find a pretty spot at sunset for some pictures, the property is gorgeous!
- Society Swan: I took Tyler here for his 31st birthday and we loved it! The staff was incredible and the restaurant has a nice moody/french vibe that is perfect for dinner. We loved their truffle brie baguette as an appetizer before our entrees! It was great!
- Canal Club: This is located in The Scott Resort but this should be your go-to if you’re trying to get a drink, snack, and vibey picture for IG. You don’t have to be staying at the resort to go enjoy the ambience! I need to go back ASAP lol.
- The Americano: I went to this restaurant for dinner and it was great, but there is a speakeasy bar in the basement called Tell Your Friends! It’s fab.
- Toca Madera: Great spot if you are visiting an want a fun dinner spot! It’s near Old Town at the Fashion Square mall, and has a really cool atmosphere. I went for brunch and they had live music/DJ and acrobats dancing around! I had the tacos and a couple of cocktails and everything was good, but you’re definitely paying for the entertainment and vibes with this one!
I still have plenty more to explore and would love to continue updating you on my latest favorites in the area! I have even more photos saved on my Instagram story highlights; I currently have two “AZ Recs” highlights and one other “phoenix” highlight that you can browse to get some inspo!
xx Cassie