Scottsdale Quarter's etta gets swanky revamp
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The spicy rigatoni packs a flavorful punch. Photo: Jessica Boehm/Axios
Scottsdale Quarter Italian restaurant etta has reopened with a fancier menu and a capital "S" Scottsdale vibe.
The big picture: The eatery closed last summer after just two years for a revamp under new ownership.
- "We think there's a real void in the north Scottsdale market for a more immersive and vibrant dining experience," George Martin, chief operating officer of ownership group RDM Hospitality, said at the time.
Zoom in: The ambiance now screams Scottsdale.
- The bar is covered in TVs for a snazzy sports-watching experience and the main dining room now has its own cocktail bar, an immersive audio system to highlight nightly DJ performances and a moodier feel.
- The pizza portion of the menu has been replaced with more expensive plates — think caviar service and oysters.
1 bummer change: I loved etta pre-makeover — especially its rosemary focaccia appetizer.
- I was happy to see focaccia still on the menu, but unfortunately, it's different — now covered in caramelized onions.
- It's still tasty – but the old option was better.
Yes, but: There's still a lot to love about the new menu.
Best bites: There are several new protein options — like Wagyu flat iron steak and Ora King salmon — but when given a pasta option, I'm going to take it every time.
- Flaming burrata: It arrived at the table looking like a plate of soap suds but revealed its heavenly goodness after the waiter lit it on fire.
- Spicy rigatoni: Pancetta, roasted tomatoes and Calabrian chili come together to bring heat and sweetness to this dish.
- Bucatini Pomodoro: The cherry tomatoes in the sauce make this dish (one of two vegetarian entree options) sing.
- Potato puree: These mashed potatoes have an incredible cheese-to-potato ratio.
The bottom line: The food at etta is still great, but I preferred the more relaxed vibe of the old version.
😅 Painful reality check: As a 31-year-old who lives in the suburbs, I may no longer be part of Scottsdale's key demographic.