Always a good choice, I recommend getting plates and sharing amongst your group so you can try more…read morethings! Favorites: White bean purée Chicken karaage Ceviche Pork belly & salmon tacos When the weather is cooler sitting on their patio is lovely! Give yourself a moment for parking!

As my friend said, the white bean puree here is a non-negotiable. It was my FAVORITE menu item…read more Only complaint was...give me another flour tortilla - ha. We ordered a bottle of wine and went to town on: White Bean Puree * Crispy Short Rib | Herb Salad | Flour Tortilla: Karaage * Aji Amarillo | Citrus Gastrique | Togarashi | Lime Elote * Chorizo Butter | Lime Creme Fraiche | Toasted Chiles Romaine * Buttermilk Dressing | Mexican Sriracha | Parmesan | Noble Bread Breadcrumbs Gambas al Ajillo * Wild Shrimp Co. Mexican Shrimp | Paprika Garlic Butter | Serrano Cruda | Garlic Noble Bread - this was the only dish that was not my favorite. SUPER flavorful but I wanted a more.. 'traditional' tapas Gambas al Ajillo flavor aka less paprika please. Saudero tacos (a brisket confit suadero tacos with a chile jam, aguacate, serrano cruda, toasted sesame, fresnos and micro cilantro) We sat on the patio for a wonderful AZ spring evening. The service was great. I also enjoyed their extensive tequila and mezcal menu. The only downside is the parking -- it's pretty small and shared with Lou Malnati's next door!

We really enjoyed dinner here. We had reservations, and I'm glad because there were no tables…read moreavailable for walk-instead except at the bar. The hostess desk is immediately in front as you walk in the door. If to one side is a bar, and behind her are steps that lead to the dining room. There is a second bar downstairs. We sat in the smaller dining area to the side, but there was a larger one right next to it. The decor is simple and elegant. Our server was very professional and attentive. We started with an Espresso Martini and a white sangria. We ordered the Roasted Garlic Custard for an appetizer. It was so yummy--a cup of garlic custard with a layer of tomato pistou and hazelnuts, topped with a salsa verde. It's was served with thin toasted Parmesan baguette. Delish!! For entered, we ordered the Short Rib Bourguignon served with horseradish risotto and asparagus and the French Quarter Salmon in buerre blanc served with brussel sprouts and beets. Both were absolutely delicious. I will say that this place was loud, so if that bothers you, think twice. Otherwise, this was a great place.

If you heard the name Society Swan and you thought of Truman Capote, you're on to something. This…read moreFrench restaurant and bar is inspired by the famous author's interactions with high society (it's even a TV show). If you haven't read any books by Capote, check out Crime and Punishment. It's an all-time classic and one of my favorite books. I digress. I stopped by Society Swan for a nightcap after having dinner at Teleferica Barcelona. I parked in the complimentary lot at the mall. Ambiance (5/5): This is part of where Society Swan shines. It's a beautiful restaurant. With speakeasy vibes (although it's not a speakeasy). The bar area is essentially in its own room which is where I sat. If you're dining in, there's a spacious dining area (along with a mini bar). Think deep wood and sophistication. Service (4/5): While they weren't too busy, service was solid. I was greeted promptly and presented with a menu. The bartender checked back in after a reasonable time to take my order. I had to grab his attention to close out. Food (N/A): I had dinner prior so only a cocktail for me on this visit. With that being said, I love French food so I'd definitely love to return to check out the fare. I'm generally a fan of Fox Restaurant Concepts and their flock of restaurants (did you see what I did there?!), so I imagine the food is quite good. Drinks (4/5): Society Swan has an interesting cocktail list, with a good portion of it being martinis. The speakeasy vibes hit here too as you see creativity and sophistication with the cocktails. They're a bit pricey, but overall, my cocktail was good. It's tough for me to say no to drinks with Japanese elements like yuzu. Society Swan is located in the same vicinity as Teleferica Barcelona, Catch, and Din Tai Fung. Quite the corner of restaurants! Looking forward to trying the food next time around.

This was the only steakhouse I visited in Phoenix, so I might be a little biased, but I can…read moreconfidently say this was my favorite meal of the entire weekend! From the moment we arrived, the restaurant had such great vibes. There was also a subtle, almost secretive animal theme throughout the space that added a really cool touch. The hostess and waitstaff were incredibly friendly, attentive, and accommodating. The drinks were good, but the food was definitely the star. The milk bread was absolutely delicious, and the pibil dumplings were also really good. My only complaint is that they only came with three pieces, which felt a little expensive for the portion. The beef tartare was another standout. It was delicious on its own and paired really well with the banana chip, which added a nice contrast in texture and flavor. I would probably skip the white oak grilled skewers, though. They were pretty burnt, and unfortunately, they didn't really stand out to me compared to the other dishes. The ribeye was cooked to absolute perfection. We asked if they could prepare the two halves of the ribeye at different temperatures since my wife prefers her steak closer to medium, and they were more than happy to accommodate us. They even comped our milk bread because it took a little longer than expected to come out, which was a really nice gesture. Overall, an excellent experience from start to finish. Great atmosphere, fantastic service, and some really memorable dishes. Definitely recommend checking this steakhouse out if you're in the Phoenix area!

We had brunch here, it was okay. Aesthetically displaced is lovely, but it is right in the heart of…read morecampus. It was not busy and we had great service and an excellent seat.

Another absolutely amazing food experience from Chef Nobuo Fukuda who already gifted us with great…read moredishes made with Sonoran produce at SeeSaw back in the 90's, and Teeter House downtown. The retro-vibed atmosphere of the Papago Motor Inn complements the laid back pace of your meal. This is not a sushi spot or an Izakaya. Hai Noon is a chef presenting southwestern ingredients in a most respectful, flavorful and innovative manner. I was lucky enough to return 3 times in the past month. To my surprise, ingredients and sauces did not repeat themselves, and dishes were completely distinct in flavor and presentation. This is definitely my favorite food experience of the past few years...anywhere. All of our visits were handled by our waiter/guide "Arizona", who described dishes, and when asked what his favorites were (and unlike many other places that say everything is good when it isn't), he informed us we would love everything, but he could help us with the order we ate them, and suggest a sampling if we were just picking out a half dozen dishes. He was right. Everything was captivating, surprising and...absolutely delicious. Do not miss the specials...there will be 4 or 5 on a small piece of paper, and a couple of "special" drinks. These are seasonal items the chef wants to add because of the timing and presentation. They exemplify the category...they are indeed, SPECIAL. The second visit established a pattern. Have Arizona order, until you are full. He checked in with us along the way, and made a few modifications based on our hunger level, and allowing for certain dishes to be repeated. A few things really stood out because I hadn't tasted anything quite like those dishes. Other dishes ie: variations on classic aguachile, were just better than anything I've had elsewhere. Salmon and Whitefish carpaccios were both stellar, with really good hot sesame oil adding to the dish's garlic, ginger and Yuzu base. And, when you are done with the last bite of fish, they bring out rich, grilled slices of bread to mop up that sauce. We last started with Sashimi featuring Sea Bream, that had fatty belly, and less fatty but oh-so-flavorful filet slices, and an accompanying broth. Big Eye Tuna was served on a flavorful beet puree with sweet dark cherry wine notes. Since we didn't read the menu's notes before, a quick check showed that Nobuo does create a Pinot Noir reduction that invites wiping the plate clean. The first time, the Tuna and all traces of the puree were finished by the time Arizona walked out to describe the dish for us. That's why I re-ordered it each time we visited. Soup spoons present a sashimi/ceviche/aguachile experience that is delicate, nuanced, complex and downright spectacular in your mouth. Whether it showcased an oyster, hamachi or kampachi, each spoon was an amazing taste experience with complementing flavors and textures that were completely unexpected. Softshell Crab with cold noodles was the most succulent Softshell crab I have ever enjoyed, warm, beautifully moist and flavor popping within its crispy exterior, set off by the chilled vinegar and broth accented noodles. Brussel Sprouts with a honey mustard and wasabi glaze disappeared immediately. As it turns out, wasabi is the missing ingredient in many Brussel Sprout dishes! The Yams with goat cheese and Fresno chiles reminded me of the amazing fire-grilled gourds and yam dishes I have had at Bacanora...just unique and different. Two Wash chicken was beautifully caramelized finger food that I could also have made a meal out of. We thought it was amazing, and then the chef came out and told us how inspired he was when he first met the chicken farmers and cooked with their chicken, and if possible, the chicken became even more memorable for the story and connection. Curry marinated lamb was rich, and savory, and was another dish I could make a meal out of. The Pork Belly and Mushroom rice was likewise delicious, and full or deep umami richness and delectable meat and mushroom morsels. The Mushrooms en papillote (mushrooms served in paper), had absorbed what tasted like a delicious Veal Stock, were tastily caramelized, and then steamed in the paper container. They were so good we had to have another...and we weren't skimping on food. Beverages (Alcoholic and non) get the same attention. The cocktail list sounds absolutely crazy, with improbable ingredients. But all of the ones we sampled work, and they are wonderful (sharing amongst our table, we have now tried over half of the cocktails...and so far, they are damn great drinks). The beer selection is small and ideal for the food, as are the well-chosen cold sakes that span all budgets. It is better with a small group of people so you can really explore the breadth of fabulous offerings, but I think it's also an amazing spot to share food on a date!

Some restaurants announce themselves with neon lights and a line out the door. Others seem almost…read moredetermined to keep you away. Hai Noon falls firmly into the second category. I booked a solo seat at the bar just two hours before dinner, which, in hindsight, should have been my first clue. The night before, my plans at Chilte had evaporated after I arrived to discover the owner was hosting a baby shower and the ceilings were being painted instead of dinner being served. I wasn't eager to go 0-for-2 on my Scottsdale food pilgrimage. Pulling into what looked more like an aging roadside motor lodge than the home of a James Beard-recognized restaurant, I wondered if Google Maps had developed a sense of humor. I parked around back, followed the sign to the dining room, and found... a locked door. Naturally. For a brief moment I thought the Arizona restaurant gods were playing another practical joke. Then I spotted another entrance simply marked "Bar." Inside, Hai Noon revealed itself as a tiny oasis. Phoenix met Tokyo somewhere in a dimly lit room with clean lines, warm wood, and mellow music humming through the speakers. Three other guests occupied the restaurant--a couple finishing dinner and what appeared to be a delightfully intimate two-person baby shower. I took my place at the bar. The server welcomed me warmly. When I admitted I was in town for work and wanted to experience the restaurant rather than order safely, he smiled and took control. A few menu staples were unavailable but he confidently selected four dishes. The grapefruit avocado hamachi spoons arrived first and immediately justified the trip. Rich, buttery fish balanced against bright citrus acidity with avocado quietly stitching everything together. It's the kind of bite that reminds you why chefs obsess over simplicity done well. The white fish carpaccio followed with a little theater. Hot sesame oil was poured tableside, barely kissing the fish into submission. Fun presentation. Beautiful execution. Though once the spectacle faded, the dish itself never quite reached the same emotional high as the hamachi. The garlic butter mushrooms arrived... in a plastic bag. It shouldn't have worked. It absolutely did. Deeply savory, unapologetically rich, and refreshingly unconcerned with appearances. The house chicken, unfortunately, couldn't keep pace. Twice fried and topped with egg salad alongside a chili vinegar, it sounded far more exciting than it tasted. Sometimes clever combinations simply refuse to become memorable food. Cocktails, however, were another story. My first choice--the Kosho--was unavailable, so I settled on the Japanese Moss, a gin cocktail topped with yuzu cold foam. The foam leaned aggressively tart but never overwhelmed the drink. Later, after finally coaxing the bartender away from his phone, he suggested an off-menu serrano-infused rum cocktail with miso. Complex, vegetal, spicy, balanced. Exactly the sort of drink you hope to discover when you stop ordering from menus. By 7 p.m., I was the only customer left. Summer in Phoenix is merciless. One hundred thirteen degrees has a way of convincing even adventurous diners to stay home. I watched two reservations cancel while chatting with the bartender and server, who explained that between May and August, three tables can qualify as a good night. Location doesn't help either. Hidden behind an unassuming hotel, Hai Noon isn't exactly benefiting from walk-in traffic. The chef emerged from the kitchen several times during service. Each time he glanced at the empty reservation book, quietly acknowledged another cancellation with a shake of his head, and disappeared back into the kitchen without speaking to anyone. There was something heartbreaking about it. Here was someone capable of creating award-winning food, still chasing perfection while circumstances far beyond the plate slowly worked against him. Hai Noon isn't flawless. Service occasionally drifted. One dish missed the mark. The room felt almost too empty. But I'd rather spend an evening in an imperfect restaurant full of ambition than a polished dining room serving food without a soul. I just hope Scottsdale's relentless summer doesn't prove too Hai for many more Noons.

This is my second time visiting. The place is beautiful. Barrie was my server and she is…read morephenomenal. She is very friendly and attentive. I ordered the bruschetta prosciutto and fig (I give this one a 3/5- there was barely any fig preserves on it) but the sea bass was perfect 10/10 - very fresh dish with lots of veggies. I'll definitely be back.

We've enjoyed this restaurant several times in the past, which made this visit especially…read moredisappointing. We brought family from out of town and had a party of 11 (six adults and five kids). There was a long wait, which we completely understood. We spent the time at the bar where the service was excellent, and the kids browsed the nearby shops. Unfortunately, once we were seated, the experience went downhill. Our server seemed to have little sense of urgency. Everything took an unusually long time, but the biggest issue was the food, which took well over an hour despite being a very simple order of burgers, sandwiches, and other basic menu items. Throughout the wait, we watched tables seated after us receive their food and leave while we were still waiting. The most frustrating part was the lack of communication. Rather than checking in or providing an update, our server was frequently visible chatting with coworkers and rolling silverware. When our food finally arrived, it was at best room temperature, making it seem like it had been sitting for quite a while before being brought to the table. We asked to speak with a manager, who said she would look into it, but never returned to follow up. That lack of acknowledgment or accountability was even more disappointing than the delay itself. We declined the offer of dessert because we needed to get the kids home, yet instead of bringing the check promptly, our server spent additional time clearing the table before finally processing our payment. As someone who has worked as a server, I understand that delays happen and kitchens get backed up. What makes the difference is communication, ownership, and making guests feel like their time matters. None of that happened here. It's unfortunate because we've had good experiences in the past, but this visit left us embarrassed that we chose this restaurant to host visiting family.

The staff and servers were super nice and attentive to me given my flight was delayed. The…read morebrussels sprout salad and tortilla soup were delicious. Will definitely eat here again when in PHX.

Our service was impeccable and our server Zachariah made our night one to remember!! He was great…read moreand got our food and drinks to us fast. The food was delicious. And the environment was so fun and aesthetic.

I want to shout out the kitchen staff they were grinding nonstop wings were being fried 3-4 baskets…read moreat a time

Don't usually drop these. But come on, post on your website and on Yelp what time the KITCHEN…read morecloses. You're going to spend all that time talking about your wings on social media then when people do show up they can't get them because kitchen closes. At least say it in your posts and heck on your website. Looked like a good vibe, fyi. Maybe I will get another chance to check it out prior to returning to NY. But for this time. Yeah. Two thumbs down. Sorry. Post better info on your website and posts!!!!

We went on a Monday night for their steak and fries special. The restaurant was a little difficult…read moreto find because the outside sign only says "Kitchen + Cocktails," so keep an eye out if it's your first visit. My husband ordered the steak and fries, and I had the broccolini. The brocollini was AMAZING-- the best I've ever had! Everything we ordered was delicious, and we enjoyed our dinner. We did order a side of buffalo sauce and ranch, which came in very small cups. Both sauces together were an additional $3, which I thought was pretty excessive considering the amount we received. Overall, we had a great meal and would definitely consider going back. Just be sure to check the menu and watch for the additional charges.

The Dodo is definitely a gem in this area. Its decor is beautiful and very intimate. There are…read morebeautiful paintings and pictures on each wall and the lights are super cute in the bar and eating areas. There are also lots of plants around to offer a balance of green and brown to the scenery. During our time here, there was a large party taking about half the dining area so the service times were impacted. We came in as a party of 5 with a wait time of about 20 minutes. This was totally fine since we did not have a reservation. During the wait, we partook in their game area which helped us pass the time. All the games were fun, free, and open! Our food was pretty good. I ordered the wings, Caesar salad, and broccolini. The wings were of good size and flavor. The Caesar salad was pretty decent, but the amount of lemon in the dressing was a bit overpowering. I was making pucker faces as I was eating and let my girlfriend finish the salad. She agreed that the lemon was much stronger than other salads, but she enjoys lemon so she was okay with it. I tried her Wagyu cheeseburger (happy hour meal) and unfortunately both of us felt like the meat itself was lacking lots of flavor. My sister ordered the OG chicken sandwich and she said it needed more sauce for flavor. I will confidently say my favorite food of the night was broccolini. The cook was perfect and the flavor was great! I would recommend that side to everyone! As I stated before, there was a large party during our meal, so service time was admittedly slower than expected and we had to remind our server to bring us spoons for our desert, for a to go box, and for a water refill. Since it was busy and packed, I understand it could be difficult so I won't judge it too harshly. I will say one of the food runners, Shaye, supported our table and was very kind and understanding when we flagged her down for something. She really made our experience that much better with her attitude and speed! Given all of the information above, 4/5. Improvements on the food would make it 5 stars for me.