A New Lakeside Restaurant Is Coming to McCormick Ranch

There’s something new coming to McCormick Ranch this September. Vecina, the popular Latin-inspired restaurant that first opened in Phoenix’s Arcadia neighborhood, is bringing its second location to Scottsdale—and this one comes with a lakeside setting.

Opening September 18 at 8300 N. Hayden Road, the new Vecina will take over the former Z’Tejas space near Hayden Road and Via de Ventura. The Scottsdale location is considerably larger than the original, with a spacious kitchen, private dining areas, a mezzanine and a patio overlooking the lake.

From Arcadia to McCormick Ranch

Vecina first opened in Arcadia in 2019 and quickly became known for its modern, Latin-inspired menu and neighborhood atmosphere. The restaurant went on to receive a James Beard Award semifinalist recognition for Best New Restaurant in 2020.

For the McCormick Ranch location, owners James and Raenee Fox are bringing over much of what people already love about the original while taking advantage of a much larger space.

The menu will feature familiar Vecina favorites, including its carne asada-marinated karaage and Faroe Island salmon tacos, alongside the restaurant’s mesquite-fired cooking and shareable plates. The expanded kitchen also gives the team more room for catering and additional menu offerings.

There’s even a connection to the restaurant’s Arcadia beginnings built into the new space. Phoenix artist Tato Caraveo created a custom mural honoring the original location, bringing a little piece of Vecina’s history along for the move to Scottsdale.

Dinner With a View

Of course, one of the biggest differences at the new location is the setting.

McCormick Ranch is known for its established neighborhoods, lakes, green spaces and golf, and Vecina’s new patio takes advantage of that setting with views overlooking the water. The restaurant describes the new location as a place for everything from a casual weeknight dinner or drinks at the bar to happy hour and special occasions.

That neighborhood feel seems to be exactly what drew the owners to McCormick Ranch in the first place. Chef and co-owner James Fox told The Arizona Republic that he and his wife had spent years looking for the right location for a second restaurant and felt the McCormick Ranch space had the neighborhood atmosphere they wanted.

What’s New Around Scottsdale

Vecina’s arrival is another addition to Scottsdale’s ever-changing restaurant scene, but we especially love seeing something new land in an established neighborhood like McCormick Ranch.

It adds another option for an evening close to home—dinner overlooking the lake, drinks on the patio or simply somewhere new to meet friends without having to make an occasion out of it.

And that’s part of what continues to make McCormick Ranch such an appealing part of Scottsdale. It’s a community with an established identity, while new restaurants, businesses and experiences continue to become part of everyday life there.

Vecina Scottsdale is scheduled to celebrate its grand opening on September 18th, 2026, at 8300 N. Hayden Road, Suite D-101.

For those exploring McCormick Ranch or considering a move within the Scottsdale area, the Reeves Group is here to help you get to know the neighborhoods, homes and lifestyle that make this part of Arizona special.