Hottest New Restaurants Opening in the Scottsdale Area

The Scottsdale and Phoenix dining scenes are set to sizzle in 2026 with a lineup of exciting new restaurants. From celebrity-favored steakhouses to innovative Italian eateries, here are the top spots to watch.

 

Drake's Hollywood

Bringing old Hollywood glamour to Old Town Scottsdale, Drake's Hollywood is slated to open its largest location in early 2026. The 8,000-square-foot restaurant will feature plush red booths, Art Deco chandeliers, and a menu boasting USDA Prime cuts and the "world's coldest martini." Located at the corner of Scottsdale Road and First Street, this venue promises a high-energy dining experience reminiscent of the golden era.

 

il Bracco

Texas-based il Bracco is set to make its Arizona debut in late 2025 at the corner of Scottsdale Road and Rose Lane. Known for house-made pastas, prime steaks, and fresh seafood, the 5,000-square-foot restaurant will offer a stylish interior and a spacious patio, aiming to become a neighborhood favorite.

 

The Henry

Fox Restaurant Concepts is expanding its beloved "greatest neighborhood restaurant," The Henry, to North Scottsdale in summer 2026. Located at Scottsdale 101, the 7,000-square-foot establishment will feature a spacious patio and an interior courtyard, offering signature cocktails, house-made pastries, and comfort food classics in a Gatsby-era-inspired setting.

 

Mendocino Farms

California's popular sandwich and salad shop, Mendocino Farms, is set to open its first Arizona location at Scottsdale Promenade in 2026. The 3,000-square-foot restaurant, accompanied by a 500-square-foot patio, will serve fresh, feel-good food made with high-quality ingredients, catering to the health-conscious community.

 

Élephante

Originally from Santa Monica, Élephante is bringing its upscale coastal Italian cuisine to Scottsdale Fashion Square. Set to open in the coming weeks, the restaurant will offer house-made pasta, wood-fired pizza, and signature dishes like whipped eggplant and puccia, providing a taste of Italy's Puglia region.

 

Heritage Kitchen + Cocktails

Chef Christopher Brugman, a finalist on "Chopped," is opening Heritage Kitchen + Cocktails in Scottsdale in summer 2025. Located near Bell Road and Thompson Peak Parkway, the 3,000-square-foot restaurant will pay homage to Brugman's family and career, offering a unique dining experience in an underrepresented area.

 

These upcoming establishments are set to elevate the culinary landscape of Scottsdale and Phoenix, offering diverse and innovative dining experiences for residents and visitors alike.