If choosing a date night destination in Scottsdale is tough (due to its extensive lineup of top-notch spots), well, it just got a bit tougher. For more than a decade, Telefèric Barcelona has been sharing Spain’s culinary traditions across California, though the beloved dining destination was founded in Spain by siblings Maria and Xavi Padrosa in 1992. Now, the family-owned restaurant group has expanded outside of California, with its Scottsdale Fashion Square outpost now open and enticing guests with its signature menu (alongside locally-exclusive experiences), beautiful design, and vibrant atmosphere.
Telefèric Barcelona Scottsdale features a design concept created by co-founder Maria Padrosa. The bi-level space spotlights Mediterranean-inspired elements, natural tones, black-and-white photography, oversized greenery, and pops of funky patterns and beautiful pottery. It can easily suit a swanky date night (it is especially romantic once the lights dim to greet the evening hours), a girls’ outing, or even a special occasion spot for families who are celebrating. The outdoor patio is perfect for Arizona’s beautiful spring nights. Plus, a central open kitchen and dedicated paella station provide guests with a view of dishes being prepared over open flame.
Community is at the heart of Spanish dining, so guests can expect a variety of tapas to share while socializing and catching up, including patatas bravas, jamón ibérico de bellota, gambas al ajillo, and croquetas filled with jamón or King crab. The pulpo Telefèric with truffle and pimentón purée is a can’t-miss offering and one of the restaurant’s signature dishes.
Also in the vein of sharing and community, the restaurant’s signature paellas are a focal point of the interactive dining experience. Each presentation is prepared to order and served with socarrat, the crispy layer of rice that forms at the bottom of the pan. Offerings range from the traditional Paella Mixta, featuring pork belly, chicken, and shrimp, to Paella Negra with squid ink, scallops, shrimp, and clams.
For dessert, opt for the Trio Selection, which spotlights all three of the restaurant’s tasty sweets and is a stellar balance of rich and refreshing. The churros are sinfully fried sticks stuffed with chocolate and toffee. Just as decadent is the torrija, which is a French toast with a crème brûléed exterior and the addition of tangy passionfruit. A lighter offering is the orange mochi, a gorgeous presentation of Valencia orange mousse…