Scottsdale Fashion Square, already a bustling hub for shoppers and diners, is gearing up to welcome a new culinary destination. Telefèric Barcelona, the family-owned Spanish restaurant renowned for its tapas and paellas, has inked a lease to open its first Arizona outpost in 2025. The group, which debuted in Sant Cugat del Valles, Spain in 1992, has successfully planted its roots in several U.S. locations, with a cluster of eateries across California and one in Seattle. This new venture will see Telefèric Barcelona settle amidst the high-end retail offerings of Scottsdale's upscale mall.
With an expansive 6,676 square feet claimed at the Fashion Square, the leased area promises ample space for guests to indulge in a culinary journey through Spanish cuisine. Executive chef Oscar Cabezas, known for infusing traditional Spanish dishes with a Californian twist, will be spearheading the culinary offerings at the Scottsdale location, according to KTAR News. Regan Amato, JLL’s executive vice president, shared enthusiasm for the unique flavors and vibrant atmosphere Telefèric Barcelona is poised to deliver, noting, "Their newest restaurant will sit at the center of an award-winning shopping and dining destination, easily accessed by a central porte-cochère and served by valet parking," in a statement obtained by the Phoenix Business Journal.
Patrons of the restaurant can expect a rich banquet of authentic tapas — from the Pulpo Telefèric, a signature dish featuring Galician grilled octopus with pimenton potato purée, to Gambas al Ajillo, a zesty garlic-cooked shrimp preparation. Adding to the attraction, Telefèric Barcelona boasts a diverse selection of Spanish wines, sangrias, and inventive cocktails, like the prickly pear-infused Sangria Barceloneta.
As a social twist, guests will have the chance to sip from a porron, the traditional Spanish wine pitcher that introduces a playful and interactive element to dining. Alongside these experiential touches, the restaurant is also known for its seafood-forward paellas, such, as the Lobster Paella and Paella Negra adorned with squid ink and a blend of shrimp and octopus, KTAR News reported. The introduction of Telefèric Barcelona aligns with Scottsdale Fashion Square’s ongoing multimillion-dollar renovation, aimed at enhancing the mall's dining landscape with other top-tier establishments like Élephante, Catch, and Din Tai Fung.
These developments are part of a growing commercial interest in Scottsdale Fashion Square, operated by Macerich Co., which recently saw the sale of Biltmore Fashion Park to Red Development in July. As tastes evolve, Scottsdale diners can look forward to the Spanish-inspired cuisine that Telefèric Barcelona will soon offer.
