This year, Bridge and I decided to escape the Seattle winter and spend a month in Arizona. We both grew up in Washington and had lived there our whole lives, so by January I was feeling particularly low from the weather and we started talking about snowbirding for 2022. We were ready for a change and had an amazing time in Scottsdale. Below I’ve gathered the places we ate and added many recommendations from readers. I should mention: I hardly cooked at all while we were there — it was wonderful to be in a place with so many dining options, and we took full advantage. Let me know if I missed any favorites.
*Asterisks indicate spots we visited and recommend
*The Henry: such a charming spot with a coffee shop and a separate restaurant. I loved the chicken with roasted carrots. It’s right at the start of Arcadia — grab a coffee on the weekend and stroll Exeter Street to admire the beautiful houses.
*Diego Pops: a favorite for Mexican food.
*La Grande Orange: great for salads, pizza, breakfast, and it even has a cute shop inside.
*The Original Chop Shop: solid salads and bowls for a quick, healthy meal.
*Barrio Queen: another excellent Mexican option — don’t miss the guacamole topped with pomegranate seeds.
*Flower Child: we ordered from here way too often. I always get the Mother Earth Bowl with salmon, no grains, and extra greens — a staple for healthy eats.
*Farm & Craft: fresh, locally focused dishes.
*Toca Madera: upscale Mexican, definitely a must-try if you’re in the area.
*Tocaya: customizable bowls, salads, burritos, and tacos — great for quick, fresh meals.
*Francine (Old Town): we loved this French-Mediterranean restaurant that emphasizes olive oil over butter.
*The Royal Palm Restaurant: classic choice with a refined menu.
*Ingo’s: a smaller menu but dependable salads and burgers.
*Kaleidoscope: the best smoothies in the area, with gluten-free and dairy-free muffins, fresh juices, and ginger shots.
*The Collins: welcoming neighborhood spot.
*Pita Jungle: known for hummus, gyros, salads, and salmon dishes.
*Famme Cafe: great for brunch.
*Olive & Ivy: lovely riverside dining and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
*Modern Market Eatery: similar to Sweetgreen, an easy option for takeout or quick lunches.
*Ocean 44: seafood-forward menu with a polished dining room.
*Steak 44: excellent steaks and an upscale atmosphere.
*AZ Wilderness Brewing Co.: known for grass-fed burgers and craft beer.
*Jewels Cafe: gluten-free options and a standout spicy popcorn chicken.
*Hillstone: reliable American classics — try the French dip.
*Taco Guild: unique setting and tasty tacos.
*Luci’s Phoenix: a solid neighborhood restaurant with a broad menu.
*Schmooze: a cute coffee shop, great for working remotely.
*Linden Organic (Gilbert): smoothies and healthy snacks.
*Uprooted Kitchen (Gilbert): vegetarian-focused, creative plant-based dishes.
*Maple & Ash: an upscale, bougie dinner spot for a special night out.
*Cala: refined coastal-inspired cuisine.
*Vecina: elegant dining with thoughtful flavors.
*Valentine: modern, well-executed dishes in a comfortable setting.
*Etta: neighborhood favorite for pizza and small plates.
*Mexicana: classic, flavorful Mexican cuisine.
*Chantico: upscale Mexican with polished presentations.
*Fat Ox: Italian-inspired with a lively atmosphere.
*Buck & Rider: great spot to enjoy happy hour.
*Chelsea’s Kitchen (Arcadia): popular for dinner, appetizers, and ceviche.
*Cafe Monarch: fine dining experience — reservations recommended.
*Undertow – Platform 18: a noteworthy bar with a crafted cocktail program.
We had such a fun month exploring these places. If you’ve got favorites we didn’t list, I’d love to hear your recommendations so we can try them next time!