There are a seemingly endless number of unique Scottsdale restaurants. In fact, you’ll find more than 800 restaurants across the city, many of which are independently owned.
I’ve eaten my way through Scottsdale multiple times and am always amazed at the sheer number of restaurants with absolutely delicious food. There are usually a few food duds when I travel, but Scottsdale’s hit rate is almost 100%.
Given the number of great places to eat in Scottsdale, hopefully you find comfort in knowing there’s no wrong answer. But I know it can be overwhelming to wade through endless “best of” lists to make a decision.
Since I’m a food travel writer, I thought it’d be helpful to share my favorite unique Scottsdale restaurants. You know what I mean…the ones that have a great story, photo-worthy ambiance, or other creative quirk that’s bound to leave an impression.
So buckle up and get ready to eat at some of the most unique restaurants in Scottsdale, Arizona!
This article is sponsored by Experience Scottsdale. They hosted me on a trip and helped create an itinerary of restaurants to visit. However, only places I enjoyed or discovered on my own ended up in this article. Thanks for supporting the brands that support me in keeping this site running!
Unique Scottsdale Restaurants
Save this to Pinterest for later, as I’ll add more unique restaurants in Scottsdale to this list as I discover them.
The Thumb
website | 9393 E Bell Rd (get directions) | cuisine: BBQ | best for: hearty eats to fuel a hike
This hidden gem is located north of downtown Scottsdale near McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a popular spot for hiking. Most tourists don’t make it here, but that’s a shame because they’re making exceptional barbecue. In fact, it’s so good that they were featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
What makes it unique
One reason many visitors don’t think to come here is because it’s inside a gas station. However, this is the fanciest gas station you’re likely to see in the US. It’s super clean, air conditioned, and has a bunch of great gifts.
Many people stick their nose up at gas station food, but The Thumb takes barbecue seriously. For example, they dry rub their brisket for 24 hours before putting it in the slow cooker for more than 15 hours. So if you love fall-apart-tender meat with that quintessential smoke ring, don’t miss this unique restaurant in Scottsdale.
What to order
The brisket is a must, and I especially love it in Tom’s Brisket Stack only available for breakfast until 11 am. It comes with sliced brisket on top of a hash brown with green onions, chipotle aioli, and an over easy egg. You’ll also get their tangy barbecue sauce on the side.
Pro tip: Order the brisket “moist” to get a fattier, more flavorful cut.
Hash Kitchen
website | two Scottsdale locations: Gainey Ranch (get directions) & North Scottsdale (get directions) | cuisine: American | best for: hearty brunch & clubby vibes
Friends, this may be one of the funnet places I’ve ever eaten. Hash Kitchen is an all day, all week brunch and lunch spot serving up bumpin’ tunes, fun drinks, and party vibes. Scottsdale is the most popular US destination for bachelorette parties, so it’s not uncommon to see a few parties celebrating the bride at Hash Kitchen.
What makes it unique
The DJ. No really, there’s a DJ playing club music that makes this place so fun. But if the possibility of hearing throwback dance jams from the 2000s isn’t enough of a draw, maybe the 50+ topping DIY Bloody Mary bar or Instagrammable mimosa flights will convince you.
What to order
The DIY Bloody Mary and mimosa flights are a must if you imbibe in both of these beverages. The Bloody Mary bar has so many creative pickles and toppings just begging to be part of your drink.
I’m unfortunately one of those poor souls who gags on tomato juice, so I stuck to the colorful mimosa flight with an added glitter bomb to up the photo factor. All of them were so good, but my favorite was the blueberry mimosa because it tasted like a wine cooler. I also loved the cotton candy in the strawberry mimosa because it was denser than normal and, as a result, more flavorful.
Food wise, don’t miss the hashes. Our waiter recommended The Best F#*%ing Birria Hash, but we got the Huevos Ranchero Hash because it had the same beef but those quintessential Southwest flavors of avocado, chipotle, and queso fresco that we love. It didn’t disappoint.
Lastly, you should also order the fried chicken Benedict. It comes on two buttermilk biscuit topped with fried leeks, warm maple reduction, and a hollandaise. I’d never had fried chicken on a benny before, but now I’m questioning why more places don’t offer it!
Pro tip: Hash Kitchen is popular, so join their waitlist ahead of time!
The Mission
website | two Scottsdale locations: Old Town (get directions) & Kierland (get directions) | cuisine: Latin American | best for: chef-driven interpretations of Latin classics
The Mission’s original location is right in Old Town Scottsdale, so it’s the perfect spot to take a break from the heat. Its name is inspired by the historic Old Adobe Mission church, with which it shares a building.
The restaurant is run by revered local Chef Matt Carter who also owns Zinc Bistro and Fat Ox. Given the popularity of his establishments, you can feel confident he’s able to create some of the most unique Scottsdale restaurants.
Many people wrongly assume The Mission is a Mexican restaurant, but in fact they represent cuisine from all areas of Latin America. That means you’ll find dishes you likely haven’t had before if you’re not Latin American yourself.
What makes it unique
People not familiar with Latin cuisine often envision down-home cooking featuring comfort food classics. This Mission is upending that assumption by using chef-driven techniques to create beautifully-plated dishes fitting of a white tablecloth establishment.
Yet you won’t find any stuffiness at The Mission. The staff is warm and the drinks strong, so it fits right into Scottsdale’s more laid-back vibe.
What to order
The Mission Guacamole is a must. They don’t reveal this on the menu, but they actually prepare it table side so it’s super fresh. I’ve only ever made guac with jalapeño, salt, lime, and cilantro, but The Mission’s version also has chipotle puree, tomatoes, cotija cheese, and toasted pepitas. After trying it, I’m forever converted to adding pumpkin seeds to my guac!
Another standout is the Beef Anticuchos. This Bolivian skewer dish has a beautiful caramelization on the meat and is served with glistening dollops of chimichurri.
I also loved the Roasted Pork Shoulder Tacos served on hand-pressed corn tortillas. They’re tiny, but the meat is so tender and you can really taste the pineapple in the marinade.
Lastly, don’t sleep on the sides. The Chipotle Grits and Green Chile Pinto Beans were especially good. Both use rather humble ingredients but present flavors I never knew possible from beans and grits.
Pro tip: The Mission gets crowded for both lunch and dinner, so consider making a reservation.
FnB Restaurant
website | 7125 E 5th Ave, #31 (get directions) | cuisine: American | best for: award-winning, farm-to-table fare
FnB Restaurant stands for food and beverage. This may not seem novel, but that simplicity speaks deeply to their ethos: take the best ingredients Arizona has to offer and let them shine.
This thoughtful approach has earned FnB Restaurant countless accolades, including a James Beard Award and mentions in just about every national food publication you can name. In fact, I read about this place years ago before my first trip to Arizona and specifically requested it be on my itinerary when working with Experience Scottsdale.
Chef Charleen Badman and Front of House Manager and Beverage Director Pavle Milic are the brains behind FnB. Charleen handles the kitchen and is known as “the veggie whisperer” given her ability to elevate even the most polarizing produce into a dish deserving of awards.
What makes it unique
Many people think of barren desert when they think of Arizona, but FnB is showcasing the agricultural diversity of the state on their menu. This mentality also extends to their wine list.
Pavle helped FnB become the first restaurant to curate a wine list 100% produced in Arizona, which earned FnB a James Beard nomination for “Outstanding Beverage Program”. In fact, he owns Los Milics Vineyards in southeastern Arizona, which is a collaboration with noted Arizona winemakers Kelly and Todd Bostock of Dos Cabezas Wineworks.
What to order
The menu changes with the season, but you should focus on anything vegetable forward. When I went, I had a life-changing snap pea salad and fennel salad with shrimp.
You also don’t want to skip trying Los Milics’ wine and any other Arizona producer that catches your eye. I particularly loved the Los Milics Ita’s Rosé 2021 wine I tried. It was bright and acidic, with a taste of fresh strawberries and a dry zippy finish.
Pro tip: Definitely make a reservation in advance. Also, the restaurant is tucked in a courtyard off the street, so it can be a bit difficult to find.
Chula Seafood
website | two Scottsdale locations: South Scottsdale (get directions) & Grayhawk (get directions) | cuisine: Hawaiian | best for: seriously fresh poke
You may not think of “seafood” when you think of Arizona, but Chula Seafood is making some of the best poke I’ve had in the US mainland. You can also find other classic seaside dishes like fish tacos, clam chowder, and fish & chips, so it’s the perfect place to grab coastal fare when the craving hits.
What makes it unique
Chula Seafood is one of the most unique Scottsdale restaurants because they own their food supply from start to finish. They sustainably fish off the California coast near their wholesale fishery headquarters in San Diego County. Since they’re fishermen first, they’re able to build relationships with other reputable fish purveyors to source seafood all along the Pacific coast.
If you’re curious about the connection between San Diego and Arizona, it all has to do with family. The Heflin Family was raised in Arizona, but moved to California. Founder Jim is still in SoCal running the wholesale business while his son, Jon, runs the restaurants in Arizona.
What to order
Definitely get a poke bowl. It’s the best way to experience the freshness of Chula’s fish. The Sweet & Sour Poke Bowl is especially interesting thanks to the addition of smoked pineapple and red peppers.
Citizen Public House
website | 7111 E 5th Ave (get directions) | cuisine: American | best for: elevated takes on comfort food
Citizen Public House is an unexpected gem in Old Town Scottsdale. The name conjures up the image of a casual beer hall, but in actuality it’s a fancier spot creating chef-y versions of dishes most of our parents served when we were growing up.
What makes it unique
Citizen Public House perfectly balances the line between fancy and playful. It’s fancy because of the white tablecloths, dim lights, and French cooking techniques. But it’s also casual thanks to the lively conversation filling the room and the whimsical flair in their dishes.
For example, they break down the classic pastrami sandwich into a pork belly dish with rye spaetzel and a heavy dose of mustard seed. You’ll also find the classic pretzel and beer combo, but turned into a fondue and elevated with pears.
What to order
Don’t miss their famous Original Chopped Salad. It’s mixed table side and features a dizzying array of ingredients that don’t seem to go together: smoked salmon, couscous, pepitas, asiago cheese, currants, corn, and more. However everything just works because it creates the perfect balance of textures and taste.
I also love the Amaro Meatloaf. It’s huge and served with both a demi glace and porcini cream drizzled over top. My mom made meatloaf growing up and, don’t tell her, but this rivals her version.
Lastly, the Bacon Fat Popcorn is a great starter. It has chunks of candied bacon, which will leave you wondering why we don’t always put succulent pieces of pork in our everyday movie theater snack.
HULA’s Modern Tiki
website | Scottsdale location: 7213 E 1st Ave (get directions) | cuisine: Hawaiian | best for: island comfort food and fun cocktails
A lot of you know I visit Maui regularly, so I’m a sucker for Hawaiian vibes. HULA’s brings diners back to the 50s and 60s with fun tiki-inspired decor and drinks. I unfortunately didn’t have a chance to order food here, but you’ll also find a large menu of classic dishes like poke, luau pork, and my beloved loco moco.
What makes it unique
HULA’s has a ton of different tiki drinks with unique glassware and ingredients. For example, many of the drinks mix different kinds of rums to get a unique balance of flavors unlike that of your typical rum cocktail. You can even add on a dark rum float to some drinks, which is a layer of froth to make your drink start with a really fun texture.
What to order
I really enjoyed the Dr. Funk cocktail with coconut rum, vodka, crème de banana, coconut, pineapple, and orange juices. You can also add a dark rum float on this drink!
Růže Cake House
website | 7030 E Main St (get directions) | cuisine: dessert | best for: Instagrammable sweet treats
Růže Cake House is a sweet little pastry shop in Old Town Scottsdale. You can find colorful macarons and boba tea, or hire them to create a custom cake.
What makes it unique
Růže is a mother/daughter collaboration founded on the principle that local and sustainable ingredients make better tasting cakes. As a result, all of their honey, citrus, and milk is sourced at the Scottsdale Farmers Market each week.
In addition, Růže has a super Instagrammable aesthetic. The whole shop is white with a ton of plants and a neon sign perfect for photos. All of the macarons are gorgeous and many come in wild flavors like cactus prickly pear, french fry milkshake, and circus animal cookie dough.
What to order
Don’t miss the boba tea. It comes with cotton candy and you can get it with or without pearls. I got a prickly pear rose tea sans pearls and got so many compliments as I walked around Old Town with it.
Růže is also best known for their macarons, so grab a few that catch your eye. If it’s available, don’t miss the Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough macaron.
Schmooze
website | 4222 N Marshall Wy (get directions) | cuisine: American | best for: coffee and patio vibes
Schmooze is a fun work space meets coffee shop and bar in Old Town Scottsdale. It was founded by a real estate firm that wanted a co-working space where the agents could “schmooze” clients, hence its name and the motivation to make sure this place impresses. In fact, owner and restaurateur Chef Tony Hamati is known as the “King Schmoozer” renowned for putting metro-Phoenix on the map as a top culinary destination.
What makes it unique
You’ll find one of the largest patios in Scottsdale at Schmooze. It looks like a garden oasis with lush landscaping and a fountain. Plus there’s plenty of shade and misters to keep you cool.
Another thing that makes Schmooze unique is the fact that you can order a full breakfast beyond the typical grab-and-go options at other coffee shops. So come hungry!
What to order
Schmooze has a robust food menu that I didn’t get to try, but definitely get coffee. They serve a mean cup!
Sphinx Date Co. Palm & Pantry
website | 3039 N Scottsdale Rd (get directions) | cuisine: desserts | best for: date shakes
You may wonder why a date gift shop belongs on a list of unique Scottsdale restaurants, but what most people don’t realize is that they make excellent treats perfect for finishing off a meal.
What makes it unique
Sphinx Date Co. has a long history of date production. The founders discovered Black Sphinx date trees in someone’s front yard in 1928. This varietal produces better quality dates than what people were used to, so they started farming more to introduce them to consumers.
The company has been successful since then, even though the farm dwindled due to finances and changes in ownership over the years. Sphinx Date Co. finally passed hands to the current owners in 2012, a mother-daughter duo named Sharyn and Rebecca Seitz. They work directly with farmers in Yuma, Arizona to create dates worthy of gifts and your own kitchen. You’ll also find a ton of other locally-produced gifts in their shop.
What to order
The date shake is a must. It’s not too sweet, but rather has the natural sweetness from the locally-grown dates.
Farm & Craft
website | 4302 N Scottsdale Rd (get directions) | cuisine: American | best for: quick and healthy farm-to-table eats, especially for those with allergies
Farm & Craft is a casual and fun Scottsdale restaurant focused on sustainable and healthy food. Plus their gluten-free, organic, and hormone-free ingredients are perfect for people with dietary requirements.
What makes it unique
You often have two options when dining out. The first is going somewhere with a lot of belly bombs that can make you feel bloated the next day. Your other option is a restaurant that goes to extremes in order to promote health (or in many cases, fatphobia and diet culture).
Farm & Craft strikes a balance offering healthy food, but in a relaxed atmosphere that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The menu has ingredients you’d find on a farm and in most produce aisle. No fancy powders, proteins, or tinctures here. Just ingredients you can pronounce!
What to order
Don’t miss the Farro Mac and Cheese. It’s chewy thanks to the farro, but has that quintessential creaminess from the comfort food classic.
Keep the farro theme going with the AZ Bowl. It has farro, sweet potato, corn, black beans, creamy cilantro jalapeño slaw, avocado and the most addictive tomatillo salsa.
The Herb Box
website | two Scottsdale locations: Shea (get directions) & Downtown (get directions) | cuisine: American | best for: comforting breakfast classics
The Herb Box is a casual, female-owned restaurant that aims to be crowd pleasing. Whether that’s by hosting events for large parties or creating comforting classics like burgers, steak and eggs, or BLTs, they have something for everyone.
What makes it unique
The Herb Box actually started nearly 30 years ago as a catering company focusing on feeding people “good, nutritious whole foods that taste awesome.” As a result it’s a go-to spot for locals for innovative dishes and comfortable ambiance.
Both of The Herb Box’s locations have a large space that looks like someone’s home, so it’s a great spot to feel like you’re at a dinner party. I especially like the outdoor situation at the Shea location. You’ll find a ton of space, corn hole, misters, umbrellas, and tables that give a fun backyard party vibe.
What to order
I went to The Herb Box for brunch and enjoyed their Chilaquiles. The egg was perfectly runny and cut beautifully into the zippy tomatillo salsa.
More to eat in Scottsdale
My list of places to eat in Scottsdale is huge. Here’s the map I keep of all the places I want to visit on future trips to Arizona. Use it to get more ideas of unique Scottsdale restaurants!
Other areas to explore in Arizona
After you plot out which unique Scottsdale restaurants to visit, fill the rest of your itinerary with the help of my other travel guides.
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