Ocotillo: Seasonal American fare in a cavernous space

Located in central Phoenix, this architecturally-exquisite restaurant focuses on contemporary American seasonal cuisine with a touch of local Arizona influence, bringing special attention to fresh, local and seasonal ingredients.

Ocotillo has a beautiful interior space and phenomenal park-like outdoor space with plenty of seating. Walt Sterling, Executive Chef, is proud of the vibrant energy created in the restaurant. Diners can sit outside to enjoy the Arizona environment. 

The menu is vegetable forward (veggie dishes get their own section on the menu) and boasts inventive dishes created by Sterling.

“We have a fairly forward menu, and it changes all the time,” Sterling said. “We definitely focus on seasonality and on special diets.” The restaurant is also open for brunch on the weekends.

“Check, Please! Arizona” guest Michelle Smith orders the mesquite grilled ocotillo chicken. “It’s very flavorful, needless to say, and is seasoned very well,” Smith said. “The side that I got with my chicken was the potato salad, which was phenomenal.”

Guest Andre Licardi and his wife recommend the mushroom quiche and the smoked brisket on polenta. Licardi sums up his review this way: “It was just absolutely terrific.”

To finish off a meal, Licardi recounts his favorite part of the Ocotillo: the dessert. “We went with the cinnamon brioche bun that had a maple pumpkin glaze over it with roasted pecans,” he said. “It was delicious.” 

Guest Marlaina Larsen-Thorslev describes the restaurant as “gorgeous and elegant,” a place where diners can enjoy the architecture and the food. “Walking in, it had a sort of a red carpet feel, because it is a long walkway, and you get to see all of the outdoor seating,” she said. 

If the food and the architecture aren’t enough, Ocotillo cocktails surely will be. Larsen-Thorslev recommends a Grap-arita, while Licardi and his wife suggest the mimosas. They describe the cocktails as “unique” and “delicious.”

All of our guests recommend it a great place for large gatherings and special occasions.