Scottsdale's Best Patios for Perfect Weather Season

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Scottsdale Fair kicks off this weekend at WestWorld, should be a blast (more info in the events section).

I'm switching it up a bit this week and breaking down the best patios that I've found here. For those who just joined, feel free to check out last week's issue with the typical format that I write the newsletter in.

I've been compiling my personal list of the best spots to sit outside, soak in those views, and enjoy some incredible food and drinks. Let’s run it.

PS - feel free to leave some feedback on the survey at the bottom of this email if you like this style of issue or not. If everyone hates it, I'll never do it again. If everyone loves it, happy to do one of these special editions every other month.

If you haven't been to Isabella's Kitchen at Grayhawk, you're missing out on one of North Scottsdale's best kept secrets. The patio wraps around the building with stunning views of the McDowell Mountains and the Talon golf course, and the vibe is relaxed neighborhood hangout meets elevated American bistro. It's open to everyone (not just golfers), and their happy hour is seriously one of the best around. Grab a seat outside, order something from their "Screw It!" menu, and stay awhile. I live close by so I tend to come her often when I want to soak up the sun!

CIELO is IMO the best looking rooftop of the bunch. Perched high above the McDowell Mountains at ADERO resort, the outdoor terrace gives you panoramic Sonoran Desert views and some of the best stargazing around since it's in a certified Dark Sky Community. Their farm-to-table menu is great, and Wednesday nights feature live solo acoustic sets from 7 to 10pm. This is the spot for a special occasion or when you just want to feel fancy. Funny enough, I'll be here tonight!

Virtu Honest Craft in Old Town is one of those intimate spots that feels like a true discovery. The outdoor patio is cozy and tucked away, perfect for date nights or catching up with friends over their inventive seasonal menu. Chef Gio Osso has built a loyal following for good reason, and the craft cocktails are just as thoughtful as the food.

El Chorro in Paradise Valley is pure Arizona magic. This historic lodge has been welcoming guests since 1937, and sitting on their patio at sunset with the mountains in the background is one of those quintessential Scottsdale experiences everyone needs to have. The supper club atmosphere feels timeless and special, and those sticky buns they're famous for? Worth every calorie. If you have visitors in town, this is where you take them.

Cafe Monarch might just be the most special patio dining experience in all of Arizona. This family-owned Old Town gem has been named one of the top fine dining restaurants in the entire country, and their ivy-covered courtyard with ornate chandeliers is pure romance. The four-course prix fixe menu changes seasonally and features some of the most beautifully crafted dishes you'll find anywhere, and every server is trained through the Court of Master Sommeliers program. Yes, it's a splurge, but for engagements, anniversaries, or when you just want to feel truly taken care of, there's nowhere better.

When you want to go all out, Elements at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain delivers on every level. The patio overlooks Paradise Valley with views that genuinely take your breath away, and the seasonal menu features sustainable, locally sourced ingredients done beautifully. It's definitely a splurge, but the combination of world-class food and those sweeping desert vistas makes it worth it. Perfect for anniversaries, celebrations, or just treating yourself.

Toro at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is my new go-to for Latin inspired flavors with a view. Chef Richard Sandoval's menu blends Central and South American cuisines in ways that are bold and inventive, and the outdoor seating area has that lively resort energy that makes you want to linger over another round of ceviche and mezcal cocktails. Also, their brunch is seriously amazing. I got the chance to try it this weekend, and instead of everyone getting their own brunch plate, they do more of a “tapas-style” brunch board that comes out on a lazy Susan so everyone gets to try a bit of everything. It was seriously amazing. I’m def going back.

Volanti at Scottsdale Airport is one of the coolest patio experiences in the city, hands down. You're literally watching planes take off and land while you sip cocktails and enjoy their happy hour (every day until 6pm, by the way). It's such a unique setting that feels like nowhere else in town. Grab their butter cake for dessert and prepare to have your mind blown.

Thompson 105 is North Scottsdale's neighborhood gem with a wood-fired grill and Italian-influenced dishes that hit the spot every time. The patio has gorgeous McDowell Mountain views and the atmosphere is casual but refined, making it perfect for everything from a weeknight dinner to Sunday brunch with football on. Their happy hour runs weekdays from 3 to 6pm and it's one of the best deals around. If you live in the Grayhawk area and haven't been, what are you waiting for?

Olive & Ivy on the Scottsdale Waterfront is Mediterranean dining at its finest with a patio that feels like an escape to the Riviera. The outdoor space is lush and relaxed, perfect for sharing small plates, sipping wine, and watching the world go by along the canal. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6pm with great deals on cocktails, wine, and flatbreads. It's one of those places that works for any occasion, from casual happy hour to romantic dinner.

Kauboi is the new hotspot at The REMI in Old Town, and the rooftop patio at their sister venue Allegra is absolutely stunning. The restaurant itself is a Japanese steakhouse with robata-grilled specialties, incredible sushi, and an impressive Japanese whisky selection. The vibe is sleek, seductive, and feels like the place to see and be seen right now. Just note they have a dress code, so leave the flip-flops at home.

Old Town Tortilla Factory is a Scottsdale classic that never gets old. Built in a historic 75-year-old adobe home, the flagstone patio is shaded by 100-year-old pecan trees and has this magical, tucked-away feel right in the heart of Old Town. The Southwestern menu with a Mexican twist is consistently great, and their bar has over 120 premium tequilas if you're feeling adventurous. It's one of those spots that visitors and locals love equally.

If you're willing to take a little drive, Raven's View Wine Bar in Tonto Hills is absolutely worth it. The patio has jaw-dropping desert mountain views and temperatures that are 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the valley. They have a huge wine list, 22 different beers, and food that goes way beyond typical bar fare (the Cubano is the crowd favorite). Plus it's dog friendly, which is always a win in my book. I know it's not technically Scottsdale, but the views are so cool that I wanted to add it in as an honorable mention.

Staying true to the patio theme this week! If you’re looking for a patio experience that feels special, this one’s worth circling on your calendar. La Hacienda at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is hosting an intimate Viva Abejas Dinner on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, and it looks like it’s going to be a blast.

The night kicks off with a 6:00 PM reception followed by a 6:30 PM multi-course dinner, complete with craft cocktail pairings and live entertainment. The menu is thoughtfully curated to both delight and educate, spotlighting the vital role bees play in our food ecosystem. It’s modern Mexican cuisine with a purpose, set in a relaxed, communal setting that brings everyone together.

Seating is limited to just 30 guests, so it’ll feel personal and exclusive. Tickets are $119 per person plus tax and service charge.

If you love incredible food, meaningful storytelling, and a patio night that feels a little elevated, this is your move for next week.

📍 7575 E Princess Drive
📞 (480) 585-2694
Reserve your seat here

Wednesday, April 15

🎨 Nancy Kravetz: Color Forms the Day Opening Reception | ArtReach Space at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts | 5:00 PM

Thursday, April 16

🌺 Arizona Tiki Oasis | Hotel Valley Ho | 6:00 PM (multiple days)

Friday, April 17

🎡 Scottsdale Fair & Festival | WestWorld of Scottsdale | 4:00 PM (multiple days)

👩🍳 Gourmet Class – April in Paris | Classic Cooking Academy | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

🎶 Flute Fridays: Legends and Spirits | Musical Instrument Museum | 2:15 PM

🚴♂️ Cycle the Arts – 20th Anniversary! | Scottsdale (multiple public art locations) | 7:30 AM

🍷 Blind Wine Tasting Holiday Special | The Wine Collective of Scottsdale | 5:30 PM

Saturday, April 18

🍣 Sushi-Making Class | Classic Cooking Academy | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

🎉 Saffron Social x Archives | Scottsdale Archives | 9:00 AM

🧘♀️ Sun-SWEAT Yoga | The Scottsdale Resort & Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton | 6:30 PM (multiple dates)

🏃‍♀️ Girls on the Run 5K | Wesley Bolin Plaza | 6:00 AM

Sunday, April 19

🏎️ Reform Room x Porsche | 14982 N 83rd Pl, Scottsdale | 11:00 AM

🛶 Paddle Saguaro Lake| Butcher Jones Beach Rd, Fort McDowell | 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM

🎏 Children’s Day – Kokeshi Festival 2026 | Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Scottsdale Scoop is 100% free and independently run (it's just me over here). Your support helps me keep bringing you the best local spots, events, and inside scoop on what's happening in Scottsdale every week. Your contribution will go towards keeping the Scoop going so we can have more fun in community events! really appreciate all the support all of you 🙂 - John

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