Sundial Garden Cafe

7 E Sundial Cir, Carefree, AZ 85377, United States
$$$ Cafe
(78 Reviews)

Welcome to Sundial Garden Cafe, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Carefree, Arizona. This charming cafe invites you to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy a delightful dining experience, whether you choose to sit inside amidst cozy decor or outside on their picturesque patio, basking in the beautiful Arizona sunshine.

At Sundial Garden Cafe, you'll find a menu that shines with a variety of delicious offerings, designed to tantalize your taste buds. The café specializes in mouthwatering, locally inspired dishes, perfect for a leisurely lunch break or a delightful gathering with friends. One standout dish is the French Onion Soup, a savory bowl brimming with caramelized onions simmered in rich red wine and homemade beef stock, topped with melty Swiss cheese. It’s a hug in a bowl, especially when paired with a side salad. Another crowd-pleaser is the Award Winning Chili, made from all-natural Wyoming Angus beef, which has garnered rave reviews that speak volumes about its hearty and fulfilling taste.

If you're in the mood for something lighter, try the fresh and vibrant Chef Salad, bursting with a generous array of seasonal ingredients that promise both freshness and flavor, according to customer reviews that rave about its abundance and delightful taste. Another option that’s not to be missed is the Classic French Mussels, steamed to perfection and immersed in a luxurious white wine and cream broth that will transport you straight to the French seaside.

The atmosphere of Sundial Garden Cafe is as inviting as the dishes on the menu. With friendly staff who go above and beyond to make you feel welcome, this café embodies warmth and charm. Customers frequently mention the pleasant interactions they've had with the staff, who are more than happy to chat and make recommendations about their favorite dishes. As one guest, Donna Bolton, says, they deliver "wonderful service" in a quaint seating area that offers both indoor and outdoor dining options. Whether you're savoring a delicious meal or enjoying a leisurely coffee, the cafe’s ambiance sets the perfect stage for a memorable visit.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Sundial Garden Cafe is undeniably a must-visit. With its array of flavorful dishes and charming atmosphere, it’s no wonder guests keep raving about their experiences. As Cindy L. put it, it’s a great spot to unwind after a hike, making it the ideal endpoint for your adventures in Carefree. Whatever the occasion, this delightful cafe promises great food, friendly faces, and an inviting environment that draws you back for more. So come on by and taste the magic for yourself—you may just find your new favorite lunch spot!

Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offerings
Serves coffee
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has seating
78 Reviews
Russell H

22 Sep 2025

We stopped in here during the Fine Art & Wine Festival and had the most AMAZING bowl of chili along with the BLT. Very friendly and great service. Would like to say we will be back but we are not even close to living around here.

Martin Hotten

13 Sep 2025

Stopped by for lunch and had a great chef salad. It had an abundant of very fresh ingredients and was tasty. My wife had the french onion soup and loved it! It was raining so we sat inside but they have a really nice patio. The owner and server were very friendly.

Lisa Haynes

20 Aug 2025

Lunch outside on a beautiful January day. Husband had a cheeseburger and I had the crab sandwich. Both were good. I would however recommend getting some smaller buns. His bun was 2 x the size of the burger and also getting a different kind of chips. They were small and hard. Service was good.

Donna Bolton

28 Jul 2025

Love this delightful little restaurant! Their food is always very fresh and delicious, with a nicely varied menu of tasty entrees. It has wonderful service and quaint outdoor seating. The staff is friendly and informative. I've been here several times, and it's always been a pleasurable experience!

Mick Maguire

26 Jun 2025

We had dinner on Valentines Day. The staff are all very friendly and make feel you welcome immediately. The dinner included Pate, Blue Fin Tuna, Prosciutto wrapped Petite Filets, Flourless chocolate cake, and a mixed salad. Each dish was made with care and was delicious. I will return in the future to sample the lunch menu. My thanks to the chef and his staff for a beautiful evening of fine food.

Pam Martin

23 Jun 2025

Super cute place. Small, cozy. Good service and fortunately I beat the lunch rush. I found myself hungry when running work errands in Carefree. I opted for a club sandwich and french onion soup. Both super good. Although I guess they're known for the crab salad. I will go back and try it if I find myself in the area again. Also the food photo setting on my phone is pretty rad.

Deirdre Stevens

21 Jun 2025

Love this place. Cute little cafe for lunch. Great shops.

Cindy L.

07 Jun 2025

Love this little restaurant in Scottsdale. I've gone with my Dad after we hike on Sundays, so it's nice to sit outside and relax while we eat. Sundial Cafe has been there for years, but just this weekend, there's a new owner. A very nice man who came over and sat with us to converse. We also had a great waiter who cared about what we wanted and aimed to please. We'll be back for sure.

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