Best Authentic Restaurants in Carefree

10 restaurants available nearby

1. Pizzicata

4.7

Exceptional(463)

Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • Carefree

Booked 11 times today

From Umbria to the homes of Carefree, Pizzicata brings our family’s recipes and an enthusiasm rooted in sharing Italiano cuisine with Arizona and the world.We are proud to be the first pinseria in Arizona.What is Pinsa?Long before the days of pizza, Pinsa was introduced and crafted by the Romans using wheat, soy and rice flours as the main ingredients in the dough. The resulting Pinsa contained less gluten, less carbs and less fat while maintaining a crispy yet light crust when baked therefore making it more digestible yet still delizioso.

2. Ofrenda

4.6

Exceptional(666)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional Mexican • Cave Creek

Booked 11 times today

Heritage. Culture. Taste. Ofrenda is a Latin-inspired restaurant offering a taste to remember. Ofrenda combines traditional cooking methods, authentic ingredients and elegant presentation to create an unforgettable experience.

A photo of Brugos Italian Bistro restaurant

3. Brugos Italian Bistro

4.8

Exceptional(342)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Cave Creek

Booked 12 times today

Brugos Italian Bistro is authentic due to its family-owned, true Italian recipes and atmosphere. The owners hailing from Sicily bring old recipes to the table. The reviews applaud the recreation of 'the true tastes and aromas of dining in Sicily' and 'the true Italian bistro feel'. The menu is praised for its variety and the food is noted to be 'always delicious' and made fresh from scratch, locally sourced when possible. The service is also highly rated, with one reviewer stating that the bartender 'remembers everyone by name'.

A photo of Spotted Donkey Cantina at El Pedregal, Boulders Resort restaurant

4. Spotted Donkey Cantina at El Pedregal, Boulders Resort

4.5

Awesome(2547)

Price: Moderate

• Unspecified • North Scottsdale

Booked 15 times today

The Spotted Donkey Cantina, at el Pedregal, is quickly earning a reputation as the place for Mexican cuisine in North Scottsdale. A fun and festive setting with spacious outdoor dinning options. And with a tequila list boasting dozens of varieties (including our exclusive Herradura double-barrel Reposado Tequila), an innovative menu, and a large outdoor patio with scenic desert vistas, it's really no surprise

A photo of The Italian Daughter restaurant

5. The Italian Daughter

4.8

Exceptional(3326)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Scottsdale

Booked 72 times today

Daughter of iconic chef Tomaso Maggiore, Melissa Maggiore showcases her own spin on her family's classic Italian dishes. A scratch menu with a focus on handcrafted pasta, stone fired pizzas, seafood, veal dishes, and more. With Live Music in the lounge nightly combined with Italian craft cocktails, this neighborhood gem is the place to be. Our signature boards are perfect for over-the-top, family-style dining. Whether date night, girls night, business lunch or family night, The Italian Daughter has something for everyone.

A photo of Tía Carmen - Phoenix restaurant

6. Tía Carmen - Phoenix

4.5

Awesome(963)

Price: Expensive

• Southwest • Desert Ridge

Booked 31 times today

Led by renowned Chef Angelo Sosa, Tía Carmen celebrates the local landscape, farmers and community of the Southwest. Tía Carmen features a mix of tradition and modernity with bold, elemental cooking complimented by exciting cocktails and a top-notch wine list.Reservations are recommended, walk-in guests are welcome and will be accommodated based on availability.

7. Kembara

4.4

Awesome(233)

Price: Moderate

• Asian • Desert Ridge

Booked 19 times today

Kembara is the latest project from Chef Angelo Sosa that embraces Asian street food cultures, exemplifying the tradition of cherishing time-honored recipes, while also playfully innovating upon familiar flavors and techniques for fresh takes.The menu is an homage to Chef Sosa’s travels across Asia, with inspiration drawn from countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, China, Singapore and Japan. Each dish is constructed around Chef Sosa’s concept of a “trinity of flavors”—a balance between sweet, sour and salty elements that culminate in a perfect bite of harmony.Located inside of the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

A photo of Arrivederci Italian Cuisine - Pinnacle Peak Rd restaurant

8. Arrivederci Italian Cuisine - Pinnacle Peak Rd

new

3.5

Very Good(726)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Scottsdale

Booked 6 times today

Arrivederci Italian Cuisine is considered authentic because of its Italian chef preparing fresh and authentic dishes, and serving homemade limoncello. The restaurant's ambiance is often praised in reviews, with one stating, 'We felt like we were sitting in Italy enjoying a perfect meal!'. The menu is accompanied by homemade rolls and pesto, further solidifying its authenticity. The overall experience is consistently rated highly by customers, contributing to the restaurant's authenticity.

A photo of Jade Palace - Pinnacle Peak Rd restaurant

9. Jade Palace - Pinnacle Peak Rd

4.8

Exceptional(1522)

Price: Moderate

• Chinese • North Scottsdale

Booked 37 times today

Jade Palace is a beloved local Chinese spot in North Scottsdale. Reviews rave about the quality food, excellent service, and beautiful ambiance. One reviewer said, 'Our favorite Local Chinese restaurant that we have gone to for years. Great service and authentic cuisine.' Others mentioned the consistency in flavor and service, making it a standout authentic Chinese dining experience.

A photo of Jalapeno Inferno - Pinnacle Peak restaurant

10. Jalapeno Inferno - Pinnacle Peak

4.6

Exceptional(795)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • North Scottsdale

Booked 20 times today

Jalapeno Inferno is authentic Mexican cuisine in North Scottsdale. It's been serving Sonoran Mexican food for over 18 years, earning it a reputation as a neighborhood favorite. Reviews rave about its consistently delicious food and excellent service. The restaurant's award-winning dishes like Sweet Green Tamales, and its signature Margarita Madness menu are highlights. It's also noted for its patio dining, a lively Cantina, and special events like Taco Tuesday and Hatch Chile Festival.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

N
normVIP
Las Vegas •49 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Very nice neighborhood spot my wife and I had the thin crust pepperoni and mushroom- very tasty. Wednesday was half price wine. Nice decor and will return again
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Brugos Italian BistroPrice: Moderate• Italian• Cave Creek
•
4.8
J
Jim
Seattle / Eastern Washington •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We liked the atmosphere of the restaurant - a lot of conversations going on but still easy to talk amongst ourselves. Food was excellent. Server was knowledgeable and attentive.
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The Italian DaughterPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Scottsdale
•
4.8
K
Kathi
Phoenix / Arizona •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
My friend and I are recently widowed, we meet at the Spotted Donkey to try and recover from such a terrible loss. The service so friendly the food outstanding the surroundings comforting. Thank you, this place has been a life saver.
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Spotted Donkey Cantina at El Pedregal, Boulders ResortPrice: Moderate• Unspecified• North Scottsdale
•
4.5
FT
Food4Thought
Washington, D.C. Area •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
One of my favorite Mexican restaurants in the area. The live music by a guitarist on Saturday night was truly enjoyable along with the delicious food.
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OfrendaPrice: Moderate• Traditional Mexican• Cave Creek
•
4.6
C
CoreyVIP
Phoenix / Arizona •10 reviews
4.0
Dined on Jan 2, 2025
The wait staff, (including even the busboy!) was some of the best service Ive seen at a restaurant up in Cave Creek/Carefree. Place is always one of our favorites because of the unique menu items but also because it feels like you are in a very family oriented environment. From the bus boy to the bartender to the server, you are very well taken care of. The cheesy garlic bread was a bit bland this time, the mozz sticks are nothing special, but the sauce and the Pizzacata pizza and the Amatriciana more than made up for it.
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PizzicataPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• Carefree
•
4.7

Best Authentic Restaurants in Carefree

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10 restaurants available nearby

1. Pizzicata

2. Ofrenda

3. Brugos Italian Bistro

4. Spotted Donkey Cantina at El Pedregal, Boulders Resort

5. The Italian Daughter

6. Tía Carmen - Phoenix

7. Kembara

8. Arrivederci Italian Cuisine - Pinnacle Peak Rd

9. Jade Palace - Pinnacle Peak Rd

10. Jalapeno Inferno - Pinnacle Peak

See what locals rave about