Tucked inside the Marriott Phoenix Resort at the Buttes in Tempe, Arizona, Market Cafe is one of those rare dining spots that makes you forget you’re in the middle of the desert. With a stunning indoor waterfall, sweeping lakeside views, and American comfort food served fresh every morning, this place has a lot going for it.
Whether you’re a hotel guest or a local looking for a memorable breakfast, Market Cafe delivers an experience that goes well beyond the plate. Read on to discover everything that makes this hidden gem worth a visit.
The Iconic Indoor Waterfall
Waterfalls inside a restaurant sound like something out of a dream, but at Market Cafe, it is completely real. Built right into the rocky landscape of the Buttes resort, the indoor waterfall is one of the most talked-about features of this Tempe gem.
Guests have described the experience as dining inside a natural wonder, with the gentle sound of flowing water creating a peaceful and relaxing mood.
The waterfall is not just decorative — it becomes part of the whole dining atmosphere, making every meal feel a little more special. One reviewer even specifically requested a table near it, calling it a highlight of the visit.
If you plan to sit near the waterfall, arrive early or call ahead to request that seating area. It fills up fast, especially on weekends when the crowd picks up significantly.
Breathtaking Panoramic Desert Views
Perched high on a rocky butte, Market Cafe offers some of the most jaw-dropping views you will find at any breakfast spot in Arizona. On a clear morning, you can see for miles across the desert, with the rugged landscape stretching out in every direction.
Multiple reviewers have called the views “amazing,” “beautiful,” and even said the scenery alone is worth the price of the meal.
The combination of rocky desert terrain and the shimmering lake below creates a visual contrast that feels almost cinematic. Whether you are sipping your morning coffee or working through a full breakfast buffet, the view keeps pulling your eyes back to the window.
Grab a seat near the glass walls for the best experience. Morning light hits the desert in a way that feels magical, especially during the earlier hours when the sun is still rising over the horizon.
The Weekend Breakfast Buffet
Few things beat a well-loaded breakfast buffet, and Market Cafe’s weekend spread has earned plenty of fans. Guests rave about the variety, which includes a hot bar with eggs, potatoes, meats, sausage and gravy, plus cold options like cereal, muffins, oatmeal, yogurt, and an impressive fruit selection.
One reviewer specifically loved that juice was included, noting that most buffets charge extra for it.
The buffet is priced at around $26 per person, which some guests feel is on the higher side. However, most agree that the combination of food, service, and scenery makes it a worthwhile splurge for a special morning out.
Weekends tend to draw bigger crowds, so plan to arrive close to opening time if you want a relaxed experience. The buffet runs until 2 PM, giving you a generous window to enjoy a leisurely morning meal.
The Lakeside Setting and Scenic Atmosphere
Sitting alongside the lake at the base of the Buttes resort, Market Cafe benefits from one of the most unique settings of any breakfast spot in the Phoenix metro area. The calm water reflects the surrounding rock formations and sky, giving the whole dining experience a resort-like quality that feels far removed from the busy city just minutes away.
Outdoor seating is available for those who want to feel the fresh Arizona air while they eat. One reviewer mentioned working outdoors on a perfect weather day and not wanting to leave, calling it one of the nicest times they had had in a long while.
The lakeside setting also adds a peaceful energy to the restaurant’s interior, with natural light filtering in beautifully throughout the morning hours. It is the kind of place that makes you slow down and actually enjoy your meal from start to finish.
American Comfort Food Done Right
Market Cafe keeps its menu refreshingly straightforward — and that is exactly the point. The focus is on classic American dishes made fresh and served in generous portions.
Think eggs cooked to order, hearty breakfast plates, and lunch staples that feel like home cooking without the fuss of doing it yourself.
One particularly charming review described a server named Josie who suggested adding more hot sauce to a poached egg dish — a small moment that turned into a lasting memory the guest called “Josie-Style.” That kind of personal touch is woven into the food culture here, where the staff genuinely care about your experience.
Nothing on the menu tries too hard to be trendy. Instead, the kitchen focuses on doing familiar things really well.
Fresh ingredients and honest cooking make even the simplest plate feel satisfying and worth every bite you take.
The Weekend Bloody Mary Bar
Brunch without a Bloody Mary bar? Not at Market Cafe.
On weekends, guests can enjoy a dedicated Bloody Mary station that has become one of the fun highlights of the dining experience. It adds a festive, celebratory energy to weekend mornings and pairs perfectly with the lakeside views and relaxed resort atmosphere.
Whether you like yours spicy, loaded with garnishes, or kept classic, the bar gives you control over your drink in a way that feels interactive and enjoyable. It is the kind of touch that elevates a simple breakfast outing into something that feels more like a special occasion.
Pair your Bloody Mary with one of the hot breakfast options from the buffet or order off the menu for the full experience. Weekend mornings here have a lively, social vibe that makes them feel distinctly different from the quieter weekday atmosphere.
Exceptional and Attentive Staff
Ask almost anyone who has visited Market Cafe what stood out most, and the staff will come up in nearly every answer. Servers like Josie, Hiba, and Karsten have been mentioned by name in multiple glowing reviews, praised for being attentive, warm, and genuinely invested in making guests feel welcome.
That level of personal service is rare and hard to fake.
One family shared how the staff accommodated a special wings platter request on a birthday visit, splitting it into half bone-in and half boneless without hesitation. Another guest mentioned having a cocktail converted into a mocktail on the spot, no questions asked.
Good service can turn an ordinary meal into a memorable one, and Market Cafe seems to understand that deeply. The team here does not just take orders — they pay attention, anticipate needs, and treat every guest like they genuinely matter.
Specialty Coffee That Delivers Bold Flavor
Coffee lovers, take note. While a few guests have mentioned that the standard house brew could use some improvement, the specialty coffee options at Market Cafe are a different story entirely.
One reviewer described the specialty coffee as “flavorful and bold,” exactly what you want to hear when you are trying to start your morning on the right foot.
Ordering a specialty drink here is worth the small upgrade in price. Whether it is a latte, cappuccino, or another crafted option, the quality difference is noticeable and appreciated, especially when paired with the restaurant’s stunning views and relaxed atmosphere.
Sipping a well-made coffee while watching the desert light shift over the buttes is genuinely one of life’s simple pleasures. If you are a coffee enthusiast visiting the Tempe area, this spot deserves a stop just for that morning cup alone.
A Venue Built Into Natural Rock
One of the most unique things about Market Cafe is the building itself. Situated inside the Marriott Phoenix Resort at the Buttes, the restaurant is literally built into the rocky desert landscape.
Natural rock formations appear throughout the dining spaces, and the architecture feels like a seamless blend of the man-made and the natural world around it.
A longtime reviewer described the setting as having “rock and waterfalls built into the dining spaces” alongside varied landscaping inside and out. That description captures perfectly what makes this venue feel unlike any other breakfast spot in the Phoenix area.
Even if you were not hungry, walking through this space would be worth it just for the visual experience. The design is thoughtful, dramatic, and rooted in the landscape of the Sonoran Desert in a way that feels both respectful and genuinely awe-inspiring to first-time visitors.
Convenient Hours for Morning and Midday Dining
Market Cafe runs on a schedule that works well for both early risers and late-morning diners. On weekdays, the kitchen opens at 6:30 AM and stays open until 2 PM, giving you a solid window to enjoy breakfast or an early lunch.
On weekends, doors open slightly later at 7 AM, still offering plenty of time to settle in for a relaxed morning meal.
The 2 PM closing time means you can take your time without feeling rushed. There is something genuinely refreshing about a restaurant that encourages you to linger over your food and soak in the surroundings rather than hurrying you out the door.
Planning a visit is simple — just call ahead at +1 602-225-9000 or check the Marriott website for any updates to the schedule. Arriving in the first hour after opening typically means shorter wait times and the best seating options available.
Great for Special Occasions and Celebrations
Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays — Market Cafe has proven itself to be a go-to spot for celebrating life’s special moments. One reviewer shared how the staff went above and beyond on her husband’s birthday, accommodating custom food requests and even converting a cocktail into a mocktail without being asked twice.
That kind of flexibility and thoughtfulness makes a real difference when you are trying to make a day feel extra meaningful.
Another guest wrote about visiting on Thanksgiving Day and receiving amazing service alongside great cocktails and gorgeous views. The staff seem to understand that people come here not just to eat, but to mark moments that matter.
If you are planning a celebration breakfast or brunch, calling ahead to let the team know is a smart move. They have shown time and again that they are happy to add a personal touch that elevates the occasion.
Outdoor Seating With Perfect Arizona Weather
Arizona is famous for its sunshine, and Market Cafe takes full advantage of it with outdoor seating that lets guests enjoy the natural surroundings in the open air. One reviewer sat outside to get some work done and ended up staying far longer than planned, calling it one of the most enjoyable afternoons they had experienced in a long time.
That says a lot about the energy of this outdoor space.
The patio setting is especially appealing during the cooler months from fall through spring, when Tempe’s weather is at its most pleasant. Morning temperatures are comfortable, the breeze off the lake adds a refreshing touch, and the desert views feel even more vivid when you are sitting right in the middle of them.
Whether you are there for a solo coffee break or a group brunch, the outdoor area adds a laid-back, resort-style feel that complements the restaurant’s overall character beautifully.
A High Rating That Speaks for Itself
With a 4.6-star rating based on 244 reviews, Market Cafe has built a strong reputation among both hotel guests and local visitors. That kind of consistent praise across hundreds of reviews does not happen by accident — it reflects a restaurant that shows up reliably in terms of food quality, service, and atmosphere over a long period of time.
The majority of reviews highlight the views, the staff, and the freshness of the food as the top reasons people return. Even guests who noted a few minor downsides, like the price point or occasional service hiccups, still described their overall experience positively and said they would come back.
A strong rating is essentially a crowd-sourced stamp of approval, and Market Cafe has earned it honestly. For anyone visiting the Tempe or Phoenix area and looking for a breakfast spot that consistently delivers, this one is a safe and satisfying bet.