10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Scottsdale

The Mission is an upscale Latin restaurant at the corner of 2^nd Street and Brown Avenue, right in Scottsdale’s Old Town. Choose from alfresco dining in its unique garden or dine inside to experience hints of Latin culture that make the space pop with an authentic feel.

The Mission’s menu features a mix of flavours from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America. Known for its house-made tortillas, sauces, salsas and tableside guacamole, dining here is a unique and delicious dining experience in Scottsdale.

Karsen’s Grill, a neighbourhood bar in downtown Scottsdale, has only a few tables but locals love to come here for its American pub grub. Located near the corner of East 1^st Street and North Brown Avenue, it’s an awesome place to grab a quick bite to eat in Old Town.

The bar’s menu is jam-packed with pub food classics, though it specialises in decadent burgers, hot dogs and wings – all served in huge portions. Stop by for a beer, catch a game or people-watch – all are great ways to spend the afternoon.

Pomo Pizzeria is an Italian restaurant that serves classic recipes from all over Italy. Located just 5 miles north of downtown Scottsdale, it offers 4 different cooking styles for their pizzas. Choose from the classic Neapolitan style with a blistered crust, Rimini style for a thin crisp crust, Pinsa style with a delicious light focaccia base, or pizza Romana for a rectangular, thick crust option.

If you're not craving pizza, Pomo Pizzeria’s pasta is all made in-house. It also has a large selection of salads, soups, and appetisers. It’s a good idea to drop in early to snag a spot at their pizza bar – you can watch pizza chefs in action as a somewhat dinner-and-show experience.

Butters Pancakes & Café is a local favourite, low-key restaurant for breakfast and lunch in Scottsdale. You’ll find the original outlet northwest of the city, just a short drive off Highway 101. This kid-friendly café offers a brunch menu for kids and classic breakfast and lunch menus for adults.

Enjoy your tasty breakfast with fresh-squeezed juices or grab a drink from their well-stocked coffee bar. Butters Pancakes & Café is a great place to satisfy your sweet tooth, thanks to its delicious pancakes, waffles, French toast, and crepes. The café is usually packed, so make sure to call ahead to get on the waitlist.

Award-winning Café Monarch is a staple in Scottsdale’s local food scene. It’s consistently rated as one of the top restaurants for both fine dining and a romantic night out. Located in the Old Town near the corner of East Indian School Road and North Goldwater Boulevard, it’s easy to get to from anywhere in Downtown Scottsdale.

If you're looking to dine under the stars, reserve a table at Café Monarch’s intimate and stylish courtyard. You can opt for its elegantly designed dining room for a sophisticated dining experience. All dishes use sustainably and locally sourced ingredients, and the menu changes frequently so you’ll find something new on each visit.

Franco’s Italian Caffe is a must-visit for authentic Italian cuisine and wines in Scottsdale. Located just steps from the busy corner of North Drinkwater Boulevard and North Scottsdale Road in Old Town, this family-owned trattoria offers a peaceful retreat even though it’s in a busy part of town.

Known for its menu of Florence-style cuisine, Franco’s is a great place to enjoy Italian hospitality at its finest. The owner himself loves to work at the restaurant – you’ll see him regularly visiting tables and checking on guests. This restaurant gets crowded, so make sure to make a reservation if you’re going on a busy night.

Virtu Honest Craft is a James Beard-nominated restaurant within the Bespoke Inn on North Marshall Way, in Old Town Scottsdale. Serving incredibly thoughtful dishes in an intimate, stylish environment, the eatery is known for its constantly changing menu of Mediterranean flavours.

Its unique recipes include seasonal produce from local farmers throughout the region, as well as seafood, prime meats, and fresh pasta. After a filling meal, you can enjoy beautiful Arizona nights under the stars on Virtu Honest Craft’s outdoor patio while sipping a craft cocktail.

The Hot Chick is a retro bar on North 75^th Street, just west of Old Town Scottsdale. An awesome counter service game bar with a fun throwback vibe, it’s one of the best places in the city for enjoying ice-cold beer, classic arcade games and a delicious meal.

The Hot Chick serves fast-casual comfort food, with a menu built around fried chicken. Order the traditional fried chicken by itself, on a sandwich or with waffles for a Southern-style meal. If you’re looking to have a fun afternoon, grab one of its board games, play a nostalgic arcade game like Super Mario Bros and Pac-Man, or take part in one of its nightly events like bingo or trivia.

Diego Pops is a modern Mexican restaurant with a lively atmosphere. Located in Old Town just 1 block from the Arizona Canal, its prime location is easy to access from anywhere in Downtown Scottsdale. A must-try is its delicious tacos, which you can order a la carte with a variety of fillings or in a bowl if you’re going for a heartier meal. 

Diego Pops has an excellent happy hour deal every day, offering both drink and food specials. Its outdoor fireplace, with brightly coloured chairs, is a local favourite hangout spot.

DeFalco's Italian Deli is a casual but excellent joint on North Scottsdale Road, about 2 miles south of downtown. Family-owned and operated, it specialises in imported Italian grocery items and classic Italian dishes.

Standouts include the centurion calzone, linguine with white clam sauce, and gnocchi with pesto. If you're heading for a hike nearby or just looking for a tasty meal to enjoy on a picnic, stop by DeFalco's Italian Deli and grab a freshly made sandwich or salad for the road.