Alma Scottsdale — Restaurant in Scottsdale

June 19, 2025 Repeat Visit

When your out-of-town family says, “Take us somewhere local,” you take them to Alma. No hesitation.

We were lucky enough to sit in Juan’s section again—our favorite server from a previous visit—and once again, he delivered next-level service with that perfect blend of humor, charm, and menu wisdom. Thank you, Juan!

This time around, I went in a slightly lighter direction, starting with the Addictive Strawberry Salad—and yes, it lives up to its name. The combo of spinach, arugula, creamy goat cheese, toasted almonds, and juicy strawberries, all tossed in a bright raspberry vinaigrette? Some of my very favorite ingredients all in one dish? Yes, please! Chef’s kiss.

We also shared the salsa trio—fresh, bold, vibrant, and the chips? Crispy perfection. Not a single crumb survived.

My main dish was the Wild Mushroom Enchiladas and they might just be my new favorite. The herbed mushrooms and sautéed spinach tucked into those tortillas were rich and earthy, and the red chili sauce had just the right amount of heat. The side of southwest rice and sprinkle of pumpkin seeds made it hearty without being heavy.

Oh—and I never skip the off-the-cob elote. Still obsessed. It’s got that buttery-crispy corn, chili-lime kick that hits every craveable note.

Alma keeps delivering. And I keep coming back. No regrets. Just happy taste buds.

May 9, 2025 First Visit

May 10, 2025 Second Visit

Is it a bad sign if you visit a "new-to-you" restaurant two days in a row? Maybe. But when the food is this good, who cares?

Dinner Delight, well yeah! Night one at Alma started with drinks and apps. Juan, our awesome server, recommended the Blueberry Cornbread (hot, crispy, with honey butter) and Bacon Tater Tots (jalapeno bacon, cheddar jack, onion, chipotle crema, and tomato chili jam). Pro tip: Drag those hot tots through the cool tomato chili jam and I think your taste buds will do a happy dance.

Cocktail of choice? The Spicy Chingona – prickly pear, lime juice, muddled jalapeno, and a mini sombrero for flair. The sweetness balanced the spice perfectly. We also tried the Alma Grand – a margarita with a DIY Grand Marnier pour, because who doesn't love drinks with a side of fun?

Main courses didn’t disappoint. The Grilled Pork Chop (two juicy, bone-in chops with jalapeno bacon jam and charred veggies) was stellar. The Flat Iron Steak Fajitas with spicy pinto beans and warm tortillas hit every flavor note – perfectly flavorful medium-rare steak, smoky beans, and fresh guac.

Brunch Bliss! Day two brought brunch, and since I’ve recently divorced eggs (long story), Aaron, our brunch guru, had me covered. The Chicken Enmoladas (no eggs, sub cowboy beans) were everything – soft corn tortillas, shredded chicken, and that Pumpkin Mole: smoky, sweet, earthy, and rich. It’s the kind of sauce that makes you pause and savor. On the side, the Avocado Toast with chunky guac, pomegranate and pumpkin seeds, and peppery arugula was the perfect complement.

Alma has quickly become a new favorite. Food, drinks, and top-notch service – it’s worth the repeat visits. No shame. Just...

Had a reservation for two at 8:30 last night for my husband's 40th Birthday. (Reservation had celebrating Birthday on it) Arrived at 8:28, was seated immediately. Awesome. Then sat until 8:47 until our waiter came to ask for drinks (slightly annoyed, but understood that miscommunication happens, so glad we were finally getting taken care of.) We order 4 appetizers & 2 entrees. Appetizers come, but we have no silverware. So my husband gets up to ask a staff member for silverware. None comes. 5 minutes later, still no silverware, my husband goes to the bar to ask for silverware. When he is at the bar, the staff brings 1 roll of silverware and says he has to find another one. My husband comes back and shortly after, the bar drops off 2 rolls. Then another 5 minutes later the 1st guy comes back and drops off a roll of silverware. Later our entrees comes out. I ordered a 8oz steak, but I have no steak knife to cut it. So I eat the sides around the steak. After my husband finishes his meal, our waiter FINALLY comes around and just slides a steak knife by me and walks away. Not questioning if we even liked the food. I cut into the steak, I take one bite, besides it being cold, it has a funny after taste to it. I have my husband try it, and he agreed with me that it smells funky and has a bad after taste to it. After the knife drop off, our waiter never returned. A random staff came to our table 20min after the the knife drop off, clearly seeing we were done with eating and asked if he could help us. We stated we were waiting for our waiter, and he said "oh I will just take care of it." And I said, we need the check. He cleared the table including my barely touched steak not asking for boxes or if we enjoyed it. And dropped the check off. We are dessert people, we ALWAYS have dessert, no matter what. And it wasn't offered nor was it an option. All the while, the 2 tables in front of us was recieving what appeared to be decent service with their waiters checking in on them, getting them what they need when asked. And recieving a special dessert with a sparkler for their celebrated guest.

And all we got was a quarter of a waiter and food runners. Worst Birthday Dinner Ever.

This was my experience, but obviously not everyone's. Proceed with Caution.

Explanation of stars: Food 2 stars because appetizers were good, (except cornbread was dry). Service 0 stars, because didn't even have service. Atmosphere 4 stars, because it was dope, they even had a DJ. But our service experience dampened...

Alma is a beautiful restaurant in a good location, easy parking, and beautiful varied seating. You enter through a lovely patio area that is spacious, warmed w/dramatic gas heaters and lighting that sets a relaxed tone. As you make your way in there are casual sofa/chairs w/a coffee table grouping as though you're entertaining at home and further inside are customary booths and tsble/chair seating. Service was slow initially but improved. Seating @ table w/chairs was comfortable and the menu variety offered unique fare such as octopus, tongue, and tripe prepared in traditional dishes. Pricing was actually very reasonable overall. This ends the "good" part of my experience @ Alma Scottsdale. I ordered the grilled salmon tostada w/black beans, cotija cheese, and pico feeling confident in my choice w/the waiter's comment to me, "Oh, it is very good!" The two 2 inch squares of salmon was criminally overcooked, dry and VERY salty! The "black beans" had been mashed and spread thinly on a square piece of fried tortilla that's matched the size of the 2" salmon piece. The thin layer of mashed beans looked disgusting d/t the black color and smesred consistency & TOTALLY unappetizing. The "pico" was bland, watery and NEEDED salt! My salmon was sadly over cooked, dry, way OVER salted, not fresh, not appetizing. I was a guest for this meal so I politely ate one of the 2 pieces of salmon, brought the other piece home thinking I'd give my dog a treat but it was just too salty for him. Finally, three salsas & yummy, fresh, crispy chips arrived upon our seating. Salsa #1 was very spicy/hot, salsa #2 was green and mild, salsa #3 was red & watery w/NO flavor at ALL and all three were TOTALLY lacking salt! Others in my group were pleased w/their meal. There are so many awesome restaurants in Phoenix/ Scottsdale area I won't return to Alma's for just good chips and beautiful decor...