This Buzzy Arizona Restaurant Does One Dish Really, Really Well

Scottsdale's dining scene has made a mark on the culinary industry, a feat that's been achieved over the past 20 years with a slew of fine dining and innovative casual restaurants. There's no shortage of excellent restaurants around town, and that's one of the many reasons I love living here. So, when a new place opens in Scottsdale, it has to live up to the standards that residents and frequent visitors have become accustomed to. The REMI is one of the latest additions to Scottsdale's entertainment district in Old Town, known for its vibrant nightlife, clubs, and upscale restaurants. This 12-story hotel with a boutique hotel vibe has a world of exciting nightlife and high-end dining options once you step inside. But if you had to choose one of its restaurants, you can't go wrong with Kauboi.

I was invited to the opening of The REMI in July 2025 and was struck by its modern aesthetic and amenities. These would likely make anyone want to stay on the hotel's property (as opposed to exploring Old Town Scottsdale) when spending the night. Upon entrance, The REMI Lobby Bar greets you on the hotel's ground floor, where you can grab a quick drink.

You can also grab a bite at F/Sixteen, which is also located on the ground level. This classic-style diner offers an array of elevated classic dishes and boozy shakes on its menu. There's also an eclectic mix of cocktails, including the Concorde Cooler, made with grape Kool-Aid-infused gin, club soda, and lemon. Head to the top floor and find a rooftop pool and a bar. The views of Scottsdale and Camelback can't be beat from this part of the hotel as you sip on a handcrafted cocktail. Allegra also offers a menu of small plates, salads, wraps, and sweets.

But if you're looking for a posh place for a date, anniversary, or just a fun night out on the town, Kauboi on The REMI's third floor can't be beat. The restaurant has a massive terrace with a cocktail bar, a sushi bar enclosed by windows to watch the talented chefs at work as you sit at the outdoor dining bar, and cozy lounge tables surrounded by chairs. Plenty of palm trees and greenery make it feel almost as if you're in a garden. I love the vibe here, but you'll have to experience it for yourself.

If you prefer dining or having a cocktail indoors, head to the spacious dining room with a whiskey bar. No matter where you dine, the eclectic ambiance is palpable. While many come here for the nightlife to experience Kauboi after dark, dining here is an exceptional experience that will likely stick with you.

Kauboi's menu "blends Japanese tradition with modern Western influence." This includes robata (fireside cooking), sushi, specialties like Wagyu Steak Tartare and Japanese Milk Toast (people rave about this!), and main dishes that include Faroe Island Salmon, Pork Katsu, and steaks. However, if you're looking for a dish with a "wow" factor, you must order the Smoking Tuna.

The most popular dish at Kauboi is the Smoking Tuna. Its showstopping presentation, served tableside in a traditional Japanese clay pot called a "donabe," is worthy of its own Instagram post. The dish consists of tartlets of avocado mash and bluefin tuna marinated in miso, which is then topped with yuzu kosho aioli, kizami wasabi, and crispy fried leeks. It's set on top of river rocks and greens set in the donabe, and then a hot broth is poured over the top, causing a cloud of smoke as it hits the dry ice hidden in the pot. The effect is quite dramatic.

With its dramatic presentation, it is like a work of art in food form and a culinary experience beyond taste. Would you order this dish at Kauboi at The REMI?

If you're looking for a unique dining experience that goes beyond great food and service, treat yourself to a night out at Kauboi, located inside The REMI hotel. To view a menu and make a reservation, visit the Kauboi Scottsdale website. And if you'd like to spend the night at The REMI Scottsdale, Autograph Collection, book your stay through Marriott.

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