When asking yourself about something to do near me in Scottsdale with a group of friends or family, consider
The Mission Kierland
Why The Mission Kierland is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Mission Kierland is a standout Modern Latin restaurant located in the upscale Kierland Commons of Scottsdale, Arizona. It offers a unique culinary experience inspired by the diverse flavors of Spain, Mexico, Central and South America. Led by award-winning Chef Matt Carter, the restaurant showcases meats, seafood, and vegetables prepared over pecan and mesquite hardwoods, which impart a distinct, rich flavor profile. Beyond the exquisite food, The Mission Kierland impresses with its bright, open, and vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for friends to gather, whether for a casual lunch, lively brunch, or elegant dinner. The venue includes a sophisticated bar serving creative hand-pressed cocktails like cucumber jalapeño and avocado margaritas, alongside an extensive selection of tequilas, cervezas, and wines. The restaurant’s weekend events, such as the Sunday Pig-Out party featuring all-you-can-eat pork tacos and special drink pricing, add to its appeal as a social hub. With a commitment to detail, excellent service, and a menu that caters to diverse tastes, The Mission Kierland is a great meeting place for friends looking to enjoy flavorful food and a memorable shared experience in Scottsdale.
Here's what people think of The Mission Kierland
As of recent, The Mission Kierland holds a 4.3-star rating based on 854 reviews.
Guests consistently praise The Mission Kierland for its excellent food quality and exceptional service, which create a welcoming and refined dining experience. Positive reviews highlight the delicious, expertly prepared dishes with bold Latin flavors, often mentioning the innovative cooking techniques using hardwood grilling. Many diners appreciate the vibrant yet comfortable ambiance and the creative cocktails that complement their meals, particularly the unique margarita offerings. The restaurant’s lively weekend brunches and special events also receive commendations for making the outings fun and distinctive. However, some negative feedback centers around the higher price points, which a few patrons find steep for portion sizes, especially in the current economic context. There are occasional remarks about slower service during peak times, though these are in the minority. Overall, the reviews reflect a strong general satisfaction with the food, atmosphere, and experience, solidifying The Mission Kierland’s reputation as a top-tier Modern Latin restaurant in Scottsdale that delivers both quality and a great social dining environment.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Marinno Moreno
Best burger in the Valley. Chipotle chicken torta had rich flavors, Brussels sprouts were a crowd favorite topped with crispy bacon. Curtis our server was a pleasure and made our dining experience an excellent Easter brunch.
Meghan Saar
We’ve been dining at The Mission at Kierland Commons a few times a year for several years now, and it never disappoints — but our most recent visit truly knocked it out of the park. We had our kids with us this time, and from start to finish, it was one of our best experiences yet. Curtis was our server and he was phenomenal — attentive, kind, and on top of every detail without ever feeling overbearing. His service elevated what’s already a consistently great restaurant. The atmosphere is always welcoming — clean, beautifully decorated, and full of character, with warm lighting and a vibrant-yet-relaxed ambiance that makes it great for everything from date nights to family dinners. We ordered a wide variety of dishes to share and loved every bite. The tableside guacamole is hands-down the best in the Valley — fresh, flavorful, and a fun way to kick off the meal. We also shared the shaved kale salad to start, which was light, perfectly dressed, and a surprising hit with the whole table. For mains, we passed around the Oaxaca cheesy rice and haricot verts, both delicious additions to the meal. Our youngest ordered a side of salmon and loved it, while our oldest had the Tácate Skirt Steak tacos — big flavor and perfectly cooked. My husband and I split the roasted pork shoulder tacos, which were rich, tender, and packed with flavor. Dessert was the perfect finale: the pumpkin bread pudding (so good, even our pumpkin-skeptic teen went back for seconds) and the espresso churros — warm, crispy, and indulgent in the best way. Every visit here reminds us why we keep coming back. Incredible food, top-notch service, and a beautiful atmosphere — The Mission is easily one of our favorite spots in Scottsdale. Highly recommend!
Mark LoGiurato
The place is decorated beautifully! The guacamole made table side is very good along with fresh chips and salsa. The cocktails are very good as well. The food is good, but they can improve on the tacos as they are too small to pick up and eat. The service is something to be desired. On a slow lunch day it took too long to get service.
Sameen Qureshi
Luckily, I was able to get a reservation here about 1-2 weeks prior for Valentine's Day dinner when most places were fully booked. The restaurant is two-story and we were seated on the 2nd level. The place had a relaxed dim-lit ambience and the service was excellent. We had the shrimp and beef anticuchos, the mahi mahi tacos, the skirt steak tacos, and the mission fries. The food was pretty good all around.
Keith
It was a bit loud inside, but the food was excellent. I really enjoyed my steak and the caeser salad was delicious. The only dish we didn’t enjoy was the dungeness crab tacos but that was more due to it being cold with a weird texture.
How to reach The Mission Kierland
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Why The Mission Kierland may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Mission Kierland with your friends?
Gathering at The Mission Kierland is an excellent choice for friends seeking a memorable social experience enriched by exceptional food and atmosphere. This modern Latin restaurant, nestled in Scottsdale’s chic Kierland Commons, offers a sophisticated yet inviting setting that blends warm, stylish décor with intimate lighting—perfect for meaningful conversations and celebrations alike. The Mission Kierland’s menu showcases bold and authentic Latin flavors crafted by acclaimed Chef Matt Carter, whose culinary artistry brings together influences from Spain, Mexico, Central, and South America. Whether you crave tacos bursting with rich, layered tastes or prefer to indulge in craft cocktails from their award-winning bar program, this venue ensures a lively yet comfortable environment that caters to diverse palates and preferences. Its well-curated tequila list and creative cocktail menu make it a prime spot to toast special occasions or simply enjoy a night out. The restaurant’s commitment to quality dishes and a vibrant ambiance creates the perfect backdrop to strengthen bonds, share laughs, and make lasting memories with your friends or family. In short, The Mission Kierland is not just a place to eat; it’s a destination to celebrate connection and conviviality.
What activities and experiences does The Mission Kierland offer for groups?
The Mission Kierland is designed to be more than just a dining spot; it’s a venue where guests can engage in a range of social and culinary activities ideal for group meetups. Upon arrival, you and your friends can unwind in their beautifully designed space featuring a Himalayan salt block wall that adds a distinctive glow and an inviting warmth. The seating options include cozy candlelit corners for intimate chats, lively community tables that encourage interaction among diners, or the energetic bar area perfect for groups that prefer a festive ambiance. Food-wise, the restaurant offers an extensive menu that encourages sharing, making it perfect for group dining. You and your friends can order a variety of appetizers to sample, such as their famous guacamole, street corn, and mini tacos, promoting a family-style dining experience that sparks conversation. Complementing the food are expertly crafted beverages, including an unparalleled tequila selection and creative cocktails that cater to different tastes, ensuring that each guest finds something special to enjoy. The Mission also often cheekily celebrates the Latin heritage with occasional live music or themed events, enhancing the communal vibe and making each visit unique. This blend of gourmet cuisine, curated drinks, and atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for groups to relax, connect, and celebrate together.
How does The Mission Kierland cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs?
One key feature that makes The Mission Kierland an outstanding venue for group meetups is its commitment to catering to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. The restaurant’s menu highlights modern Latin cuisine with creative twists that appeal both to traditional Mexican food lovers and those looking for elevated, innovative dishes. Meat-eaters can delight in options like the chorizo porchetta and various steak tacos, while pescatarians will find dishes such as the chipotle Caesar salad with salmon satisfying and flavorful. The menu also includes vegetarian choices and offers modifications to accommodate allergies or specific dietary needs upon request, making it inclusive for all members of a group. Additionally, the kitchen focuses on using unique ingredients and sophisticated cooking techniques that elevate familiar flavors into something uncommon and gourmet yet approachable. This ensures that each dish served is visually enticing and tastefully satisfying, allowing every diner to experience something special. Such versatility in the menu contributes significantly to the restaurant’s suitability for gatherings, as it leaves no one feeling limited or excluded, fostering a shared experience among diverse groups.
Why is the ambiance at The Mission Kierland perfect for social gatherings?
The Mission Kierland’s ambiance is meticulously crafted to create a warm, inviting, and festive atmosphere that enhances social interaction, making it an ideal venue to host friends or family. The interior melds contemporary elegance with elements that evoke the vibrant spirit of Latin culture—think glowing Himalayan salt block walls, dim romantic lighting, and thoughtfully arranged seating that encourages both intimate conversations and lively group exchanges. The music selection and occasional live entertainment further complement the mood, adding an auditory layer that energizes the space without overpowering conversations. Patrons often note the comfortable yet sophisticated vibe that strikes a balance between casual and upscale, which means groups can feel relaxed yet special. Whether you’re celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or just a casual night out, The Mission’s ambiance naturally lends itself to a festive and welcoming environment. The staff’s attention to service enhances this feeling by aiming to make guests feel valued and at ease throughout their visit. Overall, the atmosphere at The Mission Kierland encourages patrons to linger, laugh, and create shared memories, which is fundamental to a successful meetup spot.
What makes The Mission Kierland’s food and drink offerings stand out?
The food and beverages at The Mission Kierland stand out primarily due to the expertise of Chef Matt Carter, whose approach to Latin cuisine marries traditional flavors with modern culinary innovation. The kitchen uses distinct ingredients and techniques that elevate classic Latin dishes, resulting in plates that are both familiar and refreshingly inventive. Signature items like their richly seasoned mini steak tacos, chorizo porchetta, and the varied taco options in their menu showcase this commitment to flavor and presentation. Guests praise not only the taste but also the generous portions and artful plating that make each dish Instagram-worthy as well as delicious. Complementing the food is the restaurant’s award-winning bar, which features a thoughtfully curated tequila list renowned for its breadth and quality. The cocktail menu is carefully crafted to pair seamlessly with the food, offering creative libations that range from traditional margaritas to innovative house specials. This synergy between food and drink creates a multifaceted dining experience that captivates taste buds and sparks conversation. The Mission’s commitment to quality and innovation keeps guests returning and makes it an exceptional place for groups to indulge in culinary delights together.
Why should you consider The Mission Kierland for your next group event?
Choosing The Mission Kierland for your next group event ensures a combination of superior cuisine, an inviting ambiance, and attentive service that elevates any gathering. The restaurant’s expansive space and flexible seating options accommodate groups of varying sizes, offering privacy for intimate reunions as well as vibrant energy for larger celebrations. Their menu’s shareable nature encourages interaction among guests, making it an excellent venue for friends or family who want to explore new flavors together. The sophisticated yet comfortable setting supports extended visits, allowing for meals that stretch over hours filled with good food, drinks, and conversation. Although the pricing is on the higher side, the quality and experience justify the expense, making it worthwhile for special occasions or meaningful get-togethers. The Mission also strongly recommends reservations in advance to ensure your group is well accommodated, signaling their commitment to exceptional guest experiences. Ultimately, The Mission Kierland offers a one-of-a-kind Latin-inspired culinary and social adventure that transforms ordinary meetups into cherished events.