Best Breakfast in Scottsdale | Top Picks for Atmosphere + Quality

Papago Park Scottsdale AZ

Headed to Arizona for a desert getaway? Nothing beats a fantastic brunch after a morning hike! Whether you’re looking for morning pastries, unique pancakes, healthy bowls, or the perfect patio…I have the spot for you. Discover the best breakfast in Scottsdale!

Scottsdale, Arizona is a regular weekend getaway for Jake and me. The desert landscape, challenging hikes, never-ending sunshine, and gleaming resort pools make for a perfect escape. 

This desert city has plenty to keep any visitor busy. Whether you enjoy shopping, spending time outdoors, or being pampered at the spa, Scottsdale has something for everyone. 

The restaurant game is a big reason Jake and I return again and again. It didn’t take us long to find our favorite spots.

What better place to start than with the best breakfast in Scottsdale? These spots are my all-time favorites. Whether you’re craving healthy or hearty, cozy or lively, I’ve got the brunch place for you!

This map shows the best breakfast spots in Scottsdale, AZ. Click the icon on the top left to see a list view of each pinned location. Select the top right button to enlarge the map (which will automatically save it to YOUR Google Maps). To access this map once saved, open Google Maps (on your phone/computer/tablet), tap the "You" icon at the bottom, scroll to the bottom, and select "Maps". Your newly saved map should be listed at the top.

best breakfast in scottsdale arizona

Photo: Arcadia Farms Cafe

best breakfast in scottsdale arizona

Photo: Arcadia Farms Cafe

breakfast in old town scottsdale

Chicken crepe

best brunch in scottsdale az


breakfast in old town scottsdale

The Marketplace by Arcadia Farms

1. Arcadia Farms Cafe

The best breakfast in Scottsdale for a cozy, French bistro vibe

Arcadia Farms Cafe is usually the first stop after our early morning flight into Scottsdale. 

The charming garden patio is the perfect spot to enjoy some fresh air after traveling. If the weather isn’t amenable to sitting outside, the French bistro/farmhouse vibe inside is beyond quaint. 

The baked goods are especially delicious at Arcadia Farms Cafe, most notably the strawberry and cream scones. I consider myself a scone expert, and these scones are done just right. Not too sweet or crumbly.

Items to note on the menu include the croque-monsieur, chicken, wild mushroom and leek crepes (my favorite), wild mushroom, spinach and carmalized leek tart, and the salmon hash.  

Make reservations in advance, especially on the weekends, as this is a popular spot with locals and tables fill up fast.

Acadia Farms occasionally offers afternoon tea service. If you're a lover of finger sandwiches, bite-sized treats, and scones, be sure to check their Instagram to see if they have afternoon tea during your visit.

AWA Tip: in a rush? Grab coffee, pastries, and other snacks from The Marketplace by Acadia Farms next door!

Photos: Lon's at Hermosa Inn

Lons at Hermosa Inn
best brunch in scottsdale az

Lon's at Hermosa Inn - Best Breakfast in Scottsdale | Top Picks for Atmosphere + Quality

2. Lon's at Hermosa Inn

The best breakfast in Scottsdale, AZ for al fresco dining...my favorite patio in Scottsdale

Lon's at Hermosa Inn was voted the Best Patio Restaurant in Phoenix New Times. I 100% agree.

Besides the absolutely vast and spacious grounds, you'll find several large outdoor fireplaces and pristine landscaping. The atmosphere is serene and absolutely beautiful.

They have you covered if it's cold or hot. There are enough patio heaters for every table to have its own. When it's warm, the trees and patio umbrellas provide plenty of shade.

The service is outstanding at Lon's, as is the brunch and breakfast menu. The breakfast menu is served from 7:00 am to 10:30 am daily. Brunch is served from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Be sure to order the fresh-baked monkey bread, the short rib and potato casserole, and croissant benedict.

best brunch in scottsdale arizona

Photos: Herb Box

herb box old town

3. Herb Box

The best breakfast in Old Town Scottsdale for gluten-free options  

Located in the heart of Old Town, Herb Box offers the best breakfast in Scottsdale for those with a gluten sensitivity. A big portion of the menu is gluten-free or can be prepared gluten-free.

This is one of those places where you’ll have a very hard time deciding what to order. The breakfast creations are superb with a lot of unique options.

Go healthy and try the smoked salmon hash (my favorite) or the kale, brie, and green apple omelet. There are pancake options for every type of diet including vegan and gluten-free…or just fill up on gluten with the bourbon ginger peach French toast and red velvet pancakes.

Herb Box is a great option if you’re craving some expertly prepared veggies. Many breakfast menus tend to stick with carbs and proteins with few green options.

Not so with Herb Box. The breakfast menu is filled with veggies served as shared plates. Try the Korean fried cauliflower, crisp brussel sprout chips, or the vegan nosh board.

Herb Box has a delightful patio and happens to be right next door to my favorite coffee shop in Scottsdale, Berdena's!

If you're looking for a casual vibe in Old Town, this is the best brunch in Scottsdale for you!

best breakfast in scottsdale az

Best Breakfast in Scottsdale | Top Picks for Atmosphere + Quality

4. Virtu Honest Craft

The best brunch in Scottsdale for those "in the know"

Virtu Honest Craft is a well-known dinner spot, but what many don’t know is that they also offer an incredible brunch! They don't advertise it heavily, and their brunch hours are often not even listed in Google Maps.

You are now in the know. You’re welcome.

Virtu Honest Craft has won several awards, including being named one of the “20 Best New Restaurants” by Esquire magazine. 

A weekend brunch is a win-win here. You get to experience thoughtfully prepared cuisine, top-notch service, and an intimate setting for a fraction of the cost of the typical dinner tab.

The menu is small, but every dish will be outstanding. The ingredients are always fresh with a seasonal focus and Mediterranean flair. 

The mascarpone polenta dish with pork ragu, farm-fresh eggs, and salsa verde is rich and flavorful. Transport yourself to Italy with lemon ricotta pancakes or the prosciutto parmigiano crepes. 

If the burger is on the menu, don't think...just order. You won't regret it.

Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

If you're looking for a peaceful atmosphere not far from Old Town (walking distance from many hotels, including a 2-minute walk from Canopy Scottsdale), this is the best breakfast in Scottsdale for you!

AWA Tip: make sure you have a reservation for brunch. Virtu will sometimes take a break from their brunch service. You don't want to show up unexpected and then be surprised that they aren't open!
the henry phoenix
the henry phoenix

5. The Henry

The best breakfast in Scottsdale for artisan coffee

The Henry is part of the Fox Restaurant group. Dough Bird, Olive & Ivy, and Flower Child are a few names you might recognize from this family.

The Henry might be part of a bigger brand, but the food and atmosphere are anything but chain.

The décor, aptly named “Gatsby-era grace”, is Instaworthy. You'll find multiple areas within this location (it's the original): main restaurant, casual coffee area, front patio, and spacious back patio.

What really sets The Henry apart is their artisan coffee menu. The options and quality rival any coffee shop and surpass what you'll find in most restaurants. The same goes for the pastries.

Outside of a stellar atmosphere, quality coffee, and scrumptious pastries, the food menu offers a variety of breakfast items. The Flower Child scramble, caramel apple French toast, and California breakfast burrito are all solid options. 

The cocktails are especially good here as well.

best brunch in phoenix and scottsdale
The Global Ambassador
The Global Ambassador arizona

Honorable mention - The Global Ambassador

The best brunch in Scottsdale/Phoenix for rooftop views and Mediterranean cuisine

The Global Ambassador is a brand-new, stunning 5-star hotel, 11 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale (it's technically in Phoenix).

It didn't take long for théa, the rooftop restaurant, to become one of our favorite restaurants in Phoenix/Scottsdale.

Before our first visit, I was skeptical, given the hotel's high price point. I thought it was going to be one of those hotel restaurants that offered mediocre food at sky-high prices. Not so! The prices were decent, given the views, and everything we ordered was delicious. 

I'm not alone in my positive assessment. Théa was recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the Best New Hotel Restaurants in the World. 

Thea offers brunch on Saturday and Sunday; otherwise, it's dinner only.

The brunch menu isn't significantly different from their dinner menu, hence why it's an honorable mention. This is not the place to go for eggs, bacon, pancakes, etc. Instead, choose from a Mediterranean menu of dips, skewers, falafel, salads, pita sandwiches, and veggie sides.

breakfast scottsdale

Photos: Snooze AM Eatery

breakfast scottsdale

Honorable mention: Snooze AM Eatery

The best breakfast in Scottsdale for a twist on the all-American morning feast...also perfect for families and kids

Doing a complete 180 from Mediterranean cuisine and Instaworthy decor, let’s transition to the all-American breakfast. Snooze Eatery offers the best breakfast in Scottsdale for those looking for a traditional (and non-traditional) morning feast. 

“Creative twists on breakfast” pretty much sums up the menu. Feeling traditional eggs benedict? Great! They have the original recipe…or try one of the five variations. The Lox-n-Latke Benny is divine. Crispy latkes are topped with smoked salmon, eggs, cream cheese hollandaise, fried capers, and pickled onions.

The pancake selection will have your mouth watering in seconds. Pineapple upside down, sweet potato, blueberry Danish, marshmallow hot chocolate, coffee and donuts…and the best part is if you can’t decide which to pick, order a pancake flight with any three flavors.

Bloody Marys, avocado toast, breakfast tacos…all the regulars can be found at Snooze AM Eatery. If you wake up too late for breakfast, it’s no problem. Breakfast is served all day, every day at this Scottsdale breakfast joint.

I do need to give a full disclaimer. Snooze Eatery is a chain…which I normally avoid. This breakfast spot is an exception to the rule. The food and creativity are so outstanding that it warrants overlooking the chain status.

Snooze A.M. Eatery is a popular spot for families. The atmosphere is super casual and kid-friendly. 

This is one of the few places that also offers a children's menu. If you're traveling with kids, Snooze will be the best breakfast in Scottsdale for you!

Honorable mention - Francine

A solid option for a girls' brunch and 10/10 decor

Relatively new to the Scottsdale restaurant scene, Francine does not disappoint when it comes to style and decor. If you're all about aesthetics or looking for an excuse to get dressed up, this is a place to check out. 

Personally, I think the food (elevated French cuisine) is overpriced for what it is, but it's a good option if you want an upscale, posh vibe.

Quick bites or breakfast to go

Kaleidoscope serves stellar smoothie bowls, fresh-pressed juices, and toasts. This is the perfect option for a post-hike meal.

Berdena's is my favorite coffee shop in Scottsdale that serves some of the best avocado toast in the area and delicious pastries.

Schmooze, another coffee shop, has a fairly extensive menu. Popular breakfast items include the Breaking Bad breakfast burrito, several types of avocado toast, and a variety of breakfast sandwiches.

In summary

These restaurants are the spots Jake and I visit on rotation. Whether you’re craving a hearty all-American feast or a charming Mediterranean-inspired bistro, Scottsdale has the breakfast spot for you!


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Best Breakfast in Scottsdale | Top Picks for Atmosphere + Quality

best breakfast in scottsdale arizona
best breakfast in scottsdale arizona
best brunch in scottsdale

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2 Comments

  1. Hello Ashley, I saw your blog for I was looking for a new breakfast spot . My Dad, Brothers and I meet every Sunday and want some new places to go to . I lived in Scottsdale 90-2014 and now live in Ruidoso, NM so I curious if u know the area.

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