We love Mexican and Latin American food in all of its delicious iterations. To help you find a great place for local Latin fare, we have rounded up some of our favorite restaurants for you to consider. Enjoy!
SOL Mexican Cocina
15323 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
solcocina.com/locations/Scottsdale
SOL Mexican Cocina is a vibrant Baja-inspired spot in Scottsdale with a variety of dine-in or to-go options perfect for everyone. With an eclectic menu of organic, seasonal dishes, SOL sources locally whenever possible and ensures each dish is made fresh every day, including over 24 fresh house made salsas. Covering a wide range of dining options such as happy hour, party packs to go, and weekend brunch, along with vegan and gluten-free menu items, SOL’s popular dishes include Grilled Sweet Corn, Taco Vampiro, Wild Fish on Esquites, and SOL Chilaquiles Verde. Hand-muddled and shaken table-side to order, SOL’s famous margaritas wow customers using only fresh squeezed juices and 100% small-batch blue agave tequilas. Some fan favorites are the House Margarita, Frozen Margarita, and Watermelon Margarita. They offer a popular weekend brunch and are a must-book spot for events like graduations and birthdays.
Ofrenda
7100 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek
theofrenda.com
While Ofrenda is temporarily closed due to their annual culinary trip to Latin America, they re-open in mid-September and are definitely worth the wait. A focal point of the restaurant is an ofrenda that guests see as they enter. An intricately designed metal marigold is the cornerstone of the altar, which also includes candles and photos. The Ofrenda menu features dishes from various regions of Mexico and South America. Guests can expect a world of flavors from the wood-fired oven and a blend of both modern and traditional preparation techniques.
Lovecraft
3128 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix
lovecraftphx.com
“The traditions of New Mexico run deep in our history,” according to Lovecraft’s local owners. “After inheriting the smoker from the last business in this building and playing around with the New Mexican food we know and love, we realized that spicy slow-cooked New Mexico cuisine went perfectly with Texas style slow-cooked smoked meats! So we did what only made sense: we married the two and created our own style of amazing food.” Check them out anytime you’re in the North 32nd neighborhood.
JALAPENO INFERNO
Three Valley locations: Pinnacle Peak, DC Ranch and Park West
jalapenoinferno.com/locations
JALAPENO INFERNO is known locally for an amazing array of exciting promotions, menu features, great specials and many options for dining, according to the locally owned trio of restaurants. Rotating themed menus include the annual Hatch Chile Harvest menu, 99 Nights of Summer promotion, Taco Tuesdays and Daily Chefs’ Specials. The amazing craftsmen at Maestro Dobel distillery have blended a one of a kind, proprietary JALAPENO INFERNO tequila barrel program just for the restaurant–try it in one of their margaritas!
Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequilas
7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Ste. 1072, Phoenix
cienagaves.com
Casual, upbeat and fun, this local Mexican restaurant is a favorite among Phoenix foodies and out-of-towners for tasty tacos and top-shelf tequila (say that 10 times fast!). Open for lunch, happy hour, and dinner, they promise a lively atmosphere, fabulous service, and delicious Mexican cuisine.
Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar
Located at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
scottsdaleprincess.com/dining/toro-latin-restaurant-and-rum-bar
“Across Latin America, food is more than a meal. It’s an event. It’s a celebration that’s shared, savored and enjoyed with the finest spirits,” according to the experts at Toro. Take a culinary adventure through one of the top cuisines in the world, Pan-Latin, known for its unique flavor profiles and South American and Chinese-Peruvian influences with plates made for sharing. You’ll also find Scottsdale’s best kept secret-weekend brunch-best enjoyed on the outdoor patio, featuring striking views of the 18th hole of TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course as well as the McDowell Mountains.
