Food is one of the most powerful storytellers of culture. Every dish, every sip, and every aroma opens a window into the people, landscapes, and philosophies that shape culinary identities worldwide. This collection of standout restaurants brings this cultural exploration to life, each one offering a passport to a distinct region of the globe with every plate.
Modern Mexican Elegance
Within the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, La Hacienda embodies the essence of Mexico’s rich culinary tapestry. Chef Richard Sandoval’s “Old Ways, New Hands” philosophy honors traditional recipes while applying European techniques and lighter, ingredient-driven presentations. Lobster tacos, ribeye tampiqueña, and slow-braised carnitas arrive enhanced by escabeches, chile morita sauces, and cotija crumbles. And tableside guacamole sets the stage for a menu that pairs beautifully with more than 250 agave-based spirits curated by the eatery’s resident Tequila Goddess. (Yes, an in-house tequila expert is available to help guide guest tastings).
Elevated Asian Street Food
Chef Angelo Sosa’s Kembara at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is an edible odyssey through Asia’s vast landscapes, inspired by years of travel from Chiang Mai to Tokyo. Each dish reflects the “trinity of flavors”—sweet, sour, and salty—balanced in perfect harmony. Street food traditions are elevated but remain true to their origins, whether through bold broths, delicate noodles, or inventive dumplings. Kembara celebrates Asia’s boundless diversity, embracing both the stories passed down through generations and modern innovation. It is a culinary passport to the bustling markets and night stalls of the world’s largest continent.
The Soul of Northern Italy
Chef Matt Carter brings the traditions of Northern Italy to life at Fat Ox, named for the country’s famed cattle and wine festival. Carter’s travels through Italy inform a menu rooted in authenticity yet elevated by precision. Exclusive meats sourced from Northern Italy, delicate filled pastas such as agnolotti, and the earthy indulgence of truffles showcase centuries-old techniques still honored today. Hand-pulled cheeses and aged balsamic deepen the immersion into Italy’s culinary heritage. In the sleek, marble-accented dining room, guests are encouraged to linger, sip, and share, much as they would in the villages of Piedmont or Lombardy. Fat Ox distills the Italian philosophy that food is as much about community as it is about craft.
A Parisian Escape
For nearly 25 years, Zinc Bistro has been Scottsdale’s gateway to Paris. Black-and-white-tiled floors, a zinc bar, and sidewalk tables channel Boulevard Saint-Germain, while a hidden garden patio offers candlelit romance. Chef Matt Carter draws on his French Laundry training and Parisian inspiration to strike a balance between comfort and refinement. A Provençal bouillabaisse brims with saffron and shellfish; cassoulet Toulousaine warms with duck confit and foie gras sausage; and côte de boeuf with frites satisfies with timeless indulgence. The 25-foot oyster bar and nightly soufflés reinforce the French tradition of savoring.
Spain in the Desert
Against the backdrop of Camelback Mountain, Prado at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia re-imagines Andalusia—the culturally- ich southernmost autonomous community in Peninsular Spain—in the Sonoran Desert. Spanish traditions shine through wood-fired cookery and bold flavors: gambas al ajillo with prawns and garlic, pulpo a la gallega with smoked paprika, and branzino with peppers and salmora sauce. Lamb chops with butternut squash purée and short ribs braised with Rioja wine showcase rustic elegance. The architecture complements the immersion, with Moroccan-inspired archways, lantern-lit courtyards, and fireplaces that echo the romance of Southern Spain.
Spanish-Japanese Mash-Up
Tiki Taka, a high-energy tapas bar at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort that is helmed by Top Chef icon chef Richard Blais, fuses the artistry of Japan with the passion of Spain. Shareable plates, sushi, skewers, and even paella receive inventive twists, while cocktails highlight ingredients like yuzu, lychee, and matcha. The 30-seat indoor space pulses with digital art, neon, and a communal table, while the patio opens to desert views. The name itself, borrowed from soccer’s rhythmic passing style, signals movement, creativity, and collaboration—qualities echoed in the cuisine.
Indian Food Refined
At INDIBAR, Indian fine dining takes center stage. Jewel tones, gold accents, and murals celebrating India’s cultural dynamism set the tone, while chefs Nigel Lobo and Ajay Singh bring the kitchen alive with precision and passion. Clay ovens, charcoal, and intricate spicework showcase India’s culinary breadth, from saffron-infused spirits to dishes that balance modern plating with soulful authenticity. The menu moves seamlessly between classic recipes and bold reinventions, offering an epicurean adventure that highlights the richness of Indian cuisine at a level rarely seen in Arizona.
Street food traditions are elevated but remain true to their origins.
Spanish traditions shine through wood-fired cookery and bold flavors.