Great restaurant that was stumbled upon. Always seem to have a delicious Sangria on special. Everything seems homemade and fresh. Recommend the potstickers. I would give it a try if you were in the area, but wouldn't make a special trip for it.
(4)
Joan Z.
This place has always been a favorite of ours so we took our friends from Seattle. First of all the music was so loud we couldn't talk. I had to ask 4, yes 4 times for them to turn it down. Finally we pleaded with the owner to please turn it down. The music was inappropriate we felt for the restaurant as well. The food was just ok, not great like it used to be. We probably won't go back. Very disappointed.
(3)
Monica J.
This place was completely cute and the service was great. However, neither my husband or I were really that impressed with the food. We started with the baked brie as an appetizer. It had a very strong ammonia smell that was a huge turnoff. I know that sometimes happens with brie so we ate it anyway but a couple of hours later with both got bad stomach aches. I later googled it and it seems the ammonia smell comes out more when the cheese is past its prime. There is no way to know for sure if we actually got sick from the brie or not but I have to subtract a couple stars for that. Our main dishes were ok; he got the spaghetti with meatballs and I got the bloody mary pasta. His dish was very simple but he liked it and I was impressed that he ate it at all b/c he normally prefers beef or lamb meatballs to ground turkey. I enjoyed my dish as well but it was not as good as I thought it would be based on the description. It really did taste like a bloody mary, complete with fresh celery leaves but it was not as spicy as I was hoping for. I would probably give them another chance if someone else suggested it. But I would likely pick somewhere else since there are so many other great restaurants in the area. I definitely will not order the baked brie there again!
(2)
Andra G.
Truly outstanding food. Possibly the best in the valley. Creative as well as tasty. On top of all that, it is reasonably priced. Great wine selections and nice ambiance. It is also appropriate for vegetarians and even vegans. My only reason for giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is that last time I was there, the music was too loud for a pleasant dinner and was a bit like dance music at times. But this is an easy fix and I hope the owners do as it is such amazing food. I will definitely go back and will update people on the music.
(4)
susi h.
If you have not visited this wonderful, charming New York style cafe in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, then you haven't really been in Old Town! This delightful cafe sits on Main Street surrounded by local galleries and a great small garden company. I have enjoyed several great meals there tried something new this past weekend and I must say,it was the most wonderful meal I have had in weeks. It was Sweet Potato Enchiladas, yum. It touched on every taste bud and after wards my mouth did not feel pasty, heavy just light and well fed. I love the music, the ambiance, the staff and it is priced well.........If you want a small intimate place to enjoy a fab meal, this is it.....bon appetite!!
(5)
David G.
Out of two appetisers and four main courses, I would say one was a "Wow" and the rest were all, as another reviewer has said, "just OK", at best. One of the appetisers, the hummous, was not good at all, being a bit bitter and very grainy. It needed lemon and salt. The penne with Italian sausage consisted of boiled-from-the-box penne, what appeared to be a sauce of canned tomatoes, and a very modest amount of decent grilled sausage. I ate it, but I didn't really enjoy it. Only the spinach and cheese ravioli was restaurant quality. The decor is acceptable -- Cafe Forte is a small place in the extended strip mall of Main Street in Scottsdale. The service was friendly but a little slow (1 hour 20 minutes for appetisers and main courses) in a half-full restaurant. The prices were mixed -- the pasta entrees were around $12-$15, the appetisers around $10. I am not unhappy to have gone here, but I can't recommend Cafe Forte either.
(3)
Alexander C.
I'm not sure what happened to this place over the past year but the food was horrible! We went for their New Years Eve menu which sounded old school but fun.. the food was horribly dreadful. 4 courses for $59, well in this case you most certainly did not get what you pay for. Starting with the salad.. it under dressed and under seasoned, beef Wellington was abysmal, under seasoned and undercooked. Stuffed chicken was dry and tough and all plates came with a few pieces of carrot and broccoli, probably from a bag. The bright spot was the sausage and pepper appetizer, which was actually really tasty but the 2 bites left me feeling like Oliver Twist! Then the desserts.. uhg.. the desserts could have come from a box from Costco, not horrible but ordinary and boring. The service was still excellent but the food was just uninspired and poorly executed. I used to love this place and it saddens be to say such things but I have to let you know, they need an infusion of something.. perhaps life?
(2)
Anne A.
Cafe Forte is the perfect complement to the ambiance of Old Town Scottsdale. Main Street in Scottsdale is a sensory experience. Cafe Forte provides a burst of fresh and healthy flavors for the taste buds. The attention to detail in the sourcing of their ingredients is obvious. The artistic presentation of each course is masterful. The carefully selected music and the original art on the walls is consistent with the experience of the art district in Scottsdale. Ladies lunch or romantic dinner, this restaurant inspires return visits.
(5)
Emily S.
Good food, nice quiet atmosphere for lunch, suitable for groups. The food wasn't particularly memorable except for the dessert menu, which was divine. The service was very prompt and attentive. All in all this is a nice place that won't throw you any unpleasant surprises. We went in the afternoon when it was quiet, but it might be busier at dinner. I'd be willing to try it for a dinner date.
(3)
Jen S.
Mmmm.....can someone get me some baked brie from Cafe Forte, like, right now? I had the most delicious lunch at Cafe Forte, and I felt marvelous when I left. Full and happy and warm and fuzzy. :-) We started with the Baked Brie: brie encased in a delicate pastry served golden brown with sliced apples. What about that doesn't sound delicious? For my entree, I opted for the 1/2 sandwich and soup, and I could have had a gallon of the soup. It was an amazing chicken soup with a sweet/savory broth. Yum. I picked the egg salad sandwich, which was also quite good. We decided to splurge and had dessert, the Bourbon Street Bread Pudding. So sweet and decadent - it was a lovely way to finish the meal. When you're near Old Town Scottsdale, you MUST stop into Cafe Forte. Enjoy the warm and cozy ambiance and the delicious, homey food.
(5)
Heath M.
Excellent food with unparalleled ambiance! Do yourself a favor and request a table on the side-walk... after a few minutes you're a short walk from the hustle and bustle of downtown Scottsdale and instead find yourself in a quiet, almost European terrace. The perfect place for great food and the atmosphere seems to elicit quality and engaging conversations. Their Hibiscus margarita was a delightful drink special and the main courses were delicious. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for relaxed yet fine dining.... a piece of Paris in the middle of Arizona!
(5)
Richard F.
My wife and I are in town for spring training. We had dinner at Cafe Forte on Saturday evening March 11. We selected Cafe Forte based on Yelp and Trip Advisor reviews and our personal preferences. Wow! What a find! This cafe met all of our high expectations for service, ambiance, food preparation, quality, and price vs value. We both had the vegan split pea soup special and the breast of chicken. My wife enjoyed the sangria and I a California merlot. We had an excellent dining experience and we definitely will return next year.
(5)
Lindsey D.
Everything here is just OK. I've definitely had better and I would most likely choose another restaurant in the future, but nothing was extremely bad about this place...just ok. The atmosphere is a little stagnant and while seating inside the restaurant is extensive, it didn't feel very welcoming and it was too beautiful of a day to sit inside anyway. We sat outside and it reminded me of sitting on a friend's apartment patio. The tables were tiny and a little rickety and we ended up moving from one because it was uneven. The food itself was also just ok, but way more expensive then it needed to be. I went with a salad with brie and apples. It cost an additional $4 to add chicken which I did. The salad was decent and tasted like something that could be made at home. Nothing stood out in my book during my visit, but nothing was awful either.
(3)
Lauren E.
The service here was very friendly and fast. We ordered the brie appetizer, which was very good. The salmon entree was a little fishy and overcooked. The spinach ravioli was just okay - the sauce was decent. The sundae for dessert was good as well. All in all, we had a decent meal, but we would have been happier if we didn't have to pay as much for the food. It isn't quite worth the price.
(2)
Bill C.
Complete rip off of an appetizer $5. $5 for 2 dumplings about the size of my thumb. The regular menus price was $8 for 4 (which we were not made aware of before we ordered or we would have just gotten that). So we paid more per piece on their special happy hour menu. Happy hour wine was advertised as $4 glass was actually $5. We won't be coming back. Feeling like you got taken is not a pleasant dining experience.
(1)
Evelyn B.
Yummy food was awesome. Love Neal and the owner Pat...I only wish they'd open a place like this in NYC.
(5)
mary c.
Very good experience here. Great food, service and setting. Food was fresh and prepared excellent. Sangria was a nice compliment to lunch.
(5)
Timothy O.
I ate here the other day with my wife & her Mom. Nice outdoor cafe style with good food and nice atmosphere. Unfortunately it was sad to see how there weren't a good amount of people there on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. People in the area seem to be drawn towards lesser establishments at times. Maybe due to difference in marketing but a place like Cafe Forte is considerably much more quality than most other places around. It would be nice to see a more unique place like this get the love that some of the close by but lesser quality establishments receive.
(4)
David L.
Excellent atmosphere with good food. Located among the numerous art dealers in the area.
(4)
Lauren A.
Wow what a great lunch place! Great service and atmosphere and really yummy healthy food! I had an apricot sangria that was so delightful and thirst quenching in this Arizona heat along with a healthy buffalo burger that was so tasty. I definitely recommend this place to anyone and everyone. I can't wait to come back and try more!
(5)
Lisa M.
We only ordered one appetizer, otherwise I'd probably have given two stars, but felt like I should be fair having only tried this one item. The white bean appetizer dip really wasn't very good. It tasted like something you could buy at the grocery store and bring home. The pita bread was dull store bought frozen, just heated. The wine list is a joke. I don't understand how these places call themselves a "wine bar" in listings, and get there to see such limited selections. We went on a Thursday night during Art walk and the place was totally dead, while all the other restaurants were busy. That should have told us something right away. There are definitely better places in the area. The other problem I had was with the overall vibe. I felt like I was in a nursing home. Everyone was geriatric practically, and the music seemed to cater to that crowd as well. I'm not sure what they're trying to be, it's sort of confusing (the vibe) but I didn't feel like coming back. Oh, and it was pretty pricey for what you get as well.
(3)
Byron C.
Sometimes I wonder how a restaurant gets a great location, yet manages to stay open amidst the culinary delight that surrounds it. Downtown Scottsdale is a hotbed of food delight, to keep a good eatery open in the area would require something special, something awesome or at the very least... something. I will start off by saying that maybe this review isn't fair, I did only have an appetizer... *takes rating from one star to 2...* and a glass of wine. But to me, first impressions are everything, and Cafe Forte failed me at hello. Not the server mind you, she was pleasant and attentive. They call themselves a Bistro & Wine Bar... again... wine in the title, you had better have an awesome selection of wine. That was the hello that lost me. Needless to say, the wine list left me flat... I had to settle with a Cab from Washington that was warm and disappointing. I know, they didn't make the wine, but they make the choice of what they serve by the glass, and at what temperature to serve it. There is an amazing amount of wineries out there that are producing some fantastic vino, and some of those are local Arizona wine makers that make a terrific glass of wine. This isn't about supporting local growers (though, it's a good idea.), this is about choice. Call yourself a wine bar, then act like one. Give us a choice. We had the hummus appetizer. It came out looking like some strange beetle had died on it's back... presentation was a bit strange, I thought my 9 year old niece was in the kitchen making food art... it was supposed to have hint of lemon, I am pretty sure they used Pledge to get the flavor... ...Y'know... this is unfair. I will stop here. Everyone deserves a second chance. I am sticking to my guns with the 2 stars for now. I truly believe that with competition in the area, you need to step up your game, and Cafe Forte seems to be on the bench at the moment.
(2)
Dru B.
Had lunch here with my mom. Loved it. Organic. Excellent service. Great atmosphere for casual or business conversation.
(4)
Ron C.
It's a small intimate setting and the food is truly amazing - - although it can get a bit noisy if there is a group or two in the restaurant. You could order anything on the menu and be happy - their deserts are worth trying - if you can order one my hat is off to you! If you are fussy about where you sit you need to ask for a specific table when you make a reservation - otherwise you will sit where they put you rather then where you want to sit.
(4)
Gary B.
This is one of those amazing places that could easily be overlooked. For more than 14 years, the owners of Cafe Forte have tirelessly made a name for themselves by providing unadulterated cuisine or comfort foods for folks who like their meals freshly made with only quality ingredients. BRAND NEW Comfort Hours from 3-5pm features awesome appetizers like their roasted Polenta cakes! They also feature $4 glasses of select wines and beers, too! One of their signature dishes is the Cafe Meatloaf with a light burgundy sauce and smashed potatoes. They also feature many fresh seafood entrees as well as fine Italian specialties. Because the restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, on Main Street, just east of Goldwater Blvd, you can enjoy the works of fine artists as well as the fine foods at Cafe Forte. I recommend beginning your meal with the baked brie and sliced apples along with a nice Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Casual atmosphere with little votives and a fresh flower on each table is what you will see when you first enter the main dining room. There is a bar area and when weather permits, an intimate garden for romantic dining. They also do amazing pies and tortes for dessert. Great for dinner on Thursday Artwalks or for a casual lunch with good friends!
(5)
Susan C.
Stopped off for a snack at Cafe Forte while in the area. Tables outside on sidewalk Parisian style. We had baked brie in puff pastry on a bed of apples which was good at the time but I regretted later with the high fat content. Also had a plate of lemony hummus dip which was good. Large portions and good happy hour wine. Very quiet for Main St on a Friday night. We asked for a discount with our T cards but the waitress didn't know what these were despite having a sign for them in the window.
(3)
Akiko I.
Ok, so we decided to give this place a try b/c Cafe Forte is rated #1 out of 651 restaurants on tripadvisor. Honestly, I do not agree with their ranking....I mean come on...if this place is really #1, that means Scottsdale is filled with bunch of mediocre restaurants. Maybe we expected too much...no....it just wasn't that good. *Ambiance = very cute, relaxing, and clean. *Service = very slow. The owner was a really nice and seated us promptly but the waitress...she is not a happy person. *Food = honestly, I just don't understand how this restaurant can be #1.... -Baked Brie = expected. It was good but nothing extraordinary. -Gorgonzola crusted sirloin steak = not worth it. It was descent. However, if you are tempted to sprinkle salt on it, that means it's not that good. If you want good steak, you should go somewhere else like Flemings. Oh btw, the steak was tiny. -Mahi Mahi Tuscano = I thought it was too salty...my bf thought it was ok.
(3)
B.C. M.
My girlfriend took me here and the food was to die for, I from out of town and it is a great place in Old Town Scottsdale.
(4)
Jody O.
Just strolled by and was hungry thought the atmosphere looked inviting and took and chance. I was not bummed about my choice. It was a perfectly light lunch an egg salad sandwich with a side salad and my husband enjoyed a buffalo burger. Food was great, amazing potato salad, service was great. It was a really nice sunny afternoon in scottsdale and this place was inviting on all levels. Dessert took it to a whole other level, the camelback i think they called it: decadent chocolate brownie with vanilla gelato and fudge and whip cream, sounds standard but it was anything but. Soooo good. definitely coming back for a fun sunny day lunch or a romantic dinner for two.
(4)
D R.
We had a delicious dinner and special occasion setting for New Year's Eve-- dinner for two. The service and food were both extraordinary. It's a small, romantic spot for a special meal. We plan to try it again soon for a date night out from the regular menu. The ingredients were especially fresh and well prepared, no heavy handed sauces here, and that was a delight. The owners are on hand to greet you and make sure your evening is a special one. Nice touch and within walking distance of all of Old Town Scottsdale.
(5)
Gene R.
Julie & I had lunch there & the food was super fresh..really cute place and they have a healthy happy hour.
(5)
Nick S.
Great food and staff. This mordern Euro Bistro offers a nice mixture of classic food. The Lasagna was what had and i was very impressed. The aroma from this classic dish took me back to my days as a child where my mom would start her prep for dinner early in the day a we would have the smell of lasagna and marinara swarming through the house. the Maple encrusted chicken was a little sweet for my dates taste but still nice. Wine list was limited but has some excellent choices ranging from a varietals as Sangoviese to Savigion Blancs from New Zealand. Highly recommended this place for a quiet day
(4)
Sarah B.
Tried 4 things.... all troublesome. The spinach ravioli... from Costco!! You know the ones that come in a huge bag with the packet of cheese and herbs? I actually like those ravioli, but Cafe Forte served them in a bath of water and some of the cheese and herb packet. So gross... Chicken salad sandwich: Not a fan of the chicken salad. Had a mustard taste and had too much mayo. Not a disaster, but I couldn't eat most of it because it just had an odd taste. Chocolate truffle cake: Half baked brownie batter on a obviously pre-made white crust. I found it odd to serve a chocolate cake on a white crust... Carrot cake: Dry, probably store bought... Never again.....
(1)
Jay G.
Met the owners, chatted and sat down. Beautiful ambience, great menu, not too many items. Excellent smoked salmon plate, great quiche and egg salad to die for. Give this bistro a try, talk with the ladies that own it- they care about what they do and it shows.
(4)
Simi F.
Stopped by this little treasure while waiting for friends. I had the daily special: Salmon Burger with a side of greens and my companion had the Cuban sandwich (Copa Cubano or something similar) I've never had a cuban sandwich before...it was absolutely divine. The ambience was stellar and perfect for a weekend brunch, service was prompt and polite, the food was incredibly tasty. I really appreciate being able to have food that's not gross, greasy and deep fried, so this place is a 100% win as far as I'm concerned.
(5)
Jennifer S.
A coworker and I ate lunch here today and had a great experience! The atmosphere is great...comfortable and welcoming. The staff was very friendly too. We both enjoyed the quiche special with a side salad and it was delicious...we both finished our plates! There were many great options on the menu, so I'll have to come back again!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Zack C.
Great restaurant that was stumbled upon. Always seem to have a delicious Sangria on special. Everything seems homemade and fresh. Recommend the potstickers. I would give it a try if you were in the area, but wouldn't make a special trip for it.
(4)Joan Z.
This place has always been a favorite of ours so we took our friends from Seattle. First of all the music was so loud we couldn't talk. I had to ask 4, yes 4 times for them to turn it down. Finally we pleaded with the owner to please turn it down. The music was inappropriate we felt for the restaurant as well. The food was just ok, not great like it used to be. We probably won't go back. Very disappointed.
(3)Monica J.
This place was completely cute and the service was great. However, neither my husband or I were really that impressed with the food. We started with the baked brie as an appetizer. It had a very strong ammonia smell that was a huge turnoff. I know that sometimes happens with brie so we ate it anyway but a couple of hours later with both got bad stomach aches. I later googled it and it seems the ammonia smell comes out more when the cheese is past its prime. There is no way to know for sure if we actually got sick from the brie or not but I have to subtract a couple stars for that. Our main dishes were ok; he got the spaghetti with meatballs and I got the bloody mary pasta. His dish was very simple but he liked it and I was impressed that he ate it at all b/c he normally prefers beef or lamb meatballs to ground turkey. I enjoyed my dish as well but it was not as good as I thought it would be based on the description. It really did taste like a bloody mary, complete with fresh celery leaves but it was not as spicy as I was hoping for. I would probably give them another chance if someone else suggested it. But I would likely pick somewhere else since there are so many other great restaurants in the area. I definitely will not order the baked brie there again!
(2)Andra G.
Truly outstanding food. Possibly the best in the valley. Creative as well as tasty. On top of all that, it is reasonably priced. Great wine selections and nice ambiance. It is also appropriate for vegetarians and even vegans. My only reason for giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is that last time I was there, the music was too loud for a pleasant dinner and was a bit like dance music at times. But this is an easy fix and I hope the owners do as it is such amazing food. I will definitely go back and will update people on the music.
(4)susi h.
If you have not visited this wonderful, charming New York style cafe in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, then you haven't really been in Old Town! This delightful cafe sits on Main Street surrounded by local galleries and a great small garden company. I have enjoyed several great meals there tried something new this past weekend and I must say,it was the most wonderful meal I have had in weeks. It was Sweet Potato Enchiladas, yum. It touched on every taste bud and after wards my mouth did not feel pasty, heavy just light and well fed. I love the music, the ambiance, the staff and it is priced well.........If you want a small intimate place to enjoy a fab meal, this is it.....bon appetite!!
(5)David G.
Out of two appetisers and four main courses, I would say one was a "Wow" and the rest were all, as another reviewer has said, "just OK", at best. One of the appetisers, the hummous, was not good at all, being a bit bitter and very grainy. It needed lemon and salt. The penne with Italian sausage consisted of boiled-from-the-box penne, what appeared to be a sauce of canned tomatoes, and a very modest amount of decent grilled sausage. I ate it, but I didn't really enjoy it. Only the spinach and cheese ravioli was restaurant quality. The decor is acceptable -- Cafe Forte is a small place in the extended strip mall of Main Street in Scottsdale. The service was friendly but a little slow (1 hour 20 minutes for appetisers and main courses) in a half-full restaurant. The prices were mixed -- the pasta entrees were around $12-$15, the appetisers around $10. I am not unhappy to have gone here, but I can't recommend Cafe Forte either.
(3)Alexander C.
I'm not sure what happened to this place over the past year but the food was horrible! We went for their New Years Eve menu which sounded old school but fun.. the food was horribly dreadful. 4 courses for $59, well in this case you most certainly did not get what you pay for. Starting with the salad.. it under dressed and under seasoned, beef Wellington was abysmal, under seasoned and undercooked. Stuffed chicken was dry and tough and all plates came with a few pieces of carrot and broccoli, probably from a bag. The bright spot was the sausage and pepper appetizer, which was actually really tasty but the 2 bites left me feeling like Oliver Twist! Then the desserts.. uhg.. the desserts could have come from a box from Costco, not horrible but ordinary and boring. The service was still excellent but the food was just uninspired and poorly executed. I used to love this place and it saddens be to say such things but I have to let you know, they need an infusion of something.. perhaps life?
(2)Anne A.
Cafe Forte is the perfect complement to the ambiance of Old Town Scottsdale. Main Street in Scottsdale is a sensory experience. Cafe Forte provides a burst of fresh and healthy flavors for the taste buds. The attention to detail in the sourcing of their ingredients is obvious. The artistic presentation of each course is masterful. The carefully selected music and the original art on the walls is consistent with the experience of the art district in Scottsdale. Ladies lunch or romantic dinner, this restaurant inspires return visits.
(5)Emily S.
Good food, nice quiet atmosphere for lunch, suitable for groups. The food wasn't particularly memorable except for the dessert menu, which was divine. The service was very prompt and attentive. All in all this is a nice place that won't throw you any unpleasant surprises. We went in the afternoon when it was quiet, but it might be busier at dinner. I'd be willing to try it for a dinner date.
(3)Jen S.
Mmmm.....can someone get me some baked brie from Cafe Forte, like, right now? I had the most delicious lunch at Cafe Forte, and I felt marvelous when I left. Full and happy and warm and fuzzy. :-) We started with the Baked Brie: brie encased in a delicate pastry served golden brown with sliced apples. What about that doesn't sound delicious? For my entree, I opted for the 1/2 sandwich and soup, and I could have had a gallon of the soup. It was an amazing chicken soup with a sweet/savory broth. Yum. I picked the egg salad sandwich, which was also quite good. We decided to splurge and had dessert, the Bourbon Street Bread Pudding. So sweet and decadent - it was a lovely way to finish the meal. When you're near Old Town Scottsdale, you MUST stop into Cafe Forte. Enjoy the warm and cozy ambiance and the delicious, homey food.
(5)Heath M.
Excellent food with unparalleled ambiance! Do yourself a favor and request a table on the side-walk... after a few minutes you're a short walk from the hustle and bustle of downtown Scottsdale and instead find yourself in a quiet, almost European terrace. The perfect place for great food and the atmosphere seems to elicit quality and engaging conversations. Their Hibiscus margarita was a delightful drink special and the main courses were delicious. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for relaxed yet fine dining.... a piece of Paris in the middle of Arizona!
(5)Richard F.
My wife and I are in town for spring training. We had dinner at Cafe Forte on Saturday evening March 11. We selected Cafe Forte based on Yelp and Trip Advisor reviews and our personal preferences. Wow! What a find! This cafe met all of our high expectations for service, ambiance, food preparation, quality, and price vs value. We both had the vegan split pea soup special and the breast of chicken. My wife enjoyed the sangria and I a California merlot. We had an excellent dining experience and we definitely will return next year.
(5)Lindsey D.
Everything here is just OK. I've definitely had better and I would most likely choose another restaurant in the future, but nothing was extremely bad about this place...just ok. The atmosphere is a little stagnant and while seating inside the restaurant is extensive, it didn't feel very welcoming and it was too beautiful of a day to sit inside anyway. We sat outside and it reminded me of sitting on a friend's apartment patio. The tables were tiny and a little rickety and we ended up moving from one because it was uneven. The food itself was also just ok, but way more expensive then it needed to be. I went with a salad with brie and apples. It cost an additional $4 to add chicken which I did. The salad was decent and tasted like something that could be made at home. Nothing stood out in my book during my visit, but nothing was awful either.
(3)Lauren E.
The service here was very friendly and fast. We ordered the brie appetizer, which was very good. The salmon entree was a little fishy and overcooked. The spinach ravioli was just okay - the sauce was decent. The sundae for dessert was good as well. All in all, we had a decent meal, but we would have been happier if we didn't have to pay as much for the food. It isn't quite worth the price.
(2)Bill C.
Complete rip off of an appetizer $5. $5 for 2 dumplings about the size of my thumb. The regular menus price was $8 for 4 (which we were not made aware of before we ordered or we would have just gotten that). So we paid more per piece on their special happy hour menu. Happy hour wine was advertised as $4 glass was actually $5. We won't be coming back. Feeling like you got taken is not a pleasant dining experience.
(1)Evelyn B.
Yummy food was awesome. Love Neal and the owner Pat...I only wish they'd open a place like this in NYC.
(5)mary c.
Very good experience here. Great food, service and setting. Food was fresh and prepared excellent. Sangria was a nice compliment to lunch.
(5)Timothy O.
I ate here the other day with my wife & her Mom. Nice outdoor cafe style with good food and nice atmosphere. Unfortunately it was sad to see how there weren't a good amount of people there on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. People in the area seem to be drawn towards lesser establishments at times. Maybe due to difference in marketing but a place like Cafe Forte is considerably much more quality than most other places around. It would be nice to see a more unique place like this get the love that some of the close by but lesser quality establishments receive.
(4)David L.
Excellent atmosphere with good food. Located among the numerous art dealers in the area.
(4)Lauren A.
Wow what a great lunch place! Great service and atmosphere and really yummy healthy food! I had an apricot sangria that was so delightful and thirst quenching in this Arizona heat along with a healthy buffalo burger that was so tasty. I definitely recommend this place to anyone and everyone. I can't wait to come back and try more!
(5)Lisa M.
We only ordered one appetizer, otherwise I'd probably have given two stars, but felt like I should be fair having only tried this one item. The white bean appetizer dip really wasn't very good. It tasted like something you could buy at the grocery store and bring home. The pita bread was dull store bought frozen, just heated. The wine list is a joke. I don't understand how these places call themselves a "wine bar" in listings, and get there to see such limited selections. We went on a Thursday night during Art walk and the place was totally dead, while all the other restaurants were busy. That should have told us something right away. There are definitely better places in the area. The other problem I had was with the overall vibe. I felt like I was in a nursing home. Everyone was geriatric practically, and the music seemed to cater to that crowd as well. I'm not sure what they're trying to be, it's sort of confusing (the vibe) but I didn't feel like coming back. Oh, and it was pretty pricey for what you get as well.
(3)Byron C.
Sometimes I wonder how a restaurant gets a great location, yet manages to stay open amidst the culinary delight that surrounds it. Downtown Scottsdale is a hotbed of food delight, to keep a good eatery open in the area would require something special, something awesome or at the very least... something. I will start off by saying that maybe this review isn't fair, I did only have an appetizer... *takes rating from one star to 2...* and a glass of wine. But to me, first impressions are everything, and Cafe Forte failed me at hello. Not the server mind you, she was pleasant and attentive. They call themselves a Bistro & Wine Bar... again... wine in the title, you had better have an awesome selection of wine. That was the hello that lost me. Needless to say, the wine list left me flat... I had to settle with a Cab from Washington that was warm and disappointing. I know, they didn't make the wine, but they make the choice of what they serve by the glass, and at what temperature to serve it. There is an amazing amount of wineries out there that are producing some fantastic vino, and some of those are local Arizona wine makers that make a terrific glass of wine. This isn't about supporting local growers (though, it's a good idea.), this is about choice. Call yourself a wine bar, then act like one. Give us a choice. We had the hummus appetizer. It came out looking like some strange beetle had died on it's back... presentation was a bit strange, I thought my 9 year old niece was in the kitchen making food art... it was supposed to have hint of lemon, I am pretty sure they used Pledge to get the flavor... ...Y'know... this is unfair. I will stop here. Everyone deserves a second chance. I am sticking to my guns with the 2 stars for now. I truly believe that with competition in the area, you need to step up your game, and Cafe Forte seems to be on the bench at the moment.
(2)Dru B.
Had lunch here with my mom. Loved it. Organic. Excellent service. Great atmosphere for casual or business conversation.
(4)Ron C.
It's a small intimate setting and the food is truly amazing - - although it can get a bit noisy if there is a group or two in the restaurant. You could order anything on the menu and be happy - their deserts are worth trying - if you can order one my hat is off to you! If you are fussy about where you sit you need to ask for a specific table when you make a reservation - otherwise you will sit where they put you rather then where you want to sit.
(4)Gary B.
This is one of those amazing places that could easily be overlooked. For more than 14 years, the owners of Cafe Forte have tirelessly made a name for themselves by providing unadulterated cuisine or comfort foods for folks who like their meals freshly made with only quality ingredients. BRAND NEW Comfort Hours from 3-5pm features awesome appetizers like their roasted Polenta cakes! They also feature $4 glasses of select wines and beers, too! One of their signature dishes is the Cafe Meatloaf with a light burgundy sauce and smashed potatoes. They also feature many fresh seafood entrees as well as fine Italian specialties. Because the restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, on Main Street, just east of Goldwater Blvd, you can enjoy the works of fine artists as well as the fine foods at Cafe Forte. I recommend beginning your meal with the baked brie and sliced apples along with a nice Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Casual atmosphere with little votives and a fresh flower on each table is what you will see when you first enter the main dining room. There is a bar area and when weather permits, an intimate garden for romantic dining. They also do amazing pies and tortes for dessert. Great for dinner on Thursday Artwalks or for a casual lunch with good friends!
(5)Susan C.
Stopped off for a snack at Cafe Forte while in the area. Tables outside on sidewalk Parisian style. We had baked brie in puff pastry on a bed of apples which was good at the time but I regretted later with the high fat content. Also had a plate of lemony hummus dip which was good. Large portions and good happy hour wine. Very quiet for Main St on a Friday night. We asked for a discount with our T cards but the waitress didn't know what these were despite having a sign for them in the window.
(3)Akiko I.
Ok, so we decided to give this place a try b/c Cafe Forte is rated #1 out of 651 restaurants on tripadvisor. Honestly, I do not agree with their ranking....I mean come on...if this place is really #1, that means Scottsdale is filled with bunch of mediocre restaurants. Maybe we expected too much...no....it just wasn't that good. *Ambiance = very cute, relaxing, and clean. *Service = very slow. The owner was a really nice and seated us promptly but the waitress...she is not a happy person. *Food = honestly, I just don't understand how this restaurant can be #1.... -Baked Brie = expected. It was good but nothing extraordinary. -Gorgonzola crusted sirloin steak = not worth it. It was descent. However, if you are tempted to sprinkle salt on it, that means it's not that good. If you want good steak, you should go somewhere else like Flemings. Oh btw, the steak was tiny. -Mahi Mahi Tuscano = I thought it was too salty...my bf thought it was ok.
(3)B.C. M.
My girlfriend took me here and the food was to die for, I from out of town and it is a great place in Old Town Scottsdale.
(4)Jody O.
Just strolled by and was hungry thought the atmosphere looked inviting and took and chance. I was not bummed about my choice. It was a perfectly light lunch an egg salad sandwich with a side salad and my husband enjoyed a buffalo burger. Food was great, amazing potato salad, service was great. It was a really nice sunny afternoon in scottsdale and this place was inviting on all levels. Dessert took it to a whole other level, the camelback i think they called it: decadent chocolate brownie with vanilla gelato and fudge and whip cream, sounds standard but it was anything but. Soooo good. definitely coming back for a fun sunny day lunch or a romantic dinner for two.
(4)D R.
We had a delicious dinner and special occasion setting for New Year's Eve-- dinner for two. The service and food were both extraordinary. It's a small, romantic spot for a special meal. We plan to try it again soon for a date night out from the regular menu. The ingredients were especially fresh and well prepared, no heavy handed sauces here, and that was a delight. The owners are on hand to greet you and make sure your evening is a special one. Nice touch and within walking distance of all of Old Town Scottsdale.
(5)Gene R.
Julie & I had lunch there & the food was super fresh..really cute place and they have a healthy happy hour.
(5)Nick S.
Great food and staff. This mordern Euro Bistro offers a nice mixture of classic food. The Lasagna was what had and i was very impressed. The aroma from this classic dish took me back to my days as a child where my mom would start her prep for dinner early in the day a we would have the smell of lasagna and marinara swarming through the house. the Maple encrusted chicken was a little sweet for my dates taste but still nice. Wine list was limited but has some excellent choices ranging from a varietals as Sangoviese to Savigion Blancs from New Zealand. Highly recommended this place for a quiet day
(4)Sarah B.
Tried 4 things.... all troublesome. The spinach ravioli... from Costco!! You know the ones that come in a huge bag with the packet of cheese and herbs? I actually like those ravioli, but Cafe Forte served them in a bath of water and some of the cheese and herb packet. So gross... Chicken salad sandwich: Not a fan of the chicken salad. Had a mustard taste and had too much mayo. Not a disaster, but I couldn't eat most of it because it just had an odd taste. Chocolate truffle cake: Half baked brownie batter on a obviously pre-made white crust. I found it odd to serve a chocolate cake on a white crust... Carrot cake: Dry, probably store bought... Never again.....
(1)Jay G.
Met the owners, chatted and sat down. Beautiful ambience, great menu, not too many items. Excellent smoked salmon plate, great quiche and egg salad to die for. Give this bistro a try, talk with the ladies that own it- they care about what they do and it shows.
(4)Simi F.
Stopped by this little treasure while waiting for friends. I had the daily special: Salmon Burger with a side of greens and my companion had the Cuban sandwich (Copa Cubano or something similar) I've never had a cuban sandwich before...it was absolutely divine. The ambience was stellar and perfect for a weekend brunch, service was prompt and polite, the food was incredibly tasty. I really appreciate being able to have food that's not gross, greasy and deep fried, so this place is a 100% win as far as I'm concerned.
(5)Jennifer S.
A coworker and I ate lunch here today and had a great experience! The atmosphere is great...comfortable and welcoming. The staff was very friendly too. We both enjoyed the quiche special with a side salad and it was delicious...we both finished our plates! There were many great options on the menu, so I'll have to come back again!
(4)Alyssa H.
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