Hey Scottsdale!

September is here, and the restaurant scene isn't slowing down.

We've got a new bar at Vilvas, a Scottsdale gelato shop getting worldwide attention, a new sing-along brunch coming to Old Town, Vecina finally getting ready to open in McCormick Ranch, and some interesting things happening at the Four Seasons.

Plus, we've got a very special Michelin-starred event coming up at Belmont.

Let's dig in.

Brunch in Scottsdale is about to get a whole lot louder.

Holla Brunch Girl, the new sing-along brunch concept coming to Old Town, is officially set to open September 26.

The concept centers on food, cocktails, entertainment, and plenty of audience participation—so don't expect a quiet Saturday brunch.

The team is already hiring for the new Scottsdale location at 7230 E. Indian Plaza, signaling that the opening is getting close. (glassdoor.com)

Reservations are officially open for every Saturday after opening! Grab a table and come brunch with them.

September 26. Save the date.

Talk about a sweet bit of Scottsdale news.

Allora Gelato was recently named the No. 1 new dessert spot in the world on the Beli app, based on more than 50 million user ratings. 12News featured the Scottsdale gelateria after the ranking put this little North Scottsdale shop on the international dessert map. (yahoo.com)

And honestly, it's not hard to see why.

Allora makes small-batch Italian-style gelato with natural ingredients and serves it in freshly made gluten-free waffle cones. Flavors go well beyond the usual suspects, including Croatian Fig, Olive Oil & Rosemary, Bourbon Salted Caramel, and Strawberry Dolce. (phoenixnewtimes.com)

📍 6990 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 106

Allora Gelato

Here's one worth putting back on your radar.

Desert Orchard at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North is back open—and North Scottsdale locals are welcome.

The café offers a more casual way to enjoy the Four Seasons, with cold-pressed juices, smoothies, fresh-baked pastries, wholesome bowls, sandwiches, and seasonal desserts.

It's the kind of spot that works for grab-and-go, sitting and relaxing, a healthy snack, or grabbing something after spending time outdoors. Drive up to the free valet and let them know you are stopping into Desert Orchard for a moment to grab a little something.

Open every day 6:30 am-2:00 pm

📍 10600 E. Crescent Moon Drive (Four Seasons @ Troon North)

Vecina McCormick Ranch is finally ready to make its Scottsdale debut — and we now have a date.

The long-awaited McCormick Ranch location will officially celebrate its grand opening on Friday, September 18 at 8300 N. Hayden Road, Suite D-101.

This is the second location of the acclaimed Latin-inspired restaurant from husband-and-wife team James and Raenee Fox, bringing Vecina's mesquite-fired cooking, shareable plates, craft cocktails, and neighborhood-style hospitality to Scottsdale. The new restaurant is considerably larger than the Arcadia original, with a lakeside patio, private dining rooms, mezzanine, and expanded kitchen. (experiencescottsdale.com)

And we're particularly curious about the expanded menu. The Scottsdale location is expected to carry Vecina favorites while adding new lunch dishes, tacos, crudo and potentially oysters. (phoenixnewtimes.com)

📍 8300 N. Hayden Road, Suite D-101, Scottsdale

🗓️ Grand Opening: Friday, Sept. 18

🍽️ Latin-inspired • Mesquite-fired • Lakeside dining

This is one we've been waiting for — and September 18 is officially circled on our calendar.

Vecina

The food has been here, and now the drinks have arrived.

Vilvas Indian Cuisine has officially opened its bar in North Scottsdale. A dedicated cocktail and Happy Hour menu is coming soon, so we're keeping an eye out for that announcement.

📍 10434 E. Jomax Road

Here's one we're watching.

7 Brew is poised to take over three former Salad and Go locations in Scottsdale following a bankruptcy auction. The deal still needs court approval, so we're not calling these official openings yet.

But if everything goes through, Scottsdale could soon be getting three new 7 Brew drive-thru locations.

We'll keep watching.

After about six years, Pubblico Italian Eatery has permanently closed its Scottsdale location.

The restaurant closed August 31 and cited unforeseen circumstances beyond its control.

Pubblico was known for house-made pasta, wood-fired pizza and Italian-inspired dishes. The closure announcement directed guests toward Carbón Mexican Eatery, which shares ownership connections with the Pubblico team.

Now we're watching the space to see what comes next.

We already know plenty of restaurants are coming, but some are getting close enough that we're really paying attention.

Here's what's currently on our Forking Scottsdale Coming Soon radar.

There's more happening at The Citadel at 8700 E. Pinnacle Peak Road than just another restaurant opening.

ALMA is being reimagined as a Southwest-inspired steakhouse under new management and at a new location, while Little Scoops will bring an old-fashioned ice cream parlor next door, connected through Little Snitch. Modeled as a classic, old-fashioned ice cream parlor, it is strategically designed to stay open later into the evening. This makes it a perfect late-night dessert option for guests visiting surrounding dining spots along the Pinnacle Peak corridor

The connection? Both are part of Chef Sheila Bryson's Soul Hospitality Group, which also includes Little Snitch.

The two concepts will actually be connected, creating a small cluster of Bryson's restaurants at The Citadel. Little Scoops is expected to open around the same time as the reimagined ALMA Scottsdale, which is set to open November 2nd, marking the latest addition to Bryson’s lineup of concepts, which also includes Soul Café, Vic & Ola’s, Little Snitch and Pescada. 

📍 8700 E. Pinnacle Peak Road

The celebrity-favorite Los Angeles steakhouse is heading to Scottsdale.

BOA Steakhouse is expected to debut at the Scottsdale Waterfront this fall, bringing prime steaks, seafood, cocktails and a substantial wine program.

The Scottsdale location will also feature a seed-oil-free menu, using avocado oil and beef tallow, along with an Arizona-first partnership with 6666 Ranch. (experiencescottsdale.com)

The new restaurant will be located along the Scottsdale Waterfront, a hub of retail, residences, and waterfront views. For Innovative, the opening marks a meaningful homecoming. The group spent 15 years operating Sushi Roku at W Scottsdale, and BOA’s arrival signals a renewed commitment to Arizona.

Fall 2026

DEPWAH is a highly anticipated, upscale French-Vietnamese restaurant, lounge, and café concept located in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona. Founded by Heather Restrepo Walker, the name translates from the Vietnamese phrase đẹp quá, meaning “so beautiful”. The concept centers on a slower, more intentional way of living that blends Vietnam's rich, soulful culinary heritage with the romantic finesse of French pastry and fine dining.

DEPWAH is bringing together Vietnamese cuisine and French influences at 7050 E. 3rd Ave., Suite 1.

The concept is expected to include Sur Le Toit, a rooftop experience, along with coffee, matcha, pastries and chocolate during the day before moving into dinner and late-night service.

It's definitely one we're watching.

📍 7050 E. 3rd Ave., Suite 1, Scottsdale

We've mentioned this transformation before, but now there's an official date.

September 18 is the official launch of Brass Leaf, the new concept taking over the former Pinard Wine Bar at 20469 N. Hayden Road.

The new management is transforming the space into a hub for community, food, wine, and jazz.

And you don't have to wait until September 18 to get a taste.

Brass Leaf is currently offering two sommelier-led wine tastings every Saturday for $20. Guests taste eight wines and learn about the vineyards and stories behind them. Add a personal charcuterie board for $10.

Members receive the tastings complimentary, with guest privileges depending on membership tier.

September 18. We're putting it on the calendar.

Read the Brass Leaf Article

We're putting Heritage Kitchen + Cocktails on your radar for a reason.

Located near Bell Road and Thompson Peak Parkway, Heritage brings together modern American cooking and coastal Mediterranean influences, inspired by Morocco, Southern Italy, Spain, and the Iberian Peninsula. (phoenixnewtimes.com)

The menu moves from grilled oysters, Spanish octopus, and shareable plates to handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, steaks, and seafood.

And then there's the cocktail program.

This isn't a restaurant where the bar feels like an afterthought. The cocktails are part of the experience, making Heritage an option for everything from dinner to drinks and a night out.

But perhaps the most interesting thing about Heritage is where it is.

It's not in the middle of Old Town or Scottsdale's busiest restaurant corridors. It's positioned as a neighborhood restaurant—a place where locals can become regulars.

Our take: If you like restaurants where you can order several things for the table, linger over cocktails and discover something a little different, Heritage deserves a visit.

📍 10121 E. Bell Road, Suite 150
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-630-3232

Read the Whole First Look Article Here

This week, we’re putting two Scottsdale favorites head-to-head — but this isn’t simply a battle of pasta versus steak.

Il Bracco brings a stylish, lively take on Italian dining, while The Americano (yes, it is considered Italian) leans into the drama of a modern Italian steakhouse, complete with steaks, handmade pasta, cocktails, and a little more nighttime swagger.

So which one gets your fork?

👉 We put them head-to-head on food, atmosphere, cocktails, price, the overall experience — and who we think each restaurant is really for.

Read the full Fork in the Road:
🍝 il Bracco vs. The Americano — Which Scottsdale Restaurant Gets Your Fork?

Donate $5. Get $20.

Donate $5 to No Kid Hungry at participating Tommy Bahama Restaurants and Marlin Bars and receive a $20 Restaurant Award toward a future dine-in purchase.

Offer to receive the award ends September 30. Redeem awards October 1–31.

Three courses for $55 during Arizona Restaurant Week, September 18–27.

The offer includes a small plate and entrée, available daily from 4 p.m. to close. Running through September 30th.

Thursday nights just got a little more interesting.

Dodo Bird's Oysters Thursdays feature oysters, Oysters Rockefeller, and martinis from 3 p.m. until close.

📍 7901 E. Thomas Road

We've put all the September specials, prix-fixe menus, and limited-time deals we've found in one place.

👉 See the Full Scottsdale Dining Deals Here

This is a great Labor Day deal and much more compelling than a standard happy hour.

On Monday, September 7, Roaring Fork is offering a second regular dinner entrée free when you purchase one regular dinner entrée of equal or lesser value.

There's a $50 limit, and it's dine-in only. (Roaring Fork)

Why I like it: That's the kind of deal readers can actually build a dinner around.

📍 4800 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 1700, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 - 480-947-0795

Looking for a little Spanish flavor this weekend?

Tapas Papa Frita continues its live Flamenco performances Friday and Saturday nights, with performances from 7:30–10 p.m.

Add tapas, wine and cocktails and you've got yourself a pretty good Old Town night.

📍 7114 E. Stetson Drive #210

September 18–27

Ten days of prix-fixe menus are coming to restaurants across the Valley, including several Scottsdale favorites.

It's also a great opportunity to try a restaurant you've been meaning to visit without committing to a full à la carte dinner.

We'll keep adding the best Scottsdale menus to our Dining Deals page as they are announced.

Join two-Michelin-star Chef Alex Stratta for an intimate Lunch & Learn at Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails.

During this limited-seating experience, Chef Stratta will share stories from his celebrated culinary career while demonstrating the preparation and techniques behind select dishes. Guests will then enjoy a two-course lunch featuring the dishes demonstrated.

This event marks the launch of our new Michelin Series, a collection of exclusive culinary experiences designed to bring guests closer to the chefs, techniques, and stories behind exceptional dining.

Here's one for the food lovers.

Sunday, September 13
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
$125 per person
Optional wine pairing: +$25

This is the first event in Belmont's new Michelin Series, designed to bring guests closer to exceptional chefs, cuisine, and craftsmanship.

Limited seating. Advance reservations required.

📍 Belmont Kitchen + Cocktails
8876 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, #100
Scottsdale, AZ 85255

480-999-5599

Scottsdale's restaurant scene changes quickly.

We're watching new restaurant permits, liquor licenses, construction, restaurant spaces, ownership changes, and those little clues that often show up before the big announcement.

If we hear something worth knowing, you'll hear it from us.

Thanks for being part of Forking Scottsdale.

We're out there looking for openings, closings, deals, hidden gems, and the stories behind the restaurants that make Scottsdale such a fun place to eat.

Thank you for reading The Thursday Bite! 🍴

We'll be back next Thursday with more restaurant news, openings, closings, dining deals, and everything happening around Scottsdale's food scene.

Until then...

— Mychael & Connie Parker
Forking Scottsdale

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