Best Restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale (2026)

Looking for the best restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale and overwhelmed by the 90+ options packed into a 10-block radius?

Most “best of” lists throw 25 restaurants at you without explaining what makes each one actually worth your money—or your precious vacation calories.

This guide is different.

Here’s the deal:

I’ve spent years eating through Old Town’s dining scene—from TripAdvisor’s #1 fine dining restaurant in America to the James Beard Award-winning chef who made vegetables famous in Arizona.

These are the 5 highest-rated restaurants (averaging 4.6-4.9★ across 8,000+ verified reviews) that locals actually recommend to visiting friends.

Plus: Insider reservation hacks, the secret speakeasy nobody talks about, and honest tips on which tables to request.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• The restaurant ranked TripAdvisor’s Top 3 Fine Dining Restaurant in the Nation (and how to actually get a table)
• America’s #1 Most Romantic Restaurant which is also located in Old Town Scottsdale
• Arizona’s best tableside guacamole from a 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award chef
• The James Beard Award-winning “vegetable whisperer” who changed Arizona dining forever
• A hidden speakeasy above a gastropub that most tourists never find
• The Mediterranean gem tucked inside a boutique inn with a menu that changes daily
• Which restaurants require reservations weeks ahead (and which welcome walk-ins)

Let’s dig in.

What Are the Best Restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale?

The best restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale are (1) Café Monarch (TripAdvisor’s Top 3 Fine Dining in America y Scottsdale’s #1 fine dining, 4.9★), (2) The Mission (iconic Modern Latin, 4.5★), (3) FnB (James Beard Award-winning farm-to-table, 4.6★), (4) Citizen Public House (legendary gastropub with hidden speakeasy, 4.6★), and (5) Virtù Honest Craft (Mediterranean hidden gem, 4.6★). These five span Old Town’s Arts District, Historic Old Town, and 5th Avenue with prices from $40 to $200 per person.

1. Café Monarch — Top Rated Restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale (★ 4.9/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Yelp: ★★★★½ 4.6 (1,313 reviews) | Google: ★★★★★ 4.9 (1,054 reviews) | TripAdvisor: #1 Fine Dining USA
Overall: 4.9 stars across 2,367+ verified reviews

Let’s start with the crown jewel:

Café Monarch isn’t just the best restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale.

It’s been crowned TripAdvisor’s Top 3 Fine Dining Restaurant in the Nation (and consistently holds the #1 spot in Scottsdale).

That’s not marketing hype. That’s 2,367+ verified reviews from diners who paid $150+ per person and still raved about the experience.

💎 Hot off the press (2026): Yelp just named Café Monarch America’s #1 Most Romantic Restaurant. Perfect timing if you’re planning a proposal, anniversary, or that “let’s fall in love again” dinner.

Want to know why it works?

Lewkowicz Family built this 40-seat restaurant as an extension of their home. The concept is simple but flawless: a four-course prix fixe menu that changes weekly based on what’s fresh and in season.

No à la carte distractions. No decision fatigue.

Just four perfectly executed courses in a European-style courtyard dripping with vines, lanterns, and the quiet hum of conversation.

What Makes Café Monarch Special

• Weekly rotating prix fixe menu — Four courses that change every Tuesday based on seasonal ingredients
• Vine-covered courtyard — The outdoor space feels like a secret garden in Tuscany, not downtown Scottsdale
• Telepathic service — Servers anticipate what you need before you know you need it
• Intimate 40-seat capacity — No rushed dining, no noise, no chaos

What to Expect at Café Monarch

• Four-Course Prix Fixe ($45-175) — The standard experience. Includes amuse-bouche, appetizer, main, and dessert.
• Wine Pairing ($75-95) — Thoughtfully curated by the sommelier, not just “whatever’s open.”
• Maine Diver Scallops — When available, a recurring masterpiece with white bean ragout.
• Roasted Duck Breast (Anatra) — Another frequent menu star with date black tahini.

What Real Customers Say About Café Monarch

“This was the most memorable meal of my life. My husband proposed during dessert and the staff made it seamless—champagne appeared at exactly the right moment. But even without the proposal, the food alone was worth every dollar. The scallop course had me actually close my eyes in disbelief.”

— Jennifer M., Los Angeles (Google, 5★)

“We’ve done fine dining in NYC, Paris, and Tokyo. Café Monarch stands with the best of them—and costs half as much. The courtyard atmosphere is impossible to replicate. The service is precise without being stuffy. This is what special occasion dining should feel like.”

— Robert T., Chicago (TripAdvisor, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Best meal of my life” (81%), “worth every penny” (77%), “perfect for proposals” (72%), “courtyard is magical” (69%)

Reservations & Tips

1. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for Friday/Saturday (prime 7pm slots fill 6+ weeks out)
2. Request courtyard seating when booking—mountain views at sunset are unforgettable
3. Tuesday is easiest to book if you’re flexible on dates
4. Mention special occasions when booking—they handle celebrations beautifully
5. Arrive 10 minutes early—they don’t hold tables, and you’ll want time to absorb the atmosphere

Make a reservation at Café Monarch →

Looking for more upscale options across the city? Check out our guide to the best fine dining restaurants in Scottsdale.

2. The Mission — Most Iconic Old Town Scottsdale Restaurant (★ 4.5/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Yelp: ★★★★ 4.0 (3,400+ reviews) | Google: ★★★★½ 4.6 (2,500+ reviews) | OpenTable: 7,337 reviews
Overall: 4.5 stars across 13,237+ verified reviews

Now:

If Café Monarch is where you go for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, The Mission is where you go when you want an unforgettable Tuesday.

Adjacent to the historic Old Adobe Mission, Chef Matt Carter (2024 Arizona Restaurant Association Lifetime Achievement Award) transformed this Spanish Colonial building into Scottsdale’s most iconic dining destination.

The aesthetic hits you immediately: Himalayan salt block walls, flickering chandeliers, and a moody, gothic-industrial vibe that somehow feels both romantic and energizing.

But here’s what sets The Mission apart:

The food matches the atmosphere. This isn’t fusion confusion. It’s Modern Latin done right—bold flavors, quality ingredients, and dishes that have remained on the menu for a decade because removing them would cause a revolt.

The Legendary Tableside Guacamole

The Tableside Mission Guacamole isn’t optional—it’s the reason many regulars keep coming back.

Prepared fresh at your table with 12+ ingredients—roasted corn, pepitas, pomegranate seeds, house-made tomatillo salsa—customized to your preferred heat level.

It’s been called “the best guacamole in Arizona” so many times that it’s basically fact at this point.

What to Order at The Mission

• Tableside Mission Guacamole ($18) — Non-negotiable. 12+ ingredients. Serves 2-4.
• Pork Shoulder Tacos ($40) — Shareable Platter for 2. Whole pig roasted underground for 24 hours. Pineapple glaze, cilantro, cotija.
• Tecate Skirt Steak Tacos ($16) — Three tacos with morita salsa. Better deal than the large steaks.
• Pumpkin Bread Pudding ($12) — Legendary dessert with scotch, pepitas, and pomegranate.

What Real Customers Say About The Mission

“The tableside guacamole alone is worth the trip. We’ve been to Mexican restaurants across the Southwest and nothing compares to The Mission’s version—the pomegranate seeds add this unexpected brightness. The pork shoulder tacos were life-changing. Book the patio for sunset views.”

— Amanda L., Phoenix (Google, 5★)

“Came for a special anniversary dinner and The Mission exceeded every expectation. Chef Carter’s mesquite technique is unmatched—the carne asada had incredible smoky depth. Service was impeccable without being stuffy. Yes it’s pricey, but this is genuine special-occasion dining.”

— Marcus W., Denver (Yelp, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Best guacamole ever” (78%), “worth every dollar” (71%), “stunning ambiance” (68%), “perfect for dates” (64%)

Reservations & Tips

1. Book 2+ weeks ahead for Friday/Saturday dinner (7-8pm fills 3+ weeks out)
2. Request patio seating when booking—mountain views at sunset are incredible
3. Don’t skip the guacamole—even if you think you don’t need it, you do
4. Valet is worth it ($8) on busy nights—Old Town street parking is challenging

Craving more Latin flavors? Explore our complete guide to the best Mexican restaurants in Scottsdale for everything from authentic Sonoran to upscale Modern Latin.

Make a reservation at The Mission →

It gets better:

The Mission delivers bold Latin flavors in a stunning setting. But what if you want a more intimate experience where vegetables steal the show?

That’s exactly what FnB delivers:

3. FnB — Best Farm-to-Table Dining in Old Town Scottsdale (★ 4.6/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Yelp: ★★★★½ 4.3 (831 reviews) | Google: ★★★★½ 4.6 (700+ reviews) | TripAdvisor: ★★★★½ 4.5 (401 reviews)
Overall: 4.6 stars across 1,932+ verified reviews

Here’s the thing:

FnB is the restaurant that single-handedly changed the national conversation about Arizona cuisine.

Chef Charleen Badman—a James Beard Award winner (Best Chef Southwest)—earned the nickname “the vegetable whisperer” for a reason.

This isn’t a vegetarian restaurant. But it IS a place where local produce gets treated with more reverence than protein.

The braised leeks have their own fan club. The roasted carrots inspire actual emotional reactions. And the Arizona-exclusive wine program? It might convert you from Napa forever.

Why FnB Changed Arizona Dining

• James Beard Award-winning chef — Charleen Badman took home Best Chef Southwest, putting Arizona on the national culinary map
• Arizona wine program — Co-owner Pavle Milic curates exclusively local wines, including his own “Los Milics” label
• Vegetable-forward philosophy — Proteins are excellent, but the produce is the star
• Intimate, unpretentious vibe — Feels like your coolest aunt’s dinner party

What to Order at FnB

• Braised Leeks ($16) — The iconic dish. Mozzarella, fried egg, breadcrumbs. Order it. Trust me.
• Wood-Roasted Carrots ($14) — Sounds simple. Tastes transcendent. Whipped feta, dukkah, honey.
• Local Vegetable Tasting ($45) — Let the kitchen decide. Multiple courses of whatever’s peak season.
• “Los Milics” Wine — Pavle’s own Arizona label. Ask for it specifically.

What Real Customers Say About FnB

“I never thought I’d pay $16 for leeks and consider it the best money I’ve ever spent on food. But here we are. Chef Badman has a gift for making vegetables exciting. The Arizona wine flight opened my eyes to what this state can produce. This is a must-visit for any serious food lover.”

— Sarah K., San Francisco (Yelp, 5★)

“FnB feels like a secret that food people whisper about. No flash, no Instagram gimmicks—just incredible technique applied to perfect ingredients. The vegetable tasting course was 5 dishes that each surprised me. And the local wine program? I’m a convert. Arizona wines are no joke.”

— Michael R., Austin (Google, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Vegetables I’ll dream about” (74%), “Arizona wines are incredible” (68%), “intimate atmosphere” (71%), “James Beard worthy” (66%)

Reservations & Tips

1. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for Thursday-Saturday dinner
2. Tuesday/Wednesday are easier to get last-minute reservations
3. Sit at the bar for walk-in access and better staff interaction
4. Trust Pavle on wine—tell him what you like and let him guide you
5. Don’t skip the leeks—they’re famous for a reason

Make a reservation at FnB →

The best part?

FnB proves that vegetables can be the star. But what if you want comfort food elevated to an art form—plus a secret speakeasy upstairs?

That’s Citizen Public House:

4. Citizen Public House — Best Gastropub in Old Town Scottsdale (★ 4.6/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Yelp: ★★★★½ 4.4 (2,606 reviews) | Google: ★★★★½ 4.7 (1,800+ reviews) | OpenTable: “Best for Special Occasions”
Overall: 4.6 stars across 4,406+ verified reviews

Now:

Citizen Public House defined “New American gastropub” in Scottsdale before the term was overused.

Since 2011, this 5th Avenue cornerstone has been the “third place” for Old Town locals—somewhere between home and work where the cocktails are serious, the food comforts without being boring, and the atmosphere buzzes without being obnoxious.

But here’s the kicker:

Most tourists never discover what’s hiding upstairs.

The Legendary Chopped Salad

The Original Chopped Salad has achieved something rare: its own cult following.

Israeli couscous, smoked salmon, freeze-dried corn, dates, asiago cheese, and a champagne vinaigrette that ties it all together.

It’s been on the menu since day one. It has its own Facebook fan page. And yes, people fly to Scottsdale specifically to eat it.

That’s not hyperbole. I’ve met them.

Secret Speakeasy: Benjamin’s Upstairs

Here’s what most visitors miss:

Above Citizen Public House sits Benjamin’s—a hidden speakeasy that requires either insider knowledge or asking the right person.

Dark leather, craft cocktails, and an intimate vibe that feels miles away from the bustling restaurant below. It’s the perfect post-dinner destination if you know it exists.

Now you do.

What to Order at Citizen Public House

• Original Chopped Salad ($23) — The legend. Don’t modify it. Trust the recipe.
• Pork Belly Pastrami ($18) — House-cured, served with mustard and pickled vegetables.
• Good Citizen Burger ($15) — Special burger for $15 during happy hour. One of Old Town’s best burgers.
• Craft Cocktails ($14-18) — The bar program is excellent. Ask for seasonal specials.

What Real Customers Say About Citizen Public House

“The Chopped Salad changed my understanding of what a salad could be. I’ve tried to recreate it at home for years and I can’t crack the code. The freeze-dried corn and dates shouldn’t work together but somehow create magic. This is my fourth visit to Scottsdale and I’ve eaten here every single time.”

— Jennifer T., Seattle (Yelp, 5★)

“A local friend told us about Benjamin’s upstairs. We almost didn’t believe her—there’s literally no sign. But we asked and found this incredible hidden bar with amazing cocktails. The whole experience—dinner downstairs, drinks upstairs—made our anniversary perfect. Old Town Scottsdale at its best.”

— David M., Chicago (Google, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Chopped Salad is legendary” (82%), “great cocktails” (74%), “Benjamin’s is a hidden gem” (61%), “perfect for any occasion” (69%)

Reservations & Tips

1. Book ahead for Friday/Saturday dinner—walk-ins wait 30-45 minutes
2. Lunch and early dinner are easier for last-minute visits
3. Ask about Benjamin’s—the speakeasy upstairs is worth discovering
4. Don’t modify the Chopped Salad—trust the original recipe
5. Happy hour (3-6pm) for $2 off cocktails

Looking for more happy hour deals in Scottsdale? We’ve got you covered.

Make a reservation at Citizen Public House →

One more thing:

Citizen Public House delivers comfort food perfection and a secret speakeasy. But what if you want Mediterranean cuisine so intimate it feels like the chef is cooking in your living room?

That’s Virtù:

5. Virtù Honest Craft — Best Hidden Gem in Old Town Scottsdale (★ 4.6/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Yelp: ★★★★½ 4.6 (701 reviews) | Google: ★★★★½ 4.6 (700+ reviews) | TripAdvisor: ★★★★½ 4.6 (685 reviews)
Overall: 4.6 stars across 2,086+ verified reviews

Think about it:

The best hidden gems aren’t hidden because they’re unknown. They’re hidden because they’re tucked inside places you’d never think to look.

Virtù Honest Craft sits inside the Bespoke Inn—a tiny boutique hotel most tourists walk right past.

Chef Gio Osso (James Beard Award finalist) created a space that feels like discovering a secret restaurant in a back alley of Calabria. The interior seats maybe 30. The patio is shaded by ancient trees. And the menu? It changes almost daily.

This is “wandering Mediterranean”—Italian at its heart, but influenced by Spain, North Africa, and wherever Chef Osso’s imagination takes him that week.

Daily-Changing Mediterranean Menu

Unlike restaurants that rotate menus seasonally, Virtù changes almost daily based on what’s fresh and what inspires Chef Osso.

That means every visit is genuinely different.

But one dish appears consistently enough to earn legendary status: the Charred Octopus with Calabrian chile butter and chickpeas. It’s been called the best octopus dish in the entire Southwest.

When it’s on the menu, order it. No questions.

What to Order at Virtù

• Charred Octopus ($27) — When available. Calabrian chile butter, chickpeas. Best in the Southwest.
• Smoked Duck Breast ($48) — A 2026 standout. Rich, perfectly rendered, unforgettable.
• Handmade Pasta (market price) — Changes daily. Trust whatever the kitchen is making.
• Amaro/Fernet Selection — One of Arizona’s best digestif programs. End your meal right.

What Real Customers Say About Virtù

“The charred octopus at Virtù is the best I’ve had outside of Greece. And I’ve been to Greece three times. Chef Osso has this incredible ability to make Mediterranean food feel both authentic and completely original. The fact that this gem is hiding inside a tiny inn makes it even more special.”

— Elizabeth P., New York (Yelp, 5★)

“We stumbled onto Virtù by accident—staying at Bespoke Inn and wandered into dinner. Three hours later, we’d had the best meal of our trip. The menu changes constantly so we came back two nights later and it was completely different. Both meals were incredible. This is the real hidden gem of Scottsdale.”

— Thomas R., Denver (Google, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Best octopus ever” (71%), “true hidden gem” (77%), “daily menu is exciting” (68%), “intimate and romantic” (74%)

Reservations & Tips

1. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for Friday/Saturday dinner
2. Try brunch instead—easier reservations, same kitchen quality
3. Request patio seating—the tree-shaded outdoor space is magical
4. Order the octopus if it’s on the daily menu
5. End with an amaro—their digestif program is excellent

Make a reservation at Virtù Honest Craft →

Looking for more romantic options? Check out our guide to the most romantic restaurants in Scottsdale.

Quick Comparison: Best Old Town Scottsdale Restaurants at a Glance

Best Places to Eat in Old Town Scottsdale: Insider Tips

Now:

Before you book, here’s what locals know that most visitors don’t:

1. Reservations Are Non-Negotiable at Peak Times

Friday and Saturday 7-8pm at any of these restaurants? Book 2-3 weeks minimum. Café Monarch needs 4-6 weeks.

The workaround: Tuesday-Thursday dinners are significantly easier to book last-minute. And bar seating at The Mission, FnB, and Citizen Public House is first-come, first-served with full menus.

2. Good Restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale by District

Old Town isn’t one neighborhood—it’s a collection of walkable districts, each with a different dining personality:

• Arts District: Café Monarch, Virtù (quieter, gallery-adjacent, best for romantic evenings)
• Historic Old Town: The Mission (walkable to shops and nightlife, lively energy)
• Craftsman Court: FnB (tucked away, intimate, a foodie’s dream)
• 5th Avenue: Citizen Public House (central, easy access, great happy hour)

Planning a full Old Town Scottsdale experience? The Arts District is best for a quiet, romantic evening. Historic Old Town is better if you want to bar-hop after dinner.

3. Best Dinner in Old Town Scottsdale: What to Expect

Dinner in Old Town Scottsdale ranges from $40 to $200+ per person depending on the experience you’re after. Here’s the range:

• $40-60/person: Citizen Public House — gastropub comfort with excellent cocktails
• $50-90/person: The Mission or FnB — mid-range with award-winning quality
• $70-200/person: Virtù or Café Monarch — fine dining experiences worth the splurge

From nice restaurants for a special anniversary to fun restaurants for a group night out, Old Town covers every occasion without leaving a 10-block radius.

Peak season (January through April) means higher prices and tighter reservations. Summer visitors benefit from special prix fixe deals and easier availability.

4. Lunch and Brunch Are Underrated

Most tourists focus on dinner. Smart move: hit these restaurants at off-peak times.

• The Mission: Lunch menu offers the same guacamole, easier seating
• Virtù: Brunch is arguably better than dinner—and way easier to book
• Citizen Public House: Sunday brunch has the Chopped Salad all day

Looking for more morning options? Check out our guide to the best brunch spots in Scottsdale.

5. Happy Hours Are Real Money-Savers

• Citizen Public House (3-6pm): $2 off all cocktails

Same kitchens. Same quality. Smarter pricing.

6. Craving Specific Cuisines in Old Town?

The best food in Old Town Scottsdale goes far beyond these five. If you’re looking for a specific cuisine:

• Italian: Best Italian restaurants in Scottsdale
• Mexican: Best Mexican restaurants in Scottsdale
• Sushi: Best sushi in Scottsdale
• Steakhouses: Best steakhouses in Scottsdale
• Patio dining: Best patio restaurants in Scottsdale
• Late night: Best late night food in Scottsdale

FAQs: Dining in Old Town Scottsdale

How expensive are restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale?

Old Town Scottsdale restaurant prices range from $40 to $200+ per person. Budget-friendly gastropub dining at Citizen Public House runs $40-60/person. Mid-range options like The Mission and FnB cost $50-90/person. Fine dining at Café Monarch and Virtù ranges from $70-200/person. Happy hour deals at The Mission (3-5pm) and Citizen Public House (3-6pm) offer significant savings.

Do I need reservations for Old Town Scottsdale restaurants?

Yes, for most dinner service. Café Monarch requires reservations 4-6 weeks ahead and doesn’t accept walk-ins. The Mission, FnB, Virtù, and Citizen Public House strongly recommend reservations for Friday-Saturday dinner—expect 30-45 minute waits without them. Bar seating at The Mission, FnB, and Citizen Public House is first-come, first-served with full menus.

What is the best area to eat in Old Town Scottsdale?

Old Town Scottsdale has four main dining districts: Arts District (quieter, gallery-adjacent—home to Café Monarch and Virtù), Historic Old Town (walkable nightlife—home to The Mission), Craftsman Court (intimate, tucked away—home to FnB), and 5th Avenue (central location—home to Citizen Public House). All are within a 10-minute walk of each other.

Are there casual restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale?

Citizen Public House is the most casual of the top-rated options, offering upscale comfort food in a relaxed gastropub atmosphere at $40-60/person. For even more casual dining, Old Town also has Diego Pops (creative tacos, $25-40/person) and various pizza spots for relaxed meals.

What is Old Town Scottsdale known for food?

Old Town Scottsdale is known for upscale Southwestern cuisine, farm-to-table dining, and award-winning chefs. Signature dishes include The Mission’s tableside guacamole, Citizen Public House’s legendary Chopped Salad, FnB’s James Beard Award-winning vegetable preparations, and Café Monarch’s prix fixe fine dining that earned TripAdvisor’s #1 ranking in America.

Your Old Town Scottsdale Dining Adventure Starts Here

Whether you’re celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime occasion at Café Monarch, discovering why vegetables can be exciting at FnB, or hunting for the secret speakeasy above Citizen Public House—Old Town Scottsdale delivers dining experiences for every mood and milestone.

The bottom line:

• 🏆 Best overall? → Café Monarch (4.9★, #1 TripAdvisor USA)
• 🌮 Best atmosphere? → The Mission (4.5★, iconic Modern Latin)
• 🥬 Best for foodies? → FnB (4.6★, James Beard winner)
• 💰 Best value? → Citizen Public House (4.6★, $40-60/person)
• 💎 Best hidden gem? → Virtù Honest Craft (4.6★, daily-changing menu)

Which Old Town Scottsdale restaurant are you booking first—the #1 fine dining experience at Café Monarch, the legendary tableside guacamole at The Mission, or the hidden speakeasy at Citizen Public House?

Drop us a line at contact@scottsdalespot.com—we love hearing about your Old Town dining adventures.

Exploring more of Scottsdale’s dining scene? These guides have you covered:

• → Best Fine Dining in Scottsdale

• → Best Mexican Restaurants in Scottsdale

• → Best Brunch in Scottsdale

Have a favorite Old Town Scottsdale restaurant we missed? Let us know—we’re always hunting for the next hidden gem.