When it comes to cuisine, renowned restaurateurs Björn Kock and brothers Mitchell and Steven Rosenthal had me at Mediterranean. But their latest concept, arboleda in the Scottsdale Quarter, takes the Mediterranean concept and elevates it to a new level.
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“Our goal is to serve fresh, product-focused food and new experiences to our diners,” says Mitchell Rosenthal. “While Mediterranean coastal flavors are the foundation at arboleda, the menu borrows from an array of flavor profiles making each bite an unexpected and delightful surprise.”
Arboleda captivates diners with a culinary experience that marries innovation and tradition flawlessly. With a menu inspired by seasonal, locally and globally sourced ingredients, each dish is a masterpiece of flavors and textures. The chef’s meticulous craftsmanship shines through in every plate, showcasing both creative flair and respect for classic techniques, while adding a modern twist. The inviting ambiance, marked by elegant design and warm hospitality, complements the exceptional cuisine.
“Arboleda means grove of trees in Spanish,” Kock says. “We wanted the space to have that organic feel and sense of space; playful but beautifully refined. We want people to be engrossed in the whole experience, not just what is on their plate.”
The menu nods to traditional dishes of the Mediterranean, where dining is truly a way of life. A few of the exceptional menu items guests can expect to find include a whipped foie gras cone, charred Portuguese octopus, butternut squash ravioli and the 32-ounce Flannery 28-day aged ribeye “el Jorge.”
Diners will also see some potentially unfamiliar dishes like a red royal shrimp dish called gambas píl píl or iberico pork “pluma,” a dish made using the end loin on the Iberico pig, which many consider the wagyu of pork. Familiar or not, each dish is made with ingredients sourced from Arizona farms and producers.
The cocktail menu includes refreshing specialty drinks, including Sueño made with Niepoort’s White Port, Malfy Rosa Gin, Juniper Berries, and Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic. Other standout cocktails include Palomita Latina, Up-Beet, Sure Thing, and more! The wine list harmoniously correlates with the culinary offerings. It features wines from all around the Mediterranean as well as South America and California. The list showcases the perfect balance between familiar names and unique hidden gems. With the additional almost 30 selections by-the-glass, you are sure to find something pleasing to fit your palate.
The space was designed by Mark Zeff, who felt that it was important to have an organic open concept that carries an elegant charm and warmth. Guests will enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the patio, a deep gray barrel-vaulted ceiling, and an 14-foot olive tree as a centerpiece. The seamless transition and interplay between the indoor and outdoor spaces gives arboleda an air of lightness that transports the guests to dining at the coast of Spain or Latin America.
As an added treat, arboleda offers happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-5 p.m., which includes cocktails, beer, wine and small bites at discounted prices.
Don’t miss this Mediterranean masterpiece.
