Fat Ox
Fat Ox is a contemporary Italian concept by Phoenix-born chef Matt Carter. The restaurant is stunningly well-designed with a wraparound patio meant for a beautiful dining experience al fresco. The Caesar salad is prepared tableside and an absolute must. The menu highlights more than a dozen house made pastas that change seasonally, plus flavorful roasted meats. The full bar offers hand-crafted, Italian-inspired cocktails; an extensive wine list; and internationally renowned craft beer. Daily aperitivo hour from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. 6316 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.307.6900; www.ilovefatox.com; $$$
American
Cottontail Lounge
Tucked into a corner of the W Scottsdale Wet Deck, the shaded outdoor seating, playful design, and sweeping pool views of the Cottontail Lounge is the perfect setting for brunch, sunset cocktails and more. The diverse menu features salads, a plethora of shareables, sandwiches, and wraps. “Hoppy” hour is Monday through Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m., and features special cocktails like the espresso martini alongside snacks and discounted beverages. 7277 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; 602.405.0099; www.cottontaillounge.com; $-$$
Houston’s
Everything on Houston’s diverse menu of American classics is prepared from scratch daily. The go-to restaurant serves up familiar steakhouse plates like a chilled jumbo shrimp cocktail, an iceberg wedge salad, and a USDA prime center-cut filet but also originals such as a kale and rotisserie chicken salad tossed in a roasted peanut vinaigrette and a Hawaiian rib-eye steak. Burgers are made from freshly ground chuck, and the USDA Prime French Dip is perfection. At Hilton Village, 6113 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.922.7775; www.houstons.com; $$$
Paradise Valley Burger Company
PV Burger has been slinging award-winning burgers for almost 15 years. A staple with local diners, the original location gained renown after being featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and Man vs. Food. Its 1/4-pound burgers are pressed in house daily, and come in creative variations like the Booze Burger, Cinco Diablo, and the signature Burger Brulee. Now located in Scottsdale, PV Burger serves a special style of burger that can be customized to your preference or ordered from the house menu. 15689 Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 602.535.4930; www.pvburgercompany.com; $$
Tryst Café
Tryst Cafe is an organic restaurant that creates unique and flavorful dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Everything is made-to-order utilizing natural, healthy ingredients. Signature menu items include grilled tilapia crisps, crispy quinoa avocado, a house made sweet potato veggie burger, and Thai shrimp lettuce wraps. Organic cocktails are also available at the full-service bar. Gluten-free and vegan-friendly. In Shade at Desert Ridge: 21050 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix; 480.585.7978; www.trystcafe.com; $$
Volanti
Volanti operates a scratch kitchen that prioritizes fresh, seasonal offerings, and serves contemporary fare and refreshing cocktails overlooking Scottsdale Airport’s runway and the McDowell Mountains. Menu options include salads, tacos and burgers. Weekend brunch offerings include chilaquiles, a farmers market omelet, and cinnamon-toasted challah French toast. Located on the second floor of the aviation business center overlooking Scottsdale Airport. 15000 N. Airport Drive, Scottsdale; 480.657.2426; www.volantiscottsdale.com; $$
Asian
Donabe
Ascend to the wet deck of W Scottsdale Hotel for an elevated dinner of seafood, rare and imported Wagyu beef, and a variety of sushi. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with the morning menu taking on a more traditional bent. Lunch features creative fusion items like a Korean braised beef short rib quesadilla, Kung Pao Brussels sprouts, and a Japanese milk bun lobster roll. The Wagyu steaks and cheeseburger are the stars of the dinner menu, but the sushi rolls and hot appetizers like shishito peppers and Vietnamese pork ribs are standouts as well. Pair them with sake, a Japanese whisky cocktail or something from the beer or wine list. At W Scottsdale, 7277 E. Camelback Road. Scottsdale; 602.805.1440; www.donabeaz.com; $$-$$$$$
Khao Thai & Sushi
Khao means “rice” in Thai. At Khao, authentic Thai cuisine and sushi dishes are served using the best khao from Thailand and Japan. With this combined concept, diners can order a rainbow roll alongside a curry or a plate of fresh nigiri sushi to enjoy with drunken noodles. Try the Khao Thai tacos—a crab stick, scallop, masago, cucumber, and spicy mayo in a crispy shell. Dine-in only specialties include the tuna tower and hotatae hokkaiyaki, a dish made with shrimp, crab, scallops, masago, and spicy mayo. 10855 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.767.3933; www.khaothaisushi.com; $$
Ramen Hood
This build-your-own-bowl concept allows diners to get creative. Start with a choice of traditional or gluten-free noodles. Then pick a broth: tonkotsu (pork), shoyu (soy sauce), spicy miso, or vegetarian. Add pork, teriyaki chicken or tofu, and then load it up with toppings. Options include traditional Japanese ingredients like naruto (steamed fish cakes), soft-boiled eggs, seasoned bamboo, spicy miso paste, and togarashi powder, as well as a variety of veggies. 15807 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.275.8104; www.eatramenhood.com; $
Slanted Rice
This chic Vietnamese bistro is family-owned and offers a mix of traditional and modern Vietnamese food, and is a sister restaurant to Rice Paper, Saigon Kitchen, and Poki Bar Central. Specialty dishes include a variety of traditional pho noodle soups, spring rolls, shaken beef, and crispy rice clay pot entrees. and vegetarian options are available. At The Shops at Hilton Village, 6149 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.696.3116; www.slantedrice.com; $$
Wok ‘N Roll
Come in to Wok ‘N Roll for the food and the entertainment. Specializing in sushi, Chinese, and Asian fusion cuisine, signature dishes include Taiwanese eggplant, honey walnut shrimp, and sticky glazed salmon and mango salsa. Traditional Chinese dishes grace the menu alongside creative dishes like an Asian-inspired chicken sandwich topped with Chinese slaw and a choice of General Tso, Kung Pao, orange, spicy Korean, or teriyaki sauce. There’s an extensive sushi and maki menu as well. Weekly entertainment like drag queen bingo, karaoke, and Final Fridays Rock ‘N Roll Burlesque shows add to the overall vibe. 4412 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale; 480.427.2526; www.woknrollaz.com; $$
Barbecue
Bootleggers
This casual tavern and smokehouse features craft barbecue and housemade moonshine cocktails. Starters include boot dumplings with pork belly, shrimp, and a mango chipotle sauce; smoked chicken wings; and a bacon board. The menu also features burgers, sandwiches, smokehouse tacos, smoked prime rib, and a barbecue sampler for two or four people. The award-winning barbecue is smoked daily and available for at-home dining as well. The famous apple pie moonshine is a popular libation. Two locations. www.bootleggerssmokehouse.com; $$
Phat Turtle BBQ
Phat Turtle BBQ is serving up Kansas City ‘que in the heart of Cave Creek, featuring all the KC favorites like baby back ribs, brisket, burnt ends, and pulled pork with all the fixins! Comfort plates and sandwiches, and even salads “for the grazers” can be found on the menu. End your meal with a peach cobbler, skillet chocolate cookie, or chocolate chip banana bread. Phat Turtle has daily lunch and dinner specials and sells meat by the pound. Happy hour from 2 to 6 p.m. 30845 N. Cave Creek Road; 602.527.3257; www.phatturtlebbq.com; $
Rudy’s
Rudy’s has been serving up real Texas barbecue since 1989 from its country store outside of San Antonio. Tasty brisket, ribs, pulled pork, turkey, and sausage are wood-fired and slow-cooked in oak, rather than the quicker-burning mesquite used at other barbecue joints. Meats are cooked with a dry spice, and ready for dousing in Rudy’s famous “Sause,” which is available for purchase at the restaurant. Order meat by the pound or in a sandwich, and pair it with a side like Rudy’s beans, green chile stew, or slaw. The jumbo smoked potato on its own or topped with meat is a great accompaniment or standalone meal. Try the breakfast tacos or tantalizing desserts. 15257 N. Northsight Blvd., Scottsdale; 602.613.5105; www.rudysbbq.com; $$
The Thumb
The Thumb is an eclectic, one-of-a-kind place to gas up, wash your car, do a little shopping, and enjoy out-of-this-world barbecue. The Thumb opened in 2012 and has become an unlikely but enormously popular destination for barbecue in the Valley. Its melt-in-your-mouth brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken, and Kansas City barbecue sauce are big hits among customers, including Guy Fieri. Try the hardwood-smoked pulled pork with spicy house barbecue sauce or the famous breakfast brisket stack that was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Breakfast is served all day. In addition to offering delicious, award-winning BBQ, The Thumb also has a fantastic in-house bakery offering scrumptious, freshly baked pastries, muffins, and cinnamon rolls. 9393 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale; 480.513.8186; www.thethumb.com; $$
Breakfast
The Breakfast Club
This popular spot offers breakfast and lunch daily. Menu items range from breakfast quinoa and granola to a variety of frittatas, benedicts, pancakes, waffles, and sandwiches. You’ll never look at toast the same way after sampling the sweet or savory ones here. Hit up the barista bar for hot and cold lattes, coffee, cold brew, and espresso drinks. Fresh-squeezed juices and breakfast sodas (sparkling water with fresh juice), protein shakes, and smoothies are also available. Three Valley locations; www.breakfastclub.us; $-$$
The Breakfast Joynt
The Breakfast Joynt is Scottsdale’s neighborhood diner. It’s the place for all-day breakfast or satisfying lunches with familiar favorites like eggs any way you want ’em. You’ll find all the breakfast standards on the menu, from benedicts to burritos, country-style biscuits and gravy to heart-healthy options. Burgers, sandwiches, salads, and quinoa bowls are available for lunch; try a pancake or hash brown on the side. 10101 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale; 480.443.5234; www.breakfastjoynt.com; $$
The Grotto Café
Boasting one of the most gorgeous desert patios in the Valley, The Grotto Cafe is the place for good eats and gourmet coffee. It’s famous for the red truck burrito and chicken salad sandwich, but you can’t go wrong with a generous portion of anything from the breakfast or lunch menus. All pastries are baked in house, and the organic coffee is sourced locally from the Roastery of Cave Creek. 6501 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek; 480.499.0140; thegrottocafe.com; $$
Little Snitch Brunch & Cocktails
Enjoy brunch in a charming garden patio setting. Fresh baked goods and made-to-order brunch dishes can be paired with a coffee or specialty cocktail from the full bar. Or go for both with one of the six espresso martinis, like the Raspberry Cheesecake, chocolate, or Wake-Me-Up with Tito’s Vodka, Bailey’s Salted Caramel, espresso, and buttered popcorn cold foam. The menu includes breakfast basics like an English breakfast, croissant sandwich, and omelets. Try the ham and egg or butternut squash rustic pie with fluffy eggs and a flaky crust. Toasts, sandwiches, and salads also grace the menu. In a rush? Order your coffee, latte, matcha, or espresso from the grab-and-go coffee window. 8700 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale; 480.590.2463; www.littlesnitchscottsdale.com; $-$$
Coffee Shops
Berdena’s
Berdena’s is a petite specialty coffee shop in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale that that serves organic and locally sourced food and drinks when possible. Don’t miss unique lattes such as the honey lavender and cardamom rose variations. Breakfast items include an award-winning avocado toast, a breakfast sandwich and a variety of housemade pastries. Closed Sunday. 7051 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale; 480.256.1403; www.berdenas.com; $-$$
Echo Coffee
Echo Coffee is a dog-friendly micro-coffee roaster and coffee shop in a friendly setting perfect for meetups, working, or relaxing. Along with traditional coffee and espresso drinks, Echo Coffee’s food menu consists of fresh, healthy options like a hummus plate and yogurt parfait as well as a large variety of delicious pastries. Free Wi-Fi is available for those who may want to linger, connect to the internet, and snack on a sweet treat or two. Echo donates one percent of every purchase to the Arizona Humane Society. 2902 N. 68th St., Scottsdale; 480.422.4081; www.echocoffee.shop; $-$$
Press Coffee Roasters
With an impressive two-story roastery in Phoenix and several Valley locations, Press has been attracting even more fans with its delicious brews and skilled baristas. Press sources its coffee from farmers around the world, then roasts locally in small batches to ensure the highest quality and consistency. In addition to freshly brewed coffee, Press has baked goods, breakfast items, and sandwiches. Four Scottsdale locations: 8605 E. Raintree Dr., McCormick Ranch, Scottsdale Waterfront, and Scottsdale Quarter; www.presscoffee.com; $-$$
Health Food
Flower Child
Part of Fox Restaurant Concepts, Flower Child’s menu offers the opportunity to try a variety of fresh vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins offered as salads, bowls and wraps with several vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Dishes like Crushed Avocado Toast, hummus, and a daily soup round out the fresh, healthy menu. Wash it all down with an always refreshing seasonal lemonade. 10460 N. 90th St., Scottsdale and at Desert Ridge; www.iamaflowerchild.com; $$
Freshbox
Freshbox is a fast-casual restaurant that serves wholesome meals made with locally sourced and organic ingredients. Customers can embrace healthy eating with the menu’s wide selection of superfood salads, wraps and nutrient-packed smoothies. Plus, all nine dressings are made in-house to ensure the highest quality, and they can be purchased by the bottle. Paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan friendly. 10101 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale; 480.245.4469; www.ilovefreshbox.com; $-$$
Mad Greens
Mad Greens is a made-to-order salad shop originating out of Colorado. Customers can select from a preset menu of salads or customize their own and watch as their meal is prepared and tossed right before their eyes. The Don Quixote salad is one of the eatery’s most popular, made with shrimp, mango, avocado and roasted corn and mixed with a creamy ginger dressing and the restaurant’s own Mad Spice pepper blend for an extra kick. For non-salad options, Mad Greens offers grain bowls, wraps, soups and juices. 14418 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; www.madgreens.com; $
Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade
Say “aloha” to this Hawaiian-inspired lemonade shop. Wow Wow Lemonade’s menu consists of handcrafted lemonades in over a dozen of flavors, like lavender blackberry and mango pineapple. For more filling options, the menu features superfood smoothies, acai bowls, a variety of avocado toast offerings, grain bowls, and flatbread sandwiches. Pick up one of Wow Wow’s eye-catching reusable mason jars to fill with your favorite refreshment. 6501 E. Greenway Pkwy., Scottsdale; 480.508.6036; www.wowwowhawaiianlemonade.com; $
True Food Kitchen
Developed in collaboration with integrated medicine guru, Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D., True Food Kitchen is a leader in healthy farm-to-table full-service dining. The food and beverage menus are created with seasonal ingredients guided by Weil’s anti-inflammatory food pyramid model. The farmers market crudites is a bouquet of chilled raw vegetables served with tzatziki and Kalamata olive dip that is a great starter for the table. The ancient grains bowl and grass-fed steak tacos are also fan favorites. True Food Kitchen happily caters to a variety of food preferences including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan. At Scottsdale Quarter, 15191 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.265.4500; www.truefoodkitchen.com; $$-$$$
European
Brat Haus
Brat Haus is Scottsdale’s premier beer garden and is widely known for its housemade bratwursts and craft beer selection. Guests can order a la carte or take on a flight of gourmet brats and beer if they want to sample a little of everything. Don’t pass up on the soft pretzel and warm beer cheese fondue or the thick-cut Belgian fries. Inside or on the dog-friendly open-air patio, enjoy from-scratch cuisine inspired by European food craftsman. Prost! 3622 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale; 480.947.4006; www.brathausaz.com; $$
CAVA
CAVA was started in Maryland by three friends with a love of Greek food and family time. In 2018, CAVA joined forces with Zoës Kitchen to bring its bold craveable bowls, dips and pitas to the market. Chef-curated bowls with fresh ingredients like lentil avocado, Greens + Grains, Greek salad, tahini, harissa and more are healthy, tasty and satisfying. Pita wraps are also available. Vegetarian eggplant dips, tzatziki, and varieties of hummus, spreads, and sauces are prepared daily, free of additives and preservatives. 14601 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale and five other Arizona locations, 602.805.7957; www.cava.com; $$
Cornish Pasty Co.
These hearty hand pies called pasties have taken the Valley by storm since Cornwall native Dean Thomas founded the original Tempe Cornish Pasty Co. in 2005. The restaurant serves pasties with dozens of filling and flavor combinations like the spicy asiago chicken and the Oggie, a traditional pasty with steak, potatoes, onions and rutabaga. Pasties can also be ordered partially baked to take home and cook at your leisure. Vegetarian friendly. 3800 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.945.1220; www.cornishpastyco.com; $$
French
Café Paris
Opened by a chef from Paris in 2007 and run by his family, Cafe Paris offers French favorites in a casual atmosphere at affordable prices. The menu boasts pastries, savory and sweet crepes, omelets, sandwiches, and classics like quiche Lorraine and croque madame. Breakfast is served all day. Try the ratatouille, goat cheese and basil, or mushroom and Swiss omelet. Sweet crepes with sugar or jam, Nutella, and fruit make a tasty meal or dessert. 15125 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.998.4875; www.cafeparisaz.com; $
Le Sans Souci
Since 1995, guests have enjoyed outstanding French cuisine at Le Sans Souci in Cave Creek. Diners enjoy traditional fare like trout meuniere, coq au vin and tableside desserts, and French ambiance without having to travel an ocean away. Don’t miss out on the delightful French pastries. 7030 E. Bella Vista Drive, Cave Creek; 480.488.2856; www.lesanssoucirestaurant.com; $$$
Merci French Café
Opened in 2007, Merci is a Parisian-style cafe serving homemade French food and pastries, including crepes, quiche, burgers, omelets, and sandwiches. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Merci describes its offerings as French bistro comfort food. Indulge in sweet Belgian waffles, buttery croissants, a croque madame sandwich (add black truffle mushrooms and Swiss cheese for a decadent treat), Merci burgers made from beef, lamb, or crab cake, and traditional dinner favorites like beef bourguignon and French onion soup. The pastries and quiches are must-haves. 7620 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale; 480.947.2777; www.mercifc.com; $-$$
The Mick Brasserie + Bar
If traveling overseas isn’t in the stars, consider Mick Brasserie as a one-way ticket to France. This modern interpretation of a true French brasserie, with friendly service and a beautiful patio, can be found in the heart of Scottsdale. Enjoy the dog-friendly patio and French-colonial-inspired sharable plates with friends. The seasonal menu includes flatbreads, escargot, salads, foie gras, meat, and seafood dishes. Check the website for information on curated, interactive wine dinners featuring selections from the award-winning wine list. Happy hour Tuesday through Saturday, 4 to 6 p.m. Closed Monday. 9719 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.210.1102; www.themickaz.com; $$-$$$
Zinqué
A cafe, bistro, and wine bar all in one, French-inspired Zinqué opened its first Arizona location at Scottsdale Fashion Square. It has the feel of an upscale neighborhood restaurant serving French-inspired dishes, small plates, and craft cocktails. Breakfast items include frittatas, fruit tarts, and croissants. For lunch and dinner, dine on steak frites, quiche, and savory tartines. Zinqué also has an extensive selection of wine and beer. Happy hour available in the bar every day from 4 to 6 p.m. At Scottsdale Fashion Square, 4712 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale; 623.745.9616; www.lezinque.com; $$
Island
Hula’s Modern Tiki
Hula’s is a modern, urban twist on the classic tiki bars and restaurants of the 1950s and ‘60s. It’s known for colorful Tiki decor, island fare, and tropical cocktails, such as the Hurricane featuring three rums, the Pink Bikini Martini with pineapple-infused vodka and watermelon liqueur, and the restaurant’s famous mai tai. Menu standouts include Hawaiian ceviche, pot stickers, and wings with spicy Asian barbecue sauce, as well as fresh fish plates, tacos, and from-the-land offerings. In Old Town Scottsdale and at High Street; www.hulasmoderntiki.com; $$
Tommy Bahama
Embrace the island life while dining and shopping at Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store. Tommy Bahama’s vibrant theme is well represented in its tropical concoctions, like the Tahitian limeade and the second-story lanai-style dining room. The restaurant is known for its world-famous coconut shrimp with papaya-mango chutney and is a proud partner of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program, serving sustainable seafood. At Kierland Commons, 15205 N. Kierland Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.505.3668; www.tommybahama.com; $$-$$$
Italian
Crisp Premium Pizza
Crisp is a local pizzeria serving trays of square – yes, square – pizza in Old Town Scottsdale. Pizza chef Adrian Langu has his craft down to an art, from the housemade dough to the hand-crushed tomato sauce. His crisp and airy pizzas can be ordered by the slice or as small or large pies. Get creative with the long list of toppings, but you can’t go wrong with the traditional mozzarella, pecorino, tomato sauce, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil. Happy hour every day in the bar from 3 to 7 p.m. 7111 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale; 480.874.2747; www.crisp-pizza.com; $$
La Locanda Ristorante Italiano
La Locanda offers a slice of authentic, distinctive Italian dining in Old Town Scottsdale. The menu is simple, with recipes originating from northern Italy. Pasta is made fresh in-house, and the flavorful meat and seafood entrees pair well with the wines on their extensive list. Entrees and salads are made with fresh, organic, local ingredients. Menu favorites include the ossobuco, ravioli quattro formaggi, linguine frutti di mare, and panna cotta for dessert. Happy hour daily from 4:30 to 6 p.m. 6830 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale; 480.284.6511; www.lalocandaaz.com; $$
Marcellino Ristorante
Award-winning chef Marcellino Verzino is passionate about Italian cuisine. At Marcellino, he maintains the integrity of the Italian dining experience through his cooking, service, and ambiance. Fans of the restaurant are enamored by the fresh handmade pasta and savory meat entrees like the osso bucco, and the array of Mediterranean seafood dishes and imported wild game. The restaurant regularly features live music and cooking classes with chef Marcellino. 7114 E. Stetson Drive, Scottsdale; 480.990.9500; www.marcellinoristorante.com; $$$
Pomo Pizzeria
Pomo specializes in authentic Neapolitan pizza baked in their hand-built, wood-fired ovens. But don’t miss out on the outstanding antipasti, and mouthwatering pasta dishes. The fritto misto and caprese are great to share, while the classic margherita and signature Pomo pizzas are faultless. Their time-tested recipe is certified by the Verace Pizza Napoletana and Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani organizations, authenticating Pomo’s true Italian pizzeria experience. Gluten-free and vegan options available. 8977 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.998.1366; www.pomopizzeria.com; $$
Ristorante Giuseppe
Ristorante Giuseppe is all about food, family and friends. This casual family-owned eatery has been serving hearty portions of Italian staples since 1989. The veal parmigiana is considered by many to be of the stars on the menu, and don’t forget to leave room for a homemade dessert. Guests can bring their own beer and wine when dining in. Cash only. 13610 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.991.4792; www.giuseppescottsdale.com; $$
Virtú Honest Craft
Tucked away at the Bespoke Inn is the Italian-Mediterranean-influenced cuisine of Virtú Honest Craft. Chef Gio Osso is the brains behind this lauded restaurant, having been named one of Esquire’s Top 20 Best New Restaurants in the U.S. and nominated for Best New Restaurant by the prestigious James Beard Foundation. Virtú is wonderful for a romantic dinner or anyone looking for a modern, global approach to Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The menu changes frequently, focusing on seasonal ingredients. While lauded for dinner, don’t miss the daily brunch which is equally impressive. 3701 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale; 480.946.3477; www.virtuhonestcraft.com; $$$
Latin/Mexican
Blanco Cocina + Cantina
Blanco serves Mexican dishes and cocktails in a bright, modern setting. Try the street-style carne asada tacos on handmade corn tortillas or the award-winning barbecue pork tacos with fresh sweet corn tomato salsa. Other mouth-watering favorites include tiger shrimp fajitas with spicy garlic butter. Pair their food with any of the ice-cold Mexican beers a selection from their collection of rare tequilas, or a fresh house-made margarita. At The Borgata and PV; www.blancococinacantina.com; $$
Carnitas Way
The owners of Los Sombreros recently launched Carnitas Way, a ghost kitchen concept offering healthy and hearty California-style Mexican food. All food is prepared at Los Sombreros locations and is available for pickup or delivery. Diners can choose from a selection of burritos, which can also be ordered as bowls, made with fresh ingredients. Vegetarian options are available. Pick up available at Los Sombreros, 2534 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.361.9937. www.carnitasway.com; $
Rusty Taco
Everything on the Rusty Taco menu is made with fresh ingredients that pack unforgettable flavors into several affordable dishes. From handmade street tacos and breakfast tacos served all day long, to homemade sides like guacamole and queso the menu evolved from the founder’s love of authentic tacos and the joy he got from a simple taco stand. Rusty Taco is also known for its frozen margaritas made with fresh lime juice. The kids menu also serves the perfect portions for little tikes, making it a go-to spot for the entire family. 9290 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale; 480.291.7020; www.rustytaco.com; $-$$
Tocaya Organica
Tocaya Organica offers modern Mexican cuisine with bold flavors and healthy, fresh options to accommodate a variety of dietary preferences including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free in a casual, bright setting. Diners have a choice of salads, tacos, bowls and burritos with a selection of proteins like turkey picante, adobo tofu, shrimp and carne asada, and cheeses including chipotle jack, cotija and vegan mozzarella. There are watermelon, strawberry basil and cucumber mint agua frescas as well as a variety of margaritas including prickly pear, tamarind and passion fruit. 4712 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.681.4100; www.tocayaorganica.com; $$