Top Restaurants in Scottsdale, Arizona

Binkley`s, See Saw, Kai, Talavera

Feb 17, 2009 Dena Braun

Like the mythical Phoenix, the culinary landscape in Phoenix/Scottsdale is rising up to become a force to be reckoned with on the national food scene.

It’s not surprising that as Scottsdale transformed from a destination focused on the Wild, Wild West to a vacation hotspot for sun, recreation and relaxation that the culinary landscape in the city would change as well.

While there is no shortage of Mexican and Southwest restaurants, the trend in Scottsdale today is for upscale gourmet fare with influences from a wide variety of global cuisines. Leading the Valley of the Sun into a new culinary direction are several highly rated restaurants.

Binkley’s

Chef Kevin Binkley is one of three Arizona chefs’ up for the 2009 James Beard best chef in the Southwest award. Binkley’s unassuming Cave Creek establishment is turning out arguably the most innovative food in the city. Binkley trained under culinary superstar Thomas Keller of French Laundry fame. His time spent under this master is evident in his approach to food. Binkley manages to blend a playful approach to food with gourmet standards of the highest nature. Order the four, five or six course tasting menu to experience the best Binkley has to offer. Each course is separated with a presentation of a different amuse bouche. One night it might be fois gras presented three ways (including as a shake!) or frozen balls of carrots created through the magic of molecular gastronomy. Binkley’s menu changes daily, sometimes several times throughout the night, based on the availability of fresh ingredients.

6920 E Cave Creek Rd Cave Creek, AZ 85331 - (480) 437-1072

Open Tue-Sat 5pm-10:30pm

See Saw

This tiny restaurant located in Old Town Scottsdale is run by 2007 James Beard winner Nobu Fukuda. Fans of the original Japanese version of Iron Chef will feel like they’ve stumbled onto the set. Sit at the bar to watch the extremely well trained chefs create the eight-course Omakase (trust the chef) menu. Using the freshest ingredients available, diners will marvel at the attention to detail and exacting precision used to create every bite.

7133 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85251-480-481-WINE

Kai

Kai has the distinction of being the only restaurant in Phoenix to win a Mobil 5-star award. Located at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, Kai defined a new culinary style with its gourmet Native American cuisine. The menu focuses on dishes that use spices and ingredients from the local Pima and Maricopa Native American Tribes. Popular entrees include Kutobuta Pork Prepared Three Ways including a pan seared loin rolled in fair trade coffee and native seeds. In addition to ala carte selections, there are a $140 and $200 tasting menus

5594 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226-602-225-0100

Talavera

The new flagship restaurant at the Four Seasons Scottsdale was awarded a Mobil 4-star award for 2009. The continental menu reflects a new approach to American cuisine. Popular items include the 18-ounce bone in rib eye, big-eye tuna and buffalo tenderloin. For the true foodie, Talavera offers the opportunity to work with Executive Chef Mel Mancina during its Chef du Jour program. This individually tailored experience puts participants to work in the kitchen and concludes with dinner in the restaurant.

10600 E. Crescent Moon Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85262-480-515-5700

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Entree from Talavera