17 Feb 6th-Feb 12th, 2025 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | Scottsdale’s Finest The top 10 best restaurants in Old Town and beyond. BY PHOENIX NEW TIMES WRITERS O ld Town Scottsdale is an epicenter of bars and restau- rants. The tiny downtown cluster boasts many popular hotspots that draw tourists and locals alike and it’s home to one of our favorite new restaurants of 2024. This nook of Scottsdale, however, is really only the beginning. Look beyond this buzzy stretch, and there are plenty of other finds: fine dining destinations, date-night spots and under- the-radar neighborhood gems. Here are our top 10 favorite places to eat in Scottsdale. Andreoli Italian Grocer 8880 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale You could eat in Giovanni Scorzo’s market- meets-restaurant 50 times and still have more to discover. Up front, a glass case displays a parade of sweets, eye-catchers like cannoli, pistachio cake, torrone, brown triangles of sfogliatelle and dark chocolate shaped into tools. The bread at Andreoli Italian Grocer is sneakily good, especially when part of a panini in the classically minimal Italian style of little more than meats or vegetables and cheese. Scorzo comes from the far Italian South, and his offerings, at the edges, reflect his origins. For one, he makes burrata from scratch. But the man can also nail northern Italian specialties, like risottos and cartoon slabs of bistecca Fiorentina. His best meals often lurk on a deep board of specials. The chef and his restaurant have both been recog- nized by the James Beard Awards over the years, along with many other local and national spotlights. Scorzo was a finalist for best chef in the Southwest in 2022. In 2024, Andreoli was named a semifinalist for a James Beard Award in the category of Outstanding Hospitality. Chula Seafood 20581 Hayden Road, Scottsdale 8015 E. Roosevelt St., Scottsdale The Heflin family has been fishing along the Pacific Coast since 2009, focused on sustainable fishing practices. They opened the first location of Chula Seafood in south Scottsdale in 2015 and the restaurant and seafood counter has been a favorite of Valley diners ever since. The menu often rotates to feature the freshest catch from the Heflins’ boat, aptly named Chula. On a chilly day, it’s hard to beat a bowl of clam chowder or the tuna melt, which gets a Southwestern makeover courtesy of Hatch green chiles and spiced Oaxacan cheese. The generally humble griddled sandwich feels luxurious thanks to confited albacore, but that richness is cut through with a side of bright, garlicky chimichurri for dunking. Chula has plenty to offer on the raw side as well, from a rotating selection of oysters and sashimi to Hawaiian-style poke. There are two great options to visit in Scottsdale — in the spot that started it all in on the south side, or in the newer Grayhawk location in north Scottsdale. Citizen Public House 7111 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale Chef and owner Bernie Kantak’s white- tablecloth haven of inspired American food has whimsy and range. The meatloaf is flavored with amaro, the scallops are served with a cola gastrique and the short ribs are rubbed with Moxie coffee. At Citizen Public House, you can order one of the most famous chopped salads around, so popular it has its own Facebook page. You can also chow down on a flawless burger that throws it back to Kantak’s bygone hamburger stand in The Churchill. So many of the dishes on this menu go their own way and leave a mark. Don’t miss the erudite cocktails, especially a selection of barrel-aged creations that go a few steps beyond the classics. The Ends 7137 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale The newest restaurant on this list, The Ends made a great impression right out of the gate. Prior to opening, the owners teased that the new spot would be inspired by the late chef, world traveler and tele- vision personality Anthony Bourdain. In doing so, they set some lofty expectations for themselves. But the restaurant and its kitchen deliver. Pastas are handmade and tender, portions are generous such as the massive eight-bone rack of lamb and the ambiance fosters connection and conver- sation. There’s an element of Scottsdale’s extravagance, delivered with a heavy dose of fun. For example, the Bovine Tartare is less minced raw meat and more giant, Flintstone-style bone complete with sugar- crusted marrow. There’s Japanese Wagyu served in a milk bread sando, and for dessert, a play on a nostalgic banana split. The Ends is a little classy, a little fun and a lot delicious. Fat Ox 6316 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Fat Ox, a modern, high-end restaurant that sits on the border between Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, is a destination spot that treats customers right. Servers, who don black-tie uniforms, provide little stools to put your purse on, heaven forbid it touch the floor or hang on the back of your chair. Wine is served from individual decanters. And there’s valet parking. All of this sets an expectation for excellence in the meal. A plate of fresh bread served first is an indi- cation of what’s to come. Scallops, salmon and ribeye fill the entrees section of the menu, but be sure not to look past the handmade pastas. In the Rosso Creste di Gallo, the individual pieces of house-made pasta are a wine-shade of purple and maintain a sturdy and satisfying bite. They are accompanied by duck sausage and brightened by huckleberry. The 25-layer lasagna is a showstopper. Just like the decor and drinks at this high-end restaurant, the food is fit for a special occasion. FnB Restaurant 7125 E. Fifth Ave., #31, Scottsdale Though “seasonal” and “local” have become culinary buzzwords for many restaurants, Scottsdale’s FnB restaurant embodies the spirit of these movements. FnB also takes both to another level. James Beard Award-winning chef Charleen Badman turns simple, local Andreoli Italian Grocer (Photo by Tirion Boan) The Hatch chile tuna melt at Chula Seafood puts a Southwest spin on a classic. (Photo by Tirion Boan) The Ends opened in Old Town Scottsdale with high expectations and showstopping food. (Photo by Tirion Boan) Citizen Public House’s seared scallops. (Courtey of Citizen Public House) The Rosso Creste di Gallo at Fat Ox is a must-try dish. (Photo by Tirion Boan) >> p 19 ▼ Food & Drink
