Arizona diners can now experience a slice of Spain as Telefèric Barcelona officially opened its doors at Scottsdale Fashion Square. The tapas restaurant marks the group’s seventh location and its first expansion outside of California, introducing Scottsdale to the flavors, traditions, and dining culture of Barcelona.
Founded in 1992 by Spanish siblings Maria and Xavi Padrosa, the family-owned restaurant group has spent more than three decades sharing Spain’s culinary heritage. After opening its first U.S. location in Walnut Creek in 2015, the brand built a devoted following across California. Now, as the company celebrates 10 years in the United States, its arrival in Scottsdale signals an exciting new phase of growth.
“Opening in Scottsdale is a defining milestone for our family,” Xavier said. “Ten years ago, we introduced our first U.S. restaurant with the dream of bringing Barcelona’s tapas culture stateside. Expanding beyond California for the first time represents the next evolution of that vision, with Scottsdale’s dynamic dining scene making it the perfect place to continue growing while staying true to our roots.”
Telefèric Barcelona is built around gathering and sharing. The menu features classic Spanish tapas and signature paellas designed for sharing. Guests will find favorites such as patatas bravas, jamón ibérico de bellota, gambas al ajillo, pulpo Telefèric with truffle and pimentón purée, and creamy croquetas filled with jamón or king crab.
The restaurant’s celebrated paellas are prepared to order and served with socarrat, the prized crispy layer of rice at the bottom of the pan. From traditional mixed paella to squid-ink Paella Negra and seafood-forward variations, each dish reflects the diversity of Spain’s regional cuisines. Authenticity remains central to the experience, with key ingredients sourced from Spain and Spanish chefs guiding the culinary program.
The beverages mirror that same sense of place, pairing Spanish-inspired craft cocktails with an extensive gin and tonic selection, fresh sangrías, and a wine list featuring more than 100 bottles from regions including Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat, and Rías Baixas.
The space blends Mediterranean warmth with the city’s energetic social atmosphere. Designed by Maria Padrosa, the restaurant features textured finishes, an open kitchen, and a signature paella station where guests can watch chefs cook over open flame.
The restaurant is introducing experiences exclusive to this location. The first is “Brunchelona,” the brand’s inaugural brunch concept, which channels the indulgent spirit of Barcelona’s social dining culture.
The menu includes dishes such as Eggs Benedict served on toasted waffles with light hollandaise and optional additions like Iberian ham or caviar, a Barcelona Chicken Sandwich layered with fried chicken and egg, and Steak & Eggs finished with mojo verde. On Sundays, the atmosphere begins with acoustic flamenco performances and builds into a lounge setting with a DJ.
Saturday evenings feature The Evolution of Sound, a new entertainment program that blends traditional Spanish artistry with Scottsdale’s modern nightlife energy. Flamenco performances set an expressive tone before a live guitarist blends classical Spanish techniques with contemporary rhythms, eventually transitioning into a collaborative set with a DJ and performers.
Guests can also extend their experience beyond the dining room through the restaurant’s in-house Spanish market, Èl Merkat. The retail space offers imported olive oils, specialty rices, conservas, spices, and gourmet goods sourced directly from Spain.
Diners can purchase at-home paella kits, arrange catering, or book live paella experiences. Telefèric Barcelona celebrates Spanish culture while embracing Scottsdale’s energy. For more, visit telefericbarcelona.com.