Best Restaurants for People Watching in Central Phoenix

19 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Henry - Phoenix restaurant

1. The Henry - Phoenix

4.8

Exceptional(6579)

Price: Moderate

• American • Central Phoenix

Booked 199 times today

Welcome to the greatest neighborhood restaurant, a place where you can always count on a warm welcome from baristas, servers and bartenders who know your order by heart. A fusion of industrial and classical influences, our open dining spaces are bursting with charm and energy. Come and go with ease for your morning coffee, enjoy lunch with a colleague, gather the family together for dinner, or treat yourself to a post-work drink at the bar. For craveable eats and downright delicious cocktails, look no further than a place where you'll always be among friends, a place that feels like home: The Henry.

2. Cala Scottsdale

4.4

Awesome(1029)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Scottsdale

Booked 116 times today

Named after a tiny beach cove street, Cala Road in Mallorca, with the most impressive views of the Mediterranean Sea, Cala is the dynamic vision of Clive Collective.Highlighting the freshest seasonal ingredients inspired by local organic farmers and in partnership with renowned Scottsdale Visionary, Chef Beau MacMillan delivers on coastal flavors with a desert flare for an elevated dining experience that transports you straight to the Mediterranean. Completed with wines curated from exceptional vineyards, paired with Spanish and Italian influences, Cala is truly the only way to enjoy the best that Scottsdale has to offer.The atmosphere is unmatched. In 2022 Cala was awarded "Best New Restaurant" by Phoenix New Times and the Gold Key Winner for 'Excellence in Hospitality Design.' In 2023, awarded "Top Best Restaurants" by Phoenix New Times.

3. The Ends

4.5

Awesome(276)

Price: Expensive

• American • Old Town Scottsdale

Booked 65 times today

Nestled at 7137 E Stetson Dr in the heart of Scottsdale, 'The Ends' is more than a dining spot—it's a passport to bold flavors and unexpected encounters. Guided by Executive Chef Jordano Sessions, our menu blends global journeys with local charm. Each dish tells a story, each ingredient has a history. Discover our world of mid-century modern decor and vibrant atmosphere. Located at the cultural crossroads of Old Town, 'The Ends' promises more than exceptional meals; it offers an adventure in every visit. Join us for a culinary journey where every ending is a new beginning.

A photo of STK - Steakhouse and Rooftop restaurant

4. STK - Steakhouse and Rooftop

4.2

Awesome(2751)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Waterfront

Booked 66 times today

STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.

A photo of Moxies - Scottsdale restaurant

5. Moxies - Scottsdale

4.8

Exceptional(567)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old Town Scottsdale

Booked 75 times today

Moxies is one of the best restaurants in Scottsdale, located in Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall near Old Town. Offering a trendy and lively atmosphere, our modern restaurant boasts a globally inspired menu featuring freshly made, in-house dishes suitable for any dining occasion: lunch, dinner, Happy Hour, late night eats, or weekend brunch. With a large patio area equipped with misters and heaters, plus plenty of TVs, Moxies is the place to catch sporting events or enjoy Happy Hour in Scottsdale. Indulge in our handcrafted cocktails and extensive wine list, which features half-priced bottles every Wednesday. Our restaurant can also host large group dining events, like bachelorettes, birthdays, corporate events, and all other celebrations.

A photo of Farm and Craft Scottsdale restaurant

6. Farm and Craft Scottsdale

4.3

Awesome(966)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old Town Scottsdale

Booked 39 times today

Organic, gluten-free and health-conscious fare is what it is about at this Scottsdale New American offering everything from protein pancakes to flax-seed flatbreads for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus wine, beer and cocktails made with fresh juice. The chic, easy-going interior features light wood accents and a bright patio.

7. Call Her Martina

4.7

Exceptional(506)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Mexican • Old Town Scottsdale

Booked 44 times today

At Call Her Martina we dare to be different.We bring a twist to the idea of Mexican cuisine to Scottsdale by serving modern Mexican inspired dishes with unique touches, outstanding cocktails and exceptional service.

A photo of Marcellino Ristorante restaurant

8. Marcellino Ristorante

4.7

Exceptional(2156)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Old Town Scottsdale

Booked 28 times today

The secrets of authentic Italian cuisine are proudly showcased by the man who creates the most innovative dishes this side of heaven. Let Chef Marcellino mesmerize your palate any night of the week with hand-crafted, naturally flavored pastas [saffron, squid ink, cacio e pepe, etc.]; heaps of crustaceans; wild game; reduction sauces; seasonal truffles, and more. Seeking simplicity? Scialatielli alle Vongole. Comfort food? Gnocchi so light and sumptuous they'll make you sigh. Decadence? Porcini-infused Fettuccine, sautéed with generous amounts of lobster, shitake mushrooms, and a white truffle drizzle. Vegetarian: Fettucine Contadina with a dollop of ricotta. Vegan and no-gluten options available; please allow extra preparation time or provide advance notice if possible. Celebrate your next occasion with us, and share the delicious, old-World elegance of a Marcellino experience with your family and friends!

A photo of Tapas Papa Frita - Scottsdale restaurant

9. Tapas Papa Frita - Scottsdale

4.4

Awesome(1168)

Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • Old Town Scottsdale

Booked 22 times today

Authentic Spanish Tapas and Cuisine are the highlight of this view restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale. Live Flamenco shows and Spanish Guitar add to the ambiance of Tapas Papa Frita with Award Winning Chef Joseph Gutierrez creating Catalonian, Basque and Andalusian cuisine along with the largest selection of Tapas in the Valley. A full bar and a large selection of Spanish wines round out your dining experience. Patio seating available year round.

A photo of The Wine Collective of Scottsdale restaurant

10. The Wine Collective of Scottsdale

4.7

Exceptional(54)

Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • Old Town Scottsdale

Booked 2 times today

We are a Premium Arizona Wine Tasting Room, Wine Bar and Bottle Shop representing approximately 40+wines by the glass and for bottle sales. Come try wine you can't find anywhere else! We offer guided tasting flights, wines by the glass, and by the bottle. For our flights there are several options to choose from: Bold and Beautiful, Swing Both Ways, Gold Rush, Rose all Day!! Each flight option can be paired with curated cheese, meat and/or chocolate pairings to create an experience that is unique to Arizona. Come check out our welcoming patio seating, Dog Friendly patio with Misters. Perfect place to celebrate birthday, bachelorette, reunion parties. We cater to Corporate and Private wine tasting events aw well.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
seth
Denver / Colorado •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Food excellent- service excellent, sweet room design .. tough to have a conversation in dining room - bar atmosphere takes over the entire space
More info
Cala ScottsdalePrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Scottsdale
•
4.4
A
AlisonVIP
Phoenix / Arizona •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The entire experience so completely captured Bourdain’s spirit. His chaos and his genius along with his passion for exceptional flavors. What an incredible testament to the life of an amazing chef. Definitely will be back.
More info
The EndsPrice: Expensive• American• Old Town Scottsdale
•
4.5
J
Justin
Phoenix / Arizona •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Superb!!! Brea was our all time favorite server of any restaurant!
More info
The Henry - PhoenixPrice: Moderate• American• Central Phoenix
•
4.8
M
MarkVIP
Denver / Colorado •63 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We had an excellent meal and dining experience. The location was super cool and had a great vibe to it. Highly recommend you choose this location for special events or just casual dining.
More info
Moxies - ScottsdalePrice: Moderate• American• Old Town Scottsdale
•
4.8
M
MarkVIP
Phoenix / Arizona •92 reviews
5.0
Dined on 3 Jan 2025
We thoroughly enjoyed the "Steak Night" (or also called "Date Night") menu at STK. It's a great deal! 3-course menu for $69 per person including a bottle of Prosecco. We both had the shrimp cocktail appetizer which has 5 huge shrimp. For entrees we had the NY strip steak and Chilean sea bass - both exellent and enough to take some home. For dessert we shared the "Bag O Donuts" - loved the chocolate and caramel sauces. We also had excellent service. If you're in Old Town Scottsdale on Sunday-Thursday, definitely consider this great deal, BUT be sure to ask for it.
More info
STK - Steakhouse and RooftopPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Waterfront
•
4.2

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Central Phoenix

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Central Phoenix

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19 restaurants available nearby

1. The Henry - Phoenix

2. Cala Scottsdale

3. The Ends

4. STK - Steakhouse and Rooftop

5. Moxies - Scottsdale

6. Farm and Craft Scottsdale

7. Call Her Martina

8. Marcellino Ristorante

9. Tapas Papa Frita - Scottsdale

10. The Wine Collective of Scottsdale

See what locals rave about

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