North Scottsdale’s dining is dominated by resort rooms and concepts with investor decks. Local Bistro + Bar, an independent near Hayden and Pinnacle Peak, has spent well over a decade quietly turning out handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas and hand-cut steaks for the Grayhawk crowd.
The seasonal pasta is where the kitchen shows off, so order that. The retro-modern lounge and courtyard patio give it more range than the average suburban bistro — a Tuesday pizza and a proper date night work equally well.
When to go: any weeknight at the bar is easy. Reserve for winter weekends.