There has always been something quietly confident about Scottsdale’s dining scene; the sense that the desert knows how to throw a party. But 2026 is different. This year, the city isn’t just keeping pace with the country’s best food cities…it’s making a genuine argument for the top of the list.
Cielito
The most talked-about arrival so far is Cielito, the new rooftop restaurant and bar perched atop the AC Hotel in Old Town. Developed by cultural research firm TWG and led by chef Shon Foster, Cielito draws its menu from the clean coastal and highland flavors of Northwest Mexico, with sweeping views of Camelback Mountain as the backdrop. It is the kind of opening that feels intentional rather than opportunistic, every detail rooted in a genuine point of view.
BOA Steakhouse
Then there is the incoming thunder of BOA Steakhouse, the Hollywood-beloved modern steakhouse making its Arizona debut at Scottsdale Waterfront. In an Arizona first, BOA will debut an exclusive sourcing partnership with the legendary 6666 Ranch, with a menu anchored by a 40-day dry-aged New York strip, A5 Japanese Wagyu, and a tableside Caesar that’s become something of an institution at its other locations.
Above All Else
For those chasing the “vibe dining” wave (and in Scottsdale right now, that wave is very real) Above All Else is the rooftop bar Old Town has been waiting for. Occupying the second-floor rooftop of the former STK space, the concept is built around high-energy atmosphere, curated design, and a soundscape that evolves as the night unfolds.
Din Tai Fund
And for something with genuine global pedigree, Din Tai Fung opens at Scottsdale Fashion Square this spring. The renowned Taiwanese dumpling house will occupy a 10,000-square-foot space with seating for 340, including a signature open dumpling expo kitchen where guests can watch dumplings being folded to order.
Scottsdale has always known how to live well. In 2026, it’s learning to eat even better.