English Bulldog Puppies for Sale in Scottsdale, AZ

Where you choose for dinner impacts the tone of the entire night. When romance is on the table, six Arizona restaurants set the mood better than most, including one Scottsdale fine dining destination that took the No. 1 spot in a list ranked by Yelp Elite reviewers.

In Yelp’s nationwide ranking of the Top 100 romantic restaurants in the U.S., Cafe Monarch, the upscale eatery in Old Town Scottsdale, earned first place. Downtown Phoenix’s Cibo Pizzeria quickly followed at No. 3. For this list, the online review site ranked places based on the volume and ratings from its Yelp Elite Squad members, limiting each state to 15 restaurants total.

Yelpers gave high marks to Arizona restaurants exuding sultry ambiance, awe-inducing views and indulgent dishes, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

The most romantic restaurants in Phoenix

No. 1: Cafe Monarch6939 E. First Ave., ScottsdaleCafe Monarch impressed Yelp reviewers more than any other place in the country. They applauded the restaurant’s refined setting, thoughtful service and prix fixe format made for special occasions. The “opulent ambiance and the artfully presented, seasonal dishes” wowed Yelpers. They aren’t the only ones swooning over Cafe Monarch’s romantic vibe. OpenTable named the Old Town Scottsdale restaurant its most romantic restaurant in Arizona in a recently released list.

No. 3: Cibo Pizzeria603 N. Fifth Ave. Cibo Pizzeria, a Neapolitan-style restaurant in downtown Phoenix, snagged the third spot on the Yelp list. This restaurant is more relaxed but still sets the right mood with twinkling lights strung across its idyllic patio. In addition to well-crafted pies, diners can sample other casual Italian dishes and should expect “friendly service and authentic flavors,” the Yelp entry said. New Times agrees and has included Cibo on its list of restaurants to impress a date.

No. 14: Dahl & DiLuca Ristorante Italiano2321 AZ-89A, SedonaChef Lisa Dahl’s Sedona restaurant, Dahl & DiLuca Ristorante Italiano, edged into the top 20. Dahl and her kitchen serve fresh pastas, grilled meats and decadent desserts. With the red rocks of the mystical northern Arizona town as the backdrop, it was hard for Yelpers not to fall in love.

No. 83: Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn5532 N. Palo Cristi Road, Paradise ValleyLon’s at the Hermosa Inn is a classic Paradise Valley resort destination. The restaurant offers “Southwestern fine dining with adobe-chic elegance and stunning desert views,” Yelp said. In 2022, New Times named Lon’s its Best Romantic Restaurant because of its magical patio setting among mesquite trees, candlelight and a crackling fireplace.

No. 85: A Different Pointe of View11111 N. Seventh St.The next Valley restaurant to get its flowers from Yelp is Different Pointe of View. The Phoenix restaurant is situated at the Hilton Phoenix Tapatio Cliffs Resort, offering sweeping views of cotton-candy sunsets. Those pair well with the restaurant’s luxe American menu of steaks and seafood.

No. 92: The Mission3815 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale7122 E. Greenway Parkway, #140, ScottsdaleChef Matt Carter’s modern, Latin-inspired restaurant The Mission is the final Arizona restaurant to sneak onto the list. The Mission boasts two Scottsdale locations, in Old Town and Kierland, and has a third on the way in Gilbert at Epicenter. The Yelp list specifically highlighted the Old Town location’s rustic, candlelit space. Get cozy while the fireplace flickers and toast over margaritas and tableside-prepared guacamole.

Scottsdale, Arizona, is the perfect bachelorette party destination for laid-back brides who love adventure, good vibes, and warm weather—and there’s a reason this location has such a great reputation. While it can be a relaxing vacation, there are also plenty of activities to create an action-packed weekend that will leave everyone thinking this was the best bachelorette trip they’ve ever been on. With tons of trendy restaurants, nightlife, and outdoor activities, there’s something for every type of bride in this beautiful city.

With all this in mind, and to help you create the best Scottsdale bachelorette trip, we tapped two experts for their tips and advice on where to stay, eat, and play. Here's the ultimate Scottsdale bachelorette party guide, in addition to a three-day itinerary you can use as a template when planning this trip.

Meet the Expert

The Cost of a Scottsdale Bachelorette Party

According to Casey Hohman, founder of Scottsdale Bachelorette, most Scottsdale bachelorette party attendees are spending between $800 and $1,200 excluding airfare. There are lots of affordable vacation rental homes in close proximity to all of the best restaurants and nightlife, which makes it much more affordable than other big cities like Miami or San Diego.

Where to Stay in Scottsdale

Hohman recommends booking a vacation rental home near Old Town Scottsdale using sites like Airbnb or VRBO. The good thing about booking a rental is that you can take over the accommodations and transform the home into your own oasis for the weekend. For example, you can book a private chef in your own kitchen or arrange a My AZ Picnic setup in your backyard. However, be sure to always keep in mind the occupancy rules when booking a home, advises Dr. Terika L. Haynes, CEO and lead travel consultant of Dynamite Travel. "These are usually strict so travelers need to make sure that they adhere to these rules to avoid any issues."

If you're planning on staying at a hotel, though, some of the top options include The Scott Resort & Spa, set in Scottsdale’s historic town with amazing décor; or Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows, featuring 185 spacious bungalows and suites, three luxurious pools, renowned dining, and more.

What to Pack for Scottsdale

As with all trips, what you choose to pack depends on the weather of the locale during the time you plan to visit. For Scottsdale, the best time to visit is anytime from March to June. "The temperature is ideal during this time of year because it’s not too hot," says Hohman. "If you want to do more outdoor activities, March, April, and May are the best months. May through June starts getting hot, which is great for pool parties."

Therefore, when packing your bag you’ll want to bring a mix of summer casual and athleisure outfits for the daytime, along with nice dresses or jeans for the nights you go out. Don’t forget to pack sneakers, sunglasses, a light jacket (for when the temperature drops at night), and sunscreen. Of course, bring bathing suits since the weather will be ideal for daily pool activities.

What to Do in Scottsdale

The unique thing about Scottsdale is that each trip can be a completely different experience depending on the bride’s interests. According to Hohman, brides should try a Pedal Bike Pub Crawl tour, hiking Camelback Mountain, doing a Jeep or ATV tour to explore the desert, day-tripping to Sedona, or planning a Vegas-style pool party at Maya Dayclub and W Hotel. If you’re into the nightlife scene, check out Riothouse or Whiskey Row to dance the night away.

If partying isn’t your thing, you can plan workouts with the group at local spots like Balanced Bachelorette, which offers yoga classes for the bride and her friends with different packages and types of flows.

If your group loves sweet treats (who doesn’t?), make a stop at Bear and the Honey Bakery, a BIPOC woman-owned bakery that specializes in gluten-free treats and other dietary restrictions. Another local bakery suggested by Hohman is Cookie Brokers, which can create customized cookies decorated however you’d like. These treats also make a cute gift for the bride’s friends, whether it’s for dessert one night or on their beds as a surprise upon arrival.

According to Dr. Haynes, when traveling with a large group, be sure to set a few guidelines to ensure everyone remains together and safe for the duration of the trip. "Travel during the day for arrival and departures rather than after dark/at night for safety precautions," she shares. "Pre-arrange as much transportation as possible; create a 'buddy system' where no one is going anywhere alone; [and] do not post on social media real-time—wait until afterward so that the location is not disclosed."

Scottsdale Bachelorette Party Itinerary

Ready to plan the ultimate Scottsdale bachelorette party? Here's a sample itinerary to follow when putting together this pre-wedding celebration.

The culinary scene in Scottsdale is getting a flavorful upgrade with the opening of Ni Hao Bao Dumpling House. A vibrant, modern fast-casual concept, Ni Hao Bao is founded by Arizona natives and longtime friends Darrell Ngo and Arin Finger. On Friday, Jan. 16, there will be a grand opening hosted at 11 a.m. to the public where guests can officially experience what Ni Hao Bao has to offer.

READ MORE: Here’s why the Arizona economy is poised to accelerate

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Ni Hao Bao brings the energy of an Asian street market to Scottsdale, featuring handmade dumplings, pillowy baos, and refreshing boba drinks in an airy, open-kitchen setting. Everything is made to order, including hand-pinched dumplings available in both meat and vegetarian options. Menu highlights include crispy or steamed bao buns, dumplings, wontons, and more. The 1,500-square-foot restaurant also offers a spacious, dog-friendly outdoor patio.

“Our goal was to create a place where everyone feels welcome,” said Co-Founder Darrell Ngo. Ni Hao — the Chinese greeting for ‘Hello’ — is simple, yet it carries the warmth of a deep cultural welcome, much like the Hawaiian ‘Aloha.’ As you enter, you can feel the energy shift from the daily hustle and bustle to a warm reception, conveyed through their people, space, and music.

Darrell Ngo, the founder, has been immersed in the restaurant and hospitality industry from an early age. Most notably, he built a 21-year career with P.F. Chang’s before leaving to launch this concept. He began in restaurant operations and rose through the ranks to the corporate office as Senior Culinary Innovation Chef, where he led global menu development, helped open eight restaurants, created more than 250 recipes and trained hundreds of team members nationwide.

Arin Finger is a seasoned entrepreneur and former Visual Effects and Animation Producer in Motion Pictures, ensuring that Ni Hao Bao is as visually engaging as it is flavorful.

Ni Hao Bao is located at 9301 E. Shea Blvd., Suite #105, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. To learn more about the menu offerings and stay updated on what is happening, go to nihaobaodumplinghouse.com or follow them on Instagram @nihaobaodumplinghouse and Facebook.

About Ni Hao Bao Dumpling House

Ni Hao Bao Dumpling House is a locally owned concept dedicated to delivering authentic Asian flavors in a lively, chic setting. With a focus on quality ingredients, handcrafted dishes, and cultural celebration, Ni Hao Bao is a destination for food lovers seeking tradition and innovation. To learn more, visit nihaobaodumplinghouse.com.

WestWorld of Scottsdale closed out 2025 with a strong year of growth, marked by expanded marquee events, increased attendance, and targeted infrastructure investments that position the venue for long-term success.

Throughout the year, WestWorld welcomed a broader mix of national, regional, and community events, reinforcing its role as one of Scottsdale’s most important economic and cultural assets. New and expanded events introduced tens of thousands of first-time visitors to the facility, while long-standing partners continued to grow their presence and participation.

“WestWorld plays a critical role in Scottsdale’s economy and tourism ecosystem,” said City Manager Greg Caton. “In 2025, we saw meaningful growth in both event diversity and facility investment, ensuring WestWorld remains competitive, flexible and well-positioned for the future.”

Among the year’s highlights was continued strength in Western and equine events, with reining, reined cow horse and rodeo competitions reporting record participation. Barrett-Jackson further expanded its footprint with the return of its fall Collector Car Auction, complementing its flagship January event, now entering its 54th year. Tour de Scottsdale returned for its second year with incre,ased participation, bringing cyclists and visitors into the community.

WestWorld also attracted several new, high-profile events in 2025, helping diversify its audience and programming. These included the Global Champions Arabian Tour, Scottsdale Art Week and Every Woman’s Marathon, collectively introducing new demographics and expanding WestWorld’s reach beyond its traditional event base.

To support this growth, the city of Scottsdale made strategic investments in WestWorld’s infrastructure. Two new permanent barns were constructed to replace aging facilities, improving safety, functionality, and animal welfare. A new public address system is being installed to enhance communication across the grounds, and a major drainage project advanced into construction readiness following long-anticipated approvals. The facility also added new portable stalls to meet increasing demand from equestrian and livestock events.

“These investments are about modernizing WestWorld and preparing it for the next generation of events,” Deputy City Manager Judy Doyle said. “They improve the experience for promoters, participants and guests while protecting the city’s long-term investment in the facility.”

Looking ahead, WestWorld has already secured a slate of new events for 2026, continuing the momentum built over the past year and reinforcing its reputation as a versatile venue capable of hosting events of all sizes and types.

With a stronger event mix, modernized infrastructure, and a growing national profile, WestWorld enters 2026 positioned for continued economic impact and community benefit.

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Over the course of 2025, a dozen major Phoenix restaurants closed that really left Valley diners shocked. But the month of December also meant the end of the road for some local eateries. In December, a national chain called it quits, taking an Old Town location down with it. A local taco chain lost a link and an Avondale eatery serving up the flavors of the South shuttered after nearly two decades.

Here are 11 Valley restaurants and sweet shops that closed in December.

King and Cardinal

King and Cardinal, a unique Indian-inspired burger chain, opened a franchise location in Tempe in June 2025. But now, the Halal spot serving chicken tikka burgers, samosa, bun maska and chai, has said goodbye. It was located off Southern Avenue just east of Mill Avenue.

Flavors of Louisiana

Avondale eatery Flavors of Louisiana closed in December after 17 years. The casual restaurant served Cajun and Creole recipes including jambalaya, etouffee and gumbo. The restaurant formerly operated another location in Tempe. Both eateries are now permanently closed.

Chin Up Donuts

Chin Up Donuts is known for its satisfyingly dense brioche doughnuts in classic and unique flavors. But fans now have only one spot to find the scratch-made treats. The north Scottsdale shop closed at the end of 2025. A second spot, located on Main Street in Old Town, remains open.

Gordo’s Tacos

The Awhatukee location of local mini-chain Gordo’s Tacos has closed. The restaurant closed in the fall for “kitchen maintenance and repairs,” according to the restaurant’s social media. It had been sporadically open since. But now, a notice has been posted to the door informing customers that the shopping center’s landlord repossessed the space. Gordo’s Tacos locations in Scottsdale and Chandler remain open.

Sprinkles Cupcakes

The entire national Sprinkles Cupcakes chain shut down at the end of 2025. The one Arizona location, on the northeast corner of Camelback and Scottsdale roads in Old Town, was among the casualties. The cupcake bakery started in 2005, expanding over the years into a national sensation complete with cupcake ATMs. But after 20 years, the company’s sugar-fueled run has come to an end.

Forno 301

The Scottsdale location of Valley Italian eatery Forno 301 has closed. The central Phoenix spot remains open. The restaurant served pizzas, pastas, Italian wines and shareable appetizers. The Scottsdale restaurant on Thomas Road went through multiple evolutions, initially opening as Slice Eat, a pizza drive-thru. But in 2022, the owner transformed the space into the second location of Forno 301. While the concept got elevated, the drive-thru remained. But now, the unique Scottsdale spot has shuttered.

Parlor Doughnuts

The Tempe location of Parlor Doughnuts has closed, according to signs posted to the doors. “Thank you for the memories!” the printed papers say. “Regrettably, we had to close permanently.” The doughnut shop, located on Farmer Avenue just west of Mill Avenue, was part of a national chain with locations around the country. A second Valley location remains open in Ahwatukee.

Ra Sushi

The Ahwatukee location of Ra Sushi has closed. The restaurant was located on Ray Road at Ahwatukee Foothills Towne Center where it served Japanese fusion fare and cocktails. It’s part of a large chain, and locations remain open in Mesa, Scottsdale and downtown Phoenix inside Mortgage Matchup Center.

Etta

The upscale Italian eatery Etta has closed. But the Scottsdale Quarter space won’t sit empty for long. The Guest House, a swanky steakhouse born in Austin, is scheduled to open on Friday. Many of Etta’s staff will remain at the restaurant. It’s the third evolution for the space in recent history, as the restaurant undergoes yet another change in ownership.

El Cafezito

Latin-inspired coffee and crepe shop El Cafezito has closed its Mesa cafe. A second location on Indian School Road in Phoenix remains open. The company posted an announcement to its social media pages, explaining the closure, thanking fans and encouraging customers to visit the second spot.

Poke Fuzion

One of the two Valley locations of Poke Fuzion is now closed. The restaurant on Supersition Springs Boulevard, just off U.S. Route 60, has served its final fish. The restaurant offered a selection of poke bowls, boba tea and sushi burritos, where customers can build their own meals, choosing protein, fillings, sauces and toppings. Another location on Baseline Road in Mesa remains open.