SEARCH FOR HOMES

LAND & LOTS

MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITIES

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

FREE RELOCATION GUIDE

FREE PROPERTY LIST

FREE AREA MAP

Scottsdale has your favorite food from fast-food to five star cuisine. There is always a great restaurant nearby. Bring your appetite and your patience. Expect to wait from 15 minutes to an hour and half at most of the well-known restaurants in Scottsdale, especially on the weekends. It's best to plan ahead and make reservations if possible. If you have a favorite dining spot let us know and we will add it to our favorites. e-mail us at  diningfavorites@forsaleinarizona.com

Altos - Not to be missed! This place has the best ambiance. Miguel will make you feel welcome even on your first visit. The atmosphere is so warm and inviting you feel you have traveled all the way to Madrid even though you're still in Phoenix! Especially if Miguel can be coaxed into singing along with Kurt's Flamenco guitar on the weekends. Don't miss the tapas (Spanish for appetizers, among them the wonderful ham imported from Spain) or the Paella or the Campillo (the red Spanish wine. It's a wonderful night out!  5029 N. 44th Street  Call (602) 808-0890 to reserve!

  Avanti Restaurant- An oldie but goodie! I remember the first time we went there,  I was driving an Avanti which was already a classic car in 1975. We enjoyed it then and it is still as great  today! Their pasta is so good! A must for fine dining when you're Downtown. Located at 3102 N. Scottsdale Road, they also have a location in Phoenix and they can cater any party. Imagine finding such great Italian food in Arizona - move over New York!  Call 480-949-8333 for reservations!

  Bistro 24- Of course, everyone has heard a lot about "Bistro 24".  John Johnstone is now executive chef  of Bistro 24, he hails from "Tavern on the Green" in NYC.  Their French Onion soup is wonderful, but their fish dishes need help!  However, the steak au poivre is very good.  And someone has said, "even if the food is terrible, and you have a great desert, you'll remember it as a wonderful restaurant".  The deserts here are scrumptious.  So here's hoping everything else will come into line.  We will be going back in a few weeks give an update where Bistro 24 is headed. Located in the Ritz Carlton at 2401 Camelback Road. Call 602-952-2424

Cafe Crew - "The Crew" has done it again. they now have two locations in the area. The meals are consistently good and their "Shrimp in the Box" is so delicious with the heavy crusted sour dough bread for dipping, I'm going to ask for an entree size next time. Their Key Lime Pie is the best in the country. We used to spend a lot of time in Florida and I've eaten a lot of Key Lime Pie, so just  trust me when I say "Chef Kaye Lyssy makes the Best"! (email me if you agree or know of any better). They also have a Martini Bar with wonderfully named martinis. How about "Loud Mouth Soup" or a "Fuzzy Goose" or "Desert Skyy". Be sure and try this place, great for lunch or dinner. Sonora Village, 15680 N. Pima Road. Call (480) 609-4000

 Cafe Terra Cotta - The "place" for lunch after a hard morning shopping at the Borgata. The Borgata is one of the more unusual shopping areas. And this charming cafe is one of my favorites. The Grilled Salmon BLT is always a treat, inside or outdoor dining on their  wonderful terrace. Their dinners are also superb with a notable California Wine List. We like to make a reservation even for lunch. Located in the Borgata on Scottsdale Road. Also don't miss their wonderful restaurant in Tucson.  Call 480-948-8100

  Chaparral Restaurant in the Camelback Inn is one of the most  "Scottsdale" type of restaurants around. Of course, Camelback Inn is a landmark  and has a unbelievable location facing Camelback Mountain. The view from the window tables is stunning with the lights and the silhouette of Camelback. Our evening was enhanced by Clemente Jerez, the wonderful Maitre 'de and our waiter Simon. Lobster is the main attraction with everything from lobster cocktail (which was fantastic), to lobster bisque, lobster salad, a whole lobster, lobster tail and so on. They also have a killer chocolate soufflé and great breads. The ambiance is exceptional. We do hope you'll try it. Located at 5402 E. Lincoln Drive. Call 480-948-1700. 

  Cowboy Ciao - very interesting - the decor reminds me of a grotto in Italy, but still with a touch of  Arizona.  A little noisy because of the cement floors, but other than that a very nice atmosphere.  A today's kind of restaurant!  There were six of us and we all tried something different. Of course we all loved their Stetson Chopped Salad. It is a truly different blend of flavors and what got us there in the first place. The other winners that night were the Exotic Mushroom Pan Fry and the Halibut.  However on a return trip with just the two of us,  the hostess wanted to seat us smack dab in the middle of the room after we had made a reservation 2 days in advance.   If you don't like the middle of the room, specify it.   Email  your  opinion to us. Located in Old Town at 7133 E. Stetson Drive. (480) 946-3111

  CREW - An unusual name, but when the Crew bustles about, you'll know it's very fitting. An attractive "Crew" doing what each does best to make this an outstanding gourmet restaurant in every way. A menu to die for and a great setting too! Located in one of my favorite shopping destinations, "El Pedregal at the Boulders" Upstairs with outdoor dining on their patio and views of the Sonoran Desert. This typifies the type of cafe atmosphere we love! Open for lunch! Call 480-488-8840

  El Chorro Lodge - The very essence of the "old West". One of the oldest restaurants and still one of the best!  An evening on their patio in the fall and winter looking at  the stars and you'll know why everyone wants to be in Arizona! Have a drink sitting around the outdoor fireplace and listen to some music with dinner.  Their country-fried steak is an old favorite of ours. Try it. They serve a lot of the old favorites, food that isn't on many menus now days and the old timers love it!  Right in the heart of things at 5550 East Lincoln Drive. Call 480-948-5170 for reservations.

 Fleming's -  Big city atmosphere. They have another place in Newport Beach and have just opened their first local restaurant. So give them a try for a night out on the town, you'll like it. Some of the best steaks in Arizona, ours were superb. Service excellent. Located  at 6333 North Scottsdale Road. 
Call 480-596-8265

Flo's - Ask anyone in the neighborhood of Frank Lloyd Wright for the best Chinese cuisine and there is only one answer. Flo's. Very modern, very upbeat and very, very good! I love the Mo-Shu Pork and the Chocolate Wontons. Open for lunch and not so busy then! Located at 14850 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. In Safeway Shopping Center. Call 480-661-8883

 Golden Swan - Elegance with a capital "E". From the moment you enter the lobby of the Hyatt Regency the feeling is luxe and exotic. The lush gardens, walking thru the lobby hearing stains of music on your way to The Golden Swan. A perfect night in a perfect setting. Gourmet food par excellance! You can tell that Anton, Executive Chef for the Hyatt takes great pride in his food and the presentation. Also great wine. The Lobster Bisque and Grilled Lamb chop, hmm, hmm!! Also do try to make brunch. Plus you can also cruise in a gondola complete with gondolier on the canals (not Venice, but not bad for the middle of the desert)  For special nights or anytime. Call (480) 991-3388 Reservations suggested.

 Handlebar-J - If you feel like two-stepping or just having some good ole western fare then try eating at Handlebar-J one night. The cowboys still go here to strut their stuff and it's lots of fun just to watch, never mind dance! The steaks are pretty good  too! Oh and they give West Coast Swing and two-step lessons on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday nights. Starting about 7:00 PM. 7116 E. Becker Lane. One block North of Shea Blvd at 71st St. Call 480-948-0110

Harris'  - In the tradition of old time steakhouses.  Even though Harris' has just celebrated their 3rd year, the building, the room, the whole decor has a wonderful style reminiscent of the original Jockey Clubs in Miami or New York. The oversize watercolors of all the varieties of cactus is worth the price.  The banquets are comfortable and private and it is quiet. We're old fashioned enough to like to be able to talk with the person or persons we're having dinner with and that's possible here.  Mrs. Harris is a delight and was more than happy to show us her beautiful patio with fireplace for outdoor dining and rooms for private parties. The steaks are Certified Angus Beef and are dry aged on the premises and hanging for all to see. What quality! Do give Harris' a try, we're sure you'll enjoy it. Located 3101 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix 602 508-8888

Il Fornaio - this place is amazing.  From San Francisco to Pasadena to Scottsdale, the 3 Il Fornaios that we have tried have all been outstanding.  Authentic regional Italian food from scratch in a wonderful rustic yet sophisticated restaurant.  Their bread and rolls are to die for and was our first introduction to this great chain in San Francisco, walking out every morning for the freshest breads for breakfast.  Now in the Valley and make sure you try it.  Fresh salads,  mouth watering pizzas and a superior wine selection. 4800 N. Scottsdale Road   Call 480.423. 8500

La Hacienda - 5 Star Mexican Restaurant at the Fairmont Princess.  Not your typical Mexican food, but elegantly prepared and served gourmet dishes that might be  served on the Plaza de Reforma to the Grandees of Spain.  The atmosphere also lends itself to the feeling of "Mexico".  If you have a group or at least more than two - go for the spit-roasted suckling pig.  What an adventure.
In the Princess Hotel at 7575 E. Princess Drive off Scottsdale Road north of Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd.  480. 585. 4848

  la locanda - As good as it gets! The most wonderful signature veal dish, "Scallope al Gorgonzola, try it along with an Italian Margarita made with Amaretto. They serve a creamed spinach with the majority of their dishes and it is the best! There is also a "negro pasta with mussels and scallops" that we find very good!  Make sure to save room for the Tiramisu. Andrea is a delight and so are all the waiters,  Ivo is from as far away as Monaco. One of the best  in town!  At 10201 N. Scottsdale Rd, on east side just south of Shea.  Call 480-998-2822 - Look for a recipe of "Scallope al Gorgonzola soon!

  La Piazza Cafe Italiano! The flaming torch lets you know you've arrived.  This restaurant is a real find and  just a little distance over Shea Blvd to Fountain Hills. Well worth the trip. Outdoor dining on the patio gives awesome mountain views. Tim is there to say "Welcome" and John will cook an outstanding marinated steak or wonderful seafood. Make sure and try the roast chicken some time, at $8.95 it's a steal.  And if you're into dining early you can enjoy all the same great food for $11.95 between 5:00 and 6:00 PM. Great for golfers heading home or anyone.  Neighborhood gourmet! Located at 11865 N. Saguaro in Fountain Hills. Also a great Wine Pairing Dinner once a month.  
Call (480) 837-1878

Los Olivos is one of Scottsdale oldest Mexican restaurants.  And after you have the homemade flour tortillas, chimichangas and the carne asada you'll know why.  It is also a fun place for dining and dancing under the stars, if you're so inclined.  The dining roof slides open to expose our beautiful starry nights.  For great Sonoran food this is the place.   7328 E. Second Street Downtown.  
Call 480. 946.2256

 Michael's at the Citadel, a wonderful, warm, romantic restaurant.   American Cuisine with the southwestern touch. The upstairs bar is about as good as it gets with music and you can eat at the bar if  you prefer. But don't miss out on the delightful dishes downstairs. Great for two or a party. Located "At the Citadel" Northwest corner of Pima and Pinnacle Peak Roads. Be sure to call for reservations. 480-515-2575

  Nick's - A great family  restaurant.  When you just want good food without the hassle! Informal and great. Usually a waiting line,  it's worth the wait. I always enjoy the linguine with white clam sauce. Go about 7:45 when the crowd thins out   ...and bring your own bottle of wine. Located at 13910 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. on West side going north. Nick told us the other night, he is opening his second restaurant at Pima & Pinnacle Peaks Roads. There will be a nice bar and the same good kitchen, still no reservations. Call 480-314-9445

Omaha Steakhouse - We had friends visiting this week and staying in Phoenix. We decided to stay right in the hotel and have dinner at the "Omaha Steakhouse" and I say it was absolutely superb. We each had a different steak and everyone was very pleased. The special flat bread they bring to the table in the beginning is a real winner. I almost ruined my appetite. (I said almost!) And the treat for the evening was our waiter Sam, probably one the most polished and accommodating waiters in the area. Service is so important. Keep up the good work, Sam. Try this out, you won't be disappointed. In the Embassy Suites Hotel, north side of Camelback, east of 24th Street. Call (602) 553-8970

Razz's Restaurant & Bar - "Razz" Kamnitzer has established himself as a chef  par excellance in his restaurant tucked  away in an older shopping center on the southeast corner of Shea and Scottsdale road.  The ambiance is elegant and the food is inventive, unique and beautifully served.  What more could you want?  You also might get to visit with the owner himself.  Who is as warm and inviting as his food.  The salmon is out of this world! And I love all the little curly kews they serve on top.  10321 N. Scottsdale road.  480. 905.1308

Ridge Cafe - A new guy on the block and what a nice addition to town. Great ambiance with taupe walls accented with rustic slate. The cozy booths are covered  with copper metallic leather and the whole effect is warm, and even though very cosmopolitan, it has a great Arizona feel as well.  The owner, Arthur J. Singer hails from Manhattan and believe me he knows what he is about here. He brought a wonderful Chef Al Pettijohn from the Culinary Institute in New York and his menu is hard to beat. I had an outstanding pasta dish with linguine, broccoli, grilled chicken and sun dried tomatoes, my mate had a wonderful salmon dish. To top it off Crème Brûlée for desert. And as if the quality and excellence of the food is not enough, the prices are very reasonable. Arthur has surely carved out a niche for himself. Ridge Cafe is tucked up on 136th St. North of Shea in the new Saddleback Plaza. Outstanding! be sure to try this soon. Call 480-551-1018          

  Remington's- We love this place for the "Jazz Bar" and dinner afterwards. It's elegant, fun and just plain good, try their Pork Tenderloin with Red Eye Gravy.  And it's convenient to all parts of town, located on the NW corner of Scottsdale & Indian Bend Roads. They also have "Cigar " and "Winemaker" dinners. Make sure to check out the painted ceiling in the main dining area! Call 480-951-5101

Restaurant Oceana - A really warm welcome is  given by Laura Crugnale, wife of Chef Ercolina and owners of Restaurant Oceana. And you won't find better or fresher seafood (flown in every day) prepared with Ercolina's special gourmet touches. Dining out brought to a whole new level. We're so lucky to have him here, and  I guess everyone feels the same way according to the rave reviews as they enter their third year at La Mirada in Pinnacle Peak. Try the mussels and the special Caesar Salad. They now have a delicious sushi bar! One of our very favorite spots. At 8900 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. In the Courtyard. Call 480-515-BASS

  Roaring Fork has a cozy, inviting interior and Chef Robert McGrath to make the most flavorful dishes in the southwestern manner.  We stopped in on our way to the theater, so tried to eat light. The grilled salmon was superior as were the vegetables. I'm sure that anything we could add to this chef's outstanding reputation would be superfluous. Just go try it and see for yourself that the Roaring Fork is truly a great addition to the local scene. Also the best hamburgers in town. Located at 7243 East Camelback Road. Call 480- 947-0795 for reservations.

Quill Creek Cafe - If you're not a golfer or don't live here, you've probably not thought of dinner at the Grayhawk Clubhouse. Lunch (which is a pure delight overlooking the 18th hole) and dinner are excellent. The ambiance would be hard to beat anywhere. And the food is scrumptious. Try the Corn Chowder with it's southwestern tang or the Banana Rum Pudding. We can't say anymore than it's a great place to go! One of the best golf courses and restaurants.  Grayhawk Golf Club on Thompson Peak Pkwy off Pima Road. Call 480-502-1700 

Le SanSouci  - For outstanding French cuisine and ambiance, at the most economical prices you cannot beat Le San Souci. During the week they serve exquisite lunches for $11.95, complete from soup or salad to desert. On Sunday the Brunch is $15.00. Dinners are equally good and priced right. Try this for a very pleasant sojourn into what's special in our area. Located at 7030 E. Bella Vista Drive in Cave Creek. (Map It) Call 480 488-2856

  Un-Bacio - Recently opened in their new uptown location.   Un-Bacio is getting a great reception and no wonder. The "tortellini en brodo" is out of this world, also the "caprese" salad.  Our waiter Gitano was engaging and very professional. Service and more service! The piano bar adds to a fun evening.  7704 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, just east of the Hyatt on north side of the road. 
Call (480) 609-6969