City Guide: Scottsdale

Scottsdale blends desert landscape with a more refined, resort-driven lifestyle. Just outside of Phoenix, it’s known for its warm climate, expansive views, and an easy pace that revolves around being outdoors. The city moves between early mornings, long afternoons, and evenings that stretch out over dinner and drinks.
The history of Scottsdale is rooted in both Native American heritage and Western expansion. The area has long been home to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, whose presence still shapes the region today. In the late 1800s, Scottsdale developed as an agricultural community before gradually evolving into a destination for artists, ranchers, and travelers drawn to the desert landscape. You can still see that influence in parts of Old Town Scottsdale, where Western storefronts, art galleries, and historic buildings sit alongside newer, more modern spaces.

Culturally, Scottsdale maintains a strong connection to art and design. The city leans into that identity, with a steady mix of galleries, public art, and architectural influence—especially from Frank Lloyd Wright, whose nearby desert campus, Taliesin West, reflects a deep connection between structure and landscape. That perspective carries through everything from hotels to restaurants, where design plays a central role.

The pace of life is shaped by the desert itself. Hiking in areas like Camelback Mountain or McDowell Sonoran Preserve, early morning walks, and afternoons spent by the pool are all part of the routine. Even within the city, there’s a consistent connection to light, space, and the surrounding environment.

Food in Scottsdale reflects a mix of Southwestern flavors, modern American dining, and a growing influence from California-style cuisine. You’ll find everything from elevated Mexican dishes and wood-fired cooking to lighter, health-focused menus. Meals tend to be social and drawn out—often starting casually and extending well into the evening.

Ali, Olivia, and I had never been to Scottsdale, and we were excited to dive in! We took a bike ride around Old Town Scottsdale and made sure to get some delicious snacks along the way. Most of our dinners ended up being in Old Town and the area hosted many small art galleries and boutiques. Old Town is a great place to start your trip when you touch-down as it has so much Arizona character and you won’t run out of things to do or see there. Some of the highlights of this trip were checking off ‘Hot Air Balloon Ride’ off my bucket list and a full day of R&R at the Scottsdale Omini – two things I’d highly recommend! Below I’ve outlined some of my favorite things that we ate/drank and got to do!

As it was already starting to feel like spring in Scottsdale, I decided to whip out this slim-fit linen suit from Sandro. OOf ~ it’s so good! The fit on most things Sandro is European and trim, but the tailoring is never overboard. The skinny lapel and simple design of this suit make it the perfect spring & summer suit option. So expect to see this suit a few more times in the coming months! I’ve been very into linen lately ever since going to Sydney, Australia over New Years as it’s the perfect textile for down under’s summers. I couldn’t wait to get into some linen the minute it started warming up ~ so here I am! For a casual suit feel I paired a white long sleeve tee with some subtle texture (to keep it interesting) and a pair of white sneakers to create a comfortable and easy outfit.

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To Eat:

• FNB – One of the most consistently great restaurants in the city. The menu leans seasonal and vegetable-forward, but still feels creative and satisfying. A must for dinner if you want something that feels thoughtful without being overdone.
• The Mission – A staple in Old Town with a darker, more atmospheric vibe. The menu is modern Latin, and everything is done really well—especially the pork tacos. Order the avocado margarita and settle in.
• Farm & Craft – A go-to for brunch or lunch when you want something lighter. The menu leans health-focused without being boring, and the kombucha cocktails are a fun add. Easy, bright, and very Scottsdale.
• Prado –  Located at the Omni, with a more refined, Mediterranean-inspired menu. The open-flame cooking and tapas-style dishes make it great for sharing. A solid option for a slower, more elevated dinner.
• Hash Kitchen – Brunch here is a full event. Think DJs, a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, and menu items that lean indulgent in the best way. It’s loud, fun, and very much part of the Scottsdale scene.
• Hearth ’61 – Set at the Mountain Shadows resort, with great views and a more refined feel. The menu focuses on wood-fired dishes and seasonal ingredients. A strong option for dinner that feels elevated but still relaxed.
• Citizen Public House – One of those places that just always hits. It’s a little upscale but still super easy, and the bar scene is great. Perfect if you want a solid dinner that naturally turns into drinks.
• Fat Ox – Really good Italian and a bit more of a dressed-up vibe. The pastas are great, the space is polished, and it’s a good go-to for a nicer night out. The spicy rigatoni is a standout if you’re ordering.
• Virtù Honest Craft – Smaller, a little tucked away, and just really well done. It leans Mediterranean and feels a bit more intimate than most places around here. Good if you want something a little quieter but still special.
• Hush Public House – Slightly under-the-radar but definitely worth it. The menu’s a little more creative and not as predictable as other spots. Go here if you want something different from the usual Scottsdale rotation.
• 40 Love – More of a scene than just a restaurant. It’s fun, a little flashy, and good for a night out with a group. You’re going as much for the vibe as you are for the food.
• Olive & Ivy – Right on the canal and always a good move. It’s easy, pretty, and perfect for a long lunch or early dinner that turns into drinks. The Mediterranean platter is great to share if you’re with a group.
• INDIBAR – A newer spot that’s been getting a lot of buzz. It’s modern Indian with bold flavors and a really good cocktail situation. Definitely try the butter chicken or one of their curries.

Cafes & Bakeries: 

• Grounds on 2nd – One of the best all-around coffee spots in Old Town. It’s bright, modern, and a little more elevated than your typical café, with great coffee and a solid breakfast menu. Easy place to sit for a while or start your morning.
• Ruze Cake House – A fun, design-forward dessert stop with a playful edge. Known for colorful macarons and over-the-top drinks (including boba topped with cotton candy). Good for something quick and a little different.
• Light Heart Coffee – A more aesthetic, design-forward coffee shop with really well-done drinks. Known for creative lattes and a curated feel that’s very Scottsdale. Good if you want something that looks as good as it tastes.
• Little Snitch – Part coffee shop, part brunch spot with a great patio setup. It’s more of a hangout than a quick stop, with solid coffee and a menu that makes you want to stay longer. Feels very “slow Scottsdale morning.”
• Press Coffee – A local staple for consistently good coffee. It’s more minimal and focused, but the quality is always there. Great if you want something reliable without overthinking it.
• Berdena’s – Always busy, always worth it. It leans more brunch than just coffee, but everything is done really well. Go early or expect a wait.
• JL Patisserie – A more refined, French-style bakery that takes pastry seriously. Everything is beautifully done—croissants, tarts, all of it. Go here if you want something a little more elevated.

To Drink: 

• Jade Bar – More about the setting than anything else, especially at sunset. It’s a polished spot for drinks and light bites, with views that make it worth lingering. A good place to start the night.
• Blind Dragon -A Korean-style karaoke lounge that leans more towards nightlife than dinner. It’s high-energy, a little chaotic, and perfect for a group. Come later in the night when things pick up.
• Blue Clover Distillery -A smaller, more local distillery with a focus on handcrafted spirits. It’s relaxed and a good place to try something different outside of the typical bar scene. Great for a more low-key stop.
• Gold Water Brewing Co. – A reliable craft brewery with a laid-back, easy vibe. It’s not overly polished, but the beer is solid, and the space is
• AZ/88 – A longtime Old Town favorite with a fun, slightly retro vibe. The cocktails are strong, the crowd is lively, and it’s a great place to start the night. Easy, social, and always a good time.
• The Beverly on Main – A hidden, speakeasy-style bar tucked behind an unassuming entrance. It’s more intimate, a little darker, and great if you want something that feels more low-key and intentional. Good for a couple of drinks before heading out.
• Outrider Rooftop Lounge – Rooftop views and a more dressed-up crowd. It’s all about sunset drinks and a lively atmosphere that builds into the night. Go here when you want something a little more scene-y.
• Tell Your Friends – A newer, music-driven cocktail lounge with a high-energy feel. It leans a bit more towards nightlife, but the drinks are solid and the vibe is fun. Good for later in the night when things start to pick up.

To Do:

• Hike the Gateway Loop Trail – a 4.5-mile hike that wanders through the McDowell Mountains is the perfect dose of outdoors + workout between meals – or before brunch!
• Take a hot air balloon ride over the desert with Balloons AZ
• Pool Party at the W Hotel
• Get a workout in at Bodi Gym
• LOVE sculpture
• Walk along the Scottsdale Waterfront
• Spa treatments at the Omni Scottsdale – Their Joya Spa is in a league of its own, as I felt transported back to Marrakech and got the best deep-tissue massage of my life!

To Stay

• Mountain Shadow – With equal parts of Mid-century modern and American Southwest, this new hotel hosts some amazing views of the desert. The rooms and interiors of the hotel were gorgeous with
• Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia – Camelback Mountain happens to be in the Omni’s backyard, so with 3 restaurants on the property and an amazing luxury spa, you’ll need a pretty good reason to leave. The Spanish-style grounds of the resort definitely transport you back to the southern coast of Spain with colorful stucco and red terracotta roofing. Be sure to get a spicy avocado margarita (they were our faves!)  by the pool, and don’t forget about taking advantage of that spa!

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We made a little behind-the-scenes vlog of the trip you can watch here:

Scottsdale is built around balance—between desert and design, activity and rest, simplicity and refinement. The environment shapes how the city is experienced, from early starts to avoid the heat to long, slower evenings that stretch across meals and conversation. There’s a consistency to it that becomes apparent after a few days, where the focus shifts away from checking off plans and toward settling into the rhythm of the place. It’s not defined by any one highlight, but by how seamlessly everything comes together—landscape, lifestyle, and pace—into something that feels both intentional and easy to return to.

Stay Risky,

– John

Photography by Ali Stone & Scottsdale Tourism