10 Best Restaurants for a Taste of South Scottsdale

Sel is a small fine dining outpost situated amid the art galleries and shops of Main Street in Old Town Scottsdale. Chef Branden Levine, who has appeared on Food Network cooking competitions, offers a four-course prix fixe menu of contemporary American cuisine (diners can also order dishes a la carte). The restaurant is small and chic, and the menu is constantly in flux. But no matter what is on the menu du jour, expect to find skillful fine dining renditions of roasted kabocha squash panisse, roasted Romanesco soup, filet mignon and upscale seafood dishes. The restaurant also has a strong cocktail and dessert menu.

Chula Seafood is a popular, family-owned and operated south Scottsdale neighborhood market and eatery that specializes in sustainably sourced, quality seafood. Shoppers can drop by and shop for fresh seafood like smoked fish, fresh poke, tuna, California halibut and other fish by the pound. Or, stop by for lunch or dinner. Check out the chef-driven chalkboard menu at the eatery, which features a regularly changing assortment of dishes. Popular dishes you might spot on the menu include a spicy tuna bowl, Hawaiian style poke, and a confit tuna sandwich. For a dazzling array of fresh seafood, try the chef's choice sashimi platter.

Noodles Ranch in south Scottsdale specializes in traditional Vietnamese cuisine, as well as unique dishes inspired by the flavors of Vietnam. Dishes are prepared fresh to order and created with lean meats and minimal oil. Healthy substitutions include buckwheat noodles, brown rice, and gluten free noodles are also available. House specials include the starter sharing plate, which comes with spicy pork Vietnamese summer roll, crispy veggie pot stickers, and zen spring rolls with asparagus and Shitake mushrooms. There are also a number of seafood specials, wok stir-fried plates, and specialty salads. Take-out service is also available for fresh Vietnamese on the go.

The wood fired cooking and classic American cuisine of the Roaring Fork makes this a favorite gathering spot for the Scottsdale lunch crowd. Inspired by the history and essence of the Old West, the Roaring Fork seeks to recapture and celebrate the simplicity of open fire cooking and the bold flavors of wood-fired cuisine. Choose from lamb, beef, chicken, pork, and fresh fish entrees, all cooked to perfection using wood fire rotisserie, open flame grill, or classic wood oven roasting. An inviting atmosphere and impeccable service make this a perfect lunch spot for fans of rustic, boldly-flavored Western American cooking.

How about a late morning breakfast in a sun-drenched patio, with monarch butterflies fluttering at a respectful distance? Sound too good to be true? Fortunately, Cafe Monarch in Scottsdale is a very real place. Experience a truly unique dining ambiance in this cozy cafe, featuring one of the most romantic dining rooms and patios in town. The menu changes frequently to ensure fresh, seasonally-inspired dishes. The four-course prixe fixe menu allows guests to sample a long, leisurely meal that bursting with locally sourced ingredients and careful attention to detail. Be sure to make reservations well in advance to ensure your place at the table.

Citizen Public House is what the English pub concept looks like in Scottsdale: thoroughly contemporary and upscale, yet still managing to retain the homey charm of a traditional public house. Nestled comfortably in Old Town Scottsdale, Citizen Public House has made a name for iself by serving craft beers, classic and contemporary cocktails as well as a full menu of award-winning gastropub cuisine. For cool nights, there is a cozy patio, a semi-private 12-seat dining alcove and lively public space. Mahogany accents, leather booths and a stainless steel-topped bar combine old and new design elements for a sleek, modern look.

Savor the joys of an authentic Cornish pasty (pronounced pass-tee) without even having to jet off across the pond. The Cornish pasty is a traditional English comfort food featuring a variety of meats, veggies and cheeses, all stuffed into a pastry pocket. The pasty gets a twist at the Cornish Pasty Company, where diners can choose from an extensive menu of signature, premium, and vegetarian pasties. Try the Oggie, the traditional Cornish pasty made with steak, potatoes, onion, rutabaga, and served with a side of red wine gravy or ketchup. Pasty lovers will enjoy exploring the diverse menu, which also features Mexican, Italian, Greek, and Indian variations on this English classic. The large veggie pasty menu has made this a favorite stopping point for vegetarian foodies.

If you're looking for an original, family-owned Italian deli, Defalco's Italian Grocery is the real thing. This local treasure is located just south of downtown Scottsdale, on the border between Tempe and Scottsdale. The menu features traditional pasta dishes and hot sandwiches. You'll see a lot of loyal customers coming in before dinner to carry out one of the take-home dishes, or shopping for high quality Italian products such as hand-made ravioli and imported olive oil. Enjoy the outdoor patio with a plate of eggplant parm, chicken cutlet, or lasagna. The dessert menu includes traditional Italian classic like cannoli and tiramisu.

Tucked away in the Bespoke Inn in Old Town Scottsdale, Virtu is a charming cafe with a world-class menu. After only a few months in operation, the small eatery made a big splash by appearing in Esquire Magazine's annual Best New Restaurants in America list. The menu incorporates Mediterranean flavors with Southwestern zest. Try the grilled octopus, which is cooked tender and served with fennel, arugula, lemon chick peas, and calabrese chile butter. Don't miss the hand-crafted cocktail menu. A seat in the tiny dining room here is in high demand, so make sure to make reservations to secure your place at the Virtu table.

Sophisticated yet down-home, FnB is the darling of the Scottsdale culinary scene. The menu, which changes frequently, is based on seasonal ingredients sourced from local vendors and farms. The farm-fresh ingredients are carefully selected to create unexpected and delightful pairings. On any given visit, you'll find succulent combos such as leeks and grilled broccoli, brussels sprouts with meyer lemon, chile, and mint, or roasted beets with yoghurt, oil cured olives, cilantro and pinenuts. Expect the unexpected at FnB, where the artful plates are served with locally crafted beer and native Arizona wine. FnB's new location also features a small wine shop and a bodega market.