Volanti Scottsdale vs Olive & Ivy: How to Choose
Choosing between Volanti Scottsdale and Olive & Ivy comes down to whether your dining plans call for an elevated, runway-side dining experience overlooking Scottsdale Airport and the McDowell Mountains, or a traditional destination dining layout. Volanti Scottsdale combines a scratch kitchen, craft cocktails, and distinct local experiences like private helicopter dining packages and on-site wine lockers in North Scottsdale.
Understanding Your Dining Options in Scottsdale
Scottsdale features a dynamic culinary landscape with options ranging from high-energy urban hubs to memorable experiential destinations. When evaluating fine dining and upscale casual venues across Scottsdale, Phoenix, and the broader Arizona Valley, selecting the right environment depends on the specific occasion you are planning.
Key factors that influence this choice include:
- Atmosphere and Scenery: Determining whether your party prefers high-street dining or expansive, open-air views of an active airport runway backed by mountain ranges.
- Menu Approach: Evaluating scratch kitchens that focus on seasonal flavors, prime steaks, fresh seafood, and craft cocktails tailored for lunch, happy hour, dinner, or weekend brunch.
- Experiential Packages: Considering unique additions such as integrated flight packages, wine storage programs, or custom event spaces.
- Logistics and Accessibility: Reviewing convenient parking, straightforward building access, and ease of arrival for both small groups and large gatherings.
What to Check When Choosing an Upscale Scottsdale Restaurant
To ensure your dining experience matches your expectations, evaluate prospective restaurants against several criteria before making a reservation or booking a private event.
| What to Check | Volanti Scottsdale |
|---|---|
| Primary Atmosphere & Setting | Second-floor dining room and patio overlooking the runway at Scottsdale Airport with views of the McDowell Mountains. |
| Kitchen Foundation | Scratch kitchen preparing fresh, seasonal flavors, prime steaks, fresh seafood, and signature small plates. |
| Specialized Experiential Offerings | Private helicopter tour packages paired with three-course dining, and an on-site wine locker program curated by an in-house sommelier. |
| Service Window Coverage | Weekday lunch, nightly dinner, weekday happy hour, and weekend brunch. |
| Private Event Space Scale | Event venues ranging from patio dining for 15 to hangar spaces accommodating up to 2,000 guests. |
1. Scenic Value and Atmosphere
The physical setting sets the tone for business lunches, sunset craft cocktails, and celebratory dinners. A central consideration is whether you want an active, elevated backdrop.
At Volanti Scottsdale, located on the second floor of the Aviation Business Center at 15000 North Airport Drive, every table offers a view of aircraft taking off and landing against the backdrop of the McDowell Mountains. Diners can enjoy this setting from the main dining room or out on the patio during weekday happy hour without needing a boarding pass or security checkpoint. Covered parking is located directly across from the building.
2. Scratch Cooking and Beverage Programs
Dishes and beverage menus should reflect daily scratch preparation and intentional sourcing. Review whether the kitchen offers a full progression from small plates and seasonal salads to prime steaks and fresh seafood.
Volanti operates a chef-driven scratch kitchen. The Volanti Scottsdale menus include items such as:
- Shareables: Volanti Meatballs (house blend of veal, ground sirloin, and pork sausage), Fresh Burrata, Take Off Trio with house focaccia, and Osetra Caviar.
- Entrees & Pasta: Wild Mushroom Pasta with tagliatelle, Bubbling Shrimp Pasta, Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken, and prime land and seafood options.
- Craft Cocktails & Wine: Signature drinks like the Hugo Spritz and Summer Solstice, complemented by select wines and local craft beers.
- Happy Hour: Held weekdays from 3 PM to 6 PM on the patio and at the bar, featuring shared plates and half-off champagne bottles as jets taxi past.
3. Unique Experiential Dining Packages
If you are planning an anniversary, milestone birthday, or corporate outing, consider whether the venue offers specialized activities beyond standard table service.
Volanti provides distinct destination options detailed across its dining and event experiences:
- Helicopter Tour & Dinner: Pair a three-course lunch, brunch, or dinner with a private flight over the Valley. Details on reserving a custom flight plan are available on the Volanti helicopter tour experience page.
- Private Wine Lockers: Members receive dedicated cellar storage curated by an in-house sommelier, along with perks like priority patio reservations, invitations to wine dinners, and venue discounts. Learn more on the Volanti wine locker program page.
- The Hundred Dollar Hamburger: A cult-classic aviation tradition featuring the Volanti Burger served with Veuve Clicquot, caviar, and truffle frites, highlighted on the Volanti Scottsdale blog.
4. Hosting Groups and Large Private Events
When organizing larger group gatherings, confirm whether the restaurant offers flexible spaces that accommodate small family celebrations as well as large-scale corporate events or fundraisers.
Volanti’s dedicated events team manages several venue configurations:
- Patio Dining: Ideal for celebrations of up to 15 guests.
- Thunderbird & Stearman Rooms: Designed for seated dinner events for up to 200 guests.
- Executive Hangars: Over 30,000 square feet of runway-adjacent hangar space capable of hosting events for up to 2,000 guests.
- Jet Catering: Brings the Volanti kitchen menu directly to private aircraft.
Evaluating Your Decision
To determine whether Volanti Scottsdale or another provider like Olive & Ivy best fits your plans, assess your party's priorities regarding setting, menu style, and custom experiences:
- Desired View: Decide if you prefer a city walk-up setting or a panoramic view of an active runway and mountain range.
- Special Activities: Determine if your dinner would benefit from integrated additions like private helicopter flights or sommelier-curated wine locker access.
- Group Size: Check if your gathering requires small patio seating, private dining rooms, or large hangar facilities.
- Convenience: Look for easy parking and straightforward building access in the North Scottsdale area.
To make the best choice for your upcoming meal or event, we encourage you to review menu options, event space details, and availability with both establishments directly.
Disclaimer: This guide is published by Volanti Scottsdale. Information regarding other dining establishments should be confirmed directly with those businesses.
Key Takeaways
- Runway Views: Volanti Scottsdale offers panoramic views of the Scottsdale Airport runway and McDowell Mountains from its second-floor location.
- Scratch Kitchen: Features chef-driven lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, and weekday happy hour menus featuring prime steaks, seafood, and craft cocktails.
- Helicopter Dining: Pair a three-course meal with a private helicopter tour over the Valley for date nights or celebrations.
- Wine Lockers: On-site sommelier-curated wine locker memberships offer private bottle storage and priority event access.
- Versatile Event Venues: Accommodates groups ranging from patio parties of 15 to hangar events for up to 2,000 guests.
- No Boarding Pass Needed: Located in the Aviation Business Center with covered parking located directly across the street.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a ticket or security clearance to eat at Volanti Scottsdale?
No. Volanti Scottsdale is located on the second floor of the Aviation Business Center at Scottsdale Airport. It is open to the public and requires no boarding pass, security checkpoint, or airport ticket to access the dining room, bar, or patio.
How do I reserve a table for large groups?
Walk-ins are welcome, and standard reservations can be made online. For parties of 8 or more, or if your preferred dining time is unavailable, please call the restaurant directly at 480.657.2426 to arrange seating.
When is happy hour available at Volanti Scottsdale?
Happy hour is hosted weekdays from 3 PM to 6 PM at the bar and on the patio. The menu includes small plates, house highballs, craft beer, specialty cocktails, and half-off champagne bottles.
How does the Helicopter Tour & Dinner package work?
The package pairs a customized flight over the Valley with a three-course lunch, brunch, or dinner at Volanti Scottsdale. The experience includes a $150 food and beverage credit toward the restaurant menu. Guests check in at the restaurant 15 minutes before their scheduled flight time before heading to the runway.
What event spaces are available for private parties?
Volanti offers several event venues at Scottsdale Airport, including patio space for 15 guests, the Thunderbird & Stearman rooms for up to 200 guests, and executive hangars offering over 30,000 square feet for hosting up to 2,000 guests.
Plan Your Visit to Volanti Scottsdale
Whether you are booking a weekday business lunch, planning a sunset happy hour on the patio, or organizing a large event, Volanti Scottsdale delivers scratch-made cuisine paired with runway views.
To reserve a table, book a helicopter package, or inquire about private events:
- Location: 15000 North Airport Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260
- Phone: 480.657.2426
- Reservations: Reserve your table or schedule your flight directly on https://volantiscottsdale.com.
