by Sharon Cullars

Created on: May 30, 2008   Last Updated: June 05, 2008

When it comes to great Arizona dining, Scottsdale offers a diverse selection of menus that will satisfy a variety of tastes. Restaurants range from the upscale to the exotic to the rustic, with prices running from affordable to extravagant.

Got a taste for some old-fashioned beef jerky? Then head over to the Roaring Fork where delicious homemade jerky is just an appetizer to an authentic Southwestern menu that includes spicy short ribs, buttermilk fried chicken, green chile pork enchiladas, and giant jalapeno shrimp, all prepared on a wood fire rotisserie or a wood burning grill. The decor is simple yet elegant, providing an enjoyable setting to watch a beautiful Arizona sunset.

Z-Tejas Grill's backdrop of mellow wood and Texas limestone creates a casual ambiance that goes along well with the restaurant's Southwestern menu of wild mushroom enchiladas, pork roast vera cruz, and miso glazed salmon. One of their more popular desserts is the ancho chili fudge pie, which merges the spicy chili with luscious chocolate for a unforgettable taste combo. Follow that up with some margaritas, and your evening will be set.

Craving something a little more exotic? Head downtown to Sea Saw where Chef Nobuo Fukuda creates a delectable menu of sushi dishes every evening. Located on Scottsdale restaurant row, the restaurant offers an Asian influenced menu. If you feel daring, try the Shinshu Mushi, a sea bass with green tea soba noodles served in a mushroom broth. Or go for the Seared Tuna Tataki, with a pinot noir reduction and roast beet puree. Drinks range from an Anchor Liberty ale to Itchiko shochu ko, a Japanese spirit with fresh lime guaranteed to raise some patrons' spirits, as well.

Want a little inspiration of Italy? Then go to Buca di Beppo's where the appetizers are just as filling as the main entrees. Rich sauces and thick crmes serve as the base for some of the most memorable entrees. The lunch menu offers a variety of antipasti and pasta specials while dinner promises an artistic arrangement of chicken, sausages, lamb and other meats. Scampi Finnochiona is a seafood lover's treat where shrimp is sauteed with Tuscan finocchiona salami, fresh fennel, roasted red and yellow peppers, roasted garlic and smashed tomatoes. And that's just one of many mouth-watering dishes offered by the Italian culinary mainstay. The decor brings a little bit of Italy to America and the decor is casual and comfortable for couples and families.

For a more upscale venue, Voce Ristorante offers fine Euro-Italian dining highlighted with live jazz music that provides a wonderful ambiance. The menu includes some Italian tongue twisters like Tagliatelle verdi all' Emiliana, which translates to homemade spinach infused egg noodle with veal and tomato sauce. The wine list is moderately priced and includes a Pinot Noir, several Chiantis and a Merlot.

If you're looking for a place to take the family that won't strain your wallet, the Village Tavern is a casual place where you can get the classics - seafood, burgers, steaks and pizza. The menu is appetizing and the setting is welcoming for both adults and kids. They use their own recipes that are prepared on wood-fire ovens and grills.

Wherever you decide to dine in Scottsdale, you will find a picturesque Southwestern setting of mountains, flower-strewn walkways, adobe buildings and desert. Such a beautiful backdrop would make even a night out at McDonald's a great event.

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