You can tell a lot about a place by its culinary scene; by the chefs who flock there, the local ingredients that inspire its menus and the international flavors that enliven its dishes. From old school haunts to future classics, here’s a look at six restaurants shaping the foodie scene in Scottsdale and Phoenix.
OCEAN 44 – This new Scottsdale restaurant by the renowned Mastro brothers takes surf and turf to a whole new level. The seafood-forward hotspot boasts a sleek, high-design interior, complete with a wood-burning oven that uses pecan wood to infuse shellfish with a delicate, smoky flavor. Lovers of Mastros’ world-famous steaks will still feel at home here, as the menu features plenty of the classic cuts for which the bros are known.
DON & CHARLIE’S – This neighborhood favorite has been serving up Chicago-style ribs, steaks, chicken and seafood since 1981. As beloved for its barbecue as its endearing collection of sports memorabilia (the walls are covered in signed bats and baseballs), the mainstay is one of OpenTable’s Top 100 Hot Spot Restaurants in America.
ELEMENTS – Helmed by renowned Food Network celebrity chef Beau MacMillan, this sophisticated restaurant at the base of Camelback Mountain features a simple, well-executed menu with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, sustainable seafood and hormone-free meat. Between the food and the extraordinary Paradise Valley views, it’s one of the best sunset-watching spots in the Valley.
POMO CUCINA – If a trip to Naples isn’t on your itinerary for 2019, a visit to this popular local pizza spot might be the next best thing. The first and only pizzeria in the Valley to be awarded the prestigious Certification of True Authentic Neapolitan Pizza from the VPN Association in Naples, Pomo uses the same methods for cooking their wood-fired pies as those practiced for hundreds of years in Napoli, Italy.
TACO GUILD – Housed in a former Methodist Church in central Phoenix—lofty ceilings, stained glass windows and all—this just might be one of the most unique places to get your taco fix in the country. The menu features contemporary spins on traditional Mexican favorites, including chorizo meatballs, el pastor with grilled pineapple, and chipotle cherry steak tacos, all offered up in historic surroundings that predate Arizona statehood. Holy guacamole! (we couldn’t resist).
VINCENT’S – This French-leaning institution boasts a romantic dining patio adorned in bougainvillea vines and delicious menu to accompany the atmosphere. Owner and chef Vincent Guerithault also hosts a popular weekly market behind the restaurant from late October to early May, where you can stock up on fresh produce, flaky baguettes and delicious wines—by the bottle and the glass.
