Date night in Scottsdale

For a date night in Scottsdale, book a table for dinner first, then plan one thing to do afterward, such as a drink, dessert or live music. The directory lists locally owned Italian, sushi, steakhouse, brewery and live music spots in Scottsdale, each with a phone number. Call ahead on weekends and in winter, when the city is at its busiest.

A simple plan for the evening

Late afternoon. Take a short walk or a drive while the light is soft. In summer, wait until the sun is low. Scottsdale evenings can stay warm well after dark, so pick a place with indoor seating or a shaded patio.

Dinner. Choose the kind of meal you want, then call to reserve. Italian and sushi are a good pair for conversation. For example, Il Capo Pizzeria in North Scottsdale lists wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, hand-made pasta and gelato, and Kodo Sushi & Sake serves sushi and sake in the Northsight area.

After dinner. Pick something easy: a walk, a dessert stop, or a place with live music. If you want a quiet night, skip the second stop and linger over dinner.

Where to eat and go out in Scottsdale

Here are the places you can browse, from steakhouses and sushi to bars and live music:

Call to confirm hours, since some places close on certain nights.

Tips for a smooth night out

• Reserve ahead. Friday and Saturday nights fill up. Winter, spring training season and holidays are busy, so book early.
• Ask about seating. If you want a quiet table, say so when you call. If you want the patio, ask if it is shaded or misted in warm months.
• Plan your ride. If you will have a drink, arrange a ride or a designated driver before you go.
• Allow time to park. Busy areas can take a few extra minutes.
• Dress for the evening. In winter, evenings cool off quickly, so bring a light jacket for the patio.

What is a good date night in Scottsdale on a budget?

Share a pizza and gelato, or go for a sunset walk and a late dessert. We do not list prices, so call to ask about menus and any specials.

Questions people ask

How far ahead should I book a Scottsdale restaurant for date night?

For Friday or Saturday, a few days is a good rule, and a week or more in the busy winter season. Call the restaurant. Smaller family-run places may have fewer tables.

What should we do after dinner in Scottsdale?

Go for a walk, get dessert, have a drink or catch live music. The list above includes bars, breweries and live music venues you can call.

Is Scottsdale date night too hot in summer?

Evenings are warm, but you can plan around it. Choose indoor seating or a shaded patio, go after sunset and drink plenty of water.

See more ideas in the date night guide, build your own evening with the trip planner, or browse restaurants in Scottsdale.