Sunlight filters through olive trees while the canal shimmers beside your table. Olive & Ivy in Old Town Scottsdale nails that breezy Mediterranean vibe, then turns brunch into a full-on celebration.
Expect shareable bites, bubbles, and a soundtrack of lively conversation that makes lingering feel natural. If you love beautiful patios, seasonal flavors, and a scene that still feels relaxed, this spot belongs on your weekend list.
The Patio Experience Along The Canal
You settle into a cushioned chair, and the canal glows like polished glass. Olive trees give gentle shade while string lights hint at a long, easy afternoon.
The vibe is relaxed but social, the kind of setting that makes a second round feel inevitable.
Servers move with calm precision, refilling water and sliding plates across sunlit tables. Misters and heaters dial in comfort so patio season practically lasts year-round.
When a breeze drifts off the waterfront, you understand why locals swear by the outdoor seats.
It is equal parts Scottsdale energy and Mediterranean escape. You can watch shoppers and joggers pass, yet your table feels like a private cove.
Order something crisp and herbal, then linger as conversation stretches luxuriously. The patio sets the tone for everything that follows.
Brunch Is A Whole Event
Brunch here is not a quick bite, it is your main plan. The table fills with colorful plates and clinking flutes, and time slows just enough for one more story.
You will see bachelorette sashes, birthday candles, and friends catching up like they never left.
Order the avocado toast with crisp potatoes, then add a latte with non-dairy milk if that is your thing. Vegan options are easy to navigate, including a veggie scramble hold the eggs and shareable sprouts.
Everything feels fresh, bright, and meant for passing.
Service shifts into celebration mode without missing a beat. Staff will time dishes well for groups, and someone always knows the best cocktail tweak.
When you finally stand up, Old Town is right there for a playful stroll. That is how a brunch becomes a memory.
Signature Starters To Share
Start with bruschetta and you set the tone. The strawberry and goat cheese version layers sweet and tangy on toasted crunch, while classic toppings keep things familiar.
One board becomes two, then disappears under a chorus of happy nods.
Bacon-wrapped dates are little crowd-pleasers, glossy and savory-sweet. Lamb meatballs arrive tender, napped in sauce that begs for bread.
Even skeptics join the table-wide reach when aromas hit the air.
These plates are designed for conversation. They arrive quickly, keep the energy moving, and pair with almost anything you sip.
Consider a crisp white or a low-proof spritz to let the flavors shine. Sharing here is not strategy, it is culture.
Flatbreads With A Cult Following
Flatbreads at Olive & Ivy have a devoted fan base for good reason. The crust is thin, blistered, and balanced so toppings do the talking.
You taste restraint and confidence in every bite.
Try the piccante if you like a gentle kick. Or slide into white truffle prosciutto for a luxe, aromatic drift.
Seasoning is dialed perfectly, never a salt bomb, which keeps you reaching for another square.
They pair naturally with spritzes, light beers, and conversation you will not want to end. Order for the table, then add one more when everyone “just tries” a slice and falls in love.
Here, flatbread is not filler, it is a headline.
Pasta, Ravioli, And Comfort Classics
When you want comfort, the pasta section delivers. Veal and spinach ravioli arrives plush and delicate, a soft landing after a long day.
Lasagna bolognese leans rich and satisfying without feeling heavy.
Textures matter here. Sauces cling rather than pool, and the balance stays on flavor instead of flash.
You will notice small details like heat, salt, and acidity lined up in harmony.
Ask your server for a pairing that suits your mood. A medium-bodied red or a round, orchard-fruited white can lift every forkful.
If you came for the patio, you may stay for the noodles. That is the kind of plot twist you welcome.
Seafood Favorites And Bright Salads
Seafood shows up fresh and focused. Steamed mussels win fans who come back the next day to reorder them.
Classic salmon Caesar keeps things crisp, clean, and just indulgent enough.
Salads here are not afterthoughts. Even a simple plate has that snappy, market-fresh vibe.
Citrus, herbs, and salty bites keep your palate awake between richer courses.
If you are playing the long game, pair seafood with a zesty white and leave room for dessert. The kitchen seems to understand restraint better than most.
You will taste it in the way every component earns its place.
Vegetarian And Vegan Wins
Plant-forward dining is easy here. Avocado toast with crispy potatoes hits the mark, and the kitchen will guide substitutions with confidence.
You can order a vegetable scramble without eggs and still feel like you got the best of brunch.
Brussels sprouts are a sleeper hit, crisped just right so edges turn caramelized. House bread with fresh pesto becomes its own appetizer moment.
It is approachable, not preachy, and perfect for mixed-diet groups.
Ask about seasonal specials and vegan-friendly swaps. Staff are informed and happy to help you navigate.
You leave satisfied, not sidelined, which is exactly how it should be when everyone shares a table.
Cocktails, Wine, And Happy Hour
The bar hums with that golden Scottsdale glow. You can slide onto a stool and watch the room sparkle while bartenders build citrusy, herb-forward drinks.
The fig and ginger mule plays sweet against spice, easy to sip and easy to order again.
Wine lists lean friendly and food-first, ideal for pastas and flatbreads. Happy hour draws a lively crowd without tipping chaotic.
If you are flavor-chasing, chat up the team for a custom riff.
It is a great stop before a canal stroll or a full dinner. The atmosphere alone makes a quick drink feel like a small occasion.
Come for one, stay for two, and let the evening decide the rest.
Service, Reservations, And Group-Friendly Vibes
Make a reservation, especially on weekends or when the weather is patio-perfect. The place fills up fast, and big groups flock here for bachelorettes and birthdays.
Staff manage the flow with calm, attentive energy that keeps the mood celebratory.
Servers handle allergies thoughtfully and guide through the menu like pros. Even when the dining room buzzes, waters refill and courses land on time.
The result is a relaxed meal that feels orchestrated, not rushed.
Noise can climb indoors, so choose the patio if you prefer a softer soundtrack. Either way, you are in good hands from hello to dessert.
It is hospitality you can feel, not just see.
Sweet Finishes And After-Dinner Strolls
Save room for dessert. The warm butterscotch cream cake is pure comfort, and cracking into creme brulee never gets old.
A short espresso seals the deal without taking center stage.
Afterward, the canal path invites an easy wander. Cross the waterfront bridge and window-shop the boutiques that line Old Town.
It is an effortless way to stretch the night and let conversation breathe.
With heaters glowing and string lights hovering, the patio feels cinematic. You step away feeling both recharged and spoiled.
That is Olive & Ivy’s magic trick, turning a meal into a mini getaway.