August 27, 2026

Good morning, Scottsdale!

The summer heat may still be hanging around, but Scottsdale's restaurant scene definitely isn't cooling down.

After months of anticipation, Michelin finally pulled up a chair at Arizona's dining table Wednesday night.

The inaugural MICHELIN Guide Southwest was unveiled at a ceremony at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, bringing Arizona into the Michelin universe for the first time alongside Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. And while no Arizona restaurant received a Michelin Star this year, the state certainly wasn't left out of the conversation. (Phoenix New Times)

Arizona finished the night with 19 restaurants recognized — seven earning the coveted Bib Gourmand designation for quality cooking at a good value, and another 12 receiving Michelin's Selected Restaurant recommendation. (KTAR.com)

For Scottsdale, four restaurants made the inaugural guide:

FnB earned a Bib Gourmand, joining six Phoenix restaurants in that category.

Meanwhile, Hush Public House, Reserve and ShinBay were named Michelin Selected Restaurants.

And there's another Scottsdale connection worth celebrating.

Charleen Badman, chef and co-owner of FnB, received Michelin's brand-new Mindful Voices Award, recognizing people pioneering new approaches in gastronomy, hospitality and wine. Badman has long championed Arizona farmers, seasonal ingredients and a vegetable-forward style of cooking at FnB.

Scottsdale's Reserve also produced another individual winner: wine director John Germain took home the Michelin Sommelier Award. (Phoenix New Times)

Correct — Arizona received zero Michelin Stars in the inaugural Southwest Guide.

Across the entire four-state region, Michelin awarded just five stars. Restaurant de Joël Robuchon in Las Vegas received two stars, while four restaurants earned one-star honors, with the remaining starred restaurants in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. (Eater Vegas)

That might sound disappointing for Arizona, especially after all the buildup around Michelin's arrival. But there's another way to look at it.

Arizona is officially on the Michelin map.

For the first time, anonymous Michelin inspectors are evaluating Arizona restaurants alongside some of the country's most recognized dining destinations. With 19 restaurants in the first guide, Arizona's culinary scene has already received significant international attention. (Phoenix New Times)

For Scottsdale diners, the takeaway is pretty simple: four local restaurants now have Michelin recognition attached to their names — and that is something worth paying attention to.

The stars may not have arrived this time.

But Michelin has arrived.

And if history is any indication, this probably isn't the last chapter.

👉 See the full list of Arizona restaurants recognized by Michelin (Phoenix New Times)

Forking Scottsdale take: We're not going to pretend we're not a little surprised Scottsdale didn't pick up a star. But having FnB, Hush Public House, Reserve and ShinBay recognized in the very first Arizona guide — plus Badman's and Germain's individual honors — is a pretty strong first showing.

The question now isn't whether Michelin will matter in Arizona. It's who gets the first star next.

If there's one thing we've learned from watching Scottsdale's restaurant scene this summer, it's this:

The pipeline isn't slowing down.

Rather than focusing on restaurants we've already covered, we're looking at the bigger picture this week.

New chef-driven concepts, destination restaurants, food halls, coffee shops, lounges and entertainment-focused restaurants are all finding their way into Scottsdale.

One area we're watching especially closely is The Sydney.

The massive Scottsdale development continues to build its restaurant lineup, including Atashi Yokocho, a new Japanese food hall, along with Bistecca & Bones and Old Town Ski Lodge.

Atashi Yokocho is particularly interesting because it could bring a completely different type of Japanese dining experience to Scottsdale — a collection of food and beverage concepts operating together under one roof.

We're also watching Vecina's Scottsdale expansion, the continued growth of Old Town's restaurant and nightlife district, and the growing number of concepts positioning themselves for the fall and winter dining seasons.

And that's really the bigger story.

Scottsdale isn't simply getting more restaurants. It's getting more types of restaurants.

We're seeing everything from casual coffee shops and food halls to high-end steakhouses, chef-driven concepts, destination restaurants and experiential dining.

And with the cooler months approaching, the competition for Scottsdale diners is about to get even more interesting.

We're watching it all.

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.

Quiriego Scottsdale (former location of Carrabba's Italian Grill) is shaping up to be one of the more ambitious new restaurant projects on our radar.

The concept centers on more than 9,000 square feet of immersive, experiential space, aiming to bring architecture, atmosphere, hospitality, and food together in one destination.

The culinary focus is particularly interesting.

Quiriego is expected to showcase some of the Sonoran region's unique flavors, giving Scottsdale diners another chance to explore the region's food traditions in a more elevated, experiential setting.

What's catching our attention right now is that the project has moved well beyond the "coming soon" drawings and construction phase.

The team behind the project says the space is now in its final preparations before welcoming guests.

In other words...

This one looks like it's getting close.

We're especially interested in seeing how Quiriego combines its large footprint, immersive design, and Sonoran-inspired food into the finished restaurant.

Watch this one. We think Quiriego could make some noise when the doors finally open.

📍 17007 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale (Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd and Scottsdale Rd)

A new coffee and café concept is coming to 7032 E. Main Street in Old Town Scottsdale, the former home of Cafe Forte.

The Porcelain Cup is taking over the space and adding another coffee-focused destination to the Old Town mix.

The location itself is worth noting.

Being on Main Street puts The Porcelain Cup right in the middle of one of Scottsdale's most walkable restaurant, bar, shopping, and entertainment districts.

At The Porcelain Cup, afternoon tea is more than a tradition—it is an experience.

Alongside our signature afternoon tea service, champagne offerings, and curated caviar selections, guests will discover a collection of tea sets inspired by tea cultures from around the world.

These displays will serve as the backdrop for special educational tea experiences and seasonal events celebrating the history and rituals of tea.

Every detail is being thoughtfully designed to create a beautiful place to gather, celebrate, and slow down.

Because Old Town can always use another good place to grab a coffee, settle in for a bit, and watch the neighborhood go by.

📍 7032 E. Main St., Scottsdale

This one has a little more backstory.

The restaurant currently known as Pinard Wine Bar & Lounge in North Scottsdale is transforming into Brass Leaf.

The location is:

📍 20469 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale

The new concept is being developed around three things that sound pretty good together:

Food. Wine. Jazz.

Brass Leaf is being created as an independent gathering space focused on curated wines, craft food, live jazz, and community.

The transformation is more than simply putting a new sign on the building. The concept is being reimagined around a different identity and experience.

The current Pinard space is already serving as a bridge to the new concept, with the team preparing for the next chapter. Arizona Restaurant Week will also provide an early look at the evolving operation, with a $55 prix fixe menu planned for September 18–27. (MXSW)

The full Brass Leaf experience is expected to debut later this year.

Food, wine, and live jazz?

We're listening.

If you've been following Scottsdale's coffee scene, this is one to watch.

The Brew Box Coffee Company is expanding to North Scottsdale, taking over the former Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea location near Loop 101 and Raintree Drive.

The new location is:

📍 14850 N. 87th St., Suite 101, Scottsdale

The Brew Box announced the acquisition on August 21, making this the brand's second brick-and-mortar location.

That's notable because The Brew Box is a family-owned local brand.

This isn't another national coffee chain moving into Scottsdale.

It's a local coffee company expanding its footprint.

There's no formal grand-opening date yet, but the signs are already up, and the new location is moving forward.

North Scottsdale coffee drinkers, keep this one on your radar.

The 5,400-square-foot former Zipps space is preparing to open its new Scottsdale location near Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard and Loop 101.

The new restaurant is planned for:

📍 14148 N. 100th St., Scottsdale

And here's the part that caught our attention:

They're hiring.

Bonfire has already been building its Scottsdale opening team, which is usually one of the clearest signs that a restaurant is getting close to opening its doors.

The concept centers on scratch-made food, smoked meats, craft beverages, sports, and entertainment.

The brand currently has locations in Tempe and Surprise, and Scottsdale will be its next chapter.

The company is currently pointing toward a Labor Day 2026 opening.

So unlike some of the concepts on our list where we're still waiting for a date...

Bonfire is getting close.

Some Scottsdale restaurants are designed to be seen.

Others are designed to make you feel like you've escaped somewhere.

The Canal Club at The Scott Resort & Spa falls into that second category.

Tucked inside The Scott, The Canal Club brings a distinctly Cuban-inspired personality to Scottsdale, with tropical surroundings, Havana-style cocktails, shareable dishes and an atmosphere designed to feel like you've temporarily escaped Arizona.

And that's exactly what makes it interesting.

The restaurant doesn't feel like it's trying to be the newest flashy restaurant on Scottsdale Road.

Instead, it leans into a sense of place.

The bar is a big part of the experience, with Cuban- and Havana-inspired cocktails that fit the tropical setting perfectly.

The restaurant also has music and experiences that make it more than simply a place to sit down for dinner.

From Cuban-inspired game nights to live music, vinyl DJs, and Sunday brunch, The Canal Club has created an environment where the atmosphere is part of the meal.

It's the kind of place that works for a cocktail, dinner, date night or a leisurely Sunday brunch.

And sometimes that's exactly what we're looking for.

Not another restaurant that feels like every other restaurant.

Something with a personality.

Something that transports you somewhere else for a couple of hours.

If you're looking for something that doesn't feel like every other restaurant in Scottsdale, The Canal Club deserves a look.

It's tropical.

It's a little unexpected.

And those Havana-style cocktails certainly don't hurt.

👉 Read the full First Look on The Canal Club

Scottsdale has no shortage of restaurants competing for your next night out.

But every once in a while, two restaurants start getting enough attention that we have to ask:

Which one would you choose?

That's exactly what we're doing this week with Society Swan and The Ponderosa House.

Both restaurants have been generating conversation among Scottsdale diners, but they offer distinctly different experiences.

Society Swan leans into the social side of Scottsdale dining, where atmosphere, cocktails, and the energy of the room are a major part of the evening.

The Ponderosa House takes a different road, offering a more destination-oriented experience with a personality that feels connected to Arizona.

So this isn't simply about comparing menus.

It's about what kind of night you're looking for.

Dinner with a scene?

Cocktails and conversation?

A place to celebrate?

Or somewhere that feels a little different from the usual Scottsdale restaurant rotation?

That's why we call it Fork in the Road.

👉 Read the full Society Swan vs. The Ponderosa House comparison

Which fork would you take?

Summer dining doesn't have to mean sacrificing the experience—or your wallet.

We rounded up some of the Scottsdale area's most interesting summer dining offers, including Bourbon & Bones' $79 Signature Summer Menu, Mastro's $100 Summer of Luxury, and the seasonal offerings at Talavera at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale.

But there's one deal that's especially different: LON's at The Hermosa Inn is serving a five-course dinner inside its historic underground wine cellar, where the temperature stays around 57 degrees. The experience runs through August 30, so there's not much time left to try it.

We've also included Cartwright's Sonoran Ranch House for those who want to make dinner more of a destination.

So whether you're looking for a steakhouse night, a desert-view dinner, or a very cool escape from the August heat, there are some good reasons to make a reservation.

👉 See all of this week's Scottsdale Dining Deals (forkingscottsdale.com)

Forking Scottsdale tip: Don't overlook Sunday through Thursday. That's where some of the best summer dining opportunities are happening right now. (forkingscottsdale.com)

Looking for something with a little more energy this weekend?

Head to Old Town for live Flamenco at Tapas Papa Frita, where Spanish food, cocktails, music and dance come together for a lively night out.

This Friday and Saturday, internationally acclaimed performer Yumi La Rosa takes the stage from 7:30–10 PM, bringing the passion and energy of authentic Flamenco to Old Town Scottsdale. Pair the show with tapas, paella and handcrafted cocktails for a dinner that comes with a performance. (Tapas Papa Frita)

Friday, August 28 & Saturday, August 29
7:30–10 PM
📍 7114 E. Stetson Dr. #210, Scottsdale

480-699-5004

Reservations are recommended.

👉 More information & reservations

Want to actually make something instead of simply eating it?

The Tipsy Chef Pasta Making Class is happening Friday evening at The Wine Collective of Scottsdale.

It's a hands-on evening centered around making fresh pasta while enjoying wine in a relaxed Scottsdale setting.

Because let's be honest:

Pasta + wine + Friday night = pretty good plan.

Friday, August 28
6 PM
📍 4020 N. Scottsdale Rd. #104, Scottsdale

The Wine Collective of Scottsdale 480-912-1746

👉 Check the event and ticket information

We recommend checking the event listing for current ticket availability before heading over.

Before Labor Day weekend, add this event to your calendar: Tuesday, September 1.

Toscana Wood Fired Italian is hosting an Italian Wine Dinner beginning with a 5:30 PM reception, followed by dinner at 6 PM.

The evening features a multi-course Italian dinner paired with wines, making this a great opportunity for anyone who enjoys both Italian food and discovering new wines.

Tuesday, September 1
Reception: 5:30 PM
Dinner: 6 PM
$125 per person

📍 16580 N. 92nd St., Suite 100
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
480-597-7160

Seats are limited, so we recommend reserving ahead rather than waiting until the last minute.

👉 Reserve your seat for the Toscana Wine Dinner

Forking Scottsdale tip: If you've been meaning to try Toscana, a wine dinner is a pretty good excuse. Put September 1 on the calendar now.🌴 COMING UP: LABOR DAY WEEKEND

If you're looking for one last big summer weekend, The Canal Club at The Scott Resort & Spa is turning Labor Day Weekend into a full-on tropical escape.

From September 4–7, The Canal Club will have a lineup featuring tropical cocktails, live DJs, poolside vibes and special experiences throughout the weekend.

The schedule includes Mijenta Tequila activations, leisurely brunches, restorative yoga and afternoons beneath the palms. It's basically one last excuse to embrace summer before Scottsdale officially shifts into fall mode. (Canal Club)

The Canal Club's Havana-inspired setting makes it a particularly good fit for the weekend, with Cuban and Caribbean-inspired food, craft cocktails and an indoor-outdoor atmosphere.

September 4–7
📍 Inside The Scott Resort & Spa
4925 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
480-424-6095

Reservations are recommended.

👉 See the Labor Day Weekend lineup & make a reservation

Forking Scottsdale tip: If you're looking for something more than just dinner over Labor Day weekend, this is one to keep on your radar. The combination of poolside activities, cocktails, music and the Canal Club atmosphere makes it feel more like a mini getaway without leaving Scottsdale.

See a COMING SOON sign?

Notice construction happening at an old restaurant?

Hear about a restaurant opening, new chef, secret menu, crazy dining deal or something happening around Scottsdale that we should know about?

Tell us!

Just reply to this email and send us the scoop.

Photos are even better.

You don't have to be a restaurant insider.

Sometimes the best tips come from someone simply driving around Scottsdale and thinking:

"Hey... what are they building over there?"

We'll do the digging from there.

That's this week's Thursday Bite.

We're watching restaurant openings, the ones getting ready to open, the deals worth knowing about, and all the little clues that tell us what's happening next in Scottsdale's dining scene.

And we're always looking for the next story.

See a Coming Soon sign?

Know about a restaurant that's quietly opening?

Hear something about a chef, lease or new concept?

Found a great dining deal we missed?

Send it our way.

Just hit reply to this email.

You might just help us uncover the next big Scottsdale restaurant story.

Until next Thursday...

Eat well, Scottsdale.

— Mychael & Connie
Forking Scottsdale

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