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 chef Walter Sterling. “We have a fairly forward menu and it changes all the time,” said Sterling, “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 ordered the mesquite grilled Ocotillo chicken. “It’s very flavorful, needless to say, and is seasoned very well,” she said. “The sides that I got with my chicken was the potato salad which was phenomenal.”

Guest Andre Licardi and his wife tried the mushroom quiche and the smoked brisket on polenta. Andre summed up his review, “It was just absolutely terrific.”

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

Guest Marlaina Larsen-Thorslev described the restaurant as “gorgeous and elegant,” in which 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. Marlaina had a Grap-arita and Andre and his wife ordered mimosas. They described the cocktails as “unique” and “delicious.”

All of the guests suggested it was a great place for large gatherings and special occasions.