Scottsdale Taco Papi Named Best in United States
The local Mexican eatery, founded in 2022, earned the national top ranking from USA TODAY this week.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Mexican Food
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Taco Papi in Scottsdale has been named the best Mexican restaurant in the United States by USA TODAY. The three-year-old establishment is recognized for its unique menu and authentic family recipes.
Why it matters
This national recognition highlights the rise of the local restaurant, which has evolved from street-vending roots in Glendale to become a top culinary destination. The award puts a spotlight on the fusion of traditional Mexican heritage and innovative flavors.
Taco Papi operates out of 14891 N. Northsight Blvd., Suite 119, with hours running from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
The players
Gabriel Betancourt
He is a co-founder of Taco Papi who previously operated as a street vendor in Glendale.
Harsimran Sodhi
He is a business partner who co-founded the restaurant with Betancourt.
The details
Co-founded by Gabriel Betancourt and Harsimran Sodhi, the restaurant features recipes inspired by Betancourt’s heritage in Nayarit, Mexico, alongside Mexican-Indian fusion dishes like chicken tikka and paneer tacos. The menu also includes traditional staples such as birria, carne asada, al pastor, pollo, tripas, and barbacoa.
Timeline
2022: Taco Papi opens its doors in Scottsdale.
2025: The restaurant wins The Republic's Top Taco award.
October 16, 2026: USA TODAY officially names Taco Papi the best in the U.S.
Culture Shift
The success of Taco Papi reflects a growing consumer appetite for authentic family-rooted recipes blended with bold, modern fusion concepts. This trajectory mirrors a shift away from standardized fast-casual dining toward localized, chef-driven establishments.
Residents and visitors may expect increased demand and potentially longer wait times at the Scottsdale location following the national announcement. Owners have indicated that a second location is in the planning stages to accommodate future growth.
The takeaway
This award marks a significant milestone for a local business that began with humble street-vending origins. Readers can visit the restaurant on Northsight Blvd to sample the menu that helped define this year’s national standard for Mexican cuisine.
Further reading
For more on the local food scene, see the latest updates on Mexican Food.
More information
Visit the Taco Papi official website to view the current menu and hours.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AZ Central.
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