Scottsdale is a city where elevated living meets bold flavor, and nowhere is that more evident than in its thriving Mexican culinary scene. From chic modern cantinas to refined resort dining, these restaurants offer more than just great food; they deliver an experience. Whether you're exploring the city as a new resident or searching for your next go-to spot, Scottsdale’s top Mexican restaurants set the tone for a lifestyle defined by taste and style.
1. The Mission Old Town: Intimate Ambience, Sophisticated Flavors
Location: 3815 N Brown Ave, Scottsdale, AZ
Located in the heart of Old Town, The Mission brings upscale Latin cuisine to a historic setting. The space is warm and moody, with flickering candlelight, exposed brick, and reclaimed wood that set the tone for a refined yet relaxed experience. Signature dishes like the pork shoulder tacos with pineapple habanero glaze or tableside guacamole highlight the menu’s thoughtful balance of bold and subtle flavors.
Add a well-balanced mezcal cocktail or a signature margarita, and it’s easy to see why The Mission is a staple among Scottsdale’s Mexican restaurants. It offers a perfect blend of substance and style, where every detail feels intentional.
Located in the heart of Old Town, The Mission brings upscale Latin cuisine to a historic setting. The space is warm and moody, with flickering candlelight, exposed brick, and reclaimed wood that set the tone for a refined yet relaxed experience. Signature dishes like the pork shoulder tacos with pineapple habanero glaze or tableside guacamole highlight the menu’s thoughtful balance of bold and subtle flavors.
Add a well-balanced mezcal cocktail or a signature margarita, and it’s easy to see why The Mission is a staple among Scottsdale’s Mexican restaurants. It offers a perfect blend of substance and style, where every detail feels intentional.
2. Toca Madera: High-Energy Dining Meets Culinary Precision
Location: 4736 N Goldwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ
For those seeking a dining experience that’s as much about ambience as it is about cuisine, Toca Madera offers an unforgettable evening. The restaurant combines rich textures, moody lighting, and immersive music for a scene that’s effortlessly upscale. But behind the atmosphere is a thoughtful, chef-driven menu rooted in organic ingredients and bold, modern interpretations of Mexican staples.
From wagyu carne asada to the truffle quesadilla and vegan-friendly entrées, every dish arrives beautifully plated and full of layered flavor. It’s a favorite for Scottsdale’s style-conscious diners who appreciate substance as much as aesthetics.
For those seeking a dining experience that’s as much about ambience as it is about cuisine, Toca Madera offers an unforgettable evening. The restaurant combines rich textures, moody lighting, and immersive music for a scene that’s effortlessly upscale. But behind the atmosphere is a thoughtful, chef-driven menu rooted in organic ingredients and bold, modern interpretations of Mexican staples.
From wagyu carne asada to the truffle quesadilla and vegan-friendly entrées, every dish arrives beautifully plated and full of layered flavor. It’s a favorite for Scottsdale’s style-conscious diners who appreciate substance as much as aesthetics.
3. Call Her Martina: A Sleek Take on Coastal Mexican Cuisine
Location: 7135 E Camelback Rd #165, Scottsdale, AZ
Just north of Old Town, Call Her Martina feels effortlessly chic: a minimalist space with a confident menu and inventive cocktails that push the boundaries of Mexican cuisine. This isn't your standard taco joint. Expect dishes like aguachile with serrano and citrus, octopus tostadas, and visually striking cocktails served with flair but never overdone.
Call Her Martina leans into contemporary coastal Mexican influences while remaining rooted in authenticity. For those who want something modern, creative, and deeply flavorful, it’s one of the most exciting additions to the list of must-visit Mexican restaurants in Scottsdale, AZ.
Just north of Old Town, Call Her Martina feels effortlessly chic: a minimalist space with a confident menu and inventive cocktails that push the boundaries of Mexican cuisine. This isn't your standard taco joint. Expect dishes like aguachile with serrano and citrus, octopus tostadas, and visually striking cocktails served with flair but never overdone.
Call Her Martina leans into contemporary coastal Mexican influences while remaining rooted in authenticity. For those who want something modern, creative, and deeply flavorful, it’s one of the most exciting additions to the list of must-visit Mexican restaurants in Scottsdale, AZ.
4. La Hacienda by Richard Sandoval: Refined Resort Dining with Heart
Location: 7575 E Princess Dr, Scottsdale, AZ
Tucked inside the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, La Hacienda delivers a polished, hacienda-style experience that feels both luxurious and warm. Chef Richard Sandoval’s award-winning menu blends upscale presentation with deep respect for traditional techniques. The short rib barbacoa, lobster tacos, and house-made tortillas stand out, but it’s the tequila pairings and mezcal flights that elevate the entire experience.
With outdoor fireplaces, classic Mexican architecture, and top-tier service, La Hacienda is ideal for a quiet evening that still feels celebratory. It’s one of the rare resort restaurants that truly respects its culinary roots while offering a polished, memorable evening.
Tucked inside the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, La Hacienda delivers a polished, hacienda-style experience that feels both luxurious and warm. Chef Richard Sandoval’s award-winning menu blends upscale presentation with deep respect for traditional techniques. The short rib barbacoa, lobster tacos, and house-made tortillas stand out, but it’s the tequila pairings and mezcal flights that elevate the entire experience.
With outdoor fireplaces, classic Mexican architecture, and top-tier service, La Hacienda is ideal for a quiet evening that still feels celebratory. It’s one of the rare resort restaurants that truly respects its culinary roots while offering a polished, memorable evening.
5. Diego Pops: Playful, Fresh, and Always Lively
Location: 4338 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
For a lighter, more playful vibe, Diego Pops delivers a breezy take on Mexican fusion without sacrificing quality. The retro-modern interior and bright pops of color give it instant curb appeal, and the food backs it up. Think Brussels sprout nachos, pineapple pork tacos, and frozen watermelon margaritas that are as fun as they are flavorful.
Perfect for brunch, happy hour, or casual nights out, Diego Pops is a local go-to that keeps things fresh and fast-paced. It may lean more casual, but its energy and creativity have made it a staple among both longtime residents and weekend visitors.
For a lighter, more playful vibe, Diego Pops delivers a breezy take on Mexican fusion without sacrificing quality. The retro-modern interior and bright pops of color give it instant curb appeal, and the food backs it up. Think Brussels sprout nachos, pineapple pork tacos, and frozen watermelon margaritas that are as fun as they are flavorful.
Perfect for brunch, happy hour, or casual nights out, Diego Pops is a local go-to that keeps things fresh and fast-paced. It may lean more casual, but its energy and creativity have made it a staple among both longtime residents and weekend visitors.
6. Alma: Sonoran Soul with Elevated Style
Location: 7001 N Scottsdale Rd STE 147, Scottsdale, AZ
Located across the way from McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Alma, Spanish for “soul,” delivers a rich, elevated approach to Sonoran cuisine. This is the kind of restaurant where presentation matters, but only because it reflects the care that’s gone into every component of the dish. The mole negro duck, roasted beet ceviche, and creative salsas showcase flavors that are both comforting and complex.
The interior is understated and elegant, making it an ideal spot for a date night or a refined evening out with friends. Alma doesn’t chase trends; it simply offers thoughtful, soulful food in a beautifully designed setting.
Located across the way from McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Alma, Spanish for “soul,” delivers a rich, elevated approach to Sonoran cuisine. This is the kind of restaurant where presentation matters, but only because it reflects the care that’s gone into every component of the dish. The mole negro duck, roasted beet ceviche, and creative salsas showcase flavors that are both comforting and complex.
The interior is understated and elegant, making it an ideal spot for a date night or a refined evening out with friends. Alma doesn’t chase trends; it simply offers thoughtful, soulful food in a beautifully designed setting.
7. Spotted Donkey Cantina: Desert Charm with a Sophisticated Edge
Location: 34505 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ
At the edge of North Scottsdale in the Boulders Resort, Spotted Donkey Cantina offers stunning desert views, relaxed luxury, and a menu built on classic comfort dishes elevated by fresh ingredients and regional influences. It’s casual enough for a post-hike margarita, yet refined enough for a dinner that feels special.
Highlights include shrimp tacos, slow-cooked brisket enchiladas, and one of the best tequila menus in town. Whether you're a guest of the resort or simply exploring Scottsdale's northern reaches, Spotted Donkey delivers the kind of warmth and elegance that reflects the desert itself.
At the edge of North Scottsdale in the Boulders Resort, Spotted Donkey Cantina offers stunning desert views, relaxed luxury, and a menu built on classic comfort dishes elevated by fresh ingredients and regional influences. It’s casual enough for a post-hike margarita, yet refined enough for a dinner that feels special.
Highlights include shrimp tacos, slow-cooked brisket enchiladas, and one of the best tequila menus in town. Whether you're a guest of the resort or simply exploring Scottsdale's northern reaches, Spotted Donkey delivers the kind of warmth and elegance that reflects the desert itself.
A Dining Scene That Reflects the Scottsdale Lifestyle
Each of these restaurants brings something unique to the table, whether it’s artistic plating, bold ingredient combinations, or a perfectly mixed mezcal cocktail. What they all share is a commitment to quality, ambiance, and hospitality that reflects the spirit of Scottsdale itself: refined, inviting, and never ordinary.
For current and future residents, this thriving culinary scene adds another layer of richness to the lifestyle. From festive patios to elegant interiors, the best Mexican restaurants in Scottsdale, AZ make dining an experience; one that’s meant to be savored.
For current and future residents, this thriving culinary scene adds another layer of richness to the lifestyle. From festive patios to elegant interiors, the best Mexican restaurants in Scottsdale, AZ make dining an experience; one that’s meant to be savored.
Explore Scottsdale Living with CITIEA
When you’re ready to make Scottsdale your home, CITIEA is here to guide you. Their team understands that lifestyle matters just as much as location, and proximity to world-class dining is part of what makes living in Scottsdale so exceptional. Whether you're searching for a modern condo in the heart of Old Town or a luxury home just steps from your favorite restaurant, CITIEA will help you find the perfect fit for your taste and goals. Reach out today to start your real estate journey with a team that knows the city inside and out.
