Best Steakhouses in Scottsdale: Where to Find Perfect Prime Beef

best steakhouses in scottsdale arizona prime ribeye restaurants
Premium steakhouses in Scottsdale serve dry-aged beef, Japanese Wagyu, and sommelier-curated wine lists with desert mountain views.

You’re about to drop $150+ per person on a steakhouse dinner in Scottsdale.

The question isn’t whether you’ll eat well—Scottsdale has dozens of steakhouses. The real question is: which one deserves your money?

Here’s what most travel guides won’t tell you: Not all “premium” steakhouses in Scottsdale are created equal. Some dry-age their beef in-house for 45 days. Others buy pre-aged cuts and charge the same prices.

This guide reveals the best steakhouses in Scottsdale—the ones where your $120 ribeye actually tastes $120 better than what you’d get elsewhere.

By the end, you’ll know precisely which Scottsdale steakhouse matches your priorities.

🥩 Quick Answer: The 5 best steakhouses in Scottsdale are:

1. Steak 44 – In-house dry-aging, multiple beef programs (Old Town) – $130-170/person
2. Dominick’s Steakhouse – Old-school tableside service (North Scottsdale) – $110-150/person
3. Mastro’s Steakhouse – Upscale chain, famous butter cake (Old Town) – $110-145/person
4. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse – 100 wines by the glass (Kierland) – $90-130/person
5. Ocean Prime – Steak + seafood, smoking shellfish tower (Downtown) – $100-140/person

From USDA Prime to Japanese A5 Wagyu, these Scottsdale steakhouses deliver dry-aged perfection, sommelier-curated wine lists, and that desert patio dining you can’t get in Chicago or New York.

Why Scottsdale Became Arizona’s Steakhouse Capital

Ten years ago, serious beef lovers flew to Chicago or New York for steakhouse dinners. Today, they book flights to Scottsdale.

What changed?

In-house dry-aging programs emerged. Steakhouses like Steak 44 and Dominick’s built aging rooms where beef develops complex flavors over 28-45 days—producing steaks unavailable at chains.

The science behind dry-aging matters. Enzymes break down muscle tissue, creating tender, concentrated flavor. Moisture evaporates, intensifying beefiness. Surface mold (trimmed before serving) adds funky, nutty notes impossible to replicate.

Corporate steakhouses can’t justify the space, time, or loss (beef loses 30% weight during dry-aging). Scottsdale steakhouses made this investment.

Multiple beef programs at single restaurants followed. The best Scottsdale steakhouses now offer USDA Prime, American Wagyu with enhanced marbling, and occasionally Japanese A5 Wagyu. You’re choosing between distinct beef experiences at one table.

Compare this to traditional steakhouses: one beef program, take it or leave it. Scottsdale pioneered variety without sacrificing quality.

Wine cellars exceeding 10,000 bottles became standard. Big California Cabernets, aged Bordeaux, cult wines from Napa—sommeliers guide selections based on your preferences rather than pushing expensive bottles.

Top steakhouses in Scottsdale employ certified sommeliers who understand beef-wine pairing at molecular level. They’ll recommend $60 bottles that work as well as $300 options—if that’s what fits your budget.

Desert atmosphere creates unique settings. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Camelback Mountain and McDowell Mountain views. Expansive patios feature fire pits and misters (essential October-May). Contemporary design meets Southwest charm—no dark, windowless dining rooms common in traditional steakhouses.

Scottsdale’s climate allows year-round patio dining. Most Scottsdale steakhouses dedicate 40-50% of seating to outdoor spaces—something impossible in Chicago or New York.

The result? Scottsdale steakhouses now compete with—and often exceed—traditional beef capitals. Food critics, sommeliers, and beef purists recognize Scottsdale as legitimate steakhouse destination.

Best Steakhouses in Scottsdale: Our Top Recommendations

Steak 44: The Craft Beef Champion

steak 44 scottsdale best steakhouse dry aged beef
Steak 44’s glass-walled aging room showcases hundreds of beef primals hanging for 35-45 days, creating concentrated flavors impossible at chain steakhouses.

Why Steak 44 tops our list:

Walk past the glass-walled aging room where hundreds of beef primals hang for 35-45 days. Temperature hovers at 34-38°F. Humidity stays at 85%. Airflow cycles continuously. Most “dry-aged” steakhouses buy pre-aged beef from suppliers. Steak 44 Scottsdale controls the entire process—selecting cuts from specific ranches, monitoring daily conditions, determining optimal aging for each primal.

The difference? Concentrated, complex flavors you won’t find elsewhere. The aging room isn’t decoration—it’s functional craft producing steaks that justify premium pricing.

Owners Jeffrey and Michael Mastro (no relation to Mastro’s restaurant) opened Steak 44 in 2014. The name references the cross streets: 44th Street and Camelback. Within three years, it became the toughest reservation in Scottsdale.

The beef programs explained:

USDA Prime: Classic steakhouse excellence. Well-marbled, beefy flavor, proper texture. This is the baseline—what you’d expect at any quality steakhouse. Steak 44’s Prime cuts come from Midwest ranches with proven genetics.

American Wagyu: Richer, more buttery. Crossbreeding Japanese Wagyu cattle with American breeds creates beef bridging familiar and exotic. More marbling than Prime, but not overwhelming like Japanese A5. Add $15-25 per cut. Ideal for those curious about Wagyu without committing to extreme richness.

Japanese A5 Wagyu: Occasional splurge territory. Melt-in-mouth texture from extreme intramuscular fat. Served in 2-4 oz portions only—larger servings become cloying. Expect $50-80+ per ounce. Order this once to experience it, then return to Prime or American Wagyu for regular visits.

Staff explain differences based on your preferences—they guide without pushing expensive options. Mention your budget, and they’ll recommend within it. Refreshing honesty in a genre known for upselling.

The seafood program matters:

Raw bar stocks oysters from both coasts—East Coast for briney minerality, West Coast for sweet creaminess. Maine lobster (1.5-3 lbs) and Alaskan king crab arrive daily via overnight shipping. Dover sole flown in from European waters twice weekly.

This solves the “my partner doesn’t eat red meat” problem plaguing steakhouse dinners. Your date can have Chilean sea bass or whole branzino while you tackle a tomahawk ribeye. Both dishes receive equal attention.

What to order: Prime dry-aged ribeye, medium-rare (trust the preparation—it’s perfect). Creamed spinach with garlic and nutmeg. Truffle mac and cheese (actual truffle, not truffle oil). Let your sommelier recommend California Cabernet—they’ll guide you to the right price point.

Best time to visit: Tuesday-Thursday for easier reservations. Weekends book 3-4 weeks ahead. If you’re flexible, request the bar area—full menu available, often has walk-in space, energetic atmosphere.

Atmosphere: Modern, energetic, not intimate. Open kitchen adds theater. Request patio November-April for Camelback Mountain views and pleasant Arizona evenings. Summer months (June-August) offer best availability—locals avoid heat, but interiors stay comfortable.

Dress code: Upscale casual. Nice jeans acceptable. No shorts, flip-flops, or athletic wear.

Cost: $130-170 per person with wine

Reserve at Steak 44 Now →

Dominick’s Steakhouse: Old-School Excellence

dominicks steakhouse scottsdale traditional tableside service
Dominick’s Steakhouse preserves classic tableside service—Caesar salad prepared with anchovy fillets and egg yolk emulsified by hand at your table.

Why traditionalists love Dominick’s:

White tablecloths ironed with military precision. Dark wood paneling absorbing sound, creating intimate acoustics. Tuxedoed servers who’ve worked here 15+ years. Classic American steakhouse aesthetic unchanged since Dominick Caruso opened in 1993.

This isn’t nostalgia—it’s deliberate commitment to traditional excellence. While other Scottsdale steakhouses chase trends, Dominick’s perfects timeless execution.

The clientele reflects this philosophy: you’ll see more grey hair than at Steak 44. Business deals happen in corner booths. Anniversary celebrations fill weekend evenings. This is where Scottsdale old money dines when they want reliable excellence.

The beef approach:

Prime aged beef from established Midwest suppliers, cooked correctly every time. Simple seasoning: coarse salt, cracked pepper, butter baste. The quality speaks for itself—no need for compound butters, demi-glace reductions, or modern techniques.

Dominick’s Steakhouse Scottsdale doesn’t offer multiple beef programs. They focus on one thing: USDA Prime, properly aged, cooked over high heat, finished with butter. This singular focus produces consistent excellence.

The kitchen uses a 1,800°F broiler—higher than most steakhouses. This creates the ideal crust while maintaining medium-rare center. Simple technique, decades of experience, no shortcuts.

Tableside service (a dying art):

Caesar salad: Prepared at your table in a wooden bowl rubbed with garlic. Anchovy fillets, egg yolk, lemon juice, Parmesan, olive oil emulsified by hand. The fresh preparation creates genuinely better salad—you taste the difference between this and pre-made versions.

Watch your server’s technique. The slow emulsification, the precise anchovy-to-yolk ratio, the timing of Parmesan addition—this is craft honed over years. Most restaurants abandoned tableside service because it requires skill and time. Dominick’s keeps it because it produces superior results.

Flambéed desserts: Bananas Foster, Cherries Jubilee, Steak Diane (yes, they’ll prepare this tableside too). The flambéing isn’t just theater—the caramelization from high-proof alcohol develops flavors impossible in the kitchen. The sugar caramelizes instantly at alcohol flame temperatures, creating complexity you can’t replicate otherwise.

Wine philosophy:

Established producers over hype. Strong Napa Cabernet selection—Caymus Special Selection, Silver Oak Alexander Valley, Jordan Cabernet. Reliability over cult wines. If you know wine, you’ll appreciate the intelligent curation. If you don’t, your sommelier will guide you to proven winners.

The wine list avoids trendy natural wines, obscure regions, and experimental producers. This is California Cabernet territory—big, bold wines that match big, bold steaks.

Who should choose Dominick’s:

  • Traditionalists who appreciate old-school service and atmosphere
  • Business dinners requiring formal setting and professional service
  • Those tired of “deconstructed” cuisine and modern plating
  • Anyone celebrating milestone occasions (anniversaries, retirements)
  • Diners who prefer consistent excellence over experimentation

What to order: Prime ribeye or New York strip (both cooked to perfection). Caesar salad tableside (non-negotiable). Classic sides—creamed spinach with butter and cream, hash browns with caramelized onions. Flambéed dessert (Bananas Foster recommended).

Best time to visit: Weeknight dinners easier to book. Request booth in main dining room for quieter experience. Bar area livelier if you want energy.

Dress code: Business casual minimum. Jackets common, not required. This isn’t the place for sneakers.

Cost: $110-150 per person with wine

Reserve at Dominick’s Now →

Mastro’s Steakhouse: Upscale Chain Done Right

mastros steakhouse scottsdale signature butter cake ribeye
Mastro’s signature butter cake arrives warm with vanilla ice cream melting on top—baked to order, rich texture between cake and custard.

Why Mastro’s succeeds where chains fail:

The bone-in ribeye achieves near-perfect execution visit after visit. Proper searing creating dark crust. Simple seasoning letting beef shine. Reliable quality regardless of which location you visit (though Scottsdale is the original). You’re spending $120+ per person—reliability matters as much as peak performance.

Mastro’s Steakhouse Scottsdale opened in 1999, founded by Dennis Mastro and Jeffrey Mastro (yes, same Jeffrey who later opened Steak 44). They sold the chain in 2013, but standards remained high through the transition.

What makes Mastro’s work as a chain? Strict protocols, extensive training, and consistent sourcing. They use the same beef suppliers at every location. The same cooking techniques. The same portion sizes. This discipline produces reliability rare in multi-unit restaurants.

The butter cake:

Warm, rich, sweet without being cloying. Order even if you’re full. Share it if necessary. But order it.

The butter cake became a signature for good reason. It’s baked to order (20-minute wait). It arrives warm with vanilla ice cream melting into the top. The texture is somewhere between cake and custard—dense, moist, rich. It’s genuinely excellent, not just Instagram bait.

Some diners visit Mastro’s primarily for the butter cake, ordering steak as an appetizer to the dessert. This isn’t crazy—the cake is that good.

Live music atmosphere:

Piano player in bar area performs jazz standards and Sinatra classics. Creates energy distinguishing Mastro’s Steakhouse Scottsdale from subdued competitors. The music isn’t background—it’s intentional atmosphere.

Want conversation? Request main dining room away from bar. Want energy and entertainment? Sit in bar area or request table near the action. The layout gives you options.

Weekend evenings get loud—in a good way if you like energy, potentially overwhelming if you want intimacy. Plan accordingly.

The seafood tower:

Instagram-worthy multi-tiered presentation—oysters, jumbo shrimp, king crab, lobster tail, all nested on ice. Beyond visual spectacle, quality matches presentation. The shellfish is fresh, properly chilled, served with classic mignonette and cocktail sauce.

Order this as a table appetizer. It’s generous enough for 4-6 people. The variety lets you sample multiple preparations without committing to full entrées.

What to order: Bone-in ribeye, medium-rare (the signature for good reason). Mac and cheese sides (truffle-enriched, properly creamy). Butter cake non-negotiable—order when you sit down to account for 20-minute bake time.

Best time to visit: Weeknights for easier reservations. Happy hour (3-6:30 PM) offers bar menu with reduced prices—same quality, smaller portions.

Dress code: Upscale casual. Nice jeans fine. No athletic wear.

Cost: $110-145 per person with wine

Reserve at Mastro’s Now →

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse: The Wine Lover’s Choice

flemings prime steakhouse scottsdale wine by glass program
Fleming’s offers 100 wines by the glass simultaneously using preservation systems—each diner selects their ideal pairing without committing to full bottles.

Why wine enthusiasts choose Fleming’s:

100 wines by the glass. Not 100 wines total—100 available by glass simultaneously. This isn’t marketing hyperbole. They use preservation systems keeping opened bottles fresh for weeks.

Want to try cult Napa Cabernet without committing to a $200 bottle? Order a glass for $28. Curious about aged Bordeaux? Same approach. Prefer Oregon Pinot Noir with your filet? They have six options by glass.

This changes steakhouse wine experience fundamentally. Instead of choosing one bottle for the table (compromising between preferences), each diner selects their ideal pairing. You can have Cabernet with ribeye while your partner has Pinot Noir with salmon.

Sommelier education:

Sommeliers at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse Scottsdale provide genuine education about pairings without pretension. They ask your preferences, suggest options at various price points, explain why certain wines complement specific cuts.

Tell them your budget. They’ll recommend within it. They understand most diners aren’t wine experts—they guide discovery rather than show off knowledge.

The “Fleming’s 100” menu changes seasonally, rotating in new selections while keeping proven favorites. Ask what’s new—sommeliers are excited to share recent additions.

The beef program:

USDA Prime exclusively, cooked correctly, served properly. Reliable and consistently executed. Combined with wine program excellence, provides ideal balance between beef and wine.

Fleming’s doesn’t offer Wagyu or in-house aging. They focus on Prime beef, proper technique, and wine pairing. This single-minded focus produces consistent results.

The kitchen uses high-heat broilers and butter-basting technique. Simple, effective, reliable. Nothing revolutionary—just proper steakhouse cooking executed well every time.

Smaller portions available:

Petite filet options (6 oz vs 8 oz) for those wanting steakhouse experience without massive portions. Prime ribeye available in 16 oz or 22 oz cuts. This flexibility saves room for appetizers, sides, and dessert without feeling overstuffed.

Most steakhouses serve only large cuts. Fleming’s recognizes not everyone wants 16 oz of beef. The smaller options cost less too—petite filet runs $38 vs $48 for full size.

What to order: Ask sommelier for 3-4 wines by glass paired with your steak progression. Start with lighter Pinot Noir for appetizers, move to Cabernet with main course. Prime ribeye or New York strip. Mashed potatoes with horseradish (subtle kick balances richness).

Best time to visit: Sunday-Thursday for Prime Accessibility program—three-course menu at $49.95. Same quality, smaller portions, excellent value. Weeknights generally easier to book.

Dress code: Business casual. Comfortable, approachable atmosphere.

Cost: $90-130 per person with wine

Reserve at Fleming’s Now →

Ocean Prime: When Your Group Can’t Agree

ocean prime scottsdale smoking shellfish tower steakhouse
Ocean Prime’s smoking shellfish tower features theatrical dry ice cascading over oysters, king crab, lobster tail, and tuna tartare—serves four as appetizer.

Why Ocean Prime solves group dilemmas:

Half your group wants steak, half wants seafood? Ocean Prime Scottsdale divides attention equally between both. This isn’t a steakhouse with token seafood options, or a seafood restaurant with mediocre steaks. Both programs receive equal investment and attention.

Fresh fish preparations include Chilean sea bass, Faroe Island salmon, Hawaiian ahi tuna—flown in daily. Shellfish towers feature East and West Coast oysters, Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab. Sushi-grade selections rival dedicated Japanese restaurants.

USDA Prime beef prepared correctly satisfies steakhouse expectations. The kitchen uses proper high-heat technique, butter-basting, correct resting. Your ribeye will rival dedicated steakhouses.

The smoking shellfish tower:

Theatrical dry ice smoke effect while keeping shellfish chilled. The presentation is Instagram-worthy—cascading smoke, multi-tiered tower, dramatic lighting. But beyond visual spectacle, quality matches presentation.

The tower includes oysters (6), jumbo shrimp (6), king crab (1/2 lb), lobster tail (split), and tuna tartare. Served with mignonette, cocktail sauce, and horseradish. Generous enough for 4 people as appetizer.

Order this when celebrating—the drama enhances special occasions. Skip it if you want low-key dining.

Desert patio:

Expansive outdoor seating with fire features and mountain views. Request patio November-April when Arizona weather is perfect—70-80°F evenings, low humidity, clear skies.

Summer months (May-October) get hot, but misters and shade keep patio comfortable. Sunset timing creates golden light perfect for photos.

The patio atmosphere differs from interior—more casual, livelier, better for groups. Interior offers quieter, more refined experience.

Who should choose Ocean Prime:

  • Groups mixing steak and seafood preferences without compromise
  • Those wanting theatrical presentations and Instagram moments
  • Business entertaining requiring impressive setting and versatility
  • Diners who can’t decide between steakhouse and seafood restaurant
  • Special occasions where drama enhances celebration

What to order: Smoking Shellfish Tower to start (order when seated—20 minute prep). Mix steaks and seafood for mains—ribeye for one person, Chilean sea bass for another. Patio seating for atmosphere (weather permitting).

Best time to visit: Happy hour (4-7 PM weekdays) offers bar menu with reduced prices. Weeknight dinners easier to book. Request patio in cooler months.

Dress code: Upscale casual. Nice jeans acceptable.

Cost: $100-140 per person with wine

Reserve at Ocean Prime Now →

Which Scottsdale Steakhouse Should You Choose?

Not sure which steakhouse in Scottsdale matches your priorities? Here’s our quick guide:

🥩 Choose Steak 44 If You Want:

  • Best beef craft: In-house dry-aging, multiple programs, genuine expertise
  • Cutting-edge approach: Modern steakhouse pushing boundaries
  • Special occasions: When you want the absolute best
  • Wine program: Curated selection by knowledgeable sommeliers
  • Premium experience: Scottsdale’s most sought-after reservation
Reserve at Steak 44 Now →

🍷 Choose Dominick’s If You Want:

  • Traditional experience: Tableside service, old-school atmosphere
  • Classic preparations: No “deconstructed” anything
  • Business dinners: Formal setting, professional service
  • Timeless elegance: Mid-century supper club vibe
  • Consistency: Decades of proven excellence
Book Dominick’s Today →

🎵 Choose Mastro’s If You Want:

  • Consistency: Reliable execution visit after visit
  • Energy: Live music, vibrant atmosphere
  • Signature experience: That famous butter cake
  • See-and-be-seen: Social steakhouse scene
  • Upscale chain reliability: Quality you can trust
Get Mastro’s Reservation →

🍇 Choose Fleming’s If You Want:

  • Wine focus: 100 wines by glass, sommelier education
  • Value: Quality at slightly lower price point
  • Flexibility: Smaller portion options available
  • Approachable luxury: Upscale without intimidation
  • Reliability: Consistent quality across locations
Reserve Fleming’s Now →

🦞 Choose Ocean Prime If You Want:

  • Versatility: Steak and seafood equally strong
  • Group dining: When preferences vary
  • Theatrical presentations: Impressive visuals with quality
  • Modern sophistication: Contemporary upscale vibe
  • Smoking shellfish tower: Instagram-worthy signature dish
Book Ocean Prime Today →

Comparing Scottsdale’s Best Steakhouses

Steakhouse Why Visit Average Price Reserve
Steak 44 Modern craft beef experience Energetic vibe, dry-aged ribeye, perfect for enthusiasts $130-170 $130-170 Book Now →
Dominick’s Classic old-school elegance Formal atmosphere, tableside Caesar, for traditionalists $110-150 $110-150 Book Now →
Mastro’s Reliable upscale dining Lively energy, famous butter cake, consistent quality $110-145 $110-145 Book Now →
Fleming’s Wine-focused experience Approachable setting, 100 wines by glass, best for oenophiles $90-130 $90-130 Book Now →
Ocean Prime Surf & turf showstopper Theatrical presentation, smoking shellfish, mixed groups $100-140 $100-140 Book Now →

Understanding Beef at Scottsdale Steakhouses

USDA Prime is baseline at quality steakhouses—top 2% of U.S. beef with significant marbling. The USDA grades beef based on marbling (intramuscular fat) and age. Prime represents the highest grade available commercially.

What makes Prime different from Choice (the grade below)? Marbling creates tenderness, flavor, and that buttery texture characteristic of premium steakhouse beef. Prime cattle come from specific breeds (Angus primarily) with genetic predisposition for marbling.

Dry-aged beef (28-45 days) develops concentrated, funky flavors through controlled decomposition. Enzymes break down muscle tissue, tenderizing meat. Moisture evaporates, concentrating beefiness. Surface mold (trimmed before serving) adds complex, nutty notes.

Texture becomes firmer—not tough, but with more “tooth” than wet-aged beef. Flavor intensifies, developing almost cheese-like complexity. Not everyone enjoys dry-aged beef—the funkiness can be off-putting if you prefer clean beef flavor.

Start small before committing to large dry-aged cuts. Order 6 oz filet or ask if kitchen will sell you a 4 oz sample. If you love it, return for the full 16 oz ribeye experience.

American Wagyu bridges excellent American beef and exotic Japanese beef. Produced by crossbreeding Japanese Wagyu cattle with American breeds (usually Angus), creating hybrid genetics.

The result: more marbling than Prime, less than Japanese A5. Richer, more buttery texture than conventional beef. Still recognizably “steak” unlike A5’s extreme richness.

Expect to add $15-30 per cut over equivalent Prime selection. Worth trying if you’re curious about Wagyu without committing to A5 prices.

Japanese A5 Wagyu is occasional splurge territory. The “A5” grade indicates highest quality in Japanese system—A grade for yield, 5 rating for marbling, color, firmness, and fat quality.

Extreme intramuscular fat creates melt-in-mouth texture. Some describe it as “beef butter”—accurate description. The richness overwhelms in large portions. Order 2-4 oz servings only.

Expect $50-80+ per ounce. A 4 oz portion runs $200-320. Order this once to experience it, then return to Prime or American Wagyu for regular dining. Most people find A5 too rich for full entrée.

Insider Tips for Scottsdale Steakhouse Dining

Reservation timing:

  • Weekend dinners: Book 2-3 weeks ahead for Steak 44, Dominick’s. Peak times (7-8 PM) fill first. Request 6 PM or 9 PM for better availability.
  • Weeknight dinners: 3-7 days usually sufficient. Tuesday-Thursday easiest. Monday surprisingly busy (people extending weekends).
  • Holiday periods: Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, New Year’s Eve book 4-6 weeks ahead. Some restaurants offer special menus (prix fixe) on holidays.
  • Walk-ins: Bar areas often accept walk-ins with full menu access. Arrive 5-6 PM or after 9 PM for best chance.

What to order:

  • First-timers: Prime ribeye or New York strip, medium-rare. These cuts showcase steakhouse capability. Classic sides—creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, or mac and cheese.
  • Experienced diners: Explore dry-aged options at Steak 44 or Dominick’s. Try American Wagyu if available. Order rare or medium-rare—higher quality beef benefits from less cooking.
  • Groups: Order variety family-style. Share multiple cuts (ribeye, filet, strip), multiple sides. This lets everyone taste different preparations without committing to single choice.
  • Temperature guide: Rare (120-125°F) for maximum beefiness. Medium-rare (130-135°F) for balance. Medium (135-145°F) if you prefer less red. Never order well-done at premium steakhouse—you’re wasting money on quality you can’t taste.

Wine pairing:

  • Big Cabernets (Napa, Bordeaux) match prime beef richness. The tannins cut through fat, the fruit complements char. Classic pairing for good reason.
  • Malbecs provide fruit-forward, better-value alternative. Argentine Malbecs offer similar structure to Cabernet at lower price point. Good choice if you find Cabernet too tannic.
  • Zinfandel works with dry-aged beef. The jamminess complements funky aged flavors.
  • Pinot Noir pairs with filet mignon. Lighter body matches leaner cut. Oregon or Burgundy Pinots work well.
  • Trust your sommelier—describe usual preferences and budget. They’ll guide you to appropriate selections without upselling.

Cost management:

  • Conservative: $90-110 per person. Choose Fleming’s, order moderately, share sides, skip appetizers, order wine by glass.
  • Typical dinner: $120-150 per person. Appetizer, entrée, shared sides, bottle of wine (mid-range), dessert.
  • Special occasion: $180+ per person. Full progression—appetizers, premium cuts (Wagyu, dry-aged), expensive wine, multiple sides, dessert, cocktails.
  • Hidden costs: Tax (8.6% in Scottsdale), tip (20% standard for good service), valet parking ($8-15), cocktails ($16-22 each).

Dress code reality:

All five restaurants listed accept “upscale casual” attire. What does this mean?

  • Acceptable: Nice jeans (dark wash, no holes), button-down shirt, dress shoes or clean sneakers
  • Better: Slacks, collared shirt, dress shoes
  • Ideal: Sport coat (not required), dress pants, dress shoes
  • Unacceptable: Athletic wear, shorts, flip-flops, tank tops, baseball caps

Dominick’s skews most formal. Steak 44 and Ocean Prime more relaxed. Fleming’s and Mastro’s in between.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scottsdale Steakhouses

What is the best steakhouse in Scottsdale?

Steak 44 tops most lists for in-house dry-aging and multiple beef programs. However, “best” depends on priorities—Dominick’s excels at traditional service, Fleming’s at wine pairing, Mastro’s at consistency. Choose based on what matters most to your dining experience.

How much should I expect to spend at a Scottsdale steakhouse?

Plan $90-170 per person depending on restaurant and selections. Fleming’s runs most affordable ($90-130), Steak 44 most expensive ($130-170). This includes appetizer, entrée, side, dessert, and wine. Add 20% tip and 8.6% tax to final bill.

Do I need reservations for Scottsdale steakhouses?

Yes for weekend dinners and prime times (7-8 PM). Book 2-3 weeks ahead for Steak 44 and Dominick’s on weekends. Weeknight dining more flexible—3-7 days sufficient. Bar areas sometimes accept walk-ins with full menu access.

What’s the difference between USDA Prime and Wagyu beef?

USDA Prime is top 2% of American beef, graded on marbling. Wagyu refers to Japanese cattle breeds with extreme marbling genetics. American Wagyu crosses Japanese and American cattle. Japanese A5 Wagyu is highest grade—significantly more marbled and expensive than Prime. Prime offers classic steakhouse flavor, Wagyu provides buttery richness.

Is dry-aged beef worth the extra cost?

If you enjoy funky, concentrated beef flavor, yes. Dry-aging develops complex, almost cheese-like notes through controlled decomposition. Not everyone appreciates the flavor—it’s more intense than conventional aged beef. Try small portion first before committing to large dry-aged cut.

What steakhouse has the best atmosphere in Scottsdale?

Depends on preference. Dominick’s offers classic, formal atmosphere with white tablecloths and traditional service. Mastro’s provides energy with live music. Steak 44 delivers modern, upscale vibe. Ocean Prime features impressive patio with mountain views. Choose based on occasion and desired ambiance.

Can I get good seafood at Scottsdale steakhouses?

Ocean Prime and Steak 44 both offer excellent seafood programs. Ocean Prime divides focus equally between steak and seafood. Steak 44 features raw bar with East/West Coast oysters and daily fresh fish. Other steakhouses offer seafood but focus primarily on beef.

Which Scottsdale steakhouse is best for special occasions?

Steak 44 for ultimate quality and craft. Dominick’s for traditional elegance and tableside service. Ocean Prime for impressive presentations (smoking shellfish tower). All three handle special occasions well—choose based on guest preferences and desired atmosphere.

What wine should I order with my steak?

California Cabernet Sauvignon is classic pairing—tannins cut through fat, fruit complements char. Malbec offers fruit-forward alternative at lower price. Pinot Noir works with leaner cuts like filet. Trust your sommelier’s recommendations—describe preferences and budget, they’ll guide appropriate selection.

Are Scottsdale steakhouses worth the high prices?

If you value quality beef, proper preparation, and professional service, yes. Top Scottsdale steakhouses source premium beef (top 2%), employ skilled butchers and chefs, maintain extensive wine programs, and provide service impossible at chains. You’re paying for craft and consistency. Skip steakhouses if you can’t taste difference between Prime and Choice beef—save money elsewhere.

Plan Your Complete Scottsdale Dining Experience

The best steakhouses in Scottsdale deliver experiences justifying premium pricing—combining quality ingredients, genuine craft, and professional execution impossible at chains.

Whether you’re seeking in-house dry-aging programs at Steak 44, traditional tableside service at Dominick’s, reliable excellence at Mastro’s, wine-focused dining at Fleming’s, or versatile steak-and-seafood at Ocean Prime—Scottsdale’s steakhouse scene offers exceptional options for every preference and occasion.

Ready to book? Most top Scottsdale steakhouses use OpenTable for easy reservations with instant confirmation. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekend prime times.

The best tables fill up fast. Don’t miss out on Arizona’s finest steakhouses.

Choose Your Steakhouse Now →

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Last updated: November 2025

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