guide is dining on the patio. You’ll be surrounded by delicate vines cascading over railings, lovely fountains, and inviting and cushy couches—the perfect backdrop for a lazy weekend nosh. 7137 E. Rancho Vista Drive, Scottsdale; 480.621.6339; www.metropolisaz.com; $$ TOM’S THUMB FRESH MARKET An artisan market, car wash, wine bar and bbq joint all in one place? Tom’s Thumb Fresh Market is a one-stop-shop for all the things you didn’t know you needed. Enjoy their Brisket Sandwich or a half rack of St. Louis Ribs while you get your car washed and detailed. Make sure you don’t leave without picking up a unique gift, all at this eclectic and charming spot. Not many places in the Valley can boast such conveniences all in one spot! 9393 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale; 480.513.8186; www.tomsthumbfreshmarket.com; $$
ASIAN
ARI SUSHI Ari Sushi offers a variety of Japanese dishes that will please the tastes of everyone in your party, from sushi to teriyaki. Using only the freshest ingredients available and an artful touch, your dishes will arrive to your table with a beautiful presentation—and will taste as good as they look. Besides excellent dinner options, they offer three rolls for $13 at lunchtime. Don’t miss out on the Spicy Garlic Edamame, which is a really fun twist on the traditional offering. 29605 N. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek; 480.585.9709; www.arisushiandgrill.com; $$ FOOSIA Love Asian food but find that there are dishes that you wish had a little more of this or a little less of that? Foosia is a fast-casual concept that allows diners to create their own masterpiece with their choice of any of the 25 ingredients offered. Their house made sauces add a little excitement to your noodle or rice bowl. Combine crispy tofu, wok glazed veggies, and the Foo Foo Mango-Lime sauce with your choice of toppings and you have an exciting, fresh and fun option for dinner. 13610 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.389.1520; www.foosiafresh.com; $ GEISHA A GO GO Looking for a date night with all the flash and flair of an anime cartoon? Geisha A Go Go should be your go-to. From the Japanese video games to the Karaoke rooms, this place is a party just waiting for your arrival. Geisha is host to an impressive and lively happy hour. The vibe here is young and a little rowdy. Along with the eclectic sushi offerings, they also boast infused sakes, with the flavors on a rotation. Don’t leave without ordering the Hello Kitty. 7150 E. 6th Ave., Scottsdale, 480.699.0055, www.geishaagogo.com; $$ HIRO SUSHI What Hiro Sushi lacks in bells and whistles it makes up for in fresh seafood and bold flavors. This local secret is a foodie favorite based on its great service and highly talented sushi chefs. Grab a spot at the highly coveted sushi bar and enjoy the show. The sushi chefs will entertain you with their skill as well as their keen sense of humor. The Sushi Dinner is your best introduction to their menu and abilities. 9393 N. 90th St., Scottsdale, 480.314.4215, www.hirosushiaz.com; $$
INCHIN BAMBOO GARDEN The cuisine here is a blend of Indian and Chinese, and the fusion results in an exciting and flavorful blend. The space is adorned with antiques and treasures from Beijing to Shanghai. The comprehensive menu features a mix of standard and vegetarian options. The tableside sauces allow you the option of kicking up the spice level if desired. 10050 N. Scottsdale Road, Paradise Valley; 480.306.6883; www.bamboo-gardens.com; $$ LING & LOUIE’S ASIAN BAR AND GRILL What happens when a native of Shanghai and an all-American guy from Ohio fall in love and create a restaurant? Ling & Louie’s happens. The restaurant serves up an edgy and affordable experience that will please a variety of diners. The energetic atmosphere and the easily-navigated menu guarantee that no dinner here will be boring. 9397 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.767.5464; www. scottsdale.lingandlouies.com; $$
FRENCH
BISTRO DU LAC Bistro du Lac (or “Bistro on the Lake”) is a French bistro and bakery owned by long time French-born friends. Open for lunch and dinner daily, as well as brunch on the weekends, you’ll want to stop in for everything from the crepes and quiche to the traditional Bouillabaisse and Filet Mingnon de Boeuf. The market and bakery offers such treats as croissants, cakes and macarons. 8320 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.203.2075; www.bistrodulacaz.com; $$-$$$
ITALIAN
ALBERTO ITALIAN RESTAURANT On any given day you can find Albert, the restaurant’s namesake, entertaining tables or in the back preparing pasta and sauces from scratch. The fresh-made bread, served with an array of dips and olive oil, is a great way to start your meal. Their Artichoke Salad is a creative take on the traditional salad. For an interesting take on a Fettuccine Alfredo, opt for the Fettuccine Alberto, which is served with a cheesy tomato sauce that’s so comforting it feels like you’re being wrapped in blanket of delicious love. 7171 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek; 480.488.5800; $$ BOTTLED BLONDE PIZZA & BEER GARDEN As one of the newer spots in town looking to meld great food and nightlife, Bottled Blonde features a contemporary Italian menu, as well as a relaxing beer garden, creating an environment for having a great night while getting to know your dining neighbors. You’ll find a varied menu of pizza, pasta, sandwiches and salads. Give the Burrata a try to start; it’s served with marinated tomato along with an unexpected salsa verde saba on grilled focaccia. The Forager Pizza is an earthy combination of roasted mushrooms, potato gouda and rosemary. 7340 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale; 480.970.1112; www.bottledblondeaz.com; $$ FORNO FABBRI 1949 This Italian bakery has been using the same craft cooking method and family recipes since 1949—and there’s a reason why. Stop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and we guarantee you won’t be disappointed. From breakfast dishes to pizza to paninis to entrées, they offer everything. There are also cheese tasting SO SCOTTSDALE! |
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plates, salumi tasting plates, and more. The casual atmosphere allows for an easygoing dining experience, whether you are popping in for a quick nosh, or if you are wandering about town with a hungry family. 8977 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.907.5202; www.pomopizzeria.com; $-$$ LA FONTANA TRATTORIA-PIZZERIA This Italian eatery is garnering a lot of praise for providing an authentic European feel. With their house-made pastas, exquisite sauces, personable service and approachable prices, the praise is sure to keep coming in. A firsttry dish includes the Capellini Alla Checca, a simple-seeming dish, but with the proper ingredients and preparation the flavors sing in perfect delicious harmony. 8018 E. Thomas Road, Scottsdale; 480.947.5100; $$ NICK’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT For more than 18 years, Nick’s has been creating happy diners with its homemade pasta, pizza and seafood dishes. One local favorite is their Veal Marsala; the tender meat is not overpowered with a heavy tart sauce. The light wine-based sauce allows the depth of flavor to complement the veal. Pasta options are seemingly endless, and they also have an extensive gluten-free menu, creating the perfect local spot to share a meal with the whole family. 13910 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.314.9445; 23417 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale; 480.515.0096; and 10810 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix; 602.953.1110; www. nicks-italian.com; $$ POMO PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA This is the only restaurant locally to offer a truly authentic Neapolitan Pizza. In fact, the pizza is certified by the V.P.N. Verace Pizza Napoletana and the A.P.N. Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani from Italy. In addition to authentic Italian pizzas— which are all homemade, of course—Pomo offers salads, soups, pastas and paninis. The tradition does not stop here with the cooking methods; the service is very friendly and welcoming. 8977 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.998.1366; www.pomopizzeria.com; $ TIRAMISU RISTORANTE Charming and romantic, Tiramisu offers a legitimate Italian experience. Open since 1991, you’ll find this family-run restaurant creating exciting and comforting dishes with the freshest possible ingredients. The dining room is very intimate, so reservations are a must. Their Ravioli Mandorle & Crema is an exciting take on ravioli, served in a cream sauce with almonds and cranberries. 10435 N. Scottsdale Road, Paradise Valley; www.tiramisuristorante.biz; $$
MEDITERRANEAN
PARS PERSIAN CUISINE If you are looking for authentic Persian food you can’t do any better than Pars Persian Cuisine. Their Chicken Sultani is tender and juicy from their secret marinade. And, they have a vegetarian Dolmeh entrée that could make you forget all about meat! Make sure to take a little food home (which will not be hard to do with the generous servings) so that you have room for their Persian Ice Cream Sandwiches. Enjoy the art on the walls? You’ll find some great pieces for sale here, as well. 11144 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.551.3222; www.parspersiancuisine.com; $$
| JULY 2015
6/22/15 12:47 PM