10 Top-Rated Restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale

If you’re looking to enjoy a great meal during your time in Scottsdale—you may be inclined to avoid the tourist-laden streets of Old Town Scottsdale. However, unlike many tourist destinations, Old Town Scottsdale is filled with some of the best restaurants in Phoenix—ranging from upscale dining experiences to casual local eateries.

Discover the best restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale, so you can enjoy a taste of the local cuisine during your time in Scottsdale!

1. Citizen Public House

Citizen Public House is an upscale gastropub that’s well-known among locals and visitors for its barrel-aged cocktails and unique twists on classic comfort food, like Pork Belly Pastrami and Roasted Brussels Sprouts.

In addition to their full menu, this restaurant offers a “Social Hour” from 4 PM – 6 PM daily with discounts on appetizers, cocktails, wine, and beer.

2. Cafe Monarch

If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or another special occasion while in Old Town Scottsdale, look no further than Cafe Monarch.

This fine-dining establishment serves four-course meals where local, sustainable ingredients take center stage. While this upscale restaurant is well-known for its delicious food and extensive wine list, it’s even better known for its excellent service and charming ambiance. Each server has been trained by the Court of Master Sommeliers Program, so they can guide you toward the wine that will pair best with your meal.

While Cafe Monarch isn’t in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, it’s within walking distance, so it deserves a spot on this list. However, it’s important to note that dinner at this high-end establishment is by reservation only, so be sure you plan ahead!

3. Fat Ox

Chef Matt Carter is well-known in Scottsdale—he started The Mission and The House Brasserie, which you’ll find later on this list. However, his latest concept in Downtown Scottsdale, Fat Ox, has been gaining popularity for its simple Italian-style dishes.

On Fat Ox’s dinner menu, you’ll find a simple yet sophisticated list of antipasti, formaggio & salumi, as well as roasted meats and fresh pasta, made in-house daily.

4. The Mission Old Town

The Mission is a popular restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale serving modern Latin cuisine. In fact, this local restaurant is so popular they just opened a second location in North Scottsdale, at Kierland Commons.

Their dinner menu features unique starters, like the Duck Carnitas Empanada and Mission Guacamole (made tableside!). Still, their Mission Tacos and meats prepared la plancha, or over pecan and mesquite wood, are the show-stoppers on the menu. You can order a wide range of margaritas, mules, mojitos, and sangria from their drink menu, as well as seasonal wine.

The Mission Old Town also serves brunch, featuring many dishes like Chorizo Scramble and Carnitas Chilaquiles with a fried egg.

5. FnB

FnB serves farm-to-table New American cuisine crafted by Chef Charleen Badman—an award-winning chef from the James Beard Foundation. FnB offers a seasonal menu featuring whatever is fresh from local farms. This is one of the best restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale who has a monthly rotating wine list.

6. Rehab Burger Therapy

Rehab Burger Therapy is probably one of the more casual restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale. However, its extreme popularity among locals earns it a rightful spot on this list. This laid-back restaurant serves burgers, wings, pasta, and more. You can dip your Belgian-style fries or burger in an array of creative sauces, including Garlic Sriracha Aioli, Wasabia Mayo, and Spicy Pineapple BBQ.

Rehab Burger also has a great happy hour that lasts from 11 AM – 6 PM daily and from 11 AM to close on Thursday. You can get discounted beer, wine, appetizers, and more.

7. Roaring Fork

Roaring Fork is one of the best restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale for wood-fired cuisine with bold flavors. They specialize in hearty meats cooked over a wood-fire rotisserie or an open-flame grill, such as Filet Mignon and Double-Cut Pork Chops, but also serve fresh fish, like Cedar Plank Salmon and Rainbow Trout.

You’ll also find comfort food favorites on their menu, like Boneless Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Braised Pork Shoulder Tacos, and you can enhance your meal with delicious sides, like Truffle Fries or Cornbread Stuffing.

8. The House Brasserie

If you’re looking for the best value for an upscale dining experience, look no further than The House Brasserie in Old Town Scottsdale. Chef Brandon Jedd focuses on American dishes with French influence, including the chef’s specialty, Hudson Valley Foie Gras.

However, the atmosphere at this popular restaurant is just as impressive as the menu. Tucked into a quiet corner in Old Town Scottsdale on Main Street and Goldwater Boulevard, this restaurant features a brick-paved patio, outdoor fireplace, and charming old-world Victorian architecture for a memorable dining experience.

9. Diego Pops

If you’re looking for a laid-back, playful environment where you can enjoy some high-quality Mexican food and margaritas, look no further than Diego Pops—one of the best Mexican restaurants in Scottsdale. This restaurant on Scottsdale Road offers an eclectic menu featuring burritos, tacos, salads, and fun appetizers, like Street Corn Queso and Brussels Sprout Nachos. Plus, save room for dessert—you can enjoy Churros, Coconut Tres Leches, and other treats after your meal.

Diego Pops also has a popular happy hour daily from 3 PM – 6 PM. You can get $2 off craft beer, margaritas, sangria, and wine for $6, and 1/2 off select appetizers.

10. Arcadia Farms Cafe

If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy brunch in Old Town Scottsdale, look no further than Arcadia Farms Cafe. This charming spot serves brunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and its menu features unique items like a Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, Peach French Toast Casserole, and a Pesto Grilled Shrimp Chopped Salad with Goat Cheese.

Make Reservations at These Top-Rated Old Town Scottsdale Restaurants

Whether you’re looking for a casual spot to grab lunch or an upscale dining experience to celebrate a special event, you’re sure to find somewhere to please everyone in your group on this list of the best restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale! Be sure to check out the Scottsdale Entertainment District while you’re in the area!

If you’re planning a vacation to Scottsdale, look no further than our luxury vacation rentals for a comfortable place to stay. Each of our properties is a short drive away from these top-rated restaurants, and they each feature desirable amenities like a heated swimming pool, sports courts, plush mattresses, and more. Explore our Scottsdale short term properties to find the ideal home for your upcoming stay in Scottsdale.