Ordered a dish off the very descriptive menu without pine nuts as one of our party had a severe allergy. Dish arrived with pine nuts. When asked why this was not described on the menu, considering every other element of the dish was, the waitress informed us that it was our responsibility to inform her of any allergies. She took the dish and charged us for it anyway! We did not argue as we needed to leave urgently to get some benadryl. The General Manager was informed and was non-responsive. An otherwise beautiful evening ruined by horrible customer service and a general lack of concern for the "experience" part of dining.
(1)
wine g.
so this is the new trendy spot in Scottsdale. Love the ambiance and small feel vibe. The patio is awesome...can't wait for fall to sit there. Had some great food and drinks. Spotty behind the bar was awesome. Will be revisiting soon.
(5)
Lindsey C.
Ok food but the worst service ever. The service was so bad that it made the food taste bad. I will not be back!
When exquisite Chef Gio Osso and craft cocktail pioneer Clint "Spotty" Spotleson join forces- expect nothing but amazing, honest craft to emanate. And, literally, the restaurant is called Virtu Honest Craft. Food and cocktail menus are constantly changing and evolving; the evening I was there I dined on ahi tuna tartare with | smoked onion mustard | garlic toast and then moved on to Smoked Duck with | cashew tabouleh | amarena cherry demi. I had a bite of a friends delectable dessert which was fresh grilled peaches and a delightful dollop of fresh cheese. NOW, on to the cocktails. Words fail to describe the unique and creative approach Spotty takes in creating his craft cocktails, and this is very evident in his beverage program at the bar inside Virtu Honest Craft. From the Mule Fresco w smoked rosemary & honey comb, to an inventive crisp Grappa cocktail w Cabernet syrup garnished w fresh red grapes...all served in appropriate respective glassware. Make time to check out this gem, and bring your friends. Cheers!
(5)
Jen S.
Yum! What a terrific little find! We are total foodies, in Scottsadale from San Francisco for the week, so of course had to see if the hype was true. It is! Great little place, lovely patio with heater lamps, terrific service & yes, everything else people are saying about the cocktails & food quality is not exaggerated. I decided to go the small plate route, thinking I'd order 2-3 appys instead of a main course to sample more things. But the portions were quite large & two was plenty! ( and I can eat!). I had the octopus ( charred to tasty perfection ) and the pork roulette (sp?) which was like a cold pate of sorts, with crostini & all sorts of interesting spreads & pickled yummies to add to it. I ended up dining alone this time, as my husband got stuck late at a conference. His loss! I was fully engrossed with my food, drink & the chatty staff for a good 2 hours & never even really noticed - LOL . Shhh! The place is really reasonably priced for the food quality, the wine list had many options under $12 & the like cocktails were tasty. Ask for patio seating if its a nice place. Highly recommend. Enjoy!
(5)
Derek B.
Wow. Went to dinner here last night for the first time since opening and I can honestly say it was magical. From the moment I walked in till I left, dish after dish, service, and atmosphere were top notch. I did not know that this was a newly opened restaurant. I walked in with my wife and immediately greeted by the Host named Rick who was very pleasant and sat us quickly with genuine care while carrying on a conversation. This was a sign of more great things to come is what I was thinking to myself. Chris our server was awesome. He immediately greeted us and made us feel incredibly welcomed and we knew we were in good hands. After suggesting a few cocktails and various wines he then moved onto the dinner menu and suggested some great dishes along with paring to our wine of choice. Once our order was placed, the Chef then came out to greet us. Chef Gio, the proprietor was warm and friendly offering his suggestions as well. He then made his way through the dining room making everyone feel like they were home. From the first dish, we were in heaven. I would write what we had from course to course, but I think that's what makes this restaurant so great and what will make this one of the best you'll ever try is the fact that it continues to change its menu daily. Anyway, from our first course through the main, it truly took us to a new heightened sense of taste ecstasy that I have not experienced here in the valley. Everything was cooked to perfection and the ingredients were of the freshest local and regional flavors that I have ever had in their combinations. Dessert at the end was just the perfect conclusion to a much deserved night out. The restaurant itself was quaint and tastefully done. It took both of us to a place of elegance yet a comfortable sense of being. Just perfect feel to it. I will be back and cannot wait to see what Chef Gio will concoct next. I am a believer in this culinary mirage in our fair city. Thanks to the team at Virtu'!
(5)
Joe D.
Went back for dinner as I said in my previous review. Still loved it. Fantastic food. Clint made us a couple of cocktails at the bar, great as they were before. Chris was our server and Geo is the chef. They fly in scallops that are alive in the shell. They taste completely different than typical scallops you would order at other restaurants. Very fresh and flavorful with a nice presentation. Actually had two of those. The octopus app was outstanding. Never had octopus that was that tender. The papardelle and elk entrees were unbelievable as well. Everything had a beautiful presentation but most importantly tasted great. Can't remember the name of the dessert but it was basically vanilla ice cream in a coffee cup with espresso poured over the top. Interesting, really liked it. Had a couple of glasses of wine to boot. It's a cool little place with a nice, yet casual, atmosphere. It will definitely be incorporated into our rounds of typical places we frequent. We will be back.
(5)
Paul D.
Went to Virtu Honest Craft twice last week - and both times had a fabulous experience. On Wed night, sat at the bar and had some phenomenal cocktails while talking mixology with the very friendly and knowledgeable bartender. Each of the complex drinks was perfectly balanced and was made with fresh, high quality ingredients. We also had a wonderful dessert. The service was so comfortable and cordial..... so we returned for brunch Fri morning and WOW!!! The food was so creative, so well presented - and the flavors were simply amazing. We have eaten at many restaurants in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area over the years - but none can beat this place. A must go if you're a cocktail-loving foodie!!!
(5)
Philip C.
As other reviewers have said, the grilled octopus appetizer is very good. I also had the seared branzino entree and it was very good, too. Although the food was cooked well, the presentation of the dishes was a little bit over complicated for my taste. Every dish had a nest of a crispy fried garnish on it. I'm a little bit of a purist about quality ingredients like those used at Virtu; my philosophy is to "Keep It Simple, Stupid". The service, while knowledgable and accommodating, was quite slow; my dinner companions grew frustrated by the pace. I enjoy leisurely dining, though, so it was fine to me. The cocktails are definitely worth trying. I had a Let the Beet Drop and a Johnny Ringo's Epitaph, and both were unique and delicious. I'm torn here; while I definitely enjoyed my meal, I think I would have enjoyed simply grilled octopus and seared branzino even more at a number of different excellent Greek tavernas that I know.
(4)
Sandy W.
Good to see Gio's got his own place. Good cocktails w/ artisan spirits. Good burger on lunch menu. Small and you may need to get a reservation nowadays.
(4)
Bob R.
With all the hype about this place we had to try it for brunch with the full intention of returning for dinner. Nestled into this wonderful boutique hotel we were expecting a 5 star brunch. What we got were two dishes that were bland and aesthetically unpleasing. Both dishes were highly recommended by our server who BTW was equally as bland. Nothing special here. Over rated and overpriced.
(2)
Frank H.
Good atmosphere overall. However, the waiter was terrible. He took the order confirming medium rare for a steak and lamb chops. The steak was beyond well done and the lamb chops were bloody red. The fact that the waiter dropped off these plates without a comment was a joke. The waiter later half filled a water glass until his bottle was empty and then did not return. To make it worse, we had to listen to the same waiter brag to another table about his expertise and how he should write a book. I wish I were joking.
(1)
joanne s.
The food, staff, & attention to innovative food creation make this a must return to venue. After eating at 5 allegedly "top " Scottsdale restaurants this week, Virtu in comparison, makes the 5 "top" seem average. If Virtu keeps up their amazing creative effort- won't be able to get a table agin until next August!
I was excited to try Virtu and finally did with my cousins today for brunch. Walking up, you can't miss the outside patio with a nice ambiance. It was a beautiful day, so we sat outside - unfortunately it got warm fast, so we moved inside. Started with a Enza | Prosecco and a Apple cocktail from the drink list - which was perfectly made. We ordered the berry parfait to start and it was okay - but, it was enough to share. I ordered the frittate di pasta and they were kind enough to make it vegetarian, it came with a cup of fruit. My cousin ordered the classic crepe and when it arrived, it was HUGE. My other cousin ordered the smoked duck and she loved it! So why only 3 stars? I didn't enjoy my dish and my cousin didn't enjoy the crepe. The skillet was pipping HOT, the food never cooled down, it just continued to release steam with each bite. It was too bland and wouldn't order it again. I left hunger unfortunately. The crepe had a ton of ham, so if you like pork, this dish is for you. Maybe dinner offers a better selection.
(3)
April D.
I made a dinner reservation but when we got there our table wasn't ready. That was weird. The food was very good and I enjoyed the presentation when our food was brought to us. The waiter took time to explain our dishes to us and made sure everything was satisfactory. The restaurant started getting busy so towards the end of our meal the service became neglected. Overall the evening was very enjoyable. I would like to go back again.
(4)
Brad S.
Any place that offers grilled octopus for brunch is a winner in my books. My octopus was nicely cooked and very tasty. The chile hollandaise was a nice touch. The French toast was great and almost seemed like I was eating dessert. I liked the fact I could get espresso. The place is pretty cozy with a small patio so you might want to book in advance.
(4)
TR N.
Wow. Virtu n Binkley's in Cave Creek are must for anyone who appreciates a dining experience. Not nearly as costly as Binkleys but just about as delicious. Overlooked and underrated, Virtu is always a great experience. Dinner and Sunday brunch ....A-1
(5)
Tami H.
Virtu is perfection. It's an intimate neighborhood restaurant just a couple blocks from Old Town. The food is inventive, Mediterranean-inspired, and delicious. We had the trio of small plates with tuna tartare, a sausage/potatoes dish, and croquettes. Then we shared a bucatini pasta which was fabulous. But the highlight was the grilled octopus. I am still dreaming of that dish! I am so glad we did not skip dessert. We had a butterscotch pudding that was divine. The wine list is very creative with several regional French, Italian, and Spanish options. Service was also exceptional. This restaurant ranks for me with some of my favorite meals at top fine dining establishments around the world. Kudos!
(5)
Christina C.
I'm so happy to have finally gotten around to trying out this little gem of a restaurant. All of the good reviews here are spot on! The setting is so very charming...only a handful of small tables in this special little spot. There were outdoor tables as well. The service was great; very attentive but not over-bearing. From the second we walked in the door, it was obvious that they were happy to have us in for the evening. I appreciate the thoughtful approach to the menu....only a handful of items in each category. We had the octopus starter - PERFECTION on a plate....unbelievably tender, with just the right amount of char. Seriously, I should have ordered two of these (...next time I think we will!). The burrata platter was amazing...so very rich and delightful. Even the toasted/charred bread was delish! It comes with a roasted pepper, which at first I didn't see how they fit together, but turns out to work well. yum. We had a trio of the small plates: eggplant, steak tartar, croquette. The steak was our favorite. The eggplant was very good; just as the server described, it kinda has the flavors of pizza. The croquette, while very yummy, seemed to be common. For dessert, we shared the butterscotch pudding....another perfectly executed dish! We sat at the bar, which was a treat in itself, the bartender was very knowledgeable about the menu and drinks. He selected a really nice wine for me to enjoy with my dinner and I tried white port for the first time...such a nice suggestion! Now, after this glowing review one may ask, "why only four stars?". Answer: It was LOUD. I'm not talking about "noisy", I mean "can't hear yourself think" loud. We were initially seated at a two top, but decided to move to the bar because there was no way we would be able to hear each other talk at the table (as noted above, sitting at the bar turned out to be a great thing...). Apparently they usually keep the sliding doors open which helps, but on the night we were there, they had everything closed up due to weather. This is unfortunate as there is really nothing that can be done other than opening the doors. The only other tidbit is the lighting was too bright for my taste. Seems that it would have been so much more enjoyable to have the overhead lighting dimmed a bit and maybe more candle lighting.... With all that said, I already have plans to return (I will go in November when the doors are open).
(4)
Carol L.
This is absolutely hands down the best restaurant experience I have had in the valley! Chef Gio is amazing and the food that the staff puts out is decadent! My husband and I treated ourselves to dinner here last night for our anniversary, after we saw the chef doing a demonstration at AJ's a year ago. Our waiter Scott was top notch, explained all of the dishes extremely well. They do a great job with the craft mixers..we started with one of those and then went on to a fab bottle of Frank Cab to enjoy the appetizers with. They have 7 or 8 small tapas to start with and we tried 4 of them. All of them excellent! The next dish we had was the grilled octopus which I believed is shipped in from Spain. Never had this tasty of octopus and it was a full dish. Next course was the main course and hubs had the smoked duck and I enjoyed the buccatini pasta. Not big plates but enough to satisfy any food cravings. The establishment is small, very intimate and bar seating is limited so get there early if you want a seat at the bar. This was a Wednesday night and we had reservations and each table was taken 6pm. When the weather is cooler there is outdoor patio seating as well. The Bespoke Inn is upstairs and they are closed for the summer but open most of the year. We loved this place and can't wait to come back!
(5)
Christy C.
Went to Virtu with a friend for brunch. Amazing crepe and side of fruit. I hope to go back soon! It was also a super cute little place. Wonderful service - very kind employees.
(4)
Erin M.
Virtu has been on my radar since it opened, and I decided to finally bite the bullet and shell out some big (but not big as usual, thank you Restaurant Week!) bucks for dinner last weekend. It was. so. worth. it. We had a 7:00 p.m. reservation on Saturday and arrived a few minutes early. We passed the time at the bar and I ordered a glass of wine. Bartender followed us out holding my drink to help us navigate to our patio seat. It's little above-and-beyond gestures like this that separate the rookies from the pros, people. We lucked out with the mid-May weather this evening: GORGEOUS. The quaint background of Bespoke's courtyard and twinkle lights that created the most amazing early-summer atmosphere. As the sun went down, I decided wanted to move in and never leave. Onto the important stuff: DINNER. Our server Stacey (I think that's her name!) was so friendly and helpful. Our restaurant week choices were: -Simple salad for me: fresh arugula, sliced peaches, radish, crushed hazelnuts and a parmesan vinaigrette. Lots of textures intertwining here. A perfectly balanced and refreshing start to my meal. -Sausage polpette for him: 3 sausage meatballs tossed in an AMAZING red sauce that seemed like it had been simmering all day, accompanied with a dollop of ricotta and grilled crostini. Fiance: "I just want to eat a gigantic bowl of this." -Brown butter gnudi for me: Oh my sweet weeping infant mercy soul. Ricotta pillows sauteed in brown butter, tossed with English peas and mushrooms, some more of those crushed hazelnuts and topped with shaved pecorino. This. Was. Life. Affirming. I ate the entire bowl. I do not regret. -Grilled pork rib chop for him: I was told this was the best pork in the history of mankind. It came with roasted carrots/asparagus and was served on top of a rosemary/goat cheese fondue. I KNOW!!! A gentleman sitting next to us spied the chop and immediately declared his order the same. A good game-time-decision, sir! ...and onto DESSERT. We shared the strawberry olive oil cake (the most amazing, summery, juicy strawberries you have ever eaten, accompanied by pistachios and vanilla whipped cream draped over a perfect, not too sweet cake), and the chocolate peanut butter cup, which was basically out of control. A small, RICH portion of peanut butter mousse layered with chocolate mousse layered with crunchy chocolatey toffee. Two words: TO DIE. So yes, Virtu is basically perfection. If I had a larger bank account, we would have much more frequent meals here. It is now my "special events" dinner default. There is no other choice.
(5)
Susan V.
I enjoyed the drinks more than the food. Cocktails were spectacular! The food wasn't bad, just meh. We had appetizers only. Clams, Burrata, Croquette, Deviled Eggs.
(3)
Erica E.
The 5 Stars is for the bar and the budino. We did not have dinner. Bartender Chad was so gracious to give us a little cocktail lesson while we enjoyed our expertly crafted drinks and dessert. I will definitely be back for dinner sometime soon!
(5)
Dorie S.
Out.of.this.world and that butterscotch dessert-DIVINE!
(5)
Mari K.
Went during restaurant week and was simply blown away by the atmosphere, service and of course the food. I will definitely be back. The food was so good and they don't rush you out like most restaurants they want you to stay and enjoy your time, in fact we were there for over four hours and didn't even know it that how amazing the atmosphere and food is. I cannot wait to go back and experience more off their amazing menu.
(5)
Tyger L.
Ladies night out! Service was perfection. Thank you Courtney! The food was delicious. The stand out appetizer was the charred octopus w/ calabrian chile butter although the grilled asparagus with duck egg, candied bacon and foie gras hollandaise was nothing to dismiss. For entrees, we had the spaghettini (from the pasta menu), the scallops (with white chocolate beurre blanc), the pork rib chop and I personally ordered the marsala braised short ribs with Brussels sprouts, hazelnuts, currants and vanilla sweet potatoes. Go with friends because you are going to want to try EVERYTHING. You'll be happy you did because everything was amazing. My short ribs were flavorful and were so tender, the meat VIRTU-ally melted right off the bone. For wine, I ordered the Coto de Hayas Garnacha...a few times. When it's my time to go, I think drowning in that celestial chocolaty wine aroma is definitely on my short list of ways to die. *I can't remember the name of my cocktail, it had blueberries, shaved lemon zest, whiskey and some other delightful flavors in it and I think I'll go back just to ask them how to make it at home. The only thing I was unhappy with was their designated parking lot across the street. They really should have some lights over there because high heels, unlevel surfaces, wine/cocktails and dark walkways are not a pleasant combination. Luckily, their food and drinks are so good that it may be worth breaking an ankle. *I have just been informed that my cocktail was named "Fortified Truth".
(4)
Peter R.
Ate here last weekend for restaurant week. Overall, great meal. Honestly I think this should be about a 4.5 star place (yelp gets it right) but they try hard and put out some great food. We came with a group and ordered one of all the apps (loved the burratta) and we shared a bunch of entrees. Stand out we're the octopus and the brandzino. The cocktails I had (something that tasted like an old fashion with a bit extra cherry) was so good I had to drink 4 of them. Only downside at all was one plate that we sent back (the panzenella) because the bread in the dish was so hard it could have broken teeth. They replaced it quickly and it was delicious. Can't wait to go back to try the full menu.
(5)
Michael C.
First let me say SAVE ROOM FOR DESERT. The butterscotch and chocolate cake are amazing. But it all starts with outstanding cocktails (even the non alcoholic) then starters of Octopus, Burrata and Eggplant that have a unique and well balanced flavor. The Veal Chop was perfect and some of the best Bucatini ever. We are from San Francisco and this place exceeded expectations in food, wine and service for all 8 of us. We'll be back...
(5)
Dina L.
Delicious food, amazing cocktails. Great service! Thank you bar tender Joshua for taking care of us last evening. The place is tiny any with a storm brewing outside, so without having a reservation we chose to eat at the bar. First the cocktails. They will sneak up on you so watch out! Probably the best Gin and tonic I've ever had. My husband, the whiskey drinker, enjoyed all of Joshua's drink recommendations as well. The food also delicious. We shared a bread plate, the octopus (a must) and the pork with seasonal veggies. Dessert was a chocolate cake with butterscotch and vanilla ice cream. Everything perfect. We will be back for another drink sooner than later! I deducted one star because we couldn't get a table. I realize we didn't have a reservation but every table except one was empty the entire time we were there.
(4)
Katie K.
Truly a 5-star experience! Visited for restaurant week while celebrating with my honey. This place changed my entire opinion of asparagus. I didn't know that cheese, a duck egg, bacon, and whatever magic they work in the kitchen could transform one of my least favorite vegetables into one of the most memorable dishes I've ever eaten. The menu rotates seasonally, so it's probably more useful just to tell you to visit and enjoy the creativity and lovely ambiance (dinner especially) with small candles and lights in the trees. Loved every bite!
(5)
Sam S.
Girl date! Weekday night around 7 pm. This spot is tucked away! Love the patio ambiance but I guess you need a reservation typically. Apparently they "threw out" thier tequila and did not have any so I could not try the margarita. We sit inside & enjoy a glass of wine each. Lambrusco for me and barbera for my friend. Her wine is leathery and very bold and my Lambrusco is light and sparkling. Starting with the pumpkin risotto- our server says the chef is a "risoto snob" so it's quite good. Love the confidence and the dish! Chorizo and shaved cheese on top make it an easy a+. The temperature was perfect which enhanced the dish for me. We also share the beet salad. This is a lovely presentation of scattered radishes, berries, dressing, and homemade crackers with a goat cheese circle in the middle. This is an accent dish moreso than a filling entree salad. We shared the halibut cheeks which are basically a fish & chips style with battered asparagus, pickle, carrots, hot pepper, and of course the fish. This also comes with a garlic vinegar sauce, white ranch style dipping sauce and a piquillo pepper sauce. Normally I avoid anything fried but this was Delish! The dessert was the Nutella bundito- though the server recommended the toffee pudding we wanted this or the olive oil cake. Sooo happy we choose the Nutella dessert- our favorite dish of the evening. We loved the sea salt and caramel drizzle and the sea salt and whip on the gooey Nutella yumminess. Really appreciated the great homey service and inspired cuisine. Will return with a reservation on the lovely patio!
(5)
Lanni R.
It was our first time visiting tonight after it was recommended by friends. It was small but with a nice, upscale atmosphere. The patio outside looked great for when the weather gets nicer. We sat at the bar where the bar tender was friendly and willing to craft up any concoction we requested. All the drinks were delicious and made with fresh ingredients. We tried some small plates, entrees and desserts. The small plates seemed a better value than the entrees (which were very small and pricey) but all the food was delicious. The desserts were awesome. The homemade noodles were really great. Honestly the only downside of the place was the price, all the food and drinks were outstanding.
A must try! Service, impeccable. Food, fabulous. Overall, impressive. This James Beard award gem is a culinary delight. With a quaint European vibe, the menus offerings are seasonal. They offer hand crafted cocktails and a nice wine pairing selection. We started with a "trio" a pick three selection of tapas, followed by entrees. Everything we tried was amazing! This is one of my new favorite places in Scottsdale, looking forward to going again soon.
(5)
Jeff H.
The antidote to scottsdale douchiness. Their cocktail program is top of the line and so is the food. Get the grilled octopus.
(5)
Trisa R.
A colleague and I tried this place while in Tempe for a business trip. I reserved a table for us, based on a recommendation in an article I read in Sunset magazine. Per the article's suggestion, we of course had the octopus. We put together the rest of the meal based on two other starters - the asparagus and the chicken liver mousse, plus the bread salad. All of the food was delightful to look at and to taste. The shared salad came plated on two plates - easy to enjoy with plenty of goat cheese for both. Overall, the service was attentive without being overly so. The food was great - highly recommend the octopus! Looking forward to another trip to this restaurant, perhaps for lunch.
(5)
Patricia M.
Oh my goodness. I have been wanting to try this restaurant for ages and we finally got it on our schedules to meet up with some good friends. The service was impeccable. The waitress was so knowledgeable and helpful. We ordered 3 starters: the octopus, asparagus, and house cheese board. They were all so delicious we nearly licked the plates clean. Our entrees were the duck, the scallops, and the fish. All so incredibly flavorful. It has only been a day and I'm dying to go back!
(5)
Sam S.
Today the butterscotch budino almost caused me to have a When Harry Met Sally moment on the patio. It was my second visit, the last one was dinner and today lunch. This food is so creative, fresh, and the atmosphere is quaint, relaxed, and elegant. Love it. Beer and Wine only a lunch.
(5)
Chad R.
Went for lunch with a colleague and had an amazing experience. I had the smoked duck sandwich and the pink peppercorn peach cobbler for dessert. Both were well balanced! The depth of flavor had my taste buds singing. I looked at the dinner menu and I have to say I wish I could go back for the pan seared scallops. However I will be back to enjoy the flavors that this gem is producing!
(5)
J G.
A nice set up combination or indoor and outdoor seating. The patio was very comfortable and the service was excellent. It was AZ restaurant week so we chose the fish combinations. The kale salad was great and the foie gras was among the best I've ever had.
(4)
Antonio E.
We decided to go this restaurant for the first time to celebrate a birthday. We normally don't take the time to write a review, however, in this case the food and the service were so outstanding that taking a few minutes to write this is worth it. Our server, Stacey, exemplified an over achieving level of service which from the moment we sat down we felt welcomed and comfortable. She really let us explore the menu and reviewed all the needed to be known of both the food and the chef. On the other hand, the food was excellent. From appetizer to dessert all choices were very detailed and explained by Stacey and matched precisely to what she explained and what we expected. We highly recommend this restaurant. We are excited to go back to see the changes they are implementing to the restaurant. Loved the food loved the restaurant and LOVED Stacey!!!!
(5)
Jessica J.
We had a bridal shower here, and they did a great job! We took over the courtyard patio area, and it was such a pretty space. The server in charge of our party kept our drinks well filled. The brunch food was sooooo yummy! Then the desserts came out, and I was in heaven! If I lived in Scottsdale, I would make this a regular brunch spot for sure!
(5)
Jim C.
First of all the setting is really beautiful where you can come in a jacket and tie or in golf shorts and a tee shirt. It is really just an attractive and fun atmosphere. It's an artistic place so the cuisine has that chic/elegant aspect to it. While very tasty and high end, the cuisine didn't quite reach the heights of The Mission or Cafe Monarch for me. Still this is another great restaurant in Scottsdale with excellent food and a fetching ambiance.
(3)
Ray M.
Excellent time at the bar. Food and drinks were terrific. It was very busy on a Friday night but service was perfect.
(5)
Alice T.
We ate 3 brunches at Virtu as included with lodging at the Bespoke. Bespoke is a fabulous lodging with all the amenities necessary. Those plush towels !! Virtu is heavenly. We had the bruschetone, octopus, ultimate Benedict,steak and potato and the burger. Everything tasted like such effort was put in to create the blend of flavor that you just want for another serving. We eat out in Boston a lot, and we were so impressed with the offerings at Virtu. The mushroom and truffle oil on the bruschetone, the charred octopus yet tender on the inside, burger cooked to perfection with ready flavor topping. I need to get myself back to have more meals there.
(5)
Jeanne S.
As fine a restaurant as anywhere in the world, Virtu earns 5 stars for innovative, delicious, perfectly prepared food. From our selections last night, we recommend the charred octopus- unlike typical preparations, this was amazingly sweet and tender; the grilled branzino with arugula, carmelized onions and a sauce so good, I don't know how they made it. Smoked duck was prepared with home made hummus that made the dish. The chef went above and beyond last night. It was my friend's birthday and we were treated to two special deserts. One a sticky toffee pudding with foie gras that was one of the top 3 dishes I have ever experienced, in addition to a perfect chocolate souffle with carmel sauce. Reasonably priced for an extraordinary dining experience. Friendly, knowlegeable staff. Casual atmosphere with patio. Will most definitely return. Thank you, chef!
(5)
Jonathan E.
Came here for brunch last Sunday. Requested and received an outside seating table. Cocktails were above average. Appetizer and main course were both delicious. And dessert (dark chocolate chili budino) was exceptional. A couple of tables around us did complain about delay in cocktails and service. However, we had no issues. Will return again for dinner.
(5)
Janet D.
Came here with my husband this past Sunday for brunch. I was surprised to see that it was empty but maybe it was just the time that we arrived. Its a very cute but small location. We decided to sit inside because it was rather hot out. We started off with drinks..my husband ordered a moscow mule and I got the blood & basil. Both drinks were great..mine was very refreshing! We ordered the grilled cheese and the classic crepe. Both were fantastic and had such great flavors! Also very large portions. Can't wait to come back and try their dinner!
(5)
Carrie K.
Get here, by any means necessary. Its a beautiful restaurant, with the most incredible food & spot on service. Ive never ever tasted anything as good as the sticky toffee pudding. Ever. We also had the charred octopus (amazing), the tuna tartare (fantastic), the butternut squash gnocchi (incredible) etc.. (running out of adjectives). You should go now!
(5)
Erin R.
Ham and Gruyere crepe at brunch--GET IT!! I was actually sad when I was too full to finish it. I also had the burrata, which was delicious, but I would have liked a crostini or something for the sake of texture. I ate dinner here a few months back, and, I honestly thought it was a little overpriced and overhyped. The food was good, but I can't remember what I had, which tells me it wasn't stellar. I like the atmosphere, and the service was great both times. I probably won't return for dinner but will definitely be back for brunch!
(4)
Hilary G.
Best brunch I ever had, the ambiance is fabulous and the outdoor space is extremely gorgeous. I helped plan a bridal shower held here and we were very happy with everything. Virtu is not cheap but its well worth every penny you spend. Try their cocktails, you wont be disappointed by any of them!
(5)
Kexin Z.
This is a more 3 and half rating. My colleage had highly recommendation for Virtu. It's a very lovely place. We went there last Sunday. I really wanted to have some Italian food (maybe a little "heavy" food?) but they only served some light food as brunch. I had a grilled cheese, which didn't taste Italian, but it was great. Love the combination, and I think it's very heathy but too light for me at that time. My husband had a grilled octopus, which the waiter told us it was a big fish that we might want to share. But it's a very not that big enough to be shared. I forgot my desert name, and they don't have the same menu showing online, but it's not bad, too sweet. My husband had gelato which he said it's the best.
(3)
Michele A.
We stopped by for brunch on a Saturday. We were the only ones in the place at 10:30 but when we left there was a nice crowd in there. I had Lemon Ricotta Pancakes which were incredible, the pistachio cream was an interesting and delicious topping. I couldn't finish both pancakes, but I wanted to! My husband had the frittata; he said the sausage in it was superb. Even though we were stuffed, we waited a bit so we could try dessert. The butterscotch budino was amazing. We also tried the Lemoncello which was refreshing and not too sweet. It was expensive (two champagnes, two meals, dessert & apertif were over $70) but worth the price for something special. Wait staff was very attentive; hostess was very nice.
(5)
Matt S.
Beautiful outside spot which we got a reservation in. We tried the Octopus and Grilled Asparagus with Duck Eggs starters. Both were excellent. The mains were not quite as exciting, but still pretty solid - Duck Breast and Pork Chop. In particular we thought the pork w as a little tough. Service was great, thought price was reasonable
(4)
Karine K.
So far, this is my favorite restaurant in the area. We moved here in September 2014, and have tried many restaurants. We went to Virtù twice and LOVED it both times. The staff is knowledge and interested, the food is satisfying, almost to a fault (:-) and the prices are more than acceptable for what you get. The place is so cozy, you feel like you want to stay all night. We sat outdoors the first time, and it was nice and quaint, and the indoor seating is just as perfect! I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Erin B.
Gio has hit this out of the ballpark. The interior is impeccable, the setting is quaint and ideal for a restaurant of this caliber. Make a reso for dinner! Enjoy the brunch ASAP! While the wine list is limited and the food has a different approach that is precisely why you come here- step outside of our comfort zone of favorite foods and expand our horizons. The mixology is magical and the cuisine is dependably creative.
(5)
Pepper T.
If you have dined at other fine Restaurants you know Virtu is certainly up with them. Virtu is a small, not the fanciest but cozy restaurant with an Old Fashioned Feel I say this because of the bar area it just looks like from another time and after dining there I know everything thing is well crafted like things used to be in the old days. I am usually a wine drinker with a fine dinner but the cocktail menu is made up of unusually well crafted with Cocktails that are made with very upscale ingredients put together for you that a mixologist creates for you in a meticulous way. The drinks are very well worth the I think it was $10-$12 but they aren't just poured in a glass and take almost as long as a food order to prepare but they really are worth the wait! From my experience the waitstaff seems to be very well trained and even the hostess is able to answer any question about the menu. We started with the House Made Testa. I didn't know what Testa was so I had to ask. It's a Mix of the finest Italian Meats and head cheese sort of like a pate with Cornichon Calabrian Chili Relish and Truffle Grain mustard with some micro greens for texture. ($11) We also had a Winter Vegetable Salad. It was Mache greens. It had a lot of attention to detail as the small cubes of squash were seasoned and had a texture that added interest to the salad. The Ice Wine Vinaigrette was unusual. ($12) I had the Pan Seared Branzino with Sunchoke Puree and Truffled salsify crisps with Sundried Tomato Pesto. This for sure was a solid five star dinner. I've had very good branzino at other places in the valley and I also had outstanding seafood dishes in others places like Las Vegas and I can truly say this was the best Branzino dish I ever had. First of all the fish was pristine fresh and fish just taste different when it is that fresh. It was prepared absolutely perfect and the textures and all the different sauces and vegetables just went together like magic. The Crisp salsify added a very unique taste. It was all so delicate and interesting. It was a dish that couldn't bore you and just got more interesting as you dug threw it. ($28) My husband had the Hand Made Spaghetti Pork Osso Buco. It was topped with Ricotta and Parmigiana Reggiano and Fried Basil. My husband said it was Outstanding and that's the kind of dish he likes and eats that kind of dish often when we go out to nice places. ($19) It was very hard to decide on dessert since they all sounded very interesting but we went with the Nutella Chèvre Cheese Cake with a Pretzel Crust. It was very perfect with flavors and wasn't too sweet with a not too heavy creamy texture. I liked the special candied hazelnut that came with it. ($12) There is a reason Virtu was voted one of the "Best New Restaurants in America" by Esquire Magazine, it's because they are.
(5)
Jacqueline M.
I have been hearing a lot about this cozy spot, voted one of the "Best New Restaurants in America" by Esquire magazine. That's a lot to live up to, and precisely why when a reputation precedes you - expectations tend to be higher. Virtu is located at the equally comfy Bespoke Inn, where each suite is unique and has a private patio ($249 for a night). Gourmet brunch at Virtu is included in the room rate. Seating at Virtu is limited inside and out - with one intimate table for two outside, two tables for four, and a large community. Heat lamps are ubiquitous so you can always sit outside. It is quite tranquil with the bubbling fountain in the courtyard, and old gnarled trees strung with lights and lanterns. Inside the mood is more upbeat, but lighting equally conducive for romance and intimacy. There are ten tables inside with bar seating. When we arrived at 6p on a Tuesday night, a few tables were occupied - we were the only people outside. ***BEST THING TO KNOW ABOUT VIRTU: COME EARLY FOR DINNER, NO MATTER THE DAY OF THE WEEK. BY 6:30P IT STARTS TO GET BUSY. RESERVATIONS ARE IDEAL IF COMING AT A LATER TIME. ONCE THE RESTAURANT FILLS UP, EXPECT A LONGER WAIT FOR YOUR FOOD. Having arrived there before the rush, our appetizers came out quickly, but our one entree of house made spaghetti ordered, took nearly an hour. By 7:30 we were handed a dessert menu, but having been there an hour and a half - we were ready to head home. Another ten min wait to get the check... Disclaimer: When you're pregnant and hungry you don't want to wait an hour for your food. Pregnant and tired you don't want to sit there for twenty minutes twiddling your thumbs because your partner finished his cocktail long ago, and you already polished off your second mock tail.... So, how was the food? Half dozen starters from Grilled Octopus (fennel, arugula, lemon chick pea, chile butter) to Grilled Asparagus (egg, feta, bacon candy, foie gras hollandaise, truffle oil). Also Tartare Duo of Steak and Ahi Tuna, Winter Vegetable Salad, and Chef's Rillette. Avg. price: $14 We ordered the Asparagus and Octopus. Asparagus - Six small pieces of asparagus, couple tablespoons of feta, hollandaise that does not smack or reminisce of my beloved foie, nor any truffle oil -and an over abundance of candied bacon makes it unique, but a disappointment not worth $14, for someone who loves foie and truffle. I would have brought this up to our server, but I had already sent back the Octopus. Octopus - tender but very charred and dry on outside, and almost cold. Server stated it gets cold quickly, and explained effects of char grilling food (I know what char-grilling is, but come on). Long story short he offered to have the appetizer redone and it came back perfectly executed. And yes, when it's done right I think it's probably the best dish on this menu and why everyone that has tried it, loves it so much. Of the entrees, there are 9 of them, and average price is $30 - starting with Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Rib Chops, Scallops, Seared Ahi Tuna, Smoked Duck Breast, Seared Branzino, Squid Ink Linguini, Nieman Ranch Ribeye, and Grilled Monkfish fillet. We tried the House made Spaghetti with Osso Bucco. After having waited an hour for our Spaghetti, we were disappointed at the al dente style of the noodles. Our server explained they were made with semolina flour, which are typically on the al dente side - but just not to our liking. The sauce was great and the shredded veal tender and flavorful - Although there was so much, and it was so rich, almost bordering on the greasy side. It just seemed off on such a traditional dish. It was more like having shredded pork with a side of chewy spaghetti. When I order Osso Bucco, it's traditionally the shank with the bone in it. So this was not what I expected, either. When it comes to food, I am all about texture, and despite loving inventive twists and even esoteric fare, I am a traditionalist when it comes to comfort foods like Spaghetti. So, food wise, there are too many wonderful options out there in the valley - but those that have commented on how amazing and clever the cocktails are, are right! It is worth coming here for Happy Hour and going down the menu. Although I merely took a small swish to sample on our visit, I could tell that the Bar Master here has a true knack for his craft. The Nuova Bellezza $11, is a great example with Alexander Grappa, St. Germain, Cabernet Syrup, Lime Juice, and Red Grapes. The online menu does not do the offerings justice, find a more thorough and extensive cocktail journey at the bar. So based on the other reviews, perhaps on our visit it was an off night. Perhaps we had too many expectations, or just did not order dishes that were an accurate reflection of Chef Gio Osso's talent. But with a Machiavellian name for achieving excellence, I feel Virtu should have lived up to its name.
(3)
Spring P.
I came for dinner and was very pleased! I ordered a delicious salad (I don't remember what it was called, but it had candied kumquats- it was amazing!) and my date ordered the pork chop. He's a huge foodie, said, and I quote, "this is life changing". The toffee pudding with the marscapone cream was also just incredible! Selection of drinks is very extensive, and service was wonderful. Also, we were running late for our reservations and they pushed it back 15 minutes, which was very appreciated!
(5)
Patrick H.
This is the best new restaurant that I've been to in 2014. The decor, service and food are all excellent. I sat at the bar and really enjoyed talking with Dante the bartender. He was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. I had the grilled asparagus appetizer and it was delicious with egg, feta and bacon candy. My second dish was their signature grilled Spanish octopus. This was presented beautifully and tasted wonderful. The octopus was more tender than any I've ever eaten and seasoned perfectly. I can't wait to come back for another meal and try their desserts.
(5)
Jenny N.
We went there on a Sunday for brunch and we had a reservation. The ambience was great and it felt like we weren't in Scottsdale anymore. I'm from Seattle so it reminded me of home. The food is great; menu changes with what's available. The service was awesome, my water glass was never empty and neither was my coffee.
(4)
Meghan C.
I wanted to love Virtu and give it the 5 stars I heard it deserved. At best, I give it a 3.5. 1) wine list is not very deep. They play up their hand crafted cocktails, but their wine list is disappointing. 2) service was pretty disappointing on a weekend. Flat out disappointing. 3) octopus- fantastic. 4) main dishes: duck/steak- I love culinary flavor, however, the flavor profiles were not prepared in a way that I would describe as life changing. I saw pictures, and think I need to give it another shot. I will return- and hopefully have a better report.
(3)
Nick S.
Awesome food! I went here for lunch and sat on their great patio. Crepes were great and bigger than most places, grilled octopus was excellent! Very reasonable prices, Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Mylene B.
Visited this tucked away gem on a business trip to Scottsdale. Charming dining room decor and a patio dining area to enjoy a meal al fresco are what greets you along with a friendly staff. To maximize our visit we ordered 4 entrees to share. The burrata is surprisingly authentic -- ooey gooey texture just like in Naples and framed by the sweetness of grapes (maybe go a bit lighter on the grapes ... a little goes a long way) and the peppery edge of arugula. The pepperonata with egg over potatoes had a nice touch of heat just after a big burst of flavor. The burger was a bit unwieldy -- more like a patty melt on grilled bread rather than a burger "proper" -- but the patty was flavorful and cooked to a perfect medium. The grilled cheese with bacon and mushrooms was a table favorite -- earthy & smokey flavors made this childhood favorite a bona fide "grown up" meal. This small taste piqued my interest for where dinner menu adventures might take me. Unfortunately that will have to wait for another visit -- hopefully that will be soon!
(4)
Alison B.
Awesome place. Just had our second meal here and it was even better the second time. The food is creative, but not obscure. All the flavors are wonderful and the staff are incredibly knowledgeable about the food and drinks. The Brussel salad is amazing, as is the grilled octopus and burrata. Great spot for a date or evening with friends.
(5)
John M.
Good food -in fact delicious. Well executed. Awful service...
(3)
Eric M.
A huge thank you to Virtu for making our Anniversary dinner one to truly remember during restaurant week. The staff was friendly and accomodated our every wish - from the fun and friendly banter with the bartenders to the great suggestions from our servers. Chef Gio Osso and his kitchen was on point continuing to put out satisfying dish after dish and the bartenders great drinks. We could not have asked for a more spetacular dinner. Amoung the dishes we enjoyed included the crispy kale salad and sausage polpette followed by grilled aparagus, charred octopus accompaning our butterfish, and grilled pork rib chop dinners. The peaches and cream panacotta and chocolate peanut butter cup deserts were fabulous finish out our meal. Chef Osso and Virtu provided us with one of our best meals in Phoenix ever. This hidden gem in Old Town Scottsdale is definately not a place to overlook and one to experience. We cannot wait to come back and explore the rest of their menu.
(5)
Jennifer O.
The husband and I went here for restaurant week last Friday and I must say that I was very impressed. I have been wanting to try this place for a long time, so when I saw their menu for RW I made a reservation right away. We started with a complimentary cocktail (mango sorbet in prosecco) and it was very tasty and refreshing. For appetizers, the husband got the lamb polpette with feta sauce... so delicious.. these little meatballs were packed with flavor, and I got the octopus panzanella. Now, I have had octopus before and didn't care for it, but I wanted to give it another chance. This was very good. The sauce they served it with and the herbs were wonderful! My only issue with the dish was that the bread was really tough and hard to cut (I ended up tearing it with my hands... not very lady like, but you gotta do what you gotta do). This octopus was far better than the first time I had tried it... I still don't think I am an octopus lover, but I did like it. For entrees, the husband got the pork chop and I had the steak. The pork chop was huge... I mean super huge. It was also tasty. He said it was was the best pork chop he'd ever had and, to quote him, it was 'comfort food elevated.' The steak was perfectly cooked and the chimichurri was delicious... very bright and herbacious. It came with a potato hash of sorts with a duck egg on top, cheese curds, and gravy.... sort of like a poutine. It was also amazingly delicious, but so rich I couldn't eat it all. For dessert we split the peanut butter and chocolate cake and the mascarpone ice cream with figs... the chocolate cake was a little on the dry side for me, but the ice cream was incredible... would eat that over and over! We also had coffee, and, though it was very good coffee, I wish we had gotten a refill. I would definitely like to come back here again. PS the service here was perfect, attentive, friendly, but not invasive... just great. PPS you can tell how fancy a restaurant is by how many words in the review are underlined in red because the computer thinks they're spelled wrong... this place is pretty fancy :-P
(5)
Kyle S.
We sat on the patio and it's really an attractive looking spot. Romantic and cute. The appetizer was delicious, our cocktails were strong and tasty, and my entree (the flank steak) was pretty solid. I wouldn't say amazing. I probably wouldn't order it again. But, for that moment in time, it did what it needed to do. My only complaint? It's a weird one. I kept getting hit by water. I was very confused for the first ten minutes. I kept telling my girlfriend that it was raining and she thought I was crazy. At one one point a giant drop hit my right hand, and she saw it happen (thank god.) The waiter, walking by me, must have overheard me say something about it and he causally mentioned, as he continued to briskly walk by our table, "there's a pool on the roof." The couple next to us suddenly piped up, and told us that they too had been getting sprinkled with pool water all night. When the pool water hit my dinner plate, I started to wonder, "why aren't they telling people about this?" I mean look, it's one thing to have a pool above your customers that's drizzling on them. It's another to ask "inside or outside" without casually mentioning, "oh, the front row is in the Shamu splash zone." Just tell people, Virtù! That way we can make an informed decision.
A Manhattan cocktail typically has three ingredients. Virtu's has about thirty. The list of ingredients read like a mystery novel, where the next ingredient was even more curious than the previous. I tried one out of pure, morbid curiosity. I was richly rewarded for the decision. There were so many flavors in this cocktail, my taste buds practically overdosed. Virtu also features Menabrea beer, or more specifically, Menabrea Amber. If you've never had one, I strongly recommend it. This hard to find Italian IPA will pair beautifully with any meal, as if it was a fine wine. It's that good. From the appetizers to desert, Virtu was delightful. The service, even better, making this restaurant every bit of five stars. Grilled octopus, Branzino, and a custard-like desert were chart toppers. I read some reviewers complain about the wine list being too abbreviated, the prices too high, and the meal selections limited. These are people who should not be Yelping since they're all very clearly full 'o shit. Virtu is one of the few restaurants where the price is truly on par with the food. The service, adorns the food and drink experience like an expensive fashion accessory. And the ambiance whisks you away to Tuscany for the ninety minutes you're there. I wasn't going to do this, write a review this favorable for fear I'll never get a seat again, but that would be wrong. Virtu deserves every accolade it gets. They've earned it. At least me and the James Beard nomination committee think so anyway.
(5)
Brad D.
Had a great dinner here last night ! Our server was friendly and knowledgable, and the restaurant full of energy yet not too loud. We enjoyed the kale salad, gnudi pasta, pork chop, chocolate ice cream with hazelnuts, and a few glasses of wine. Highly recommend.
(4)
Amie K.
Due to our restaurant research we made this our first stop when coming into Phoenix on a Sunday. They open up early at 10 am for brunch, and the brunch menu is pretty diverse. I went for the octopus, which was delicious, but not a huge portion of you tend to like more substantial meals. The Amante Appassionato was an AMAZING brunch cocktail and the ambiance here is simply beautiful. From the Individual Rosemary twigs to the doors that open onto the huge and beautiful patio, I would definitely recommend coming here for a beautiful meal.
(4)
Erica L.
Amazing, creative food and cocktails. I loved that they had a "Designated Driver" section on the cocktail menu. Highlights of our meal were: - Chef's Plate appetizer - Octopus appetizer - Scallops main dish - Toffee & Mascarpone gelato dessert
(4)
Jennifer S.
Beautiful dining room hidden in Old Town Scottsdale. We made a reservation and scored an outdoor table on a lovely May evening. It was the perfect night to sit outside and enjoy an amazing meal. My husband and I shared the grilled octopus to start - fresh, flavorful and inventive. I tried the duck for my entree and it was perfectly prepared...a little sweet with the cherry demi and a little savory with the mushrooms and kale. This place is a must stop on your culinary tour of the Valley.
(4)
Marvin C.
Food...Excellent Service...Below Average Ambience...Great
(3)
Austin T.
I really wanted to give this place one star (it'd be a lie) just to keep people from wanting to come here, that way I'd have it all to myself. This place is truly a gem. Food was interesting and delicious. Service was impeccable. Good job virtu!
(5)
Janet M.
This is my most favorite restaurant. The setting is absolutely charming, close to the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. One is greeted promptly and in the most welcoming way. The menu selections rely on local and seasonal foods, which makes for a great dining experience. The staff is knowledgeable about the food and wines. Specialty cocktails are also quite tasty and varied. The food is cooked to perfection and tastes so, so good. One can choose to eat inside or out. I highly recommend this place.
(5)
David V.
Delicious brunch, food deserves a five but greeting by host was snooty and total bs, plenty of tables on arrival and more available when we left. Imaginative wine list, it's a shame same host felt the need to hype a good product with our table and overheard at others. Again food was great if you can stomach or better yet ignore host and server was good. Crepes, steak, octopus were all excellent.
(4)
Britt C.
This was my top choice for Restaurant Week, and it turned out to be the right one. I came here for a girls night with reservations for 4. We were seated outside on the patio at the community table, which was surrounded by lanterns, strung lights, and trees, which made for a very relaxing ambiance. Our server George was very personable, and great at explaining how their drinks were handcrafted, as well as how the food was prepared. I started off with the Fountain of Youth cocktail, the description of tequila, bell pepper syrup and siracha bitters peaked my curiosity. I asked the server about it, as I was a little apprehensive that I wouldn't like it, he said it I didn't like it I could just send it back. Well since there was no risk involved, I decided to go for it, and was glad I did. It was fantastic, slightly sweet with a minute undertone of the rooster sauce. One of the best cocktails I've ever had. My friend and I decided to order different things from the prix fix menu and share so we could sample as much as possible. For the first course we ordered the Chef Starter which was a crostini with manchego, croquette, and roasted pepper, everything on the plate was enjoyable. We also ordered the salad with goat cheese, candied nuts, and beets, which was also fantastic. For our entrees we chose the flat iron steak which was cooked perfectly over a flavorful polenta, and the European seabass which had a sweet and savory sauce, both were amazing! Finally for dessert: chocolate mousse and marscapone ice cream. The chocolate mousse was very rich and fluffy and came with a chocolate truffle, and a fried donut, and the mascarpone ice cream was rich and delightful. The only downside to our meal was that everything was served at a very slow pace. I was kind of expecting it since they were so busy, and it was restaurant week. Our server checked in with us many times to let us know what was going on, but it would've have been nicer if they were better prepared for the volume of customers. I will still definitely return without the restaurant week price, as the food, drinks, and service were awesome.
(5)
Billy G.
Fantastic. Every bit as good as we expected, from drinks, to apps, entrees, dessert, and service. The venue is intimate and permits conversation without shouting, even on a reasonably busy weekend night.
(5)
michelle m.
Virtu for brunch at 1pm on a Saturday. 1. When we phoned to see availability, had a bizarre voice mail. Thankfully I went on Open Table to secure a reservation. When we arrived, there were only two other tables present, and we were still asked if we had a reservation. A little weird that no one answered the phone with only two tables. Suggestion- don't waste your time calling, just reserve to CYA on Open Table. 2. Morning cocktails are incredible. We ordered the bourbon drink and the gin drink. Deciding was challenging but the server was helpful. If you like your drinks to be of a respectable caliber, this is your jam. 3. We ordered the burrata which was a great combination of flavors. Spicy poached eggs was next. If you have celiacs disease, I wouldn't even attempt to share this. We tried but my sad fork could barely scoop up any of the tomato egg goodness. Left this dish for the boyfriend to swoop in with beautifully toasted artisan bread slices. Since I was still craving protein, we ordered the peperonata & potato hash. This was incredible and left one measly bite of potato. Portions are a nice size and it is very fun to share. The menu on the website is a sample-- really it shows the style of food you'll be treated to.
(4)
Stephanie T.
No doubt about it, cocktails are the way to go at Virtu. The food, however, is overpriced and sometimes underwhelming. We arrived to a jam-packed restaurant Tuesday night. I was a bit surprised because it looked like there were plenty of open tables when I made reservations online a couple days prior. I could tell right away that they were in the weeds because of Restaurant Week so I prepared myself for a slower dining experience. We were fine waiting at the bar for our table. We love craft cocktails, and we loved checking out all the obscure liquors and house-made concoctions behind the bar. My husband got the Nuova Bellezza, a grape-based drink, and I got the Fountain of Youth. His drink was very good, and mine was outstanding! I swear, you could get any tequila hater to enjoy this cocktail made with Don Julio reposado and yellow bell pepper syrup. We also had the classic Sazerac and their Starter Kit which was refreshing and slightly bitter. My husband got the chef starters which was a crostini, blistered peppers and a croqueta. He didn't really like any of them and much preferred my salad. The salad with beets and goat cheese was nice, but the warm temperature indicated it probably sat at the window too long. I got the only vegetarian offering which was a modified (no pancetta) version of butternut squash ravioli. When my dish came to the table, I spotted the pancetta right away and sent it back. In the mean time, my husband got his thick pork chop but no silverware. I gave him my set while I waited, but he was still in need of a steak knife. My redone ravioli came out again fairly quickly, but I had to ask for another set silverware. I was very disappointed looking at the ravioli. The portion was minuscule! Four Chef Boyardee sized goat cheese ravioli with just a touch of brown butter and no butternut squash at all. The ravioli were very good, but thank god I don't have a huge appetite. Surprisingly, the star of my husband's dish wasn't the prosciutto wrapped pork but the phenomenal mushrooms on the side. The pork was moist but didn't have much flavor. My husband said he would have rather had just the mushrooms on top of a risotto. We finished off with the affogato and chocolate course for dessert. My husband wasn't a fan of the affogato, but I liked both of them. His chocolate mousse was light and fluffy, and there was a delightful, warm chocolate s'more-like pastry on the side. Our server was friendly, but she forgot about filling up our water glasses. I was also dismayed that the staff let the restroom run out of hand towels. Nothing like walking back to your table with wet hands. I could see us returning again for pre-dinner cocktails, but we'll be sticking with FnB nearby for our food.
(3)
Lucio G.
Please don't ever close -- you'll be missed. Had the pleasure of dining here during Restaurant Week and the food and the service and the atmosphere and the drinks all lived up to the hype. Every course was done well -- nothing complex or overly worked, just great ingredients and simple presentation. This is the type of place that makes a city "world class" and should be on everyone's "must" list for the year.
(5)
Carol B.
A real find in #Scottsdale: Unlike the over-showy or underwhelming restaurants that most visitors and locals frequent out of force of habit, Virtu Honest Craft is just a year-old and is showing up all the rest under the direction of its little known chef and owner. GIO Osso who creates high art and flavor explosions with his exquisite gift of "Italian modern" cuisine at his new Virtu Honest Craft. Worth the trip to Scottsdale just for this delicious gift to humankind!
(5)
Manny S.
I'm not a foodie but I have a good friend who is a foodie and he insisted that we come here because I had to try it and he was paying. That sealed the deal for me (when you see their prices on the menu you'll understand). As it turns out I only had an appetizer and a drink (long, uninteresting story that has nothing to do with the restaurant). But, what an appetizer! We don't have a lot of octopuses (is that a cool word or what?) in the desert so you get one when you have the chance. Virtu's grilled octopus with chickpeas is served with chili butter. There's a bit of a char but they are very tender. My foodie friend insisted that I have their Let The Beet In cocktail along with the octopus because it complemented the dish (I told you he was a foodie). I guess he's right and frankly it's not the type of drink I would have ordered on my own. It's made with salted beet syrup (I didn't know there was such a thing) with aquavit, mezcal and lime juice. It was very good. Service was excellent and when it turned out we had to leave abruptly they were very gracious and understanding. I'll be back for a main course some day.
Visited with a large group for "Restaurant Week". We were able to sit on the patio which I highly recommend if the weather is decent as it is tree covered which makes it very intimate,. The service was simply amazing. Everything was prompt and all the dishes were explained very well. The drink menu is nice, try the Margarita, made with chiles and awesomely spicy. The wine list is decent with some reasonable options. Being restaurant week we were able to sample much of the menu. The burrata was a stand out as were the lamb polpettes. The flat iron Steak as an entree was amazing as was the pork chop was amazing fried in crispy polenta. This was one of our favorite experiences for all the big "friend dinners" we have done. The staff, ambience and food was just wonderful. Esquire Magazine rated Virtu as one of the top ten new restaurants in the country and it is not hard to see why. Even with all that the prices are completely reasonable, especially for Scottsdale. We simply loved it and will return soon!!
(5)
Cassie C.
This place is such a lovely gem in old town Scottsdale. We sat on their shaded patio and had the classic crepe and a chocolate scone for breakfast. Enough for 2 people and delicious! Our server, Ana, was fabulous. This is my new favorite brunch spot. And I also must mention that the ambiance is amazing.
(5)
Bryan J.
We were visiting from out of town and did some research online looking for a good place to try, that we hadn't been to during our previous trips to Scottsdale, and this one did not disappoint. Amazing food and service! We'd highly recommend the Grilled Octopus and Grilled Asparagus starters.
(5)
Arizona T.
nO NO nO NO nO I bet you thought that read ho no oh no oh no huh? The mind is weird. This place has very poor service and charges a lot for food that is very much lacking. The service though is what really killed it. They gave us 1 server for 12 people! WTF? The Lambshank was pretty good though. That being said there is absolutely no reason to go to a place like this in a town full of amazing restaurants that have decent service and actually care that you are there.
(2)
Gaby S.
I have been there twice while visiting the city. I am really impressed for the high level of the restaurant. Amazing food. The menu for dinner is more impressive than brunch. I would recommend for dinner and don't forget to book a table, they are always busy.
(4)
Deborah C.
I have been here twice - once for dinner and once for brunch, which they serve everyday. This place is phenomenal! They have delicious and unique cocktails - I had an earthy beet one at dinner and an orange one with egg whites at brunch that tasted like an Orange Julius. You must try something different off the cocktail menu. At brunch, their crepes or a different take on a Benedict is a must have. The crepe is huge! We had one stuffed with ham and topped with a poached egg - heavenly! For dinner, the grilled octopus is incredible. Believe me, I was never going to eat octopus in my life. Until I saw this on a friend's plate and begged for a bite. Too many of the appetizers sounded good, so I just had 2 of those and no entree. The arincini were really good, but the asparagus with the poached egg, feta and candied bacon was literally the most delicious thing I have ever eaten!! The affogato was the perfect ending - not too heavy or overly sweet. Okay, I gotta go get dressed and go back right now and try another cocktail and something else amazing off the ever changing menu...
(5)
C K.
First, how I came to know about this restaurant? I googled scottsdale best restaurant and virtu is No. 1 on the top ten list. However, I was disappointed with the overall dining experience there. 1. kitchen ventilation is bad and it has open kitchen which made me smell weird when I left the restaurant. 2. Food is pricey, taste is nothing to shout about... 3. Portion is small!!! I have ordered scallop entree and there were ONLY 3 scallop in my plates and it costs $30. I would rather enjoy my scallop meal at North, Common Kierland. 4. The restaurant is small. No privacy. The only 1 star that I could give is the service. Service is good. This would be my first and last visit of this restaurant. Simply not worth for the money that we spent! How it got rated no. 1 restaurant in Scottsdale? I think it is just because of the marketing !! In conclusion, this place is over- priced and underwhelming!!
(1)
Drew E.
Nice hidden gem in Scottsdale. Food was amazing (burrata app & flat iron steak were standouts), and service was impeccable. Small place with about 12 tables. Absolutely loved it and will be back!
(5)
D C.
We stayed at the Bespoke Inn, and enjoyed the food at Virtu enough to try brunch and dinner. Hubby had the lamb burger (excellent!), I had the scallops one night (very good), our friend had the duck which disappeared. I wish I had been hungry enough for dessert - next time! Tip: book ahead for a table on the patio - it's lovely in the evening.
(4)
Chris K.
Virtu Honest Craft: appropriate name for the food, not the wine. Went for dinner on a Sunday evening in July. The food was excellent, the service was very good at the bar. I had the squash flowers with goat cheese as an appetizer and the smoked duck entree - both were excellent. The portions were just the right size There is only one thing leading to a 3 star review - the wine prices. The everyday selections cost about as much for a glass as the bottle's retail price. Most inexpensive wines are marked up to about 4x retail pricing - this is not Honest wine pricing. The best values on the wine list are some of the mid tier wines at a much more reasonable 2x markup (Gary Farrell Pinot Noir and Perrier Jouet bubbly for example). But one shouldn't have to buy a $60+ bottle to be treated fairly. I will get a beer next time. If they fix the wine pricing, this becomes a 5 star restaurant.
(3)
Kyra L.
This place is amazing. It's right off the main drag of old towne. It's a small restaurant that has both indoor and outdoor seating. The service is wonderful and the food is phenomenal. We tried the duck, octopus, asparagus and scallops! It was all amazing. The portions are perfect size and for desert we had the rocky road flourless. Which is so chocolatey and delicious! I will be back for sure to try something completely different. I must try everything on their menu!
(5)
Jim G.
We eat at many wonderful places for work dinners in several cities but this was bar none, the best experience and meal we have had. Courtney guided us through an incredible evening of the finest of everything. Looking forward to returning on my next trip out.
(5)
Vernie E.
This was an exceptional dining experience. The service and food were both top quality, this was one of the best meals I've ever experienced. We started with the grilled asparagus, then followed with the butternut squash gnocchi, next was the smoked duck, and finished with two deserts, the butterscotch and the sticky pudding. The gnocchi was a must try, delicate pillows of delightfulness, surrounded with a gorgonzola cream sauce, topped with walnuts, pears and prosciutto. The duck was cooked to perfection, we ordered medium as opposed to the recommended medium rare and it was delicious. My first time here, I can't believe I've lived in the area for several years and not been to Virtu before. I will be back, likely on my way to becoming a regular.
(5)
Priya V.
My husband and I decided to check out the new kid in town that has been getting so much of attention on media, excitement from our friends and a nod from James Beard. We got there early and were blown away by the pretty courtyard with lovely lanterns and pleasing plants all over. We sat at the bar waiting for our table and had the most interesting conversation about bitters and how to make them from scratch with Dante- a charming bartender. I had their version of the old fashioned and hubby tried their Moroccan mojito. Both were just out of this world! After we were seated outside in the pretty courtyard, we decided to challenge the chef by sending word that we were vegetarians and we liked spicy food. Again, we were blown away. The burrata and spring salad had a major kick to it. And our main course- couscous and roasted vegetables bursting with flavors and textures left us quiet and in a trance for the rest of the dinner. We are certainly coming back. Can't wait to exchange secret ingredient notes with Dante and challenge the talented chef all over again.
(5)
Anthony P.
Served me an extremely undercooked steak. You can even see the fat is still completely raw. Very disappointing.
(1)
Melissa H.
For some reason I'm in the neighborhood often and it took me this long to finally give it a try. Some of the most well executed food I've had in a while. Cocktails are refreshing and the food is well executed. It's a little bit of a cross between Lons at Hermosa with Crudo. Adorable patio dining (not a huge place so not great for a work HH,) but romantic and a nice change of pace from the rest of the south Scottsdale scene. Service is impeccable. Attentive without being obtrusive. A must try and a welcome entry into the food scene.
(5)
Allen W.
I don't get what Howard Seitfel sees in this place. It was fine, but below other restaurants in the valley that aspire to this level. My co-worker found the grilled octopus to be disappointing and below Talavera's (given his extensive time in Portugal I'm inclined to trust his judgment). My fish meal was not noticably better than Wildfish or Olive + Ivy. Ambience is strange, sandwiched in a motel's courtyard. Service was indifferent and the meal dragged. Maybe that negatively influenced my view.... Relatedly, who is this Esquire critic? CPH wasn't that great either...
(3)
K T.
NOT a CHAIN RESTAURANT!!! Amazing Unique Food! Stellar Service! Fabulous Bar & Wine Service. Try the Grilled Asparagus with Candied Bacon! Delish! We also ordered the Grilled Octopus with Chick Peas and Lemon which has a unique layer of flavors and brightness. We tried the Squid Ink Pasta and Seared Scallops and couldnt believe the flavors that the charming and polite Chef Gio can incorporate into these marvelous dishes! Afterwards we tried every single dessert on the menu, courtesy of Chef Gio. (Not sure how we got so lucky that night!!) I honestly couldnt choose a favorite because they were all so delicious! They were definitely worth the calories! The cremes and cakes and ice creams were probably the best I have ever tasted in any of my travels. Would I go back? In a heartbeat! This is hands down the best restaurant in the state!
(5)
Veronika P.
Me and my husband came here on a Monday night and couldn't believe the place was full. We had reservations but chose to sit outside, the waitress brought out a blanked for me just in case I got cold. Let me begin by letting you know they have a very nice selection of wines by the glass! We enjoyed our appetizer very much, we had the asparagus with the poached egg, candied bacon and it was amazing. My husband had the burrata salad that was very delicious. Main entrees didn't disappoint either, I had the duck breast with Moroccan spices chickpeas and eggplant and my husband had the pork chop with blue cheese and fig demi. The only complaint my husband had was that he wished there was more glaze :) We will definitely come back soon!
(5)
keith w.
Perfect place for date night on the patio. Food was delicious especially the Barratta and the Lamb. Our server, Emily, made it a particularly amazing experience. Good food is ubiquitous but we find great service rare in Arizona. I hope the owners recognize the value she brings to their venue. We will definitely return and we will certainly request her section.
(4)
Stacie M.
Terrible service right from the moment we entered. The hostess was rude, didn't smile, snapped at me when I didn't walk the direction she was wanting me to go. I was ahead of her in a very tight space. The water that was on the table tasted terrible. If you live in AZ you are more then aware of how terrible our tap water is. I asked the waitress if it was filtered. She said it was, I told her it tasted awful. She said the only other water they had was sparkling. I told her I don't care for sparkling water. Her response was rude, she threw her hands up and said well that's the only thing they have and walked away. While taking my friends drink order she cracked her knuckles. Not very classy for a nice restaurant. We sat for 15 minutes didn't see her again or receive our drinks. Would have liked to have tasted the food but we were so upset about the terrible service we got up and left. Instead we took our business to another restaurant in Scottsdale. An upscale restaurant should be a total experience, they can't just count on the food to keep people returning, service is very important. I won't be giving this place another try.
(1)
roxanne l.
I wouldn't go again because: Flies- Flies everywhere and landed on food throughout meal (I counted 9 that I could see in our section). When I asked for them to do something they said it's because there's an olive tree outside. Regardless of landscaping outside I don't like it to effect my indoor dining. Service- waitress (Ana) wasn't pleasant and had a minor attitude when I asked questions about bringing our apps out (I saw them on the counter for 10 mins before asking her about it). Waitress slightly over poured my wine at the bar and she poured it back in the bottle before serving to me. Food: 1 star: duck confit bennie- duck was super dry 2 star: classic crepe- huge portion but crepe was thicker than typical "French crepe" 3 star: pork rillete- pork itself was tasty w pickled sides but bread was burnt 3 star: burrata; well served w salad 5 star: cup of fresh fruit drizzled w honey (came w bennie and not something you cook) Price: standard prices compared to San Francisco brunch; not sure how to compare to Phoenix pricing
(1)
Josi C.
We have eaten at VIrtu several times. The food is excellent. This week it was for dinner, we had the grilled octopus, pasta and bruschetta with fresh mozzarella. All simply wonderful. The service was terrific. The wine list is a bit limited - and very expensive.
(4)
Ann A.
Amazing bruch with the best octopus I have ever had. Not your standard brunch choice, of course, but just fabulous. The waiter was very knowledgable about the food, and very friendly. This was Friday morning and we didn't need the reservation we had, but the waiter said it was always a good idea to get one because you never know. Beautiful patio, very comfortable and refreshing.
(5)
Robin H.
We ate here for Restaurant Week and am so happy we selected Virtu! Everything about the restaurant was great! It's a small restaurant and the best part is the amazing patio seating. If the weather permits you HAVE to sit outside! We had the prosciutto wrapped pork chop & grilled flat iron. Typically when we think of flat iron steak as a thin, flank steak but this was a thick, perfectly cooked steak. The affogato for dessert was the best dessert I've ever had! The food and ambiance were great but the best part of the meal was our server, George. I'm not sure if we've ever had a server as great as he was. I look forward to eating here again!
(5)
Molly R.
Ate here for the 2nd time last night. The specials for AZ Restaurant Week were out of this world. Don't miss out on: - Cocktails. House made mixers and syrups. Talented bartenders. - Burrata. Outstanding. - Squash Ravioli with Goat Cheese. Dear baby Jesus I hope they add this to the menu permanently!! - Squash blossom appetizer The place is off the charts cozy and the patio is lovely. Great wait staff and just all-around great place to enjoy a lovely meal.
(5)
Matt N.
We went because I'd heard good things about the cocktails. Although both the venue and the menu are much smaller than the other well-reputed cocktail bars in the valley (Crudo, Bitter & Twisted, etc) the quality is absolutely on par with those bars. A guy named Max took care of us, and rather than order off of the menu he made us multiple rounds of drinks of his own creation based on our likes and dislikes. He was spot on every time and was great company as well. We shared a few items off of the food menu, the best of which was the asparagus with duck egg. The kitchen was visible, which I always like.
(5)
Joshua W.
Came here for brunch and it was astonishing! Their menu contains items you probably won't see anywhere else. Their eggs benidict comes with a unique twist and the Nutella crepe-- absolutely delicious
(5)
Cliff S.
Very cool restaurant from start to finish. I went for my anniversary, drank and ate too much, and I am already looking forward to my next birthday/anniversary/special occasion to go back! I started off with a cocktail and moved into a red wine as the food started to arrive. It is evident that the menu is well thought out and is deliberately crafted to eliminate indecision while offering a wide array of choices. The plates come out as works of art that taste as good as they look. I started with the truffled steak tartare and my wife with the burrata. Truffle was not overwhelming but present, followed by the mushroom cream sauce laced with capers and finished with the delicious tartare. A must for those considering a steak tartare! The burrata also amazing, individual ingredients are amazng but when combined, watch out, outrageous. After finishing appetizers came time for entrees, I the squid ink linguine and my wife the duck breast. These were both well crafted and cooked to perfection all around. Duck was well matched by the kale and tabouleh. The linguine, perfection for those who would appreciate a squid ink linguine, deep flavor throughout, lightened up by fresh cherry tomatoes and white wine sauce. The dish also includes a grilled octopus which was a plus as I did not opt for the octopus appetizer, despite wanting to, and a very tasty linguica sausage. (America would be a better place with a little more linguica)... Finished with a PB&J desert which was over the top, too much to eat in one sitting and as a result I am very much so looking forward to an excellent lunch as well!! We took or time and felt very welcome for the duration. More places need to be like Virtu.
(5)
Hilary L.
One of the best restaurants in Scottsdale! They always change the menu up and have the perfect pairings.
(5)
carol P.
This is the new place to go for happy hour! The mixologist knows what he is doing and the chef is really creating some lovely food. The happy hour is pretty special-there's a number of small plates priced from $4-6.00 and several dollars off of some great cocktails and wine. We had the roasted peppers ( WOW) , the ricotta salata and the tortilla( Spanish style). The tempura white anchovies were fabulous. Later we stayed for dinner and had the octopus salad and arugula and berries salad. Each dish was prepared with the highest quality ingredients. We had a vegetarian in the group and they prepared a beautiful pasta for her since there's not a lot of vegetarian options for entrees. It's a small intimate place inside the Bespoke Inn-which I definitely want to check into-it looks very special. I'm looking forward to going back!
(5)
Anne L.
I was not impressed with the restaurant or the staff. The atmosphere, service, and food quality really does not demand the price they are charging. Drinks are really overpriced as well. The runner got confused with our orders and yelled at me for confusing the waiter and "handing " the plate to the correct person at our table. The Lamb was delicious. That was the most noteable portion of the evening.
(2)
K. S.
The layers of flavor and texture here are exquisite. Someone who gets all of the subtleties of food and delights in entertaining your senses is in charge of the menu. Barrata, branzino and berries with lemon cream. Don't miss it. Drink magicians, the Ice Queen, have it. The only great octopus ever prepared.
(5)
C H.
A friend took me today for a Birthday lunch. It was a great choice! The atmosphere was comfortable, the staff was very friendly, and the food was spot on :) I can't want to go back and try the dinner menu. Although everything we tried today rocked ..leaving room for the chocolate bite dessert was well worth it! I'll be recommending this place to all my friends for sure. UPDATE: Today I went back for my third visit. They were serving a brunch menu that was out of this world. I love that the menu is so dynamic ...and that they've left a couple of favorites like the Starter Kit cocktail on the menu as a terrific way to begin any meal. I can't wait for my next visit!
(5)
Iris F.
This is one of the BEST restaurants in town! The food is outstanding. I grew up in France and know a little bit about food...Italian chef and owner Gio Osso is truly talented and understands exactly how a gourmet experience is executed. Brought friends and family, always a success. Squid ink linguine to die for...
(5)
Dan H.
What an amazing night! Myself and my wife celebrated our 1 year anniversary here and what a great choice. My wife loves a new menu experience and Virtu has that plus amazing drinks. Great BandB and awesome ambience.
(5)
Kate S.
I like that this place isn't too stuffy or take themselves too seriously. I enjoyed our cocktails, great wine list by the glass, and excellent seafood. Dessert was tasty too, but for a key lime type dessert (served in a cute little glass jar), but it was too warm and the texture was a bit slimy. All things considered, I would revisit next time I'm in town and would recommend to others.
(4)
E M.
I really wanted to like this place more. There were many positives and yet also some negatives that brought the experience down. Overall, the food was very good and unique. I felt the portions could be bigger for what they gave you. People in our party ordered the scallops and they said they were terrific but they only got 3 scallops (for $28) and finished their meal hungry. I got the pork chop which was a better-sized portion and also tasted good, but there was a fair amount of fat on the cut. As others have mentioned on here, the service speed wasn't the best. Sometimes it was prompt, other times it was slow. The major issue I had was after we ordered beer and wine mid-meal as it took over 15 minutes to receive. Our server kept on saying they were coming. When I approached the bar to speak with the manager to find out what the issue was, the bartender told me she was the manager in a condescending tone (unprovoked), and when I mentioned that we had been waiting a while, she pointed to the drinks at the bar and said "they're right here". No apology, no "sorry, we're busy", but I calmly asked asked a question and for whatever reason her response was in a unprofessional, unapologetic tone. To the server's credit, he took the blame and apologized. He also comp'ed us that round. It was just unfortunate to have that experience with the manager and the service delays as it soured what could have been a very good dining experience.
(3)
Kaitlyn M.
I said I'd never, ever in a million years go back to Arizona, until Virtu. And, still, I'd only go back to dine and dash from the state as quickly as possible. Anyway, Virtu is incredible. We happened to stumble upon it during restaurant week. We ordered 2 of everything on the menu, and there wasn't one dish I wouldn't order again. It has a farm to table vibe; small, lite, quaint, and classy. We each ordered a crafted cocktail - I had the Ice Queen, which was great. Fruity. There was a Moscow Mule-esque drink that was fantastic. I think that my favorite dishes were the honey beets, there was a fish entree that was incredible, and the brandzino (unnnnnnnnnreal). I almost ready to book a flight back right now...
(5)
Monica F.
Food is beautifully prepared and wonderfully delicious. Charming, intimate spot.
Just had our first visit to this hidden gem! Everything was absolutely perfect, the asparagus appetizer with the egg on top, scallops over gnocchi and the panna cotta were to die for! I felt like we were on a vacation, the atmosphere was simply stunning, we sat outside under a tree and enjoyed every moment of our meal. We will all be coming back for sure!
(5)
M. P C.
Delicious food that is only surpassed by the amazing cocktails. I appreciate a restaurant with a smaller menu -- I rather have them do a few things really well than try and do a lot of things ok. Between everyone in our group we tried just about everything on the menu and there were no complaints only compliments. It's a bit hard to find, but you will be impressed once you do.
(5)
Armando S.
Had business brunch today. The Tortilla Espanola was just like Mom used to make. My guest had the sliced duck sandwich. Looked great (I'm sure it tasted just as good. Didn't think it was good idea to ask for a bite. Service was great. Must come back for dinner and try some great Spanish dishes. Kudos to Chef Gio and his staff. Much success going forward.
(5)
Sharon W.
Had the pleasure of eating at Virtu last Saturday night. The food was beautifully presented and was delicious. We were a group of 7 so we sat outside at the community table. We each tried different dishes and everyone loved them-Duck, Scallops, Flat Iron Steak and Halibut. We made room for desserts which were also great. I'd recommend it!
(4)
Francesca H.
Really nice staff and super delicious food. Needed breakfast to go before they opened, didn't know and walked in, they took my order. Best toast and fruit! This isn't your mommas toast!! Well maybe your mommas but not mine... Wonder bread anyone? Def not! Someone tell me what they do to their raspberries because raspberries I buy never taste like that. Really appreciated the service and the coffee was freshly ground from an espresso machine. Menu looks killer. Will be back for dinner and a bottle of wine soon!!! Interior decor is clean, simple and elegant.
(5)
Doug B.
The food at Virtu is very good and the location is comfortable. The menu is short - about a half dozen starters and entrees, and 3 desserts. We tried the grilled octopus starter, the squid ink linguine with octopus and the smoked duck. All were excellent - not quite GREAT. The dessert and cocktail put us into the great category - with a grappa and grape cocktail on the front side, and a mascarpone ice cream with balsamic red figs to finish. Things developed slowly through the evening - any slower it would have been an issue. Our waitress was wonderful - the cherry on top of a wonderful and nearly great dinner. Highly recommended.
(5)
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Address :3701 N Marshall Way
Scottsdale, AZ, 85251
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Upscale Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
John A.
Ordered a dish off the very descriptive menu without pine nuts as one of our party had a severe allergy. Dish arrived with pine nuts. When asked why this was not described on the menu, considering every other element of the dish was, the waitress informed us that it was our responsibility to inform her of any allergies. She took the dish and charged us for it anyway! We did not argue as we needed to leave urgently to get some benadryl. The General Manager was informed and was non-responsive. An otherwise beautiful evening ruined by horrible customer service and a general lack of concern for the "experience" part of dining.
(1)wine g.
so this is the new trendy spot in Scottsdale. Love the ambiance and small feel vibe. The patio is awesome...can't wait for fall to sit there. Had some great food and drinks. Spotty behind the bar was awesome. Will be revisiting soon.
(5)Lindsey C.
Ok food but the worst service ever. The service was so bad that it made the food taste bad. I will not be back!
(1)Brain T.
Fantastic dinner.....again. Octopus was fabulous as it was the first time I had it. But the Buratta with almond honey might have taken the cake for the starter which says a lot because I crave the Octopus. The pork Saltimboca was flat out ridiculous. I really thought with a brine and then prosciutto wrap would make it too salty, but it was far from that. It was perfect didn't need anything. The potatoes were unique because They looked like fries sautéed with veg, but the crispy leeks on top added the slight crunchy texture that helped break up the richness of everything else in dish. I'm a huge eater I think they could've dialed back the veg and potato on the dish. My date had the Carbonara. I'm not a fan of it because it's really a romantic dish. Although the ingredients are simple, it's the chef's relationship with the product that makes it amazing. This was one of the most fantastic I've ever tried. Did I like it? No. But the execution was perfect. There was a small but of white wine and very little cream and the egg created layers over and over. It wasn't swimming in sauce and I love that. Again, it was the execution of the dish that made it great. I just don't like carbonara. I wasn't excited about the dessert menu but daddy needs his sugar. The affogato was tremendous, but the olive oil shortcake was brilliant. They macerated the strawberries with a touch of brand but it was more complimentary than predominant. But the cake was so incredible and super functional. I could be served with anything. My only complaint would be where we sat. We were sat on the patio right next to a table that got sat exactly at the same time as us. They complained about everything and we were subjected to listen to them complain openly about everything, then complain to the server, and when he offered to redo or get them something else, they'd refuse and then sit there and complain again. Keep in mind that we sat at 5:15 and there was nobody else around. I'm happy they are busy, but sitting us next to people simultaneously in an empty restaurant makes it tough to be able to really enjoy your company. We literally were sharing our dining experience with them and their attitude and pettiness was really annoying. Next time, if they sit us next to a table at the same time, I will ask to be sat elsewhere and if the say no again, I will probably leave. But I won't dock them for it because what they are doing is special, but they also need to keep in mind that absolute no opens themselves up to negative reactions.
(5)Courtney B.
When exquisite Chef Gio Osso and craft cocktail pioneer Clint "Spotty" Spotleson join forces- expect nothing but amazing, honest craft to emanate. And, literally, the restaurant is called Virtu Honest Craft. Food and cocktail menus are constantly changing and evolving; the evening I was there I dined on ahi tuna tartare with | smoked onion mustard | garlic toast and then moved on to Smoked Duck with | cashew tabouleh | amarena cherry demi. I had a bite of a friends delectable dessert which was fresh grilled peaches and a delightful dollop of fresh cheese. NOW, on to the cocktails. Words fail to describe the unique and creative approach Spotty takes in creating his craft cocktails, and this is very evident in his beverage program at the bar inside Virtu Honest Craft. From the Mule Fresco w smoked rosemary & honey comb, to an inventive crisp Grappa cocktail w Cabernet syrup garnished w fresh red grapes...all served in appropriate respective glassware. Make time to check out this gem, and bring your friends. Cheers!
(5)Jen S.
Yum! What a terrific little find! We are total foodies, in Scottsadale from San Francisco for the week, so of course had to see if the hype was true. It is! Great little place, lovely patio with heater lamps, terrific service & yes, everything else people are saying about the cocktails & food quality is not exaggerated. I decided to go the small plate route, thinking I'd order 2-3 appys instead of a main course to sample more things. But the portions were quite large & two was plenty! ( and I can eat!). I had the octopus ( charred to tasty perfection ) and the pork roulette (sp?) which was like a cold pate of sorts, with crostini & all sorts of interesting spreads & pickled yummies to add to it. I ended up dining alone this time, as my husband got stuck late at a conference. His loss! I was fully engrossed with my food, drink & the chatty staff for a good 2 hours & never even really noticed - LOL . Shhh! The place is really reasonably priced for the food quality, the wine list had many options under $12 & the like cocktails were tasty. Ask for patio seating if its a nice place. Highly recommend. Enjoy!
(5)Derek B.
Wow. Went to dinner here last night for the first time since opening and I can honestly say it was magical. From the moment I walked in till I left, dish after dish, service, and atmosphere were top notch. I did not know that this was a newly opened restaurant. I walked in with my wife and immediately greeted by the Host named Rick who was very pleasant and sat us quickly with genuine care while carrying on a conversation. This was a sign of more great things to come is what I was thinking to myself. Chris our server was awesome. He immediately greeted us and made us feel incredibly welcomed and we knew we were in good hands. After suggesting a few cocktails and various wines he then moved onto the dinner menu and suggested some great dishes along with paring to our wine of choice. Once our order was placed, the Chef then came out to greet us. Chef Gio, the proprietor was warm and friendly offering his suggestions as well. He then made his way through the dining room making everyone feel like they were home. From the first dish, we were in heaven. I would write what we had from course to course, but I think that's what makes this restaurant so great and what will make this one of the best you'll ever try is the fact that it continues to change its menu daily. Anyway, from our first course through the main, it truly took us to a new heightened sense of taste ecstasy that I have not experienced here in the valley. Everything was cooked to perfection and the ingredients were of the freshest local and regional flavors that I have ever had in their combinations. Dessert at the end was just the perfect conclusion to a much deserved night out. The restaurant itself was quaint and tastefully done. It took both of us to a place of elegance yet a comfortable sense of being. Just perfect feel to it. I will be back and cannot wait to see what Chef Gio will concoct next. I am a believer in this culinary mirage in our fair city. Thanks to the team at Virtu'!
(5)Joe D.
Went back for dinner as I said in my previous review. Still loved it. Fantastic food. Clint made us a couple of cocktails at the bar, great as they were before. Chris was our server and Geo is the chef. They fly in scallops that are alive in the shell. They taste completely different than typical scallops you would order at other restaurants. Very fresh and flavorful with a nice presentation. Actually had two of those. The octopus app was outstanding. Never had octopus that was that tender. The papardelle and elk entrees were unbelievable as well. Everything had a beautiful presentation but most importantly tasted great. Can't remember the name of the dessert but it was basically vanilla ice cream in a coffee cup with espresso poured over the top. Interesting, really liked it. Had a couple of glasses of wine to boot. It's a cool little place with a nice, yet casual, atmosphere. It will definitely be incorporated into our rounds of typical places we frequent. We will be back.
(5)Paul D.
Went to Virtu Honest Craft twice last week - and both times had a fabulous experience. On Wed night, sat at the bar and had some phenomenal cocktails while talking mixology with the very friendly and knowledgeable bartender. Each of the complex drinks was perfectly balanced and was made with fresh, high quality ingredients. We also had a wonderful dessert. The service was so comfortable and cordial..... so we returned for brunch Fri morning and WOW!!! The food was so creative, so well presented - and the flavors were simply amazing. We have eaten at many restaurants in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area over the years - but none can beat this place. A must go if you're a cocktail-loving foodie!!!
(5)Philip C.
As other reviewers have said, the grilled octopus appetizer is very good. I also had the seared branzino entree and it was very good, too. Although the food was cooked well, the presentation of the dishes was a little bit over complicated for my taste. Every dish had a nest of a crispy fried garnish on it. I'm a little bit of a purist about quality ingredients like those used at Virtu; my philosophy is to "Keep It Simple, Stupid". The service, while knowledgable and accommodating, was quite slow; my dinner companions grew frustrated by the pace. I enjoy leisurely dining, though, so it was fine to me. The cocktails are definitely worth trying. I had a Let the Beet Drop and a Johnny Ringo's Epitaph, and both were unique and delicious. I'm torn here; while I definitely enjoyed my meal, I think I would have enjoyed simply grilled octopus and seared branzino even more at a number of different excellent Greek tavernas that I know.
(4)Sandy W.
Good to see Gio's got his own place. Good cocktails w/ artisan spirits. Good burger on lunch menu. Small and you may need to get a reservation nowadays.
(4)Bob R.
With all the hype about this place we had to try it for brunch with the full intention of returning for dinner. Nestled into this wonderful boutique hotel we were expecting a 5 star brunch. What we got were two dishes that were bland and aesthetically unpleasing. Both dishes were highly recommended by our server who BTW was equally as bland. Nothing special here. Over rated and overpriced.
(2)Frank H.
Good atmosphere overall. However, the waiter was terrible. He took the order confirming medium rare for a steak and lamb chops. The steak was beyond well done and the lamb chops were bloody red. The fact that the waiter dropped off these plates without a comment was a joke. The waiter later half filled a water glass until his bottle was empty and then did not return. To make it worse, we had to listen to the same waiter brag to another table about his expertise and how he should write a book. I wish I were joking.
(1)joanne s.
The food, staff, & attention to innovative food creation make this a must return to venue. After eating at 5 allegedly "top " Scottsdale restaurants this week, Virtu in comparison, makes the 5 "top" seem average. If Virtu keeps up their amazing creative effort- won't be able to get a table agin until next August!
(5)Linda B.
One of the best restaurants we've enjoyed in Scottsdale. Warm and welcoming service, creative and delicious food, and a smart, well-priced wine list. We particularly liked the octopus starter (exquisitely tender) and smoked duck entrée (though the veg was a bit muddled). Dessert-wise, both the flourless chocolate cake and duo of crème brulee were wonderfully decadent. Not inexpensive for the full-spread, but certainly a winner for a special dinner in a comfortable setting.
(5)Valentina B.
I was excited to try Virtu and finally did with my cousins today for brunch. Walking up, you can't miss the outside patio with a nice ambiance. It was a beautiful day, so we sat outside - unfortunately it got warm fast, so we moved inside. Started with a Enza | Prosecco and a Apple cocktail from the drink list - which was perfectly made. We ordered the berry parfait to start and it was okay - but, it was enough to share. I ordered the frittate di pasta and they were kind enough to make it vegetarian, it came with a cup of fruit. My cousin ordered the classic crepe and when it arrived, it was HUGE. My other cousin ordered the smoked duck and she loved it! So why only 3 stars? I didn't enjoy my dish and my cousin didn't enjoy the crepe. The skillet was pipping HOT, the food never cooled down, it just continued to release steam with each bite. It was too bland and wouldn't order it again. I left hunger unfortunately. The crepe had a ton of ham, so if you like pork, this dish is for you. Maybe dinner offers a better selection.
(3)April D.
I made a dinner reservation but when we got there our table wasn't ready. That was weird. The food was very good and I enjoyed the presentation when our food was brought to us. The waiter took time to explain our dishes to us and made sure everything was satisfactory. The restaurant started getting busy so towards the end of our meal the service became neglected. Overall the evening was very enjoyable. I would like to go back again.
(4)Brad S.
Any place that offers grilled octopus for brunch is a winner in my books. My octopus was nicely cooked and very tasty. The chile hollandaise was a nice touch. The French toast was great and almost seemed like I was eating dessert. I liked the fact I could get espresso. The place is pretty cozy with a small patio so you might want to book in advance.
(4)TR N.
Wow. Virtu n Binkley's in Cave Creek are must for anyone who appreciates a dining experience. Not nearly as costly as Binkleys but just about as delicious. Overlooked and underrated, Virtu is always a great experience. Dinner and Sunday brunch ....A-1
(5)Tami H.
Virtu is perfection. It's an intimate neighborhood restaurant just a couple blocks from Old Town. The food is inventive, Mediterranean-inspired, and delicious. We had the trio of small plates with tuna tartare, a sausage/potatoes dish, and croquettes. Then we shared a bucatini pasta which was fabulous. But the highlight was the grilled octopus. I am still dreaming of that dish! I am so glad we did not skip dessert. We had a butterscotch pudding that was divine. The wine list is very creative with several regional French, Italian, and Spanish options. Service was also exceptional. This restaurant ranks for me with some of my favorite meals at top fine dining establishments around the world. Kudos!
(5)Christina C.
I'm so happy to have finally gotten around to trying out this little gem of a restaurant. All of the good reviews here are spot on! The setting is so very charming...only a handful of small tables in this special little spot. There were outdoor tables as well. The service was great; very attentive but not over-bearing. From the second we walked in the door, it was obvious that they were happy to have us in for the evening. I appreciate the thoughtful approach to the menu....only a handful of items in each category. We had the octopus starter - PERFECTION on a plate....unbelievably tender, with just the right amount of char. Seriously, I should have ordered two of these (...next time I think we will!). The burrata platter was amazing...so very rich and delightful. Even the toasted/charred bread was delish! It comes with a roasted pepper, which at first I didn't see how they fit together, but turns out to work well. yum. We had a trio of the small plates: eggplant, steak tartar, croquette. The steak was our favorite. The eggplant was very good; just as the server described, it kinda has the flavors of pizza. The croquette, while very yummy, seemed to be common. For dessert, we shared the butterscotch pudding....another perfectly executed dish! We sat at the bar, which was a treat in itself, the bartender was very knowledgeable about the menu and drinks. He selected a really nice wine for me to enjoy with my dinner and I tried white port for the first time...such a nice suggestion! Now, after this glowing review one may ask, "why only four stars?". Answer: It was LOUD. I'm not talking about "noisy", I mean "can't hear yourself think" loud. We were initially seated at a two top, but decided to move to the bar because there was no way we would be able to hear each other talk at the table (as noted above, sitting at the bar turned out to be a great thing...). Apparently they usually keep the sliding doors open which helps, but on the night we were there, they had everything closed up due to weather. This is unfortunate as there is really nothing that can be done other than opening the doors. The only other tidbit is the lighting was too bright for my taste. Seems that it would have been so much more enjoyable to have the overhead lighting dimmed a bit and maybe more candle lighting.... With all that said, I already have plans to return (I will go in November when the doors are open).
(4)Carol L.
This is absolutely hands down the best restaurant experience I have had in the valley! Chef Gio is amazing and the food that the staff puts out is decadent! My husband and I treated ourselves to dinner here last night for our anniversary, after we saw the chef doing a demonstration at AJ's a year ago. Our waiter Scott was top notch, explained all of the dishes extremely well. They do a great job with the craft mixers..we started with one of those and then went on to a fab bottle of Frank Cab to enjoy the appetizers with. They have 7 or 8 small tapas to start with and we tried 4 of them. All of them excellent! The next dish we had was the grilled octopus which I believed is shipped in from Spain. Never had this tasty of octopus and it was a full dish. Next course was the main course and hubs had the smoked duck and I enjoyed the buccatini pasta. Not big plates but enough to satisfy any food cravings. The establishment is small, very intimate and bar seating is limited so get there early if you want a seat at the bar. This was a Wednesday night and we had reservations and each table was taken 6pm. When the weather is cooler there is outdoor patio seating as well. The Bespoke Inn is upstairs and they are closed for the summer but open most of the year. We loved this place and can't wait to come back!
(5)Christy C.
Went to Virtu with a friend for brunch. Amazing crepe and side of fruit. I hope to go back soon! It was also a super cute little place. Wonderful service - very kind employees.
(4)Erin M.
Virtu has been on my radar since it opened, and I decided to finally bite the bullet and shell out some big (but not big as usual, thank you Restaurant Week!) bucks for dinner last weekend. It was. so. worth. it. We had a 7:00 p.m. reservation on Saturday and arrived a few minutes early. We passed the time at the bar and I ordered a glass of wine. Bartender followed us out holding my drink to help us navigate to our patio seat. It's little above-and-beyond gestures like this that separate the rookies from the pros, people. We lucked out with the mid-May weather this evening: GORGEOUS. The quaint background of Bespoke's courtyard and twinkle lights that created the most amazing early-summer atmosphere. As the sun went down, I decided wanted to move in and never leave. Onto the important stuff: DINNER. Our server Stacey (I think that's her name!) was so friendly and helpful. Our restaurant week choices were: -Simple salad for me: fresh arugula, sliced peaches, radish, crushed hazelnuts and a parmesan vinaigrette. Lots of textures intertwining here. A perfectly balanced and refreshing start to my meal. -Sausage polpette for him: 3 sausage meatballs tossed in an AMAZING red sauce that seemed like it had been simmering all day, accompanied with a dollop of ricotta and grilled crostini. Fiance: "I just want to eat a gigantic bowl of this." -Brown butter gnudi for me: Oh my sweet weeping infant mercy soul. Ricotta pillows sauteed in brown butter, tossed with English peas and mushrooms, some more of those crushed hazelnuts and topped with shaved pecorino. This. Was. Life. Affirming. I ate the entire bowl. I do not regret. -Grilled pork rib chop for him: I was told this was the best pork in the history of mankind. It came with roasted carrots/asparagus and was served on top of a rosemary/goat cheese fondue. I KNOW!!! A gentleman sitting next to us spied the chop and immediately declared his order the same. A good game-time-decision, sir! ...and onto DESSERT. We shared the strawberry olive oil cake (the most amazing, summery, juicy strawberries you have ever eaten, accompanied by pistachios and vanilla whipped cream draped over a perfect, not too sweet cake), and the chocolate peanut butter cup, which was basically out of control. A small, RICH portion of peanut butter mousse layered with chocolate mousse layered with crunchy chocolatey toffee. Two words: TO DIE. So yes, Virtu is basically perfection. If I had a larger bank account, we would have much more frequent meals here. It is now my "special events" dinner default. There is no other choice.
(5)Susan V.
I enjoyed the drinks more than the food. Cocktails were spectacular! The food wasn't bad, just meh. We had appetizers only. Clams, Burrata, Croquette, Deviled Eggs.
(3)Erica E.
The 5 Stars is for the bar and the budino. We did not have dinner. Bartender Chad was so gracious to give us a little cocktail lesson while we enjoyed our expertly crafted drinks and dessert. I will definitely be back for dinner sometime soon!
(5)Dorie S.
Out.of.this.world and that butterscotch dessert-DIVINE!
(5)Mari K.
Went during restaurant week and was simply blown away by the atmosphere, service and of course the food. I will definitely be back. The food was so good and they don't rush you out like most restaurants they want you to stay and enjoy your time, in fact we were there for over four hours and didn't even know it that how amazing the atmosphere and food is. I cannot wait to go back and experience more off their amazing menu.
(5)Tyger L.
Ladies night out! Service was perfection. Thank you Courtney! The food was delicious. The stand out appetizer was the charred octopus w/ calabrian chile butter although the grilled asparagus with duck egg, candied bacon and foie gras hollandaise was nothing to dismiss. For entrees, we had the spaghettini (from the pasta menu), the scallops (with white chocolate beurre blanc), the pork rib chop and I personally ordered the marsala braised short ribs with Brussels sprouts, hazelnuts, currants and vanilla sweet potatoes. Go with friends because you are going to want to try EVERYTHING. You'll be happy you did because everything was amazing. My short ribs were flavorful and were so tender, the meat VIRTU-ally melted right off the bone. For wine, I ordered the Coto de Hayas Garnacha...a few times. When it's my time to go, I think drowning in that celestial chocolaty wine aroma is definitely on my short list of ways to die. *I can't remember the name of my cocktail, it had blueberries, shaved lemon zest, whiskey and some other delightful flavors in it and I think I'll go back just to ask them how to make it at home. The only thing I was unhappy with was their designated parking lot across the street. They really should have some lights over there because high heels, unlevel surfaces, wine/cocktails and dark walkways are not a pleasant combination. Luckily, their food and drinks are so good that it may be worth breaking an ankle. *I have just been informed that my cocktail was named "Fortified Truth".
(4)Peter R.
Ate here last weekend for restaurant week. Overall, great meal. Honestly I think this should be about a 4.5 star place (yelp gets it right) but they try hard and put out some great food. We came with a group and ordered one of all the apps (loved the burratta) and we shared a bunch of entrees. Stand out we're the octopus and the brandzino. The cocktails I had (something that tasted like an old fashion with a bit extra cherry) was so good I had to drink 4 of them. Only downside at all was one plate that we sent back (the panzenella) because the bread in the dish was so hard it could have broken teeth. They replaced it quickly and it was delicious. Can't wait to go back to try the full menu.
(5)Michael C.
First let me say SAVE ROOM FOR DESERT. The butterscotch and chocolate cake are amazing. But it all starts with outstanding cocktails (even the non alcoholic) then starters of Octopus, Burrata and Eggplant that have a unique and well balanced flavor. The Veal Chop was perfect and some of the best Bucatini ever. We are from San Francisco and this place exceeded expectations in food, wine and service for all 8 of us. We'll be back...
(5)Dina L.
Delicious food, amazing cocktails. Great service! Thank you bar tender Joshua for taking care of us last evening. The place is tiny any with a storm brewing outside, so without having a reservation we chose to eat at the bar. First the cocktails. They will sneak up on you so watch out! Probably the best Gin and tonic I've ever had. My husband, the whiskey drinker, enjoyed all of Joshua's drink recommendations as well. The food also delicious. We shared a bread plate, the octopus (a must) and the pork with seasonal veggies. Dessert was a chocolate cake with butterscotch and vanilla ice cream. Everything perfect. We will be back for another drink sooner than later! I deducted one star because we couldn't get a table. I realize we didn't have a reservation but every table except one was empty the entire time we were there.
(4)Katie K.
Truly a 5-star experience! Visited for restaurant week while celebrating with my honey. This place changed my entire opinion of asparagus. I didn't know that cheese, a duck egg, bacon, and whatever magic they work in the kitchen could transform one of my least favorite vegetables into one of the most memorable dishes I've ever eaten. The menu rotates seasonally, so it's probably more useful just to tell you to visit and enjoy the creativity and lovely ambiance (dinner especially) with small candles and lights in the trees. Loved every bite!
(5)Sam S.
Girl date! Weekday night around 7 pm. This spot is tucked away! Love the patio ambiance but I guess you need a reservation typically. Apparently they "threw out" thier tequila and did not have any so I could not try the margarita. We sit inside & enjoy a glass of wine each. Lambrusco for me and barbera for my friend. Her wine is leathery and very bold and my Lambrusco is light and sparkling. Starting with the pumpkin risotto- our server says the chef is a "risoto snob" so it's quite good. Love the confidence and the dish! Chorizo and shaved cheese on top make it an easy a+. The temperature was perfect which enhanced the dish for me. We also share the beet salad. This is a lovely presentation of scattered radishes, berries, dressing, and homemade crackers with a goat cheese circle in the middle. This is an accent dish moreso than a filling entree salad. We shared the halibut cheeks which are basically a fish & chips style with battered asparagus, pickle, carrots, hot pepper, and of course the fish. This also comes with a garlic vinegar sauce, white ranch style dipping sauce and a piquillo pepper sauce. Normally I avoid anything fried but this was Delish! The dessert was the Nutella bundito- though the server recommended the toffee pudding we wanted this or the olive oil cake. Sooo happy we choose the Nutella dessert- our favorite dish of the evening. We loved the sea salt and caramel drizzle and the sea salt and whip on the gooey Nutella yumminess. Really appreciated the great homey service and inspired cuisine. Will return with a reservation on the lovely patio!
(5)Lanni R.
It was our first time visiting tonight after it was recommended by friends. It was small but with a nice, upscale atmosphere. The patio outside looked great for when the weather gets nicer. We sat at the bar where the bar tender was friendly and willing to craft up any concoction we requested. All the drinks were delicious and made with fresh ingredients. We tried some small plates, entrees and desserts. The small plates seemed a better value than the entrees (which were very small and pricey) but all the food was delicious. The desserts were awesome. The homemade noodles were really great. Honestly the only downside of the place was the price, all the food and drinks were outstanding.
(4)James R.
Absolutely gorgeous, intimate space that was very romantic. The doors were open to the patio on a warm winter evening. Tried the signature grilled octopus which was very tender, pretty spicy. The grilled asparagus with duck egg is getting common but Was very tasty. Entrées were terrific, I had a great crispy skin fish and we also got the ribeye for 2 which really was perfect. Service was great, thank you to our server Jason. I highly recommend.
(5)Lisa M.
A must try! Service, impeccable. Food, fabulous. Overall, impressive. This James Beard award gem is a culinary delight. With a quaint European vibe, the menus offerings are seasonal. They offer hand crafted cocktails and a nice wine pairing selection. We started with a "trio" a pick three selection of tapas, followed by entrees. Everything we tried was amazing! This is one of my new favorite places in Scottsdale, looking forward to going again soon.
(5)Jeff H.
The antidote to scottsdale douchiness. Their cocktail program is top of the line and so is the food. Get the grilled octopus.
(5)Trisa R.
A colleague and I tried this place while in Tempe for a business trip. I reserved a table for us, based on a recommendation in an article I read in Sunset magazine. Per the article's suggestion, we of course had the octopus. We put together the rest of the meal based on two other starters - the asparagus and the chicken liver mousse, plus the bread salad. All of the food was delightful to look at and to taste. The shared salad came plated on two plates - easy to enjoy with plenty of goat cheese for both. Overall, the service was attentive without being overly so. The food was great - highly recommend the octopus! Looking forward to another trip to this restaurant, perhaps for lunch.
(5)Patricia M.
Oh my goodness. I have been wanting to try this restaurant for ages and we finally got it on our schedules to meet up with some good friends. The service was impeccable. The waitress was so knowledgeable and helpful. We ordered 3 starters: the octopus, asparagus, and house cheese board. They were all so delicious we nearly licked the plates clean. Our entrees were the duck, the scallops, and the fish. All so incredibly flavorful. It has only been a day and I'm dying to go back!
(5)Sam S.
Today the butterscotch budino almost caused me to have a When Harry Met Sally moment on the patio. It was my second visit, the last one was dinner and today lunch. This food is so creative, fresh, and the atmosphere is quaint, relaxed, and elegant. Love it. Beer and Wine only a lunch.
(5)Chad R.
Went for lunch with a colleague and had an amazing experience. I had the smoked duck sandwich and the pink peppercorn peach cobbler for dessert. Both were well balanced! The depth of flavor had my taste buds singing. I looked at the dinner menu and I have to say I wish I could go back for the pan seared scallops. However I will be back to enjoy the flavors that this gem is producing!
(5)J G.
A nice set up combination or indoor and outdoor seating. The patio was very comfortable and the service was excellent. It was AZ restaurant week so we chose the fish combinations. The kale salad was great and the foie gras was among the best I've ever had.
(4)Antonio E.
We decided to go this restaurant for the first time to celebrate a birthday. We normally don't take the time to write a review, however, in this case the food and the service were so outstanding that taking a few minutes to write this is worth it. Our server, Stacey, exemplified an over achieving level of service which from the moment we sat down we felt welcomed and comfortable. She really let us explore the menu and reviewed all the needed to be known of both the food and the chef. On the other hand, the food was excellent. From appetizer to dessert all choices were very detailed and explained by Stacey and matched precisely to what she explained and what we expected. We highly recommend this restaurant. We are excited to go back to see the changes they are implementing to the restaurant. Loved the food loved the restaurant and LOVED Stacey!!!!
(5)Jessica J.
We had a bridal shower here, and they did a great job! We took over the courtyard patio area, and it was such a pretty space. The server in charge of our party kept our drinks well filled. The brunch food was sooooo yummy! Then the desserts came out, and I was in heaven! If I lived in Scottsdale, I would make this a regular brunch spot for sure!
(5)Jim C.
First of all the setting is really beautiful where you can come in a jacket and tie or in golf shorts and a tee shirt. It is really just an attractive and fun atmosphere. It's an artistic place so the cuisine has that chic/elegant aspect to it. While very tasty and high end, the cuisine didn't quite reach the heights of The Mission or Cafe Monarch for me. Still this is another great restaurant in Scottsdale with excellent food and a fetching ambiance.
(3)Ray M.
Excellent time at the bar. Food and drinks were terrific. It was very busy on a Friday night but service was perfect.
(5)Alice T.
We ate 3 brunches at Virtu as included with lodging at the Bespoke. Bespoke is a fabulous lodging with all the amenities necessary. Those plush towels !! Virtu is heavenly. We had the bruschetone, octopus, ultimate Benedict,steak and potato and the burger. Everything tasted like such effort was put in to create the blend of flavor that you just want for another serving. We eat out in Boston a lot, and we were so impressed with the offerings at Virtu. The mushroom and truffle oil on the bruschetone, the charred octopus yet tender on the inside, burger cooked to perfection with ready flavor topping. I need to get myself back to have more meals there.
(5)Jeanne S.
As fine a restaurant as anywhere in the world, Virtu earns 5 stars for innovative, delicious, perfectly prepared food. From our selections last night, we recommend the charred octopus- unlike typical preparations, this was amazingly sweet and tender; the grilled branzino with arugula, carmelized onions and a sauce so good, I don't know how they made it. Smoked duck was prepared with home made hummus that made the dish. The chef went above and beyond last night. It was my friend's birthday and we were treated to two special deserts. One a sticky toffee pudding with foie gras that was one of the top 3 dishes I have ever experienced, in addition to a perfect chocolate souffle with carmel sauce. Reasonably priced for an extraordinary dining experience. Friendly, knowlegeable staff. Casual atmosphere with patio. Will most definitely return. Thank you, chef!
(5)Jonathan E.
Came here for brunch last Sunday. Requested and received an outside seating table. Cocktails were above average. Appetizer and main course were both delicious. And dessert (dark chocolate chili budino) was exceptional. A couple of tables around us did complain about delay in cocktails and service. However, we had no issues. Will return again for dinner.
(5)Janet D.
Came here with my husband this past Sunday for brunch. I was surprised to see that it was empty but maybe it was just the time that we arrived. Its a very cute but small location. We decided to sit inside because it was rather hot out. We started off with drinks..my husband ordered a moscow mule and I got the blood & basil. Both drinks were great..mine was very refreshing! We ordered the grilled cheese and the classic crepe. Both were fantastic and had such great flavors! Also very large portions. Can't wait to come back and try their dinner!
(5)Carrie K.
Get here, by any means necessary. Its a beautiful restaurant, with the most incredible food & spot on service. Ive never ever tasted anything as good as the sticky toffee pudding. Ever. We also had the charred octopus (amazing), the tuna tartare (fantastic), the butternut squash gnocchi (incredible) etc.. (running out of adjectives). You should go now!
(5)Erin R.
Ham and Gruyere crepe at brunch--GET IT!! I was actually sad when I was too full to finish it. I also had the burrata, which was delicious, but I would have liked a crostini or something for the sake of texture. I ate dinner here a few months back, and, I honestly thought it was a little overpriced and overhyped. The food was good, but I can't remember what I had, which tells me it wasn't stellar. I like the atmosphere, and the service was great both times. I probably won't return for dinner but will definitely be back for brunch!
(4)Hilary G.
Best brunch I ever had, the ambiance is fabulous and the outdoor space is extremely gorgeous. I helped plan a bridal shower held here and we were very happy with everything. Virtu is not cheap but its well worth every penny you spend. Try their cocktails, you wont be disappointed by any of them!
(5)Kexin Z.
This is a more 3 and half rating. My colleage had highly recommendation for Virtu. It's a very lovely place. We went there last Sunday. I really wanted to have some Italian food (maybe a little "heavy" food?) but they only served some light food as brunch. I had a grilled cheese, which didn't taste Italian, but it was great. Love the combination, and I think it's very heathy but too light for me at that time. My husband had a grilled octopus, which the waiter told us it was a big fish that we might want to share. But it's a very not that big enough to be shared. I forgot my desert name, and they don't have the same menu showing online, but it's not bad, too sweet. My husband had gelato which he said it's the best.
(3)Michele A.
We stopped by for brunch on a Saturday. We were the only ones in the place at 10:30 but when we left there was a nice crowd in there. I had Lemon Ricotta Pancakes which were incredible, the pistachio cream was an interesting and delicious topping. I couldn't finish both pancakes, but I wanted to! My husband had the frittata; he said the sausage in it was superb. Even though we were stuffed, we waited a bit so we could try dessert. The butterscotch budino was amazing. We also tried the Lemoncello which was refreshing and not too sweet. It was expensive (two champagnes, two meals, dessert & apertif were over $70) but worth the price for something special. Wait staff was very attentive; hostess was very nice.
(5)Matt S.
Beautiful outside spot which we got a reservation in. We tried the Octopus and Grilled Asparagus with Duck Eggs starters. Both were excellent. The mains were not quite as exciting, but still pretty solid - Duck Breast and Pork Chop. In particular we thought the pork w as a little tough. Service was great, thought price was reasonable
(4)Karine K.
So far, this is my favorite restaurant in the area. We moved here in September 2014, and have tried many restaurants. We went to Virtù twice and LOVED it both times. The staff is knowledge and interested, the food is satisfying, almost to a fault (:-) and the prices are more than acceptable for what you get. The place is so cozy, you feel like you want to stay all night. We sat outdoors the first time, and it was nice and quaint, and the indoor seating is just as perfect! I can't wait to go back!
(5)Erin B.
Gio has hit this out of the ballpark. The interior is impeccable, the setting is quaint and ideal for a restaurant of this caliber. Make a reso for dinner! Enjoy the brunch ASAP! While the wine list is limited and the food has a different approach that is precisely why you come here- step outside of our comfort zone of favorite foods and expand our horizons. The mixology is magical and the cuisine is dependably creative.
(5)Pepper T.
If you have dined at other fine Restaurants you know Virtu is certainly up with them. Virtu is a small, not the fanciest but cozy restaurant with an Old Fashioned Feel I say this because of the bar area it just looks like from another time and after dining there I know everything thing is well crafted like things used to be in the old days. I am usually a wine drinker with a fine dinner but the cocktail menu is made up of unusually well crafted with Cocktails that are made with very upscale ingredients put together for you that a mixologist creates for you in a meticulous way. The drinks are very well worth the I think it was $10-$12 but they aren't just poured in a glass and take almost as long as a food order to prepare but they really are worth the wait! From my experience the waitstaff seems to be very well trained and even the hostess is able to answer any question about the menu. We started with the House Made Testa. I didn't know what Testa was so I had to ask. It's a Mix of the finest Italian Meats and head cheese sort of like a pate with Cornichon Calabrian Chili Relish and Truffle Grain mustard with some micro greens for texture. ($11) We also had a Winter Vegetable Salad. It was Mache greens. It had a lot of attention to detail as the small cubes of squash were seasoned and had a texture that added interest to the salad. The Ice Wine Vinaigrette was unusual. ($12) I had the Pan Seared Branzino with Sunchoke Puree and Truffled salsify crisps with Sundried Tomato Pesto. This for sure was a solid five star dinner. I've had very good branzino at other places in the valley and I also had outstanding seafood dishes in others places like Las Vegas and I can truly say this was the best Branzino dish I ever had. First of all the fish was pristine fresh and fish just taste different when it is that fresh. It was prepared absolutely perfect and the textures and all the different sauces and vegetables just went together like magic. The Crisp salsify added a very unique taste. It was all so delicate and interesting. It was a dish that couldn't bore you and just got more interesting as you dug threw it. ($28) My husband had the Hand Made Spaghetti Pork Osso Buco. It was topped with Ricotta and Parmigiana Reggiano and Fried Basil. My husband said it was Outstanding and that's the kind of dish he likes and eats that kind of dish often when we go out to nice places. ($19) It was very hard to decide on dessert since they all sounded very interesting but we went with the Nutella Chèvre Cheese Cake with a Pretzel Crust. It was very perfect with flavors and wasn't too sweet with a not too heavy creamy texture. I liked the special candied hazelnut that came with it. ($12) There is a reason Virtu was voted one of the "Best New Restaurants in America" by Esquire Magazine, it's because they are.
(5)Jacqueline M.
I have been hearing a lot about this cozy spot, voted one of the "Best New Restaurants in America" by Esquire magazine. That's a lot to live up to, and precisely why when a reputation precedes you - expectations tend to be higher. Virtu is located at the equally comfy Bespoke Inn, where each suite is unique and has a private patio ($249 for a night). Gourmet brunch at Virtu is included in the room rate. Seating at Virtu is limited inside and out - with one intimate table for two outside, two tables for four, and a large community. Heat lamps are ubiquitous so you can always sit outside. It is quite tranquil with the bubbling fountain in the courtyard, and old gnarled trees strung with lights and lanterns. Inside the mood is more upbeat, but lighting equally conducive for romance and intimacy. There are ten tables inside with bar seating. When we arrived at 6p on a Tuesday night, a few tables were occupied - we were the only people outside. ***BEST THING TO KNOW ABOUT VIRTU: COME EARLY FOR DINNER, NO MATTER THE DAY OF THE WEEK. BY 6:30P IT STARTS TO GET BUSY. RESERVATIONS ARE IDEAL IF COMING AT A LATER TIME. ONCE THE RESTAURANT FILLS UP, EXPECT A LONGER WAIT FOR YOUR FOOD. Having arrived there before the rush, our appetizers came out quickly, but our one entree of house made spaghetti ordered, took nearly an hour. By 7:30 we were handed a dessert menu, but having been there an hour and a half - we were ready to head home. Another ten min wait to get the check... Disclaimer: When you're pregnant and hungry you don't want to wait an hour for your food. Pregnant and tired you don't want to sit there for twenty minutes twiddling your thumbs because your partner finished his cocktail long ago, and you already polished off your second mock tail.... So, how was the food? Half dozen starters from Grilled Octopus (fennel, arugula, lemon chick pea, chile butter) to Grilled Asparagus (egg, feta, bacon candy, foie gras hollandaise, truffle oil). Also Tartare Duo of Steak and Ahi Tuna, Winter Vegetable Salad, and Chef's Rillette. Avg. price: $14 We ordered the Asparagus and Octopus. Asparagus - Six small pieces of asparagus, couple tablespoons of feta, hollandaise that does not smack or reminisce of my beloved foie, nor any truffle oil -and an over abundance of candied bacon makes it unique, but a disappointment not worth $14, for someone who loves foie and truffle. I would have brought this up to our server, but I had already sent back the Octopus. Octopus - tender but very charred and dry on outside, and almost cold. Server stated it gets cold quickly, and explained effects of char grilling food (I know what char-grilling is, but come on). Long story short he offered to have the appetizer redone and it came back perfectly executed. And yes, when it's done right I think it's probably the best dish on this menu and why everyone that has tried it, loves it so much. Of the entrees, there are 9 of them, and average price is $30 - starting with Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Rib Chops, Scallops, Seared Ahi Tuna, Smoked Duck Breast, Seared Branzino, Squid Ink Linguini, Nieman Ranch Ribeye, and Grilled Monkfish fillet. We tried the House made Spaghetti with Osso Bucco. After having waited an hour for our Spaghetti, we were disappointed at the al dente style of the noodles. Our server explained they were made with semolina flour, which are typically on the al dente side - but just not to our liking. The sauce was great and the shredded veal tender and flavorful - Although there was so much, and it was so rich, almost bordering on the greasy side. It just seemed off on such a traditional dish. It was more like having shredded pork with a side of chewy spaghetti. When I order Osso Bucco, it's traditionally the shank with the bone in it. So this was not what I expected, either. When it comes to food, I am all about texture, and despite loving inventive twists and even esoteric fare, I am a traditionalist when it comes to comfort foods like Spaghetti. So, food wise, there are too many wonderful options out there in the valley - but those that have commented on how amazing and clever the cocktails are, are right! It is worth coming here for Happy Hour and going down the menu. Although I merely took a small swish to sample on our visit, I could tell that the Bar Master here has a true knack for his craft. The Nuova Bellezza $11, is a great example with Alexander Grappa, St. Germain, Cabernet Syrup, Lime Juice, and Red Grapes. The online menu does not do the offerings justice, find a more thorough and extensive cocktail journey at the bar. So based on the other reviews, perhaps on our visit it was an off night. Perhaps we had too many expectations, or just did not order dishes that were an accurate reflection of Chef Gio Osso's talent. But with a Machiavellian name for achieving excellence, I feel Virtu should have lived up to its name.
(3)Spring P.
I came for dinner and was very pleased! I ordered a delicious salad (I don't remember what it was called, but it had candied kumquats- it was amazing!) and my date ordered the pork chop. He's a huge foodie, said, and I quote, "this is life changing". The toffee pudding with the marscapone cream was also just incredible! Selection of drinks is very extensive, and service was wonderful. Also, we were running late for our reservations and they pushed it back 15 minutes, which was very appreciated!
(5)Patrick H.
This is the best new restaurant that I've been to in 2014. The decor, service and food are all excellent. I sat at the bar and really enjoyed talking with Dante the bartender. He was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. I had the grilled asparagus appetizer and it was delicious with egg, feta and bacon candy. My second dish was their signature grilled Spanish octopus. This was presented beautifully and tasted wonderful. The octopus was more tender than any I've ever eaten and seasoned perfectly. I can't wait to come back for another meal and try their desserts.
(5)Jenny N.
We went there on a Sunday for brunch and we had a reservation. The ambience was great and it felt like we weren't in Scottsdale anymore. I'm from Seattle so it reminded me of home. The food is great; menu changes with what's available. The service was awesome, my water glass was never empty and neither was my coffee.
(4)Meghan C.
I wanted to love Virtu and give it the 5 stars I heard it deserved. At best, I give it a 3.5. 1) wine list is not very deep. They play up their hand crafted cocktails, but their wine list is disappointing. 2) service was pretty disappointing on a weekend. Flat out disappointing. 3) octopus- fantastic. 4) main dishes: duck/steak- I love culinary flavor, however, the flavor profiles were not prepared in a way that I would describe as life changing. I saw pictures, and think I need to give it another shot. I will return- and hopefully have a better report.
(3)Nick S.
Awesome food! I went here for lunch and sat on their great patio. Crepes were great and bigger than most places, grilled octopus was excellent! Very reasonable prices, Can't wait to go back.
(5)Mylene B.
Visited this tucked away gem on a business trip to Scottsdale. Charming dining room decor and a patio dining area to enjoy a meal al fresco are what greets you along with a friendly staff. To maximize our visit we ordered 4 entrees to share. The burrata is surprisingly authentic -- ooey gooey texture just like in Naples and framed by the sweetness of grapes (maybe go a bit lighter on the grapes ... a little goes a long way) and the peppery edge of arugula. The pepperonata with egg over potatoes had a nice touch of heat just after a big burst of flavor. The burger was a bit unwieldy -- more like a patty melt on grilled bread rather than a burger "proper" -- but the patty was flavorful and cooked to a perfect medium. The grilled cheese with bacon and mushrooms was a table favorite -- earthy & smokey flavors made this childhood favorite a bona fide "grown up" meal. This small taste piqued my interest for where dinner menu adventures might take me. Unfortunately that will have to wait for another visit -- hopefully that will be soon!
(4)Alison B.
Awesome place. Just had our second meal here and it was even better the second time. The food is creative, but not obscure. All the flavors are wonderful and the staff are incredibly knowledgeable about the food and drinks. The Brussel salad is amazing, as is the grilled octopus and burrata. Great spot for a date or evening with friends.
(5)John M.
Good food -in fact delicious. Well executed. Awful service...
(3)Eric M.
A huge thank you to Virtu for making our Anniversary dinner one to truly remember during restaurant week. The staff was friendly and accomodated our every wish - from the fun and friendly banter with the bartenders to the great suggestions from our servers. Chef Gio Osso and his kitchen was on point continuing to put out satisfying dish after dish and the bartenders great drinks. We could not have asked for a more spetacular dinner. Amoung the dishes we enjoyed included the crispy kale salad and sausage polpette followed by grilled aparagus, charred octopus accompaning our butterfish, and grilled pork rib chop dinners. The peaches and cream panacotta and chocolate peanut butter cup deserts were fabulous finish out our meal. Chef Osso and Virtu provided us with one of our best meals in Phoenix ever. This hidden gem in Old Town Scottsdale is definately not a place to overlook and one to experience. We cannot wait to come back and explore the rest of their menu.
(5)Jennifer O.
The husband and I went here for restaurant week last Friday and I must say that I was very impressed. I have been wanting to try this place for a long time, so when I saw their menu for RW I made a reservation right away. We started with a complimentary cocktail (mango sorbet in prosecco) and it was very tasty and refreshing. For appetizers, the husband got the lamb polpette with feta sauce... so delicious.. these little meatballs were packed with flavor, and I got the octopus panzanella. Now, I have had octopus before and didn't care for it, but I wanted to give it another chance. This was very good. The sauce they served it with and the herbs were wonderful! My only issue with the dish was that the bread was really tough and hard to cut (I ended up tearing it with my hands... not very lady like, but you gotta do what you gotta do). This octopus was far better than the first time I had tried it... I still don't think I am an octopus lover, but I did like it. For entrees, the husband got the pork chop and I had the steak. The pork chop was huge... I mean super huge. It was also tasty. He said it was was the best pork chop he'd ever had and, to quote him, it was 'comfort food elevated.' The steak was perfectly cooked and the chimichurri was delicious... very bright and herbacious. It came with a potato hash of sorts with a duck egg on top, cheese curds, and gravy.... sort of like a poutine. It was also amazingly delicious, but so rich I couldn't eat it all. For dessert we split the peanut butter and chocolate cake and the mascarpone ice cream with figs... the chocolate cake was a little on the dry side for me, but the ice cream was incredible... would eat that over and over! We also had coffee, and, though it was very good coffee, I wish we had gotten a refill. I would definitely like to come back here again. PS the service here was perfect, attentive, friendly, but not invasive... just great. PPS you can tell how fancy a restaurant is by how many words in the review are underlined in red because the computer thinks they're spelled wrong... this place is pretty fancy :-P
(5)Kyle S.
We sat on the patio and it's really an attractive looking spot. Romantic and cute. The appetizer was delicious, our cocktails were strong and tasty, and my entree (the flank steak) was pretty solid. I wouldn't say amazing. I probably wouldn't order it again. But, for that moment in time, it did what it needed to do. My only complaint? It's a weird one. I kept getting hit by water. I was very confused for the first ten minutes. I kept telling my girlfriend that it was raining and she thought I was crazy. At one one point a giant drop hit my right hand, and she saw it happen (thank god.) The waiter, walking by me, must have overheard me say something about it and he causally mentioned, as he continued to briskly walk by our table, "there's a pool on the roof." The couple next to us suddenly piped up, and told us that they too had been getting sprinkled with pool water all night. When the pool water hit my dinner plate, I started to wonder, "why aren't they telling people about this?" I mean look, it's one thing to have a pool above your customers that's drizzling on them. It's another to ask "inside or outside" without casually mentioning, "oh, the front row is in the Shamu splash zone." Just tell people, Virtù! That way we can make an informed decision.
(2)Lindsay C.
Girls night out on a Sunday. We arrived right at opening, so it was on the slow side. I had previously made reservations and indicated we had a show to attend and were in a bit of a time crunch. Our server acknowledged this without our mentioning it, and was very prompt, while still being personable. The food is amazing - the Burrata starter is fabulous - portions large enough to share or have as an entrée. I enjoyed the Gnudi and my friend had the scallops - both delicious. The restaurant is adorable, and in the heart of Old Town. Parking lot across the street is free and convenient. Signage indicates brunch - I imagine this is amazing, as they have a quaint patio.
(5)Diego S.
A Manhattan cocktail typically has three ingredients. Virtu's has about thirty. The list of ingredients read like a mystery novel, where the next ingredient was even more curious than the previous. I tried one out of pure, morbid curiosity. I was richly rewarded for the decision. There were so many flavors in this cocktail, my taste buds practically overdosed. Virtu also features Menabrea beer, or more specifically, Menabrea Amber. If you've never had one, I strongly recommend it. This hard to find Italian IPA will pair beautifully with any meal, as if it was a fine wine. It's that good. From the appetizers to desert, Virtu was delightful. The service, even better, making this restaurant every bit of five stars. Grilled octopus, Branzino, and a custard-like desert were chart toppers. I read some reviewers complain about the wine list being too abbreviated, the prices too high, and the meal selections limited. These are people who should not be Yelping since they're all very clearly full 'o shit. Virtu is one of the few restaurants where the price is truly on par with the food. The service, adorns the food and drink experience like an expensive fashion accessory. And the ambiance whisks you away to Tuscany for the ninety minutes you're there. I wasn't going to do this, write a review this favorable for fear I'll never get a seat again, but that would be wrong. Virtu deserves every accolade it gets. They've earned it. At least me and the James Beard nomination committee think so anyway.
(5)Brad D.
Had a great dinner here last night ! Our server was friendly and knowledgable, and the restaurant full of energy yet not too loud. We enjoyed the kale salad, gnudi pasta, pork chop, chocolate ice cream with hazelnuts, and a few glasses of wine. Highly recommend.
(4)Amie K.
Due to our restaurant research we made this our first stop when coming into Phoenix on a Sunday. They open up early at 10 am for brunch, and the brunch menu is pretty diverse. I went for the octopus, which was delicious, but not a huge portion of you tend to like more substantial meals. The Amante Appassionato was an AMAZING brunch cocktail and the ambiance here is simply beautiful. From the Individual Rosemary twigs to the doors that open onto the huge and beautiful patio, I would definitely recommend coming here for a beautiful meal.
(4)Erica L.
Amazing, creative food and cocktails. I loved that they had a "Designated Driver" section on the cocktail menu. Highlights of our meal were: - Chef's Plate appetizer - Octopus appetizer - Scallops main dish - Toffee & Mascarpone gelato dessert
(4)Jennifer S.
Beautiful dining room hidden in Old Town Scottsdale. We made a reservation and scored an outdoor table on a lovely May evening. It was the perfect night to sit outside and enjoy an amazing meal. My husband and I shared the grilled octopus to start - fresh, flavorful and inventive. I tried the duck for my entree and it was perfectly prepared...a little sweet with the cherry demi and a little savory with the mushrooms and kale. This place is a must stop on your culinary tour of the Valley.
(4)Marvin C.
Food...Excellent Service...Below Average Ambience...Great
(3)Austin T.
I really wanted to give this place one star (it'd be a lie) just to keep people from wanting to come here, that way I'd have it all to myself. This place is truly a gem. Food was interesting and delicious. Service was impeccable. Good job virtu!
(5)Janet M.
This is my most favorite restaurant. The setting is absolutely charming, close to the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. One is greeted promptly and in the most welcoming way. The menu selections rely on local and seasonal foods, which makes for a great dining experience. The staff is knowledgeable about the food and wines. Specialty cocktails are also quite tasty and varied. The food is cooked to perfection and tastes so, so good. One can choose to eat inside or out. I highly recommend this place.
(5)David V.
Delicious brunch, food deserves a five but greeting by host was snooty and total bs, plenty of tables on arrival and more available when we left. Imaginative wine list, it's a shame same host felt the need to hype a good product with our table and overheard at others. Again food was great if you can stomach or better yet ignore host and server was good. Crepes, steak, octopus were all excellent.
(4)Britt C.
This was my top choice for Restaurant Week, and it turned out to be the right one. I came here for a girls night with reservations for 4. We were seated outside on the patio at the community table, which was surrounded by lanterns, strung lights, and trees, which made for a very relaxing ambiance. Our server George was very personable, and great at explaining how their drinks were handcrafted, as well as how the food was prepared. I started off with the Fountain of Youth cocktail, the description of tequila, bell pepper syrup and siracha bitters peaked my curiosity. I asked the server about it, as I was a little apprehensive that I wouldn't like it, he said it I didn't like it I could just send it back. Well since there was no risk involved, I decided to go for it, and was glad I did. It was fantastic, slightly sweet with a minute undertone of the rooster sauce. One of the best cocktails I've ever had. My friend and I decided to order different things from the prix fix menu and share so we could sample as much as possible. For the first course we ordered the Chef Starter which was a crostini with manchego, croquette, and roasted pepper, everything on the plate was enjoyable. We also ordered the salad with goat cheese, candied nuts, and beets, which was also fantastic. For our entrees we chose the flat iron steak which was cooked perfectly over a flavorful polenta, and the European seabass which had a sweet and savory sauce, both were amazing! Finally for dessert: chocolate mousse and marscapone ice cream. The chocolate mousse was very rich and fluffy and came with a chocolate truffle, and a fried donut, and the mascarpone ice cream was rich and delightful. The only downside to our meal was that everything was served at a very slow pace. I was kind of expecting it since they were so busy, and it was restaurant week. Our server checked in with us many times to let us know what was going on, but it would've have been nicer if they were better prepared for the volume of customers. I will still definitely return without the restaurant week price, as the food, drinks, and service were awesome.
(5)Billy G.
Fantastic. Every bit as good as we expected, from drinks, to apps, entrees, dessert, and service. The venue is intimate and permits conversation without shouting, even on a reasonably busy weekend night.
(5)michelle m.
Virtu for brunch at 1pm on a Saturday. 1. When we phoned to see availability, had a bizarre voice mail. Thankfully I went on Open Table to secure a reservation. When we arrived, there were only two other tables present, and we were still asked if we had a reservation. A little weird that no one answered the phone with only two tables. Suggestion- don't waste your time calling, just reserve to CYA on Open Table. 2. Morning cocktails are incredible. We ordered the bourbon drink and the gin drink. Deciding was challenging but the server was helpful. If you like your drinks to be of a respectable caliber, this is your jam. 3. We ordered the burrata which was a great combination of flavors. Spicy poached eggs was next. If you have celiacs disease, I wouldn't even attempt to share this. We tried but my sad fork could barely scoop up any of the tomato egg goodness. Left this dish for the boyfriend to swoop in with beautifully toasted artisan bread slices. Since I was still craving protein, we ordered the peperonata & potato hash. This was incredible and left one measly bite of potato. Portions are a nice size and it is very fun to share. The menu on the website is a sample-- really it shows the style of food you'll be treated to.
(4)Stephanie T.
No doubt about it, cocktails are the way to go at Virtu. The food, however, is overpriced and sometimes underwhelming. We arrived to a jam-packed restaurant Tuesday night. I was a bit surprised because it looked like there were plenty of open tables when I made reservations online a couple days prior. I could tell right away that they were in the weeds because of Restaurant Week so I prepared myself for a slower dining experience. We were fine waiting at the bar for our table. We love craft cocktails, and we loved checking out all the obscure liquors and house-made concoctions behind the bar. My husband got the Nuova Bellezza, a grape-based drink, and I got the Fountain of Youth. His drink was very good, and mine was outstanding! I swear, you could get any tequila hater to enjoy this cocktail made with Don Julio reposado and yellow bell pepper syrup. We also had the classic Sazerac and their Starter Kit which was refreshing and slightly bitter. My husband got the chef starters which was a crostini, blistered peppers and a croqueta. He didn't really like any of them and much preferred my salad. The salad with beets and goat cheese was nice, but the warm temperature indicated it probably sat at the window too long. I got the only vegetarian offering which was a modified (no pancetta) version of butternut squash ravioli. When my dish came to the table, I spotted the pancetta right away and sent it back. In the mean time, my husband got his thick pork chop but no silverware. I gave him my set while I waited, but he was still in need of a steak knife. My redone ravioli came out again fairly quickly, but I had to ask for another set silverware. I was very disappointed looking at the ravioli. The portion was minuscule! Four Chef Boyardee sized goat cheese ravioli with just a touch of brown butter and no butternut squash at all. The ravioli were very good, but thank god I don't have a huge appetite. Surprisingly, the star of my husband's dish wasn't the prosciutto wrapped pork but the phenomenal mushrooms on the side. The pork was moist but didn't have much flavor. My husband said he would have rather had just the mushrooms on top of a risotto. We finished off with the affogato and chocolate course for dessert. My husband wasn't a fan of the affogato, but I liked both of them. His chocolate mousse was light and fluffy, and there was a delightful, warm chocolate s'more-like pastry on the side. Our server was friendly, but she forgot about filling up our water glasses. I was also dismayed that the staff let the restroom run out of hand towels. Nothing like walking back to your table with wet hands. I could see us returning again for pre-dinner cocktails, but we'll be sticking with FnB nearby for our food.
(3)Lucio G.
Please don't ever close -- you'll be missed. Had the pleasure of dining here during Restaurant Week and the food and the service and the atmosphere and the drinks all lived up to the hype. Every course was done well -- nothing complex or overly worked, just great ingredients and simple presentation. This is the type of place that makes a city "world class" and should be on everyone's "must" list for the year.
(5)Carol B.
A real find in #Scottsdale: Unlike the over-showy or underwhelming restaurants that most visitors and locals frequent out of force of habit, Virtu Honest Craft is just a year-old and is showing up all the rest under the direction of its little known chef and owner. GIO Osso who creates high art and flavor explosions with his exquisite gift of "Italian modern" cuisine at his new Virtu Honest Craft. Worth the trip to Scottsdale just for this delicious gift to humankind!
(5)Manny S.
I'm not a foodie but I have a good friend who is a foodie and he insisted that we come here because I had to try it and he was paying. That sealed the deal for me (when you see their prices on the menu you'll understand). As it turns out I only had an appetizer and a drink (long, uninteresting story that has nothing to do with the restaurant). But, what an appetizer! We don't have a lot of octopuses (is that a cool word or what?) in the desert so you get one when you have the chance. Virtu's grilled octopus with chickpeas is served with chili butter. There's a bit of a char but they are very tender. My foodie friend insisted that I have their Let The Beet In cocktail along with the octopus because it complemented the dish (I told you he was a foodie). I guess he's right and frankly it's not the type of drink I would have ordered on my own. It's made with salted beet syrup (I didn't know there was such a thing) with aquavit, mezcal and lime juice. It was very good. Service was excellent and when it turned out we had to leave abruptly they were very gracious and understanding. I'll be back for a main course some day.
(4)Bryce O.
This place had an all around excellent upscale experience. The Ahi was cooked to perfection and everyone else in the party also found the food to be enjoyable. I also ordered the coconut creme brulé, it was very light and offered a great way to complete the meal.
(5)Krist C.
Visited with a large group for "Restaurant Week". We were able to sit on the patio which I highly recommend if the weather is decent as it is tree covered which makes it very intimate,. The service was simply amazing. Everything was prompt and all the dishes were explained very well. The drink menu is nice, try the Margarita, made with chiles and awesomely spicy. The wine list is decent with some reasonable options. Being restaurant week we were able to sample much of the menu. The burrata was a stand out as were the lamb polpettes. The flat iron Steak as an entree was amazing as was the pork chop was amazing fried in crispy polenta. This was one of our favorite experiences for all the big "friend dinners" we have done. The staff, ambience and food was just wonderful. Esquire Magazine rated Virtu as one of the top ten new restaurants in the country and it is not hard to see why. Even with all that the prices are completely reasonable, especially for Scottsdale. We simply loved it and will return soon!!
(5)Cassie C.
This place is such a lovely gem in old town Scottsdale. We sat on their shaded patio and had the classic crepe and a chocolate scone for breakfast. Enough for 2 people and delicious! Our server, Ana, was fabulous. This is my new favorite brunch spot. And I also must mention that the ambiance is amazing.
(5)Bryan J.
We were visiting from out of town and did some research online looking for a good place to try, that we hadn't been to during our previous trips to Scottsdale, and this one did not disappoint. Amazing food and service! We'd highly recommend the Grilled Octopus and Grilled Asparagus starters.
(5)Arizona T.
nO NO nO NO nO I bet you thought that read ho no oh no oh no huh? The mind is weird. This place has very poor service and charges a lot for food that is very much lacking. The service though is what really killed it. They gave us 1 server for 12 people! WTF? The Lambshank was pretty good though. That being said there is absolutely no reason to go to a place like this in a town full of amazing restaurants that have decent service and actually care that you are there.
(2)Gaby S.
I have been there twice while visiting the city. I am really impressed for the high level of the restaurant. Amazing food. The menu for dinner is more impressive than brunch. I would recommend for dinner and don't forget to book a table, they are always busy.
(4)Deborah C.
I have been here twice - once for dinner and once for brunch, which they serve everyday. This place is phenomenal! They have delicious and unique cocktails - I had an earthy beet one at dinner and an orange one with egg whites at brunch that tasted like an Orange Julius. You must try something different off the cocktail menu. At brunch, their crepes or a different take on a Benedict is a must have. The crepe is huge! We had one stuffed with ham and topped with a poached egg - heavenly! For dinner, the grilled octopus is incredible. Believe me, I was never going to eat octopus in my life. Until I saw this on a friend's plate and begged for a bite. Too many of the appetizers sounded good, so I just had 2 of those and no entree. The arincini were really good, but the asparagus with the poached egg, feta and candied bacon was literally the most delicious thing I have ever eaten!! The affogato was the perfect ending - not too heavy or overly sweet. Okay, I gotta go get dressed and go back right now and try another cocktail and something else amazing off the ever changing menu...
(5)C K.
First, how I came to know about this restaurant? I googled scottsdale best restaurant and virtu is No. 1 on the top ten list. However, I was disappointed with the overall dining experience there. 1. kitchen ventilation is bad and it has open kitchen which made me smell weird when I left the restaurant. 2. Food is pricey, taste is nothing to shout about... 3. Portion is small!!! I have ordered scallop entree and there were ONLY 3 scallop in my plates and it costs $30. I would rather enjoy my scallop meal at North, Common Kierland. 4. The restaurant is small. No privacy. The only 1 star that I could give is the service. Service is good. This would be my first and last visit of this restaurant. Simply not worth for the money that we spent! How it got rated no. 1 restaurant in Scottsdale? I think it is just because of the marketing !! In conclusion, this place is over- priced and underwhelming!!
(1)Drew E.
Nice hidden gem in Scottsdale. Food was amazing (burrata app & flat iron steak were standouts), and service was impeccable. Small place with about 12 tables. Absolutely loved it and will be back!
(5)D C.
We stayed at the Bespoke Inn, and enjoyed the food at Virtu enough to try brunch and dinner. Hubby had the lamb burger (excellent!), I had the scallops one night (very good), our friend had the duck which disappeared. I wish I had been hungry enough for dessert - next time! Tip: book ahead for a table on the patio - it's lovely in the evening.
(4)Chris K.
Virtu Honest Craft: appropriate name for the food, not the wine. Went for dinner on a Sunday evening in July. The food was excellent, the service was very good at the bar. I had the squash flowers with goat cheese as an appetizer and the smoked duck entree - both were excellent. The portions were just the right size There is only one thing leading to a 3 star review - the wine prices. The everyday selections cost about as much for a glass as the bottle's retail price. Most inexpensive wines are marked up to about 4x retail pricing - this is not Honest wine pricing. The best values on the wine list are some of the mid tier wines at a much more reasonable 2x markup (Gary Farrell Pinot Noir and Perrier Jouet bubbly for example). But one shouldn't have to buy a $60+ bottle to be treated fairly. I will get a beer next time. If they fix the wine pricing, this becomes a 5 star restaurant.
(3)Kyra L.
This place is amazing. It's right off the main drag of old towne. It's a small restaurant that has both indoor and outdoor seating. The service is wonderful and the food is phenomenal. We tried the duck, octopus, asparagus and scallops! It was all amazing. The portions are perfect size and for desert we had the rocky road flourless. Which is so chocolatey and delicious! I will be back for sure to try something completely different. I must try everything on their menu!
(5)Jim G.
We eat at many wonderful places for work dinners in several cities but this was bar none, the best experience and meal we have had. Courtney guided us through an incredible evening of the finest of everything. Looking forward to returning on my next trip out.
(5)Vernie E.
This was an exceptional dining experience. The service and food were both top quality, this was one of the best meals I've ever experienced. We started with the grilled asparagus, then followed with the butternut squash gnocchi, next was the smoked duck, and finished with two deserts, the butterscotch and the sticky pudding. The gnocchi was a must try, delicate pillows of delightfulness, surrounded with a gorgonzola cream sauce, topped with walnuts, pears and prosciutto. The duck was cooked to perfection, we ordered medium as opposed to the recommended medium rare and it was delicious. My first time here, I can't believe I've lived in the area for several years and not been to Virtu before. I will be back, likely on my way to becoming a regular.
(5)Priya V.
My husband and I decided to check out the new kid in town that has been getting so much of attention on media, excitement from our friends and a nod from James Beard. We got there early and were blown away by the pretty courtyard with lovely lanterns and pleasing plants all over. We sat at the bar waiting for our table and had the most interesting conversation about bitters and how to make them from scratch with Dante- a charming bartender. I had their version of the old fashioned and hubby tried their Moroccan mojito. Both were just out of this world! After we were seated outside in the pretty courtyard, we decided to challenge the chef by sending word that we were vegetarians and we liked spicy food. Again, we were blown away. The burrata and spring salad had a major kick to it. And our main course- couscous and roasted vegetables bursting with flavors and textures left us quiet and in a trance for the rest of the dinner. We are certainly coming back. Can't wait to exchange secret ingredient notes with Dante and challenge the talented chef all over again.
(5)Anthony P.
Served me an extremely undercooked steak. You can even see the fat is still completely raw. Very disappointing.
(1)Melissa H.
For some reason I'm in the neighborhood often and it took me this long to finally give it a try. Some of the most well executed food I've had in a while. Cocktails are refreshing and the food is well executed. It's a little bit of a cross between Lons at Hermosa with Crudo. Adorable patio dining (not a huge place so not great for a work HH,) but romantic and a nice change of pace from the rest of the south Scottsdale scene. Service is impeccable. Attentive without being obtrusive. A must try and a welcome entry into the food scene.
(5)Allen W.
I don't get what Howard Seitfel sees in this place. It was fine, but below other restaurants in the valley that aspire to this level. My co-worker found the grilled octopus to be disappointing and below Talavera's (given his extensive time in Portugal I'm inclined to trust his judgment). My fish meal was not noticably better than Wildfish or Olive + Ivy. Ambience is strange, sandwiched in a motel's courtyard. Service was indifferent and the meal dragged. Maybe that negatively influenced my view.... Relatedly, who is this Esquire critic? CPH wasn't that great either...
(3)K T.
NOT a CHAIN RESTAURANT!!! Amazing Unique Food! Stellar Service! Fabulous Bar & Wine Service. Try the Grilled Asparagus with Candied Bacon! Delish! We also ordered the Grilled Octopus with Chick Peas and Lemon which has a unique layer of flavors and brightness. We tried the Squid Ink Pasta and Seared Scallops and couldnt believe the flavors that the charming and polite Chef Gio can incorporate into these marvelous dishes! Afterwards we tried every single dessert on the menu, courtesy of Chef Gio. (Not sure how we got so lucky that night!!) I honestly couldnt choose a favorite because they were all so delicious! They were definitely worth the calories! The cremes and cakes and ice creams were probably the best I have ever tasted in any of my travels. Would I go back? In a heartbeat! This is hands down the best restaurant in the state!
(5)Veronika P.
Me and my husband came here on a Monday night and couldn't believe the place was full. We had reservations but chose to sit outside, the waitress brought out a blanked for me just in case I got cold. Let me begin by letting you know they have a very nice selection of wines by the glass! We enjoyed our appetizer very much, we had the asparagus with the poached egg, candied bacon and it was amazing. My husband had the burrata salad that was very delicious. Main entrees didn't disappoint either, I had the duck breast with Moroccan spices chickpeas and eggplant and my husband had the pork chop with blue cheese and fig demi. The only complaint my husband had was that he wished there was more glaze :) We will definitely come back soon!
(5)keith w.
Perfect place for date night on the patio. Food was delicious especially the Barratta and the Lamb. Our server, Emily, made it a particularly amazing experience. Good food is ubiquitous but we find great service rare in Arizona. I hope the owners recognize the value she brings to their venue. We will definitely return and we will certainly request her section.
(4)Stacie M.
Terrible service right from the moment we entered. The hostess was rude, didn't smile, snapped at me when I didn't walk the direction she was wanting me to go. I was ahead of her in a very tight space. The water that was on the table tasted terrible. If you live in AZ you are more then aware of how terrible our tap water is. I asked the waitress if it was filtered. She said it was, I told her it tasted awful. She said the only other water they had was sparkling. I told her I don't care for sparkling water. Her response was rude, she threw her hands up and said well that's the only thing they have and walked away. While taking my friends drink order she cracked her knuckles. Not very classy for a nice restaurant. We sat for 15 minutes didn't see her again or receive our drinks. Would have liked to have tasted the food but we were so upset about the terrible service we got up and left. Instead we took our business to another restaurant in Scottsdale. An upscale restaurant should be a total experience, they can't just count on the food to keep people returning, service is very important. I won't be giving this place another try.
(1)roxanne l.
I wouldn't go again because: Flies- Flies everywhere and landed on food throughout meal (I counted 9 that I could see in our section). When I asked for them to do something they said it's because there's an olive tree outside. Regardless of landscaping outside I don't like it to effect my indoor dining. Service- waitress (Ana) wasn't pleasant and had a minor attitude when I asked questions about bringing our apps out (I saw them on the counter for 10 mins before asking her about it). Waitress slightly over poured my wine at the bar and she poured it back in the bottle before serving to me. Food: 1 star: duck confit bennie- duck was super dry 2 star: classic crepe- huge portion but crepe was thicker than typical "French crepe" 3 star: pork rillete- pork itself was tasty w pickled sides but bread was burnt 3 star: burrata; well served w salad 5 star: cup of fresh fruit drizzled w honey (came w bennie and not something you cook) Price: standard prices compared to San Francisco brunch; not sure how to compare to Phoenix pricing
(1)Josi C.
We have eaten at VIrtu several times. The food is excellent. This week it was for dinner, we had the grilled octopus, pasta and bruschetta with fresh mozzarella. All simply wonderful. The service was terrific. The wine list is a bit limited - and very expensive.
(4)Ann A.
Amazing bruch with the best octopus I have ever had. Not your standard brunch choice, of course, but just fabulous. The waiter was very knowledgable about the food, and very friendly. This was Friday morning and we didn't need the reservation we had, but the waiter said it was always a good idea to get one because you never know. Beautiful patio, very comfortable and refreshing.
(5)Robin H.
We ate here for Restaurant Week and am so happy we selected Virtu! Everything about the restaurant was great! It's a small restaurant and the best part is the amazing patio seating. If the weather permits you HAVE to sit outside! We had the prosciutto wrapped pork chop & grilled flat iron. Typically when we think of flat iron steak as a thin, flank steak but this was a thick, perfectly cooked steak. The affogato for dessert was the best dessert I've ever had! The food and ambiance were great but the best part of the meal was our server, George. I'm not sure if we've ever had a server as great as he was. I look forward to eating here again!
(5)Molly R.
Ate here for the 2nd time last night. The specials for AZ Restaurant Week were out of this world. Don't miss out on: - Cocktails. House made mixers and syrups. Talented bartenders. - Burrata. Outstanding. - Squash Ravioli with Goat Cheese. Dear baby Jesus I hope they add this to the menu permanently!! - Squash blossom appetizer The place is off the charts cozy and the patio is lovely. Great wait staff and just all-around great place to enjoy a lovely meal.
(5)Matt N.
We went because I'd heard good things about the cocktails. Although both the venue and the menu are much smaller than the other well-reputed cocktail bars in the valley (Crudo, Bitter & Twisted, etc) the quality is absolutely on par with those bars. A guy named Max took care of us, and rather than order off of the menu he made us multiple rounds of drinks of his own creation based on our likes and dislikes. He was spot on every time and was great company as well. We shared a few items off of the food menu, the best of which was the asparagus with duck egg. The kitchen was visible, which I always like.
(5)Joshua W.
Came here for brunch and it was astonishing! Their menu contains items you probably won't see anywhere else. Their eggs benidict comes with a unique twist and the Nutella crepe-- absolutely delicious
(5)Cliff S.
Very cool restaurant from start to finish. I went for my anniversary, drank and ate too much, and I am already looking forward to my next birthday/anniversary/special occasion to go back! I started off with a cocktail and moved into a red wine as the food started to arrive. It is evident that the menu is well thought out and is deliberately crafted to eliminate indecision while offering a wide array of choices. The plates come out as works of art that taste as good as they look. I started with the truffled steak tartare and my wife with the burrata. Truffle was not overwhelming but present, followed by the mushroom cream sauce laced with capers and finished with the delicious tartare. A must for those considering a steak tartare! The burrata also amazing, individual ingredients are amazng but when combined, watch out, outrageous. After finishing appetizers came time for entrees, I the squid ink linguine and my wife the duck breast. These were both well crafted and cooked to perfection all around. Duck was well matched by the kale and tabouleh. The linguine, perfection for those who would appreciate a squid ink linguine, deep flavor throughout, lightened up by fresh cherry tomatoes and white wine sauce. The dish also includes a grilled octopus which was a plus as I did not opt for the octopus appetizer, despite wanting to, and a very tasty linguica sausage. (America would be a better place with a little more linguica)... Finished with a PB&J desert which was over the top, too much to eat in one sitting and as a result I am very much so looking forward to an excellent lunch as well!! We took or time and felt very welcome for the duration. More places need to be like Virtu.
(5)Hilary L.
One of the best restaurants in Scottsdale! They always change the menu up and have the perfect pairings.
(5)carol P.
This is the new place to go for happy hour! The mixologist knows what he is doing and the chef is really creating some lovely food. The happy hour is pretty special-there's a number of small plates priced from $4-6.00 and several dollars off of some great cocktails and wine. We had the roasted peppers ( WOW) , the ricotta salata and the tortilla( Spanish style). The tempura white anchovies were fabulous. Later we stayed for dinner and had the octopus salad and arugula and berries salad. Each dish was prepared with the highest quality ingredients. We had a vegetarian in the group and they prepared a beautiful pasta for her since there's not a lot of vegetarian options for entrees. It's a small intimate place inside the Bespoke Inn-which I definitely want to check into-it looks very special. I'm looking forward to going back!
(5)Anne L.
I was not impressed with the restaurant or the staff. The atmosphere, service, and food quality really does not demand the price they are charging. Drinks are really overpriced as well. The runner got confused with our orders and yelled at me for confusing the waiter and "handing " the plate to the correct person at our table. The Lamb was delicious. That was the most noteable portion of the evening.
(2)K. S.
The layers of flavor and texture here are exquisite. Someone who gets all of the subtleties of food and delights in entertaining your senses is in charge of the menu. Barrata, branzino and berries with lemon cream. Don't miss it. Drink magicians, the Ice Queen, have it. The only great octopus ever prepared.
(5)C H.
A friend took me today for a Birthday lunch. It was a great choice! The atmosphere was comfortable, the staff was very friendly, and the food was spot on :) I can't want to go back and try the dinner menu. Although everything we tried today rocked ..leaving room for the chocolate bite dessert was well worth it! I'll be recommending this place to all my friends for sure. UPDATE: Today I went back for my third visit. They were serving a brunch menu that was out of this world. I love that the menu is so dynamic ...and that they've left a couple of favorites like the Starter Kit cocktail on the menu as a terrific way to begin any meal. I can't wait for my next visit!
(5)Iris F.
This is one of the BEST restaurants in town! The food is outstanding. I grew up in France and know a little bit about food...Italian chef and owner Gio Osso is truly talented and understands exactly how a gourmet experience is executed. Brought friends and family, always a success. Squid ink linguine to die for...
(5)Dan H.
What an amazing night! Myself and my wife celebrated our 1 year anniversary here and what a great choice. My wife loves a new menu experience and Virtu has that plus amazing drinks. Great BandB and awesome ambience.
(5)Kate S.
I like that this place isn't too stuffy or take themselves too seriously. I enjoyed our cocktails, great wine list by the glass, and excellent seafood. Dessert was tasty too, but for a key lime type dessert (served in a cute little glass jar), but it was too warm and the texture was a bit slimy. All things considered, I would revisit next time I'm in town and would recommend to others.
(4)E M.
I really wanted to like this place more. There were many positives and yet also some negatives that brought the experience down. Overall, the food was very good and unique. I felt the portions could be bigger for what they gave you. People in our party ordered the scallops and they said they were terrific but they only got 3 scallops (for $28) and finished their meal hungry. I got the pork chop which was a better-sized portion and also tasted good, but there was a fair amount of fat on the cut. As others have mentioned on here, the service speed wasn't the best. Sometimes it was prompt, other times it was slow. The major issue I had was after we ordered beer and wine mid-meal as it took over 15 minutes to receive. Our server kept on saying they were coming. When I approached the bar to speak with the manager to find out what the issue was, the bartender told me she was the manager in a condescending tone (unprovoked), and when I mentioned that we had been waiting a while, she pointed to the drinks at the bar and said "they're right here". No apology, no "sorry, we're busy", but I calmly asked asked a question and for whatever reason her response was in a unprofessional, unapologetic tone. To the server's credit, he took the blame and apologized. He also comp'ed us that round. It was just unfortunate to have that experience with the manager and the service delays as it soured what could have been a very good dining experience.
(3)Kaitlyn M.
I said I'd never, ever in a million years go back to Arizona, until Virtu. And, still, I'd only go back to dine and dash from the state as quickly as possible. Anyway, Virtu is incredible. We happened to stumble upon it during restaurant week. We ordered 2 of everything on the menu, and there wasn't one dish I wouldn't order again. It has a farm to table vibe; small, lite, quaint, and classy. We each ordered a crafted cocktail - I had the Ice Queen, which was great. Fruity. There was a Moscow Mule-esque drink that was fantastic. I think that my favorite dishes were the honey beets, there was a fish entree that was incredible, and the brandzino (unnnnnnnnnreal). I almost ready to book a flight back right now...
(5)Monica F.
Food is beautifully prepared and wonderfully delicious. Charming, intimate spot.
(5)Arlen K.
An amazing meal. I started off with asparagus, topped with an egg, candied bacon, feta cheese, hollandaise sauce and truffle oil. It was de-lic-i-ous! My husband had grilled octopus with a chili sauce- he said the 'pus was tender and tasty. I then had the squid ink pasta with octopus - yum! And my husband had the Bronzino; he said the skin was crispy while the fish was still soft and tender. Dessert was a dual creme brûlée: one white choc and one semi-sweet choc with three choc truffles and salted caramel. Are you drooling yet? The service was friendly and efficient. The meal was well paced. Highly recommended.
(5)Breanna D.
Just had our first visit to this hidden gem! Everything was absolutely perfect, the asparagus appetizer with the egg on top, scallops over gnocchi and the panna cotta were to die for! I felt like we were on a vacation, the atmosphere was simply stunning, we sat outside under a tree and enjoyed every moment of our meal. We will all be coming back for sure!
(5)M. P C.
Delicious food that is only surpassed by the amazing cocktails. I appreciate a restaurant with a smaller menu -- I rather have them do a few things really well than try and do a lot of things ok. Between everyone in our group we tried just about everything on the menu and there were no complaints only compliments. It's a bit hard to find, but you will be impressed once you do.
(5)Armando S.
Had business brunch today. The Tortilla Espanola was just like Mom used to make. My guest had the sliced duck sandwich. Looked great (I'm sure it tasted just as good. Didn't think it was good idea to ask for a bite. Service was great. Must come back for dinner and try some great Spanish dishes. Kudos to Chef Gio and his staff. Much success going forward.
(5)Sharon W.
Had the pleasure of eating at Virtu last Saturday night. The food was beautifully presented and was delicious. We were a group of 7 so we sat outside at the community table. We each tried different dishes and everyone loved them-Duck, Scallops, Flat Iron Steak and Halibut. We made room for desserts which were also great. I'd recommend it!
(4)Francesca H.
Really nice staff and super delicious food. Needed breakfast to go before they opened, didn't know and walked in, they took my order. Best toast and fruit! This isn't your mommas toast!! Well maybe your mommas but not mine... Wonder bread anyone? Def not! Someone tell me what they do to their raspberries because raspberries I buy never taste like that. Really appreciated the service and the coffee was freshly ground from an espresso machine. Menu looks killer. Will be back for dinner and a bottle of wine soon!!! Interior decor is clean, simple and elegant.
(5)Doug B.
The food at Virtu is very good and the location is comfortable. The menu is short - about a half dozen starters and entrees, and 3 desserts. We tried the grilled octopus starter, the squid ink linguine with octopus and the smoked duck. All were excellent - not quite GREAT. The dessert and cocktail put us into the great category - with a grappa and grape cocktail on the front side, and a mascarpone ice cream with balsamic red figs to finish. Things developed slowly through the evening - any slower it would have been an issue. Our waitress was wonderful - the cherry on top of a wonderful and nearly great dinner. Highly recommended.
(5)