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Myths About Runway Dining at Scottsdale Airport

By Volanti Scottsdale · Updated

Dining at an airport restaurant like Volanti Scottsdale does not require a plane ticket, a security pass, or a private jet membership. Located on the second floor of the Aviation Business Center at Scottsdale Airport, Volanti is a public scratch-kitchen restaurant offering lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, and weekday happy hour with clear views of the runway and the McDowell Mountains.

Many visitors and local diners in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and across Arizona carry common misconceptions about what to expect when visiting an airport-adjacent restaurant. Below, we address and correct the most frequent myths about dining above the runway at Scottsdale Airport.

Myth: You Need a Boarding Pass or Flight Ticket to Eat at Volanti

Reality: Volanti Scottsdale is completely open to the general public. You do not need a boarding pass, a flight reservation, or access to a private aircraft to dine here. The restaurant is situated on the second floor of the Aviation Business Center at 15000 North Airport Drive in Scottsdale, Arizona. Visitors can simply walk in or make a reservation, park in the covered parking area right across from the building, and take the elevator up to the dining room and patio—no TSA checkpoints or airport security screenings required.

Myth: Airport Restaurants Rely on Pre-Made or Mass-Produced Food

Reality: While standard commercial airport terminals often rely on quick-serve chains and pre-packaged meals, airport-adjacent destination dining is built on chef-driven scratch cooking. Volanti operates a full scratch kitchen, preparing fresh, seasonal dishes daily.

Our menu features prime steaks, fresh seafood, house-made focaccia, and specialized small plates designed for sharing. Signature culinary highlights include:

Myth: Patio Dining at an Airport Is Noisy and Industrial

Reality: Scottsdale Airport serves corporate, private, and general aviation aircraft rather than commercial airliners. The dining experience on the second-floor observation patio provides scenic views of executive jets taxiing against the backdrop of the McDowell Mountains.

The outdoor atmosphere is designed for relaxation and social gatherings, featuring weekday happy hour from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM with specialty cocktails, house highballs, local craft beer, and half-off champagne bottles while the jets move past the window.

Myth: You Can Only Visit for Dinner or Special Occasions

Reality: Volanti operates throughout the week across multiple dining windows, catering to business lunches, casual afternoon drinks, weekend family gatherings, and evening dates:

Whether grabbing a quick salad—such as the Peruvian quinoa salad or the Sesame Ginger salad—during a lunch break or meeting friends for afternoon drinks, the venue fits everyday dining as easily as special celebrations.

Myth: Airport Venues Cannot Accommodate Experiential Events or Large Groups

Reality: Volanti hosts a wide spectrum of gatherings, from intimate dates to massive community and corporate events. The restaurant handles small patio gatherings for 15 guests, dinner celebrations for up to 200 people in the Thunderbird and Stearman rooms, and large-scale events for up to 2,000 attendees inside executive hangars.

Beyond standard table dining, visitors can access curated experiences such as:

Experience / Service Who It's For What It Includes Key Benefit
Runway Dining Daily diners, dates, and casual meetings Full scratch kitchen menu, craft cocktails, indoor/patio seating Unobstructed views of the runway and McDowell Mountains
Helicopter Package Couples, special celebrations, and small groups Private Valley flight paired with a 3-course meal and $150 credit Complete aerial and culinary date night experience
Wine Lockers Wine enthusiasts and frequent guests On-site private wine storage curated with our sommelier VIP patio access, wine dinners, and exclusive releases
Hangar Events Corporate functions, weddings, and fundraisers Space options ranging from private rooms to 30,000+ sq ft hangars Unique aviation backdrop accommodating up to 2,000 guests

What to Focus On When Planning Your Visit

When choosing a restaurant near Scottsdale Airport, focus on finding a spot that combines scratch cooking, convenient logistics, and a distinct atmosphere:

  1. Easy Access: Look for venues with hassle-free parking that do not require navigating public airport terminals or security check-in lines.
  2. Atmosphere & Views: Seek out elevated patio space that takes advantage of Arizona’s mountain sunsets and aviation scenery.
  3. Menu Variety: Ensure the kitchen offers versatile options covering lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, and casual happy hour bites.

At Volanti Scottsdale, we bring all these elements together above the runway, offering craft cocktails, prime steaks, and scratch-made favorites in an accessible, open setting.

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Volanti Scottsdale located?

Volanti is located on the second floor of the Aviation Business Center at Scottsdale Airport, situated at 15000 North Airport Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260.

Is parking available at the airport for restaurant guests?

Yes, covered parking is located right across from the Aviation Business Center building for easy access to the restaurant elevator.

Do I need a reservation to dine at Volanti?

Walk-ins are always welcome. However, reservations are recommended for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch to secure your preferred dining time. Reservations can be made online via our Experiences & Reservations page, or by calling 480.657.2426 for parties of 8 or more.

What hours is Happy Hour available?

Happy Hour runs weekdays from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the bar and out on the patio, featuring small plates, specialty cocktails, house highballs, local craft beer, and half-off champagne bottles.

How do I book a Helicopter Tour and Dinner package?

You can review details and reserve your flight directly on our Helicopter Tour page or call our team at 480.657.2426 to coordinate customized packages or larger groups.

Plan Your Visit to Volanti Scottsdale

Experience runway-side dining, fresh seasonal dishes, and views of the McDowell Mountains at Scottsdale Airport. Explore our current menus to see our full selection of scratch-made dishes and craft cocktails, or call us at 480.657.2426 to reserve your table.