Forking Scottsdale - Everything worth knowing in Scottsdale's restaurant scene.

General Admission Soft Open: The elevated sports lounge quietly opened on Oct. 8 in the former RnR Gastropub space at 3737 N. Scottsdale Road in Old Town, offering craft cocktails and sports screens.

Salad and Go Update: Updates on Salad and Go's Arizona expansion and the status of its former Scottsdale locations.

Closings Report: No new confirmed restaurant closures in Scottsdale to report this week.

STK: $49 three-course Steak Night.

Maple & Ash: $3 oysters.

Eddie V’s: $10 cocktails.

Toca Madera: $5 tacos and $8 margaritas.

Uchi: $25 lunch prix fixe.

The Americano: $3 seafood selections.

Additional deals highlighted at Fat Ox and local resort happy hours.

Roka Akor 18th Anniversary: Offering 18% off the entire bill on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 7299 N. Scottsdale Road.

Arizona Taco Fest: Oct. 17–18 at Salt River Fields ($15 GA, kids 12 and under free) with live music, margaritas, and celebrity chefs Aarón Sánchez, Maria Mazon, and Beau MacMillan.

Lisa Vanderpump Book Signing: Tuesday, Oct. 20 at WOLF by Vanderpump (Caesars Republic Scottsdale) featuring a $225 four-course dinner and a signed copy of Home at Villa Rosa.

General Admission: 3737 N. Scottsdale Road, Old Town Scottsdale

Vecina McCormick Ranch: 8300 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale

Roka Akor: 7299 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

Salt River Fields (Arizona Taco Fest): 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale

WOLF by Vanderpump: Caesars Republic Scottsdale

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"Til next week Scottsdale, Eat Well".

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Costa Bella Italian Restaurant Opens Tonight: Owner Olivier Coscas launches his modern Italian concept in North Scottsdale (former La Cucina space), featuring fresh imported pasta, in-house sauces, daily happy hour (4–6 p.m.), and half-price wine bottles on Mondays.

FnB Expands to 5 Nights: The Old Town favorite has expanded its fall schedule to include Tuesdays, now serving dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5–10 p.m..

Dash (McCormick Ranch): Late-2026 opening from Chef Matt Carter, Brian Raab, and pastry chef Lisa Graf in the former Fired Pie space, featuring an all-day market, Roman-style pizza, charcoal chicken, and soft serve.

ALMA Southwest Steakhouse: Official opening set for November 2 at The Citadel in North Scottsdale (taking over the former Preston's Steakhouse).

French Crêperie: Old Town grand opening scheduled for Saturday, October 24 at 10 a.m. in the former Arizona Stronghold space on Marshall Way.

Turquoise Wine Bar: Targeting a late October to early November opening in McDowell Mountain Ranch.

Stone & Vine Urban Italian: Target Q4 2026 return to Scottsdale next to Quiriego, brought by the team behind Sophia’s Kitchen.

First Look – Quiriego Cocina Rústica: Highlights from the Abeyta family's soft opening, featuring standout tomatillo sauce, charred Caesar salad, and rustic pizza.

Fork in the Road (Patio Battle): Comparing the Parisian sidewalk café energy of Zinc Bistro in Kierland Commons against the romantic garden setting of The House Brasserie in Old Town.

Giada De Laurentiis at Luna (Oct 14): A $230 four-course tasting dinner and meet-and-greet at Caesars Republic Scottsdale.

Arizona Taco Fest (Oct 17–18): Two-day festival at Salt River Fields featuring Aarón Sánchez, Maria Mazon, and Beau MacMillan.

Marcellino Learn & Lunch (Oct 17): Hands-on Ravioli ai Funghi class ($85/person) with Chef Marcellino Verzino.

An Evening With Lisa Vanderpump (Oct 20): A $225 four-course book-launch dinner (Home at Villa Rosa) at Wolf by Vanderpump.

Costa Bella: 14692 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Suite 147, North Scottsdale | 📞 480-203-2034

FnB: 7125 E. Fifth Ave., Suite 31, Old Town Scottsdale

Dash: 9619 N. Hayden Rd., McCormick Ranch

ALMA Southwest Steakhouse: 8700 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., The Citadel, North Scottsdale | 📞 480-284-6736

French Crêperie Scottsdale: 4225 N. Marshall Way, Suite 2, Old Town Scottsdale

Turquoise Wine Bar: 10405 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd., Suite 100

Stone & Vine Urban Italian: 17001 N. Scottsdale Rd.

Marcellino Ristorante: 7114 E. Stetson Dr., Old Town Scottsdale | 📞 480-990-9500

Newsletter: Get full details, fine print, and additional dining deals at ForkingScottsdale.com.

Closing Line: "Til next week, Scottsdale, Eat Well!"

[00:00] – Intro & Season Kickoff
Welcoming October and setting the stage for a busy fall dining lineup across Scottsdale.

The Details: Chef Matt Carter and Brian Raab (The Mission, Fat Ox, Zinc Bistro) are opening DASH in November at the former Fired Pie space in McCormick Ranch (9619 N. Hayden Rd).

Why It’s Big: Carter’s first totally new concept in nearly a decade features just 12 indoor seats and a 40-seat patio, serving all-day coffee, pastries, Roman-style pizza, Portuguese charcoal chicken, and batched cocktails.

Quiriego Cocina Rústica: Sonora-based restaurant quietly soft-opens at 17007 N. Scottsdale Rd (former Chauncey Social).

Alma Southwest Steakhouse & Little Scoops: Chef Sheila Bryson’s Soul Hospitality Group brings a dual Southwest steakhouse and late-night ice cream parlor to The Citadel (8700 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd) opening November 2.

French Crêperie: Old Town grand opening set for October 24 at 4225 N. Marshall Way.

Stone & Vine Urban Italian: Coming Q4 2026 to 17001 N. Scottsdale Rd next to Quiriego.

WWII aviation-themed lounge combining rare whiskey, premium cigars, and custom Fante’s Coffee House blends.

The Big Hook: Specialized air-filtration ventilation designed so guests don't leave smelling like smoke.

The Pasta: In-house crafted pasta that "takes you back to Sorrento".

The Dessert Hack: Server Blake's secret recommendation—order the Cheesecake and the Italian Sundae (vanilla ice cream, olive oil, pistachios, sea salt) together and take a scoop of both!

PINYON: $2.75 oysters during daily happy hour.

Society Swan: $11 cocktails and $17 half-dozen oysters.

HULA’S: $5 tacos & $8 cocktails.

F/Sixteen: $10 food/cocktails including burger + beer deal.

Bright Side Cafe: $3 cold brews every Thursday in October.

Bonfire Craft Kitchen & Tap House: Now open at 14148 N. 100th Street. The kitchen is active, though the bar is awaiting liquor license approval before the taps can start flowing.

The Breakfast Table: Grand opening set for Monday, September 28 at 17757 N. Scottsdale Road. Operated by a local father-and-son team, serving classic breakfast, lunch, and weekend mimosa flights.

Los Milics Vineyards: Moved across the street to a much larger Old Town tasting room at 7045 E. Third Ave., featuring two outdoor patios and a wine-bar menu with fresh hand-pulled mozzarella.

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream: Operating at 3380 N. Hayden Road in South Scottsdale, with official Grand Opening festivities planned for October 2–4.

Stone & Vine Urban Italian: First Scottsdale location targeting Q4 2026 at 17001 N. Scottsdale Road, next to Quiriego.

Cali Tacos: Expanding east to 7337 E. Shea Blvd with California-style street food, birria, and cheese-filled tacos.

Quiriego: Targeting a soft opening on September 28 at 17007 N. Scottsdale Road.

Mystery Filing ("The Dash"): A new Series 12 restaurant liquor license application appeared on September 22 for 9619 N. Hayden Road (formerly Fired Pie).

Turquoise Wine Bar: Neighborhood wine bar and bistro targeting a late October/early November opening in McDowell Mountain Ranch.

French Crêperie #2: Opening October 24 at 4225 N. Marshall Way in Old Town.

Katsuya Scottsdale: Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi brings modern Japanese cuisine to Kimpton Miralina Resort in 2027.

Holla Brunch Girl: Scottsdale’s first 21+ sing-along brunch launches Saturday, September 26 at 7320 E. Indian Plaza, featuring live DJs, cocktail towers, frozé, and espresso martini soft serve.

Fork in the Road (The Mission vs. Toca Madera): Breaking down whether you want a classic candlelit Latin dinner (The Mission) or a high-energy modern Mexican night out (Toca Madera).

Arizona Restaurant Week (Ends Sept. 27): Highlighting top $55 three-course menus at Nobu Scottsdale (featuring Black Cod with Miso), Pinyon, Arcadia Farms (opening for dinner), and Olive & Ivy (includes featured wine).

Fish & Sips at OdySea Aquarium: 21+ adult happy hour inside the aquarium on Friday, September 25.

Rossa Kitchen Cocktail Class: Hands-on mixology workshop on Saturday, September 26.

Classic Cooking Academy: Four-course wine dinner on Saturday, September 26.

COURSE Fall Menu: Chef Cory Oppold launches the new seasonal tasting menu starting Friday, September 25.

Subscribe: Get local food scoops delivered every Thursday at ForkingScottsdale.com.

Follow Us: Check out behind-the-scenes reels and photos on Instagram @ForkingScottsdale and Facebook.

Sign-Off: "Til next week, Scottsdale, Eat Well."

The hosts kick off a massive week for the Scottsdale food scene.

Kuza officially opened yesterday, Vecina opens tomorrow, and Arizona Restaurant Week starts Friday.

Teasers for upcoming soft openings, new neighborhood wine bar details, a 2027 luxury resort debut, and a "What is Closing" update.

Opened September 16 in the former Chauncey Social space by Clive Collective.

Executive Chef Erik Davila’s menu centers on a binchōtan-fired robata grill, raw bar, sushi, and globally influenced dishes, with seafood flown in from Tokyo twice weekly.

First Look: A high-energy "night out" vibe featuring a dark room, music, cocktails, an open kitchen, and the theater of live flame and smoke from the central robata grill.

Opens Friday, September 18 in the former Z'Tejas location.

Owners James and Raenee Fox expanded their concept into a venue nearly triple the size of their original Arcadia spot.

Features a larger kitchen, private dining rooms, a mezzanine, and a lakeside patio alongside their signature mesquite-fired food and cocktails.

Quiriego: Soft opening confirmed for September 28 by Katz Design Group.

Construction is underway in the former Café Au Plait space near Thompson 105, targeting a late October or early November opening.

Owner/operator Ariel Sheely (a former law enforcement officer holding a WSET Level 2 certification) is opening a neighborhood wine bar, tasting room, bottle shop, and bistro.

Features wines by the glass, flights, bottles, shareable wine-paired plates, live music, community events, and a dog-friendly patio overlooking the McDowell Mountains.

Grand opening scheduled for October 24, marking the French-owned concept's arrival in Arizona.

Founded by Natacha Douglas, known for authentic crêpes, viral French favorites, and sell-out crêpe-making classes.

Coming in 2027 to the new Kimpton Miralina Resort.

From Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi, blending traditional Japanese technique with California influences (signatures include crispy rice with spicy tuna, sushi, robata dishes, and cocktails).

What is Closing: No new closures confirmed this week.

Comparing two high-profile Italian dining destinations: La Zozzona (Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort) vs. Luna by Giada (Caesars Republic Scottsdale).

La Zozzona: Chef Richard Blais' playful "Itali-Zona" approach featuring house-made pastas, cicchetti, wood-fired steaks, big flavors, and an unpretentious cocktail program.

Luna by Giada: Giada De Laurentiis’ polished dining room blending Roman roots with California style.

The House Brasserie ($55): Features a Summer Breeze Menu with crispy calamari followed by petite filet mignon or pan-seared blackened rockfish, complete with a wine pairing.

Nobu Scottsdale ($55): Three courses featuring signature dishes like crispy rice with spicy tuna, rock shrimp tempura, and black cod with miso.

Elvira's DC Ranch ($55): Three-course menu from the newer upscale Mexican restaurant in DC Ranch.

Olive & Ivy ($55): Includes a three-course dinner plus a glass of featured wine.

The Greene House ($55): Three-course dinner that includes a glass of featured red or white wine.

Cobre Kitchen + Cocktails ($44): Three courses, with Restaurant Week diners also getting $2 off specialty cocktails.

Luna by Giada ($55): Three-course options including Pesto Arancini, Tuna Crudo, Chicken Parmigiana, Tuscan Salmon, Short Rib Pappardelle, and Cannoli Cake.

The White Chocolate Grill ($55): Contemporary American dishes followed by house-made white chocolate desserts.

Date & Time: Friday, September 18 at 5:30 PM.

Location: 4020 N. Scottsdale Rd.

Price: $30 per person.

Details: Test your palate against five un-labeled wines from different American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), guided by a sommelier.

Date & Time: Friday, Sept 18 & Saturday, Sept 19 at 6:00 PM.

Location: 3205 N. Hayden Rd.

Price: $120 per guest.

Menu Highlights: Tiger prawn ceviche, fire-roasted elote, blue-corn taco trio, and chocolate mesquite cake, each course paired with custom tequila or mezcal cocktails.

Date & Time: Saturday, September 19 from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM.

Location: 10411 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd.

Price: $75.

Details: A 3-hour practical workshop covering knife care, cutting techniques for fruits, vegetables, garlic, and herbs, plus chicken deboning, ending with a chicken-and-vegetable stir-fry.

Date & Time: Saturday night, September 19 from 6:00–9:00 PM.

Location: Scottsdale Civic Center.

Price: FREE admission.

Highlights: Live music across the decades, a retro arcade, mini golf, historical exhibits, local food vendors, and a cocktail garden.

Date & Time: Launches Saturday, Sept 19 & Sunday, Sept 20 (runs weekly Sat/Sun, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM).

Location: 7014 E. Camelback Rd, Suite 612.

Price: $75 per person.

Menu Highlights: Features a bakery and dessert station, raw bar, and sushi selections, plus a choice of entrée (Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, Steak & Eggs, Baked Lobster Mac & Cheese, or the CATCH Burger).

Date & Time: Saturday, September 19 from 10:30 AM–2:30 PM.

Location: 10392 N. Scottsdale Rd, Suite 104.

Price: Free to attend (food available for purchase).

Details: Masa Mía Cocina pops up with artisan sourdough, seasonal treats, and pastries. Showing your Masa Mía receipt gets you 10% off your meat order at Rusty Nail Meats.

Book Fast: Fall Arizona Restaurant Week runs September 18–27; reservations for popular $44 and $55 menus like Nobu, Luna by Giada, and The House Brasserie will sell out quickly.

Zero Closures: The hosts celebrate a rare week with no confirmed restaurant closures in Scottsdale.

Stay Connected: Send local restaurant tips to Mychael & Connie Parker and subscribe to the newsletter at ForkingScottsdale.com.

KUZA Scottsdale: Officially opens September 16, 2026, at 17767 N. Scottsdale Road (taking over the former Chauncey Social space). Created by Clive Collective and Chef Erik Davila, it features an open kitchen, live-fire robata grill, raw bar, sushi, and globally inspired dishes.

The Breakfast Table: Located at 17757 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 103 in the former OEB Breakfast Co. space. Purchased and opened by a local Arizona family (Ken, Susie, and Kenny), with the sale handled by broker Doreen Gorman of We Sell Restaurants Scottsdale.

Café Remedy: Targeting a September 2026 opening at 32409 N. Scottsdale Road #107 next to Blu Burger. Scottsdale City Council reviewed a Series 12 liquor license application for the location on September 8.

Bonfire: The opening at 14148 N. 100th Street slipped past its original Labor Day target, though a Series 12 liquor license application was reviewed on September 8 as development continues.

Ari & Lloyd: Opening at 7107 E. 6th Avenue in a former cabinetry showroom near Stetson. Features an expanded patio and the signature "West Village Burger," developed alongside Chopped champion Devan Cunningham.

BOA Steakhouse: Bringing prime steaks, seafood, and cocktails to the Scottsdale Waterfront.

Drake's Hollywood: Transforming the former Buca di Beppo space in Old Town.

DEPWAH: A Vietnamese-French soul food concept coming to 7050 E. 3rd Avenue, Suite 1, featuring coffee, pastries, matcha, and a rooftop bar called Sur Le Toit.

General Admission: An elevated sports lounge and kitchen opening in late October 2026 at the former RnR Gastropub location (3737 N. Scottsdale Road).

Located at 8390 E. Vía de Ventura (Hayden Rd & Vía de Ventura) in McCormick Ranch, marking the first Arizona spot from SoCal's Starfish Hospitality Group.

Serves Asian Coastal cuisine (blending Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese flavors) with 70+ shareable dishes like Lobster Macadamia Rolls, Chilean Sea Bass, Korean Tacos, and Candy Dragon Prawns.

Daily Happy Hour: Offered daily from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, featuring over 30 small plates starting at $13 alongside drink discounts.

Mamma Lucy ($19): Pasta + Caesar salad + glass of wine or martini (Mon–Thu 4–6 PM; Fri–Sat 11 AM–4 PM).

The VIG ($18): Tito's cocktail or Espresso Martini + truffle Parmesan fries + Caesar salad (Happy Hour).

Wayward ($25): Full bottle of wine/bubbles + fries + Caesar salad (Tue–Thu 4–6 PM).

Born & Bred ($30): Rigatoni + fries + Caesar salad + signature cocktail (Wed–Thu).

Pomo ($25): Two spritzes + chips, olives, and almonds (Thursdays).

Cala ($55): Three-course dinner with an optional $30 wine pairing (Tue–Wed from 5 PM).

Sat, Sept 12: Grand Opening of Baan Thai at 7605 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Suite 2 (former Thai Basil space) with free Thai Tea and 10% off all orders.

Sun, Sept 13: Fresh Handmade Pasta Class at Classic Cooking Academy.

Chef Erick Pineda Takeover Dinner at Bourbon Steak (Fairmont Scottsdale Princess).

5-Course Joto Sake Dinner at Roka Akor Scottsdale (7299 N. Scottsdale Rd) at 6:30 PM ($225/person) featuring uni, caviar, Japanese Wagyu, and sake pairings.

Copper Cane Wine Dinner at El Chorro.

Mark Your Calendar: Arizona Restaurant Week takes place September 18–27, 2026.

Subscribe to the weekly newsletter at ForkingScottsdale.com.

Send restaurant tips, openings, or permit news directly to Mychael & Connie Parker at [email protected]

The "Zero Stars" Frame: An engaging local hook explaining why a "snub" is actually an exciting milestone for Arizona's dining scene.

Key Discussion Points: A structural breakdown covering the debut of the Michelin Guide Southwest, Scottsdale’s four recognized restaurants (FnB, Hush Public House, Reserve, and ShinBay), and the individual triumphs of Chef Charleen Badman and wine director John Germain.

Call-to-Action: A seamless call-to-action for listeners to subscribe to the newsletter at ForkingScottsdale.com and share their local restaurant tips