Scottsdale, Arizona, is a vibrant city known for its luxury resorts, stunning desert landscapes, and, importantly, a rich tapestry of Mexican culinary experiences. For those seeking authentic flavors and memorable dining, Scottsdale’s Mexican restaurant scene offers a diverse range of options, from time-honored traditional dishes to innovative and modern fusions. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor exploring the Southwest, finding the perfect spot for south-of-the-border cuisine is essential. This guide highlights some of the best Mexican Restaurants In Scottsdale Az, each promising a unique and delicious taste of Mexico.
The Mission
The Mission Scottsdale restaurant interior with bar and patrons
At The Mission, Old World charm seamlessly blends with contemporary style, creating a dining experience that is both sophisticated and inviting. Drawing culinary inspiration from Mexico, Spain, and Central and South America, The Mission offers a menu as diverse as its influences, complemented by an equally eclectic soundtrack. Award-winning Chef Carter’s dedication to flavor is evident in dishes prepared with meats simmered over pecan and mesquite wood, infusing a smoky depth into every bite. Brunch at The Mission is a special affair, featuring whole roasted pig, while dinner selections range from the delectable duck confit carnitas empanadas to the sweet indulgence of espresso churros. For a taste of value and flavor, don’t miss “Guac-tail” hour, where you can enjoy dips, chips, and a bottle of wine for just $20. With two convenient locations in Scottsdale – one in Old Town Scottsdale and another at Kierland Commons – The Mission makes exceptional Mexican-inspired cuisine accessible no matter where you are in the city.
La Hacienda
La Hacienda restaurant outdoor patio with margaritas and sunset view
For an upscale and traditional Mexican dining experience, La Hacienda at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is an unmatched destination. The ambiance is luxurious, with plush seating, cozy beehive fireplaces, and high-top tables perfect for group gatherings. La Hacienda specializes in tableside-crafted guacamole, offering an impressive selection of five distinct varieties. Explore adventurous flavor combinations like watermelon and chile ancho, or the comforting sweetness of sweet corn and cream guacamole. As the sun sets, the patio at La Hacienda becomes the ideal spot to savor signature dishes steeped in Mexican culinary heritage. Indulge in the Filet a la Parrilla, a dish once featured at a Governor’s dinner in Puebla, Mexico, or experience the Tampiqueña, crafted with ingredients representing the vibrant people of La Huasteca. La Hacienda promises not just a meal, but a journey through the rich culinary landscapes of Mexico.
Barrio Queen
Barrio Queen restaurant colorful tacos with various fillings
Barrio Queen delivers a vibrant and flavorful experience inspired by Mexican street food, wrapped in a fun, Day of the Dead-themed atmosphere with a touch of Three Amigos humor. While the décor is lighthearted, the menu is seriously dedicated to authentic and bold flavors. Barrio Queen is a celebrated destination for vegan Mexican options, ensuring everyone can find something to enjoy. Taco enthusiasts will be delighted by the extensive selection of over 20 taco varieties, showcasing a wide range of proteins and fillings. To complement the lively food, Barrio Queen offers exciting margarita flights, allowing you to sample a range of flavors. For those who appreciate a spicy kick, the Death’s Door margarita, infused with chili tequila, is a must-try – but be mindful of the warning label! Barrio Queen is a lively and delicious spot for Mexican food in Scottsdale.
Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila
Cien Agaves restaurant dessert churro sundae with ice cream and toppings
Located in the bustling heart of Old Town Scottsdale, Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila is a casual yet captivating restaurant boasting two inviting patios. Diners are immersed in a vibrant Mexican ambiance, surrounded by colorful artwork and warm, rustic lighting. The menu features authentic Mexican favorites alongside innovative twists, such as island shrimp tacos that bring a tropical flair and indulgent churro sundaes for a sweet finish. As the name suggests, tequila is a highlight here, with an impressive collection of over 100 agave spirits and specialty margaritas. Mixers and juices are crafted fresh daily, ensuring every drink is as vibrant as the food. Adding to its unique appeal, Cien Agaves partners with the Trails + Tequila Tasting Tour, offering an adventurous way to enjoy their tacos and tequila while exploring the desert landscape on an off-road excursion. Cien Agaves is a perfect blend of authentic taste and Scottsdale fun.
Spotted Donkey Cantina
Spotted Donkey Cantina restaurant patio with desert views and dining tables
Nestled in North Scottsdale at el Pedregal, adjacent to The Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Spotted Donkey Cantina offers patio dining at its finest. The restaurant showcases breathtaking desert vistas, providing a stunning backdrop to a unique and flavorful dinner menu. The cuisine takes creative liberties with Mexican staples, featuring dishes like charred avocado tacos, a hearty surf and turf burrito, and a Sonoran quesadilla filled with squash and mushrooms. To complete your dining experience like a true local, try one of their oak barrel-aged cocktails. These carefully aged drinks develop smoky caramel and vanilla notes, adding a sophisticated touch to your evening at this exceptional Scottsdale Mexican restaurant.
Diego Pops
Diego Pops restaurant interior with colorful decor and patrons
Step into Diego Pops, located in a historic pottery shop in Old Town Scottsdale, and instantly feel transported to a laid-back taco shack on the Yucatan Peninsula. The atmosphere is playful and relaxed, mirroring a menu that is both creative and reasonably priced. Don’t miss the Sonoran hot dog, a beloved Southwest staple, for a true taste of the region. To beat the Arizona heat, Diego Pops offers refreshing cocktails crafted with fresh guava, coconut water, and prickly pear. For those seeking bolder flavors, the Brussels sprout nachos and flamin’ hot Cheeto-dusted street corn add a fun and fiery twist to your Mexican dining in Scottsdale.
Los Olivos Mexican Patio
Los Olivos Mexican Patio restaurant chips and salsa appetizer
A Scottsdale institution since the 1950s, Los Olivos Mexican Patio is a testament to enduring quality and authentic Mexican cuisine. Now in its third generation of family ownership, Los Olivos continues to prioritize tradition and flavor. The menu is centered around authentic dishes, with their signature tri-colored Mexican Flag enchiladas being a must-try. The restaurant’s ambiance is just as vibrant as its food, with colorful energy found in every corner, including the unique domed “blue room” featuring skylights and a large tropical fish tank. Expect friendly service, a welcoming atmosphere, and consistently delicious food at this long-standing Scottsdale Mexican restaurant.
Toca Madera
Toca Madera restaurant interior with fire dancer performance and stylish decor
Toca Madera, situated at Scottsdale Fashion Square, presents a visually stunning and theatrically vibrant dining experience. Vines cascade from the ceilings, live performers, including fire dancers, entertain guests, and Arabesque accents blend with rich marble and wood décor. Billing itself as a Mexican steakhouse, Toca Madera offers a sophisticated fusion menu. Diners can indulge in dishes like Mayan prawns, chicken al pastor, tacos filled with seabass and carne asada, and decadent truffle quesadillas. To truly complete the experience, save room for dessert – the Oaxacan chocolate mousse is an unforgettable indulgence and a highlight of this stylish Mexican restaurant in Scottsdale.
Sol Mexican Cocina
Sol Mexican Cocina restaurant tacos with various toppings and fillings
Located in Scottsdale Quarter, Sol Mexican Cocina is celebrated for its fresh coastal Mexican cuisine, rooted in authentic techniques and inspired by the owner’s surf trips along the Baja peninsula. The lively atmosphere is amplified by Taco Tuesday celebrations featuring live music, creating a fun and energetic dining environment. A standout feature of Sol is their impressive array of 24 house-made salsas, offering a spectrum of flavors to complement your meal. Seafood lovers will rejoice in the fresh selections, including ceviche, grilled octopus, shrimp chile relleno, and an extensive list of 18 specialty tacos. Among these, the Vampiro taco is a must-try: a double blue corn tortilla overflowing with serranos, scallions, guacamole, chipotle sauce, and carne asada. Sol embodies the fresh and vibrant flavors of coastal Mexican food in Scottsdale.
Call Her Martina
Call Her Martina restaurant tacos on a plate with garnish
Tucked away on the Scottsdale Waterfront, Call Her Martina is a hidden gem worth seeking out. Founded by a family from Sonora, Mexico, the restaurant’s culinary identity is shaped by a fusion of northern and central Mexican dishes, influenced by the father’s culinary experiences in Mexico City. The result is a menu that artfully blends traditional and contemporary Mexican flavors. Named to honor the strength and influence of the women in the family, Call Her Martina’s dishes reflect this with unique and elegant touches. Explore refined options like roasted bone marrow with elotes and microgreens, crunchy ribeye tacos, fresh seafood tostadas, and the comforting flavors of “abuela’s” huevos rancheros. Call Her Martina offers a sophisticated and heartfelt take on Mexican cuisine in Scottsdale.
Scottsdale’s Mexican restaurant scene is as diverse and exciting as the city itself. From upscale dining experiences to casual taco spots, there’s a flavor and ambiance to suit every taste. Explore these top Mexican restaurants in Scottsdale AZ and embark on a culinary journey south-of-the-border without leaving Arizona.
