4 Star Scottsdale Soups; Where to Get Your Best Bowl

There is nothing more comforting on a crisp winter’s day as a warm bowl of soup. As the steam wisps from the bowl, the fragrance of the seasonal ingredients wrap around you like your favorite plush sweater or a hug from your favorite person. While we may not have the snow drifts to maneuver or windshields to de-ice, we certainly have our own version of winter with crisp temperatures hovering in the 50’s. Not cold enough for a parka, but definitely brisk enough for a warm bowl of soup. We’ve sourced some of the best Scottsdale soups in your neighborhood for when the chill strikes, so get out and grab your best bowl!

4 Star Scottsdale Soups; Where to Get Your Best Bowl

Cornish Pasty Co.

3800 N. Goldwater Blvd. | Scottsdale | 85251 | 480.945.1220
Cornish Pasty has come a long way from its first location in Tempe in 2005, but their signature pasties have never wavered in quality or taste. You’ll be welcomed inside by the light and buttery scent of the pastries toasting to perfection and then wooed by all of your options. The restaurant features several traditional combinations as well as a few regionally inspired items. While the miners that inspired the pasties so many years ago could not have easily enjoyed  a warm bowl of soup, you are sure to enjoy their versions of traditional, and some not so traditional, soups.
Best Bowl: Cream of Leek, Potato & Stilton
This delightfully velvety version of Cream of Leek soup is a delectable take on a classic. Typically refined with a dollop of whipped heavy cream, but the addition of Stilton in this version imparts much more flavor than the original. The strong flavor of the cheese melds with those of the leeks and the potato assists in the creamy finish. While this may not be the best option for a date night, just make sure to share and you’ll be on even footing.

Merci French Café

7620 E. Indian School Road | Scottsdale | 85251 | 480.947.2777
There’s no question that Merci French Café is responsible for creating some of the best French cuisine in town. The contemporary décor is the perfect backdrop for the gorgeous artwork created daily in the form of classic French pastries, sandwiches, and salads. From start to finish, the level of care and dedication to the craft shines through in each from-scratch offering. Whether you opt for a classic French dish like their Duck Confit or a more “American” option like their Crab Cake, you’ll find a loving nod to the French in every bite.
Best Bowl: French Onion Au Gratin
Where else would you, or should you, go for French Onion soup than a French café? This soup can sometimes be prepared in such a way that it is heavy, a little greasy and sometimes a little too boozy. That is never the case here; this soup is light and airy with fragrant notes of the herbs used and the touch of white wine. The soup is then topped with their house made bread and Gruyere and Swiss cheese. Try this on a rainy day and if you close your eyes you just might think you are in Paris.

MAD Greens

6137 N. Scottsdale Road | Scottsdale | 85250 | 602.314.8386

MAD Greens is quickly gaining traction here in the Valley as a great option for fast and healthy meal options. Their motto is simple and to the point, “Eat Better”, and they provide plenty of creative options to help you do just that. All the ingredient components are prepped in house and made fresh every day. Their salad creations have clever names, but the kitch ends there; these are seriously healthy and filling! If you need a little warming from the inside out, their soup options are hot, ready and filling.
Best Bowl: Three Bean Chili
Aside from being a serious meal in a bowl, this chili is vegan as well as gluten and dairy free. This chili has some serious body and is made up of pinto, red chili and black beans along with sweet corn bell peppers and green chilies mixed with slow-simmered tomatoes and some spices that add the perfect amount of kick. This chili will take off the chill from the outside and get you motivated to add your own spice to the rest of your day!

Paul Martin’s American Grill     

6186 N. Scottsdale Road | Scottsdale | 85253 | 480.991.9342

There is a quiet class at Paul Martin’s, from the airy space and soft lighting to the warm and attentive staff; all things you expect from a restaurant serving up the classic dishes as they do here. Among the time-honored dishes, think classic steakhouse fare, you’ll find unexpected items as well all taken to the next level with their wood-fired preparations. You’ll find the wait staff knowledgeable and attentive, but not overly so. While soup is normally looked at as a starter in an establishment of this caliber, the options here are hearty enough to be an entrée all on their own.
Best Bowl: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Whether you’re curled up on the couch with a blanket and a bowl or at the family table there is something about roasted butternut squash that translates to everything good about fall. The best of these soups is one that can balance the sweet and savory notes of the squash and Paul Martin’s version does that easily with an unexpected ingredient. This silky smooth soup is topped off with a Sonoma Sage Pesto. The herbaceous flavor of the pesto cuts through the sweetness and elevates the earthy tones of the soup, making this version your new favorite.

This article, written by Taryn Jeffries, originally appeared in the December 2015 issue of So Scottsdale Magazine.