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Old Town Scottsdale is considered the downtown part of Scottsdale. This central Arizona city is an upscale area that is popular with tourists and locals alike. Scottsdale is considered a part of the Phoenix metropolitan area. There are a variety of boutique-style shops featuring southwestern apparel, gifts, and jewelry. With great vacation rental homes to choose from, you’ll be all set for an exceptional getaway in Arizona.

It is an ideal place to spend an afternoon or evening walking around enjoying all the shops nestled near the Camelback Mountains under sunny blue skies. Plus, when you get hungry, there are a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner spots to tantalize your taste buds in Old Town Scottsdale restaurants.

With so many choices in food, there will be an option that will make everyone in your group happy. Many places are kid and family-friendly too. Exploring everything that Old Town Scottsdale restaurants have to offer is definitely something you’ll want to come back to again and again.

The mission is clear: enjoy as many of these restaurants as you can.

They have an award-winning culinary scene and a dining experience that will surprise and delight you. Plus, most of these eateries are independently owned and operated, so boring chains aren’t a part of these streets in Old Town Scottsdale.

Let’s look at the most delicious Old Town Scottsdale Restaurants that you’ll want to nosh at while you’re there.

Inexpensive Restaurants ($)

The Breakfast Club

4400 N. Scottsdale Rd.

This neighborhood of American favorites, The Breakfast Club, is exactly what the name says. They serve tasty breakfast all day, but they also have lunch choices since they are open until 3 PM each day.

Don’t miss the specialty waffles, like their Churro Waffle, with loads of cinnamon sugar and topped with vanilla ice cream, or their Steak Bene. It has a tenderloin on top of spinach and toasted English muffins that are served with jalapeno hollandaise.

Cien Agave Tacos & Tequila

7228 E. First Ave.

Tacos and tequila are a natural pairing at Cien Agave Tacos & Tequila. For modern Latin cuisine and Mexican food, you’ll love this restaurant. Tacos come in 13 different styles, but they also have bowls and fajita, if you aren’t a taco person. Although, who isn’t a taco person?

The margaritas are extraordinary, especially their Habanero Lime Rita. It’s a spicy take on a traditional favorite drink that you’ll want to have a few of when you go. There is a daily happy hour for specials seven days a week from 3 to 6:30 PM that you aren’t going to want to miss. It’s very popular with the young professional after-work crowd.

Cornish Pasty Co.

Photo Credit: anitay20 via Instagram

3800 N. Goldwater Blvd.

If you don’t know what a “pasty” is, you’re in for a treat at the Cornish Pasty Co. They serve the traditional pasty that comes from Cornwall, England. It’s basically a savory meat pocket that has different fillings in it, like steak, potato, and onion in their traditional “The Oggie.” It’s served with a side of red wine gravy for dipping.

This place will soon become something you crave with a pint of British ale. As a true pub experience, it doesn’t get any closer than the Cornish Pasty Co.

Diego Pops

4338 N. Scottsdale Rd.

Tacos and tequila inspired by the shores of the Yucatan are freshly made at Diego Pops. This is a super spunky and fun place with a daily happy hour from 3 to 6 PM all week long. They have much more than just tacos, and even some creative variations of old standards.

Their Brussel Sprouts Nachos with queso Oaxaca and Fresno chilis are a must-try, along with their guacamole. Plus, they have a few different styles of ceviche that will tickle your seafood-loving taste buds. Thirty different types of tequilas will have you saying “olé” after a few shots at this hotspot.

Farm & Craft

4302 N. Scottsdale Rd.

For healthy farm-to-table dining, Farm & Craft does it right. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner with choices that won’t derail a healthy eating plan. Don’t miss their flatbreads that you can substitute a gluten-free crust and have vegan cheese with.

Thai Chicken or Roasted Veggie flatbreads with house-made red sauce are the way to go here. The patio with an indoor/outdoor bar is gorgeous, and the perfect place to sip a chilled glass of their fresh-pressed cocktails, like the Watermelon Squeeze, with organic agave nectar.

Moderately-Priced Restaurants ($$)

EVO

Photo Credit: tmacfood via Instagram

4175 N. Goldwater Blvd.

If you are ready for some handmade pasta, focaccia, and specialty meat plates, EVO is the place to go for Italian restaurants. It’s only open for dinner and is a really romantic spot to take a date with its brick-lined walls and candles.

The Grilled Octopus is an especially tasty dish with spicy soppressata and roasted potatoes romanesco that’s done just right. The Lobster Gnocchi is an indulgent dish with an 8 oz tail and crispy prosciutto. Pair it with a bottle of Chianti for a dinner to remember mediterranean style.

AZ/88

7353 Scottsdale Mall

The concept of AZ/88 is a modern gastropub with upscale cocktails and delicious bar bites. It’s similar to Citizen Public House, which is also in Old Town Scottsdale. This place has been open for thirty years serving bespoke martinis with a twist. They even have a $1000 drink called the King’s Ransom, which is the fanciest cognac you’ll ever have.

The food is eclectic which is normal for a gastropub with a wide variety of burgers, chicken sandwiches, and salads. They even encourage you to have dessert first with a menu of delightful sweets like Strawberry Shortcake and Key Lime Tart. Of course, they are kidding, but the desserts are still the first thing on the menu.

The Beverly

7018 E. Main St.

Another upscale cocktail lounge with a killer food menu is at The Beverly along Main Street. The place itself is like an old-school speakeasy with dark wood paneling and leather booths. It feels very classy while you sample perfectly crafted martinis and cocktails, like their Trending So Hard or Peleton Girl with mezcal, pineapple juice, and roasted habanero syrup.

The food is shareable bites, salads, Mexican tacos with homemade tortillas, flatbreads, and wraps mostly. All are very well executed to make this a great place to eat and drink the night away with a beautiful ambiance.

Chula Seafood

8015 E. Roosevelt St.

This is one of the very best restaurants and seafood markets that serves fresh fish off the boat from California. The owners of Chula Seafood own a commercial fishing boat in sunny San Diego.

They serve different soups, poke bowls, and have daily features like Crab Grilled Cheese and Shrimp Louie Sammy. Shucked fresh oysters are a big draw here with mignonette and lemon. The restaurant is open daily from 10 to 6 PM, so if you want great fish, it’s lunch or a very early dinner.

Culinary Dropout

Photo Credit: bknyeats via Instagram

7135 E. Camelback Rd.

With classic meals and pub favorites, like soft pretzels with provolone fondue and fried chicken drizzled with honey, Culinary Dropout is a pretty fun place to eat on the waterfront of Old Town Scottsdale. The decor is shabby chic with a big crowd that comes there for weekend brunch.

The happy hour is Monday through Friday from 3 to 5 PM. Don’t miss the BBQ Pork Belly Nachos and the 36-Hour Pork Ribs, a specialty of the house. Their craft beer menu is notable as well with lots of selections on their “Cans, Roadies, and Shiners” menu.

Daily Dose Kitchen & Bar

4020 N. Scottsdale Rd.

The Daily Dose Kitchen & Bar is a breakfast and lunch staple. They even have a fun mid-day happy hour that goes from 12 to 2 PM on weekdays with specials on champagne cocktails, bloody marys, and house sangria.

The food is worth the trip since breakfast omelets are big there. Try the Roasted Top Sirloin or the Green Chili Pork omelets. Each is served with delicious roasted potatoes topped with a rosemary creme fraiche. Lunch is great too with tacos, wraps, sandwiches, and salads that will please all kinds of palettes.

Fellow Osteria

1455 N. Scottsdale Rd.

For modern and well-executed Italian food, you can’t go wrong with Fellow Osteria. It’s antipasti, salads, housemade pasta, and wood-fired pizzas. The Chorizo Iberico pizza is a revelation with pepperoncinis and carmelized onions.

The classic Cacio E Pepe with lemon zest and fresh parmesan is a classic, but brilliant staple here. On Mondays and Tuesdays, the restaurant has a great special of an entree salad, pizza, and a bottle of house wine for only $50. It’s an ideal spot to take a date for a memorable evening.

High-End Restaurants ($$$)

Atlas Bistro

2515 N. Scottsdale Rd.

As a fine dining restaurant with a BYOB policy, Atlas Bistro is a unique place that has a five course tasting menu for $95. The menu changes seasonally, but you can look forward to dishes like Cast Iron Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras and Linz Prime New York Strip Steak.

All start with a surprise amuse-bouche on the chef’s whim and finish with a dessert, like Dulce de Leche Churros. Don’t forget to bring your own bottle of vino which is easy since there is a wine shop attached to the restaurant.

Bourbon and Bones

4200 N. Scottsdale Rd.

A classic steakhouse in the way of the great ones in New York and Chicago is Bourbon and Bones right in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. It features all the classic chophouse cuts, like Filet Mignon, Prime Tomahawk Ribeye, and Dry-Aged New York Strip. They even have a Bison Ribeye that is a lighter choice.

Start your dinner off with a flight of bourbon to really get the night rolling along with appetizers like Bone Marrow and Wagyu Steak Tartare. If you aren’t into bourbon or steak, they have a ton of other options for chicken and seafood fans.

Cafe Monarch

6939 E. First Ave.

Another exceptional fine dining establishment that features a fixed-tasting menu is Cafe Monarch. Their prix fixe is a four-course dinner that has a regular and a vegetarian version. That’s a nice touch for vegan fans who still enjoy fine dining.

You can upgrade to an eight- course chef’s choice menu for a very special night out at $245 per person. There are additional add-ons available, like Hudson Valley Foie Gras and Charred Spanish Octopus. They have a selection of decadent caviar that will truly make this an unforgettable meal.

Franco’s Italian Caffe

4327 N. Scottsdale Rd.

Franco’s Italian Caffe is the masterpiece of Chef Franco Fazzuoli and James Beard Award winner, formerly of New York City, with a resume of successful restaurants.

The menu is classic Tuscan Italian with an extensive wine menu and dinner service only Tuesday through Saturday. With a small but deliberate menu of antipasti, salads, pasta, and classics like Veal Chop With Mushrooms Demi-Glace and Petto di Pollo Piccata, each dish is executed with style and class.

Maple & Ash

7135 E. Camelback Rd.

Another lush steakhouse for Old Town Scottsdale restaurants is Maple & Ash. Their 40-ounce Porterhouse is to die for, along with other goodies like a Fire Roasted Seafood Tower and Royal Ossetra Caviar service. Everything is in perfect balance here with a fantastic wine list and weekend brunch that draws a big crowd.

They do offer a small happy hour Monday through Friday from 5 to 6 PM with $2.00 oysters and a modified version of the seafood tower for a fraction of the price. This would be an impressive place to celebrate any occasion or impress some business associates.

Shinbay

3720 North Scottsdale Rd.

Sitting at the counter of Shinbay restaurant with chef Shinji Kurita’s spectacular omakase delicately plated in front of you in multiple courses is going to cost you a pretty penny. Each bite is worth it though, and you’ll leave knowing that you were served by a true master of the art of sushi and sashimi. It’s mind-blowing.

Keep in mind, that it’s all chef’s choice and there isn’t an a la carte menu here. Dinner is $225 per person, not including beverages, and you’ll need a reservation to get in. So plan ahead to have a culinary experience that will rival all others and takes at least two hours.

With this, you’re ready to eat to your stomach’s content while visiting Scottsdale. My only suggestion is to try as many of these restaurants as you can while in town. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

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