When asking yourself about something to do near me in Scottsdale with a group of friends or family, consider
Marketplace Cafe
Why Marketplace Cafe is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Marketplace Cafe offers a delightful venue for friends to meet and enjoy a casual, comfortable dining experience. Known for its variety of fresh sandwiches, hand-tossed salads, and oven-baked flatbread pizzas, the cafe emphasizes quality and locally sourced ingredients that appeal to a broad palate. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, the atmosphere invites conversation and relaxation. With a menu that also features handcrafted soups and specialty cakes, Marketplace Cafe provides options that cater to both savory and sweet cravings. The café's welcoming environment makes it an excellent choice for casual meetups, whether catching up over coffee or sharing a meal.
Here's what people think of Marketplace Cafe
As of recent, Marketplace Cafe holds a 4.3-star rating based on 79 reviews.
Customer reviews for Marketplace Cafe highlight the quality and freshness of the food, with many praising the handcrafted soups and sandwiches. Positive feedback often mentions the friendly service and the relaxing ambiance, which make it an enjoyable place to dine with friends. Some guests appreciate the variety of menu options and the use of locally sourced ingredients. On the other hand, a portion of the reviews points to occasional inconsistencies in service speed and seating availability during busy hours, which can affect the overall experience. Despite these minor drawbacks, most reviewers conclude that Marketplace Cafe remains a favored destination for those seeking a pleasant dining spot with good food and a friendly atmosphere.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
J M (Texas Foodie)
The dining experience is something out of the 1990s. This place is in need of a major renovation. Unlike other Nordstrom restaurants I've been to this is limited service. You order at a counter and they bring the food. The tables are completely bare of condiments. So if your iced tea is refilled you must get up from your table to get sweetener. For the price, the food is simply not worth it. I got the mushroom ravioli that was ok but borderline over cooked. It filled me up but that was it 😕. NM cafe in Neiman Marcus is superior to this place.
Karen Nielsen
We always have an enjoyable meal when we eat here. They Coke is always delicious. Today we shared a Ginger Sesame Salad with chicken and a French Dip. The chips that come with the French Dip have a great seasoning and they come in this cute little bag. I always get the lemon ricotta cookie. It is awesome!
Kelley
Great lunch spot! Met a friend, had the oriental salad after they were out of the spinach dip. Salad was fresh, mixed greens. Server was fantastic, attentive and polite. It is a fast service so atmosphere is fast casual.
Susan Postle-Realtor
I love Nordstrom's Cafe.the service is always impeccable and the food is freshly made with quality product. The Cafe decor is looking a bit dated and they no longer do service from the line out front but it didn't diminish my great experience. Salmon nicoise salad and the shrimp and corn salad with polenta croutons-both delish
Rick Gonzalez
Having visited Nordstrom’s Marketplace Café multiple times over the years here at the Nordstrom Scottsdale Fashion Square and many, many times at their East Coast locations, I have never been dismayed at the quality, value, service and tastes offered. Especially at our last visit which included savoring one of my fave sammiches of all time – the French Dip (a close second to an Original Cuban Sammich). That’s not to say, everything else we’ve tried at this location was either excellent, or really darn close to it. The dishes served at Nordstrom’s Café may be considered by many as an afterthought to accommodate store customers, but in reality their food is more than above average. In many ways comparable, if not even better, than restaurants that either specialize in, or offer such similar delectables. Take for instance their Clam Chowder, or their Tomato Basil Soup… both of which are better than, or maybe even surpassing the taste and quality of many a restaurant in the Valley. Ordering any of these two soups you’ll never go wrong. Not only great, but consistently good. I have found very few places locally that can or will do better. When it comes to sandwich quality, ingredients and taste for a moderate or light lunch while at the store or mall, they more than outperform many of the shopping center’s eat shops! Their Roasted Turkey & Avocado Club with excellent, juicy and tasty slices of turkey, perfectly crisped bacon, fresh lettuce and tomato, along with a peppercorn aioli put into their country bread is well above average – or just plain great. As I mentioned earlier as one of my fave sandwiches, their rendition of the French Dip with their tender and tasty medium rare Angus beef, a tangy moderately sharp white cheddar cheese, and a parmesan coated French baguette and some fab Ojus is terrific. Everything we’ve had there has been very, very good to exceptional. The offerings are well worth a stop. Our experiences with the likes of Artichoke & Spinach Dip, Spicy Shrimp Pomodoro and more are equally delectable. And the prices are actually moderate in comparison to anywhere in the mall. Lunch at the café is a terrific value with moderate prices. And the service is impeccable… as good if not better than many upscale restos nearby – kudos to the staff. That’s why we keep coming back.
How to reach Marketplace Cafe
None
Website: None
Why Marketplace Cafe may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Marketplace Cafe with your friends?
Gathering friends for a meetup is all about finding a spot that offers great food, a welcoming atmosphere, and space to enjoy each other’s company—and Marketplace Cafe delivers on all fronts. With a solid 4.3-star rating from 79 reviews, this cafe is celebrated for its relaxed ambiance and delicious, flavorful food options, making it an appealing choice for groups seeking a quality dining experience. Nestled within the Nordstrom store at King of Prussia Mall, Marketplace Cafe allows for an easy combination of shopping and dining, which is ideal if your group wants to make an outing of both. The menu features a variety of crowd-pleasing items like personal pizzas, fresh salads, and tasty sandwiches, all expertly prepared and presented. Their pizza, especially the Margherita, is frequently praised for being thin and crispy, perfectly balancing simplicity and flavor. The setting feels comfortable yet a bit upscale, making it a great place to catch up with friends or enjoy a family gathering without the noise and chaos that often accompany food courts. Moreover, the cafe offers attentive service, enhancing the overall experience and helping your meetup feel special and well cared for. Whether you want a casual lunch or a light dinner, Marketplace Cafe invites you to relax, indulge, and enjoy great company in a cozy yet stylish environment.
What activities can you enjoy at Marketplace Cafe during a group meetup?
Beyond enjoying sit-down dining together, Marketplace Cafe provides a range of activities that can enhance your group gathering. First and foremost, the food itself becomes an activity—sharing their variety of flavorful dishes like the fresh Chinese chicken salad or personal-sized pizzas turns mealtime into a communal event where friends can try different items and discuss flavors. Because the cafe is located in the Nordstrom store, shoppers in your group can easily combine dining with retail therapy, cycling between browsing the latest fashion trends and regrouping for a meal or coffee break. This combination makes for a relaxed day where everyone’s interests are catered to without having to stray far. The cafe also offers a quiet and comfortable ambiance, perfect for deep conversations or casual catch-ups without the usual mall hustle. For families with children, the menu includes smaller portions like grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup, which are affordable and kid-friendly, allowing parents to relax while kids enjoy their meals. Finally, the cafe’s close proximity to other Nordstrom offerings, such as the Espresso Bar and Purveyors of Sweetness, means your group can extend the meetup with coffee or dessert, rounding out the gathering with a sweet finish. This versatility makes Marketplace Cafe ideal for groups looking to spend quality time in a convenient, varied setting.
Why is Marketplace Cafe the perfect place for a group meetup?
Marketplace Cafe shines as a meetup spot because it strikes the right balance between accessibility, atmosphere, and menu variety. Located in a popular shopping destination, it’s easy for everyone in the group to get to, with convenient parking and the option to shop before or after dining. The ambiance is another critical factor—the cafe offers a relaxed yet stylish environment that’s cozy enough for intimate conversations but spacious and well-organized to accommodate groups comfortably. Unlike noisy food courts, this setting encourages guests to linger and enjoy each other’s company without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The menu appeals to a broad range of tastes and dietary preferences, featuring fresh salads, artisanal pizzas, and sandwiches made with high-quality ingredients. This diversity means that from vegetarians to meat lovers, everyone can find something they’ll enjoy. The attentive and courteous service adds a personal touch that often gets noticed and appreciated during group outings, making guests feel valued. Lastly, the pricing, while slightly upscale, remains reasonable given the quality, making it a great option for special occasions or casual catch-ups without breaking the bank. These elements combine to make Marketplace Cafe a dependable, enjoyable venue for any group meetup.
How does the food and menu enhance the group experience at Marketplace Cafe?
Food at Marketplace Cafe is more than just nutrition; it’s a centerpiece that brings groups together. The carefully curated menu offers a variety of options that encourage sharing and trying new flavors with friends or family. Their acclaimed personal pizzas, like the perfectly cooked Margherita pizza, offer an individual but shareable delight, crunchy thin crusts that balance well with fresh toppings. The salads, particularly the Chinese chicken salad with crisp greens and sweet peppers, provide refreshing and light choices that complement richer offerings, enabling balanced meals that suit many palates in your group. The soups and desserts are also praised for their quality and flavor, providing strong finishers to your meals. Their ambiance and serving pace let group members enjoy their food without feeling rushed, encouraging relaxed socializing and even the opportunity to order multiple courses. Moreover, accommodating kids with a dedicated menu section further ensures all ages are catered to, making it easier for families to dine comfortably. Altogether, these menu features not only satisfy various tastes but actively encourage engagement and enjoyment among group members, enriching the overall meetup atmosphere.
What makes the service at Marketplace Cafe special for group visits?
One of the standout features of Marketplace Cafe that contributes to its appeal for group meetups is its attentive and friendly service. Reviews often mention the courteous, prompt staff who add to the pleasurable dining experience by being responsive and accommodating. Whether accommodating specific dietary needs or managing orders for a larger group, the staff’s professionalism ensures smooth and timely service so that the flow of the meetup isn’t disrupted by long waits or confusion. Personalized touches from servers, like remembering repeat customers or recommending dishes, help create a welcoming atmosphere where guests feel catered to. This level of service is especially important for group gatherings because it helps keep the mood light and stress-free, allowing everyone to focus on enjoying each other’s company rather than worrying about logistics. The team’s ability to balance efficiency and warmth makes Marketplace Cafe not just a place to eat but a location where groups can relax and feel truly looked after throughout their visit.
How is the ambiance at Marketplace Cafe conducive to socializing?
The ambiance at Marketplace Cafe plays a vital role in making it a desirable spot for friend and family meetups. The cafe features a quiet, relaxed atmosphere that contrasts with the busier areas of the King of Prussia Mall, giving groups a welcome retreat from the shopping crowds. The décor and layout are designed to create an inviting environment where conversations can flow naturally without raising voices. Lighting is soft but sufficient, enhancing the comforting feel that encourages guests to linger and enjoy the time spent together. Comfortable seating arrangements accommodate small and medium-sized groups, allowing flexibility whether you meet for an intimate lunch or a larger gathering. The background music and general noise levels are carefully moderated, maintaining a balance that keeps the space lively but not overwhelming. This pleasant atmosphere invites guests to take their time, catch up, and truly connect, which is essential for worthwhile social meetups.
What are the additional perks of hosting your meetup at Marketplace Cafe?
Hosting your meetup at Marketplace Cafe also comes with several perks that add value to your gathering. Because the cafe is situated inside Nordstrom, it offers a unique combination of retail therapy and dining convenience, meaning your group can shop before or after your meal without hassle. This makes it easy to extend your outing and provides plenty of options for varying interests within your group. The cafe's location within a well-known mall also means ample parking and easy access by public transport, reducing stress related to logistics. Many reviewers appreciate that the food quality and service justify the slightly higher prices, making the experience feel special without being extravagant. The ability to enjoy fresh pastries, coffee, and desserts on site or take them to go also adds to the versatility of gatherings. Occasionally, special deals or seasonal menus can provide new reasons to return with friends or family. All these conveniences combine to make Marketplace Cafe not just a meal stop but a well-rounded destination for a fun, engaging, and memorable meetup.