On the heels of Chef Cory Oppold’s 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist nomination for Best Chef – Southwest and COURSE’s big wins at the 2024 Foodist Awards (Top Chef & Emerging Restaurant of the Year), the fine-dining Scottsdale restaurant has been named one of “USA Today’s” Top 44 Restaurants in America.

Need more? Read more: 24 Southwest restaurants on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat 2025 list

COURSE “USA Today” honor further elevates Scottsdale fine dining

As one of only two Arizona restaurants to receive the “USA Today” prestigious honor, COURSE solidifies its place among the nation’s finest dining establishments, celebrating the artistry, vision and dedication of Chef Oppold and his team.

“Being recognized as one of the best restaurants in America is an incredible honor and a testament to the hard work, dedication, and discipline of our entire team,” Oppold says. “Every day, we push ourselves to be the best we can be, constantly striving to create an exceptional dining experience.”

Since opening in May 2023, COURSE has redefined fine dining in Scottsdale with immersive, multi-course experiences that are both elevated and approachable. The restaurant invites guests on a seasonal culinary journey, offering an eight-course tasting menu ($175) on Fridays and Saturdays and a five-course ‘choice of’ menu ($135) Tuesdays through Thursdays, both with optional wine pairings.

“This award is deeply meaningful to all of us at COURSE,” Oppold says. “From the very beginning, our vision has been to build something truly special, and this recognition validates the countless hours, sacrifices, and passion that have gone into making COURSE what it is today. To see our efforts acknowledged on a national level is both humbling and fulfilling.”

Pushing boundaries: COURSE’s commitment to innovation and excellence

COURSE embodies the philosophy of Fine Dining Made Approachable — a balance of sophistication and warmth, where the open-air kitchen serves as the heart of the experience, allowing diners to witness the artistry behind each dish. This recognition only fuels the team’s drive to push boundaries in fine dining.

“We have always believed in the potential of COURSE, and this achievement reinforces that belief,” Oppold explains. “It is a reflection of our commitment to excellence, our drive to innovate, and our love for what we do. But more than anything, it’s a shared success with our guests and community, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in our journey.”

COURSE’s momentum continues with recent accolades including:

• 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalist – Best Chef, Southwest
• Arizona Restaurant Association’s 2024 Foodist Awards: Top Chef & Emerging Restaurant of the Year
• Yelp’s Top 25 Best New Restaurants in the U.S. (2024)

And Chef Oppold has no plans of slowing down. “With this recognition, we are more motivated than ever to elevate our craft,” he says. “We will continue to refine our techniques, push creative boundaries, and make each menu better than the last. Our goal remains the same — to ensure that every guest who walks through our doors has an unforgettable dining experience. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next.”

To learn more about COURSE, visit courserestaurantaz.com.