Fat Ox — Restaurant in Scottsdale

We are visiting from out of town and was recommended this restaurant by a family member. We made a reservation for a high top and when we arrived were told it was for the main dining area. Not an issue as we were able to sit at a high top after asking the hostess because we wanted to enjoy the atmosphere of the bar.

What set the tone amiss was when we were seated and asked for the happy hour specials we received an eye roll from our server. We were told that we might be able to get a few things in. After the server did absolutley everything before making their way to our table, we eventually got the happy hour menu to reveiw. Happy Hour ended at 6:30 and we requested the menu at 6:15. We received the menu at 6:23. I am aware that asking to order from the happy hour menu that last minute is not the most polite thing to do, but it was our first time there and genuinely curious about what specials they had.

We were able to order from the happy hour menu, however the dirty martini was watered down and the house salad was very underdressed. Following the disappointing happy hour was the only redeeming dishes of the night: the ceasar salad, octopus, and salmon.

Being vegan I hopeful that with this caliber of restaurant the chef would be able to accommodate my needs but that was not the case. I communicated to the server that I was vegan and asked for their suggestions. I let them know that I'm not picky other than I was trying to avoid tomatoes if possible. Which is a tough restaurant given that its an italian restaurant. With the server looking lost I offered that a pasta dish with vegetables might be a good option. The server went to ask the chef and said they can do a pasta that had no eggs in it and an oil and garlic sauce.

What I was served was boiled noodles with two slices of garlic and no taste of olive oil. There wasn't any vegetables or garnish. I felt as if I was being punished for my dietary restrictions. I've dined at many fine dining restaurants and I've been told by my accompanying guests that they preferred what the chef came up with in contrast of their dish.

To further the disappointment, one of the guests in my party ordered the mussels and could not even swallow one bite because they were that awful. Just a glance would tell you the mussels were old. The shells were wide open, and they tried to disguise these rancid mussels by drowning them in a bath of tomato sauce.

We sent them both back and the server was understanding and offered a complementary sorbet as well ad removing the charges for the items sent back. I can't say this ended the night on a sweet note. I did appreciate the server trying to turn the night around. She mentioned that she would advocate to the kitchen that there needs to be a vegan option. And we did verbalize what went right. But I can't give this place more than 1 stars because of everything that went wrong.

The atmosphere was on point but the pretentious service we received is not worth...

Although Fat Ox looks to be upscale and possibly pretentious at first glance the delicious food, friendly staff and chic yet relaxed atmosphere tell a different story. We planned our visit at opening, 4:30pm. The staff was still setting some tables up but quickly had us seated. The handful of other guests were dressed comfortably, nothing over the top. Management strolled through occasionally to make sure all was well, checking in on patrons by name when it was known. Everything appears to run smoothly at the restaurant at least on a Sunday afternoon. Each time staff refilled water, brought a dish or changed the eating utensils (that was done with every course, maybe a bit over the top??) they were polite, friendly and expeditious. The menu is laid out for 3 courses and graciously explained by the wait staff. Appetizers are unique and sized for 2 -3 diners, except the family style Cesar. The beef tartare was a lovely blend of rich beef and zesty balsamic flavors. The primi course is a selection of pastas again meant to be shared between a few people, a single dish would be more than enough as a main for most on it's own. We decided on the Rosso Creste di Gallo and do not regret it. The red wine sauce complimented the savory duck sausage while the dandelion was a nice contrast with a more earthy but bright flavor. The secondi are more traditional individual main items rather than for sharing. Chicken, various seafood and red meats are available, each with sides selected to compliment. The brick grilled 1/2 chicken was easily enough for 2 to split especially after appetizers and pasta. The chicken was moist and tender with 3 accompanying toppers/sauces each well created and flavorful. The polenta was almost too decadent, the cheese took center stage with the polenta only a vehicle to carry it. As someone that rarely salts anything this was a bit too salty for my taste buds. The King Salmon was also a generous serving but more on par for 1 person to eat alone. The crisp skin on each portion was perfect, with no hint of overcooking. The flesh was melt in your mouth if maybe the tiniest bit undercooked for my preference in the very center. The sides included mussels, golden beets slices and a surprise favorite of creamed leeks. I was underwhelmed by the chamomile saffron mussels, they had no outstanding flavor to me, both herbs were overshadowed by the other fla ors in the dish. Since we were dinning for our anniversary the pastry chef concluded our meal with one of the most decadent servings of tiramisu and espresso gelato. Each bite was soft and delicious, the gelato smooth and creamy. A perfect end to a delicious dinning experience. If you have the means to visit for a meal it is definitely a...

My husband and I had a phenomenal dinner & overall excellent experience here earlier this week! Upon being seated I was given a cloth napkin on which to set my clutch purse, very classy! Our server & assistant server were exceptional! Michael, our main server, finished culinary school, had been a butcher, is a level one sommelier & bar tender; what an incredible combination! Which makes for a server who is so knowledgeable FAR beyond the menu & wine selection; truly an asset to any establishment!

Complimentary bread w/ a ricotta spread was first brought to us. It was an absolute delight so we requested and received a second dish. Our order began w/ their burrata & the mussels. The burrata itself was a bit underwhelming but the accoutrements were superb! The mussels were in a lovely tomato broth (we kept soaking our bread in it) however the mussels were overcooked w/ a slight not so nice funk. Next we shared two pasta dishes: the cacio e pepe and the seasonal lamb verde one. Both were absolutely delightful! We were just left wanting more. We felt the portion size for the price was not justified. We were warned in advance that the pasta dishes were more for sharing and not entree size but even knowing that, still seems overpriced. We shared the prime porterhouse, sans any sauces (sauces are such an insult to any good steak) which we both raved about! My husband stating ‘best wet aged steak he’s ever had! (He’s eaten A LOT of steak & considers himself a serious steak connoisseur! We definitely prefer dry aged but were informed it’s not what the local clientele appreciates 🤦🏻‍♀️)

During the meal we had an amazing Tuscan red wine which our server did not try to up sell us on but did just the opposite. Brought us this exceptional bottle of wine under our price point request which we really appreciated! My husband also had one of their specialty cocktails which he said was unique and very well done.

Lastly I finished with the chef’s twist on Tiramisu. It was quite light & delicious; I enjoyed every bite but must say I am a traditionalist when it comes to tiramisu.

We were told about some of the happy hour specials in the bar area so next outing to Fat Ox... happy hour it is! We do look forward to returning for dinner at some point as well. Thank you for such a lovely dining experience Michael & all the...