New Scottsdale Restaurants to Try in 2026

One of the things I love about living in Scottsdale is that there are almost always new Scottsdale restaurants to try.

Scottsdale’s restaurant scene continues to grow, and 2026 has brought a mix of new arrivals. Some are well-known concepts making their Arizona debut, while others are locally driven restaurants offering something completely new.

Whether you’re looking for a special-occasion dinner, a lively happy hour spot, handmade pasta, sushi or simply somewhere new to meet friends, here are 10 new Scottsdale restaurants worth putting on your list.

Din Tai Fung | Scottsdale Fashion Square

One of the most anticipated restaurant openings in Scottsdale this year was Din Tai Fung, the internationally known Taiwanese restaurant famous for its Xiao Long Bao, or soup dumplings.

Located at Scottsdale Fashion Square, this is the first Arizona location for the family-owned restaurant brand, which has grown from a small dumpling and noodle shop in Taiwan to locations around the world.

The menu is designed for sharing, with dumplings, wontons, noodles, fried rice, vegetables and other dishes arriving throughout the meal. The signature Kurobuta Pork Xiao Long Bao is an obvious place to start, but the spicy wontons, noodles and chocolate and mochi Xiao Long Bao have also attracted plenty of attention.

You can even watch the dumplings being carefully folded through the open kitchen.

Good to know: This has been one of Scottsdale’s most in-demand new restaurants, so plan ahead if you have a particular day or time in mind.

Telefèric Barcelona | Scottsdale Fashion Square

Also new to Scottsdale Fashion Square is Telefèric Barcelona, a Spanish restaurant built around tapas, paella and the social style of dining found in Barcelona.

The concept originated in Spain before expanding into California and now Arizona.

Expect plenty of dishes meant for sharing, including patatas bravas, croquetas, jamón ibérico and made-to-order paellas. There’s also an extensive Spanish wine selection, sangria and creative cocktails.

One interesting addition is an in-restaurant market where you can pick up imported Spanish ingredients, olive oils, specialty rice, conservas and even paella kits to take home.

Good to know: Paellas are prepared to order, so this is a good place to settle in, order a few tapas and enjoy the experience rather than plan on a quick dinner.

il Bracco | Scottsdale Road

If Italian is more your style, il Bracco opened its first location outside of Texas in Scottsdale this spring.

The restaurant specializes in house-made pasta and bread along with seafood, steaks and an Italian-focused wine program.

Menu favorites include house-made focaccia with whipped ricotta, meatballs, spicy gemelli with vodka sauce, pesto rigatoni and Bolognese. The restaurant also has a full bar and covered patio, which should become increasingly appealing as Scottsdale’s fall weather arrives.

The setting is polished without feeling overly formal, making it equally suitable for lunch, date night or dinner with friends.

Good to know: It has quickly become a popular spot, particularly during prime dinner hours.

JING | North Scottsdale

For something with a little more energy, JING made its Arizona debut in Scottsdale this year after an extensive transformation of its North Scottsdale space.

The globally inspired menu has a strong Asian influence and includes sushi and sashimi, dumplings, Wagyu, seafood, steaks and dishes prepared using a Spanish Josper charcoal oven and grill.

Signature offerings include Peking duck, tuna pizza, Wagyu hot rock, lobster dim sum and a variety of sushi rolls.

The dramatic interior and later-evening energy make JING as much about the atmosphere as the meal.

Good to know: JING offers a daily happy hour, making that a good opportunity to sample several dishes and cocktails before committing to a full dinner.

Starfish Scottsdale | McCormick Ranch

Starfish Scottsdale brought its Asian Coastal Cuisine concept from Southern California to McCormick Ranch this year, marking the restaurant group’s first location outside California.

The menu pulls inspiration from several Asian cuisines, with sushi, dumplings, curries, noodles, seafood and wok-fired dishes designed for sharing.

Choices range from Korean tacos and pork buns to Pad Thai, Chilean sea bass, black cod and Cambodian black pepper filet.

The restaurant also has a substantial cocktail and sake program and a tropical, coastal-inspired atmosphere that feels particularly well suited to Scottsdale.

Good to know: Starfish offers happy hour daily from 3 to 6 p.m., with a separate selection of discounted dishes, sushi and drinks.

The Guest House | Scottsdale Quarter

The Guest House opened at Scottsdale Quarter in the former Etta space, bringing an upscale New American menu and a decidedly social atmosphere.

This is one of the more “night out” oriented additions to the list. The menu combines a raw bar, steaks, seafood and indulgent comfort food with a substantial cocktail program.

You’ll find everything from oysters and steak tartare to branzino, Wagyu, chicken Parmesan and a dry-aged bone-in ribeye.

The room itself is part of the attraction, with a polished, energetic atmosphere designed for lingering over dinner and drinks.

Good to know: If you’re curious but don’t want to commit to a full dinner, happy hour may be a good introduction.

Sexy Roman | W Scottsdale

The name certainly gets your attention.

Located inside the W Scottsdale, Sexy Roman is a contemporary Italian restaurant that combines Italian favorites with the energetic atmosphere you’d expect from its Old Town location.

The menu includes handmade-style pastas, seafood, steaks and Italian classics with a modern presentation. Choices include spicy lobster fettuccine, burrata-stuffed tortellini, cacio e pepe, short-rib Bolognese and chicken Parmesan.

There’s also a strong cocktail component, including tableside martinis and a roaming cocktail cart.

Good to know: This one is geared more toward a lively night out than a quiet neighborhood Italian dinner. It’s also open for breakfast and lunch if you’d like to experience the space at a different pace.

The Ponderosa House | Old Town Scottsdale

For something distinctly Arizona, The Ponderosa House is one of the more interesting additions to Old Town.

Located in a restored historic home, the restaurant describes its food as “Arizona Born,” combining familiar American dishes with Sonoran and Southwestern influences.

The property offers three different experiences: the Cantina, the House and an outdoor Patio. Menu choices include ahi tostadas, mushroom tacos, burgers, green-chile pork stew, filet mignon and the restaurant’s much-talked-about 48-hour fries.

The historic setting also distinguishes it from many of Scottsdale’s newer, larger restaurant concepts.

Good to know: Choose your seating area based on the experience you’re looking for. The Cantina is more casual and bar-oriented, while the House offers a more intimate dining experience.

Wayward | Old Town Scottsdale

Tucked into Old Town, Wayward feels quite different from the large, high-energy restaurant concepts that have become common in Scottsdale.

The locally owned restaurant and cocktail bar combines the feel of a speakeasy and western saloon with a globally inspired menu.

Expect some unexpected combinations, including Korean garlic buns, ceviche, black cod, inventive pasta dishes and large-format taco boards designed for sharing.

The cocktail program is also a major part of the experience, with original creations alongside reimagined classics and zero-proof options.

Good to know: Wayward is relatively intimate, so it’s particularly well suited to date night or a small group rather than a large gathering.

Kuza | North Scottsdale

One of the newest additions to the list is Kuza, which opened in North Scottsdale in September.

The Japanese and Asian-inspired concept centers around an open robata grill and raw bar, allowing guests to watch much of the preparation.

The restaurant combines charcoal-grilled meats and seafood with sushi, seasonal raw preparations, ramen, gyoza and other dishes influenced by Japanese culinary traditions. Fish for the sushi program is flown in from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market twice each week.

Kuza comes from Clive Collective, the local hospitality group behind other Scottsdale concepts including Cala, The Americano and Tell Your Friends.

Good to know: Because Kuza is so new, it hasn’t had the time to build the track record of some of the other restaurants on this list. But if you enjoy trying new restaurants early, this is certainly one to watch.

Scottsdale’s Restaurant Scene Keeps Evolving

One thing is clear from Scottsdale’s 2026 restaurant openings: there’s no shortage of choices and Scottsdale continues to be a foodie paradise.

We have major restaurant brands choosing Scottsdale for their first Arizona locations, established concepts expanding here from other states, and locally created restaurants continuing to bring something different to the mix.

And the year isn’t over yet. Additional restaurants are still scheduled to make their Scottsdale debuts before the end of 2026.

Exploring new restaurants is one more way to enjoy the neighborhoods and lifestyle that make Scottsdale such a great place to call home. For more on life in the valley, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What new restaurants opened in Scottsdale in 2026?

Some of Scottsdale’s notable 2026 restaurant openings include Din Tai Fung, Telefèric Barcelona, il Bracco, JING, Starfish Scottsdale, The Guest House, Sexy Roman, The Ponderosa House, Wayward and Kuza.

What new restaurants opened at Scottsdale Fashion Square?

Din Tai Fung and Telefèric Barcelona are among the major new additions to Scottsdale Fashion Square in 2026, adding Taiwanese and Spanish dining options to the center’s growing restaurant lineup.

What new restaurants opened in North Scottsdale in 2026?

JING and Kuza are two notable North Scottsdale additions this year. JING offers globally inspired cuisine with Asian influences, while Kuza focuses on Japanese-inspired dishes, sushi and robata grilling.

What new Italian restaurants opened in Scottsdale in 2026?

il Bracco opened near Scottsdale Road and Rose Lane, while Sexy Roman opened inside W Scottsdale in Old Town. Both offer Italian cuisine but very different dining experiences.

Are more new restaurants coming to Scottsdale in 2026?

Yes. Scottsdale’s restaurant scene is still growing, with additional concepts expected to open before the end of the year.

This blog was written with the assistance of AI, edited by Paula Rosentreter.