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Food scene
There’s no shortage of great pizzas in Scottsdale. Whatever your fancy, you’re sure to find a pie that satisfies – from hearty deep-dish with thick crusts encasing a bounty of sauce and cheese to fragrant pizzas turned out of an Italian wood-burning oven. If, like me, you’re a fan of the latter, here are the best pizzas in Scottsdale.
25 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pomo Pizzeria Napoletana - Scottsdale
8977 N Scottsdale RdThere’s no shortage of great pizzas in Scottsdale. Whatever your fancy, you’re sure to find a pie that satisfies – from hearty deep-dish with thick crusts encasing a bounty of sauce and cheese to fragrant pizzas turned out of an Italian wood-burning oven. If, like me, you’re a fan of the latter, here are the best pizzas in Scottsdale.
Those in the know gather at Il Bosco Pizza, a cheerful neighborhood gem with just 24 seats inside in addition to a recently expanded patio for al fresco dining. Il Bosco’s dough made from a blend of three flours, and pizzas cooked in a brick oven fired with northern Arizona white oak. “Our secret sauce is just as important to us,” says co-owner Jeff Carlberg, "and is made in a specific way."
In addition to the menu, there are nine Specialita del Giorno that rotate seasonally, such as the famous Hatch green chile pizza (Carlberg is from New Mexico).
For a unique variation of the pepperoni pizza, try the Valentina, which graces the classic with a sweet and spicy duo of honey and Calabrian chile.
7 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
IL Bosco Pizza
7120 E Becker LnThose in the know gather at Il Bosco Pizza, a cheerful neighborhood gem with just 24 seats inside in addition to a recently expanded patio for al fresco dining. Il Bosco’s dough made from a blend of three flours, and pizzas cooked in a brick oven fired with northern Arizona white oak. “Our secret sauce is just as important to us,” says co-owner Jeff Carlberg, "and is made in a specific way."
In addition to the menu, there are nine Specialita del Giorno that rotate seasonally, such as the famous Hatch green chile pizza (Carlberg is from New Mexico).
For a unique variation of the pepperoni pizza, try the Valentina, which graces the classic with a sweet and spicy duo of honey and Calabrian chile.
At LAMP Wood Oven Pizzeria, owner Matt Pilato prides himself on creating the perfect texture for his artisan pizzas. “I’m always looking for a balance between crispy on the outside and soft in the middle with a little bit of chew.” Ingredients are chosen through ambitious blind tasting sessions, and his pies spend three to five minutes in a 700-degree oven. “I do my spin on it, so we’re a little different than Neapolitan,” explains Pilato.
Try the Rasta with peppadew peppers and soppressata, or Pilato’s personal favorite, The Kicker, with Calabrian peppers and spicy Calabrese salami.
10 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Lamp Pizzeria
8900 E Pinnacle Peak RdAt LAMP Wood Oven Pizzeria, owner Matt Pilato prides himself on creating the perfect texture for his artisan pizzas. “I’m always looking for a balance between crispy on the outside and soft in the middle with a little bit of chew.” Ingredients are chosen through ambitious blind tasting sessions, and his pies spend three to five minutes in a 700-degree oven. “I do my spin on it, so we’re a little different than Neapolitan,” explains Pilato.
Try the Rasta with peppadew peppers and soppressata, or Pilato’s personal favorite, The Kicker, with Calabrian peppers and spicy Calabrese salami.
The Spotted Donkey Cantina is a fun and casual spot, and the best way to wash down your Mexican meal is with the signature El Pedregal Margarita made with their private-label Herradura Double Barrel Reposado tequila, Cointreau, organic agave nectar and fresh lime juice.
25 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Spotted Donkey Cantina
34505 N Scottsdale RdThe Spotted Donkey Cantina is a fun and casual spot, and the best way to wash down your Mexican meal is with the signature El Pedregal Margarita made with their private-label Herradura Double Barrel Reposado tequila, Cointreau, organic agave nectar and fresh lime juice.
At Sumo-Maya, colorful and creative cocktails pair with the innovative Mexican-Asian fusion menu. You’ll want to try the Spicy Peach Margarita, a well-crafted union of Blanco tequila infused with chile de Arbol peppers, lemonade, peach puree, and peach liqueur decorated with a single leaf of fragrant Thai basil.
150 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
SumoMaya
6560 N Scottsdale RdAt Sumo-Maya, colorful and creative cocktails pair with the innovative Mexican-Asian fusion menu. You’ll want to try the Spicy Peach Margarita, a well-crafted union of Blanco tequila infused with chile de Arbol peppers, lemonade, peach puree, and peach liqueur decorated with a single leaf of fragrant Thai basil.
Awesome tacos and 100 types of tequila - need I say more?
45 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Cien Agaves
7228 E 1st AveAwesome tacos and 100 types of tequila - need I say more?
Sightseeing
If peace and solitude are what you seek, the Gateway Loop Trail is ideal because it’s away from the city bustle. The 4.5-mile trail only gains 655 feet in elevation, so it’s a nice leisurely walk through the desert that loops around to your starting point.
19 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Gateway Loop Trail
Gateway Loop TrailIf peace and solitude are what you seek, the Gateway Loop Trail is ideal because it’s away from the city bustle. The 4.5-mile trail only gains 655 feet in elevation, so it’s a nice leisurely walk through the desert that loops around to your starting point.
If you’re game for a moderate workout, this north Scottsdale gem is a great choice. A full, smooth trail leads you to the summit where you’ll enjoy expansive views of the Valley. Keep your camera handy, as your hiking companions are likely to include Gamble’s quail, jackrabbits, cactus wrens and road runners.
The roundtrip distances are 3.5 miles, with an elevation gain of approximately 1,300 feet.
49 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pinnacle Peak
If you’re game for a moderate workout, this north Scottsdale gem is a great choice. A full, smooth trail leads you to the summit where you’ll enjoy expansive views of the Valley. Keep your camera handy, as your hiking companions are likely to include Gamble’s quail, jackrabbits, cactus wrens and road runners.
The roundtrip distances are 3.5 miles, with an elevation gain of approximately 1,300 feet.
This is where I got married (need I say more). Close to Scottsdale and amazing view from the top. Get ready to update your social media images!
1752 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Echo Canyon Trail and Recreation Area
East McDonald DriveThis is where I got married (need I say more). Close to Scottsdale and amazing view from the top. Get ready to update your social media images!
Stay Cool
The Southwest’s largest aquarium takes you on a one-of-a-kind voyage through the rivers and oceans of the world. You’ll see thousands of sea creatures, including sharks, penguins, sea turtles, and exotic fish.
603 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
OdySea Aquarium
9500 East Vía de VenturaThe Southwest’s largest aquarium takes you on a one-of-a-kind voyage through the rivers and oceans of the world. You’ll see thousands of sea creatures, including sharks, penguins, sea turtles, and exotic fish.
This premier museum celebrates the art, history, culture and unique stories of the 19 states comprising the American West. Rotating exhibits feature Western art, rare historic artifacts and cultural treasures.
10 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Scottsdale Museum of the West
3830 North Marshall WayThis premier museum celebrates the art, history, culture and unique stories of the 19 states comprising the American West. Rotating exhibits feature Western art, rare historic artifacts and cultural treasures.
Walk among more than 3,000 exotic butterflies as they fly freely in a lush, rainforest setting. Other exhibits include a working honeybee hive, stingray touch tank, and Rainforest Reptiles.
413 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Butterfly Wonderland
9500 East Vía de VenturaWalk among more than 3,000 exotic butterflies as they fly freely in a lush, rainforest setting. Other exhibits include a working honeybee hive, stingray touch tank, and Rainforest Reptiles.
Golf
Home to Arizona State University’s golf program, this Pete Dye-designed course features creative bunkering and is known as one of the best municipal courses in the nation.
95 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Papago Golf Course
5595 E Karsten WyHome to Arizona State University’s golf program, this Pete Dye-designed course features creative bunkering and is known as one of the best municipal courses in the nation.
A cash-only facility, the nine-hole Coronado Golf Course is exceptionally popular for its lighted driving range, which is open until 9 p.m. daily and offers “happy hour” pricing.
31 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Coronado Golf Course and Lighted Driving Range
2829 N Miller RdA cash-only facility, the nine-hole Coronado Golf Course is exceptionally popular for its lighted driving range, which is open until 9 p.m. daily and offers “happy hour” pricing.
Nightlife
It does get crazy here; be prepared!
It does get crazy here but if that's what's needed then this is the PERFECT place.
89 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
El Hefe Mexican Restaurant
4425 N Saddlebag TrailIt does get crazy here but if that's what's needed then this is the PERFECT place.
Great happy hours and full of energy. This hip spot for pizza & elevated bar bites features games, ample outdoor seating & craft beers.
217 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bottled Blonde - Scottsdale
7340 E Indian PlazaGreat happy hours and full of energy. This hip spot for pizza & elevated bar bites features games, ample outdoor seating & craft beers.
Likely the #1 club in Arizona. Check it out and judge for yourself.
200 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Maya Day and Nightclub
7333 E Indian PlazaLikely the #1 club in Arizona. Check it out and judge for yourself.