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 a refreshing seasonal lemonade. Two locations: Central Scottsdale and Desert Ridge; www.iamaflowerchild.com; $$

Asian CHINA JADE

China Jade is a local favorite for oldstyle, affordable Chinese takeout or casual dining. Some of the most popular menu items include cheese wonton crab rangoon, chicken lo mein, Mongolian beef and orange-flavored chicken. The lunch and dinner combos come with choice of rice or lo mein and choice of soup or egg roll. Delivery available within a five-mile radius. 14747 N. Northsight Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.991.9688; www. chinajadescottsdale.com; $

Hao Restaurant

Hao is a neighborhood Chinese restaurant for dining in and takeout in Fountain Hills. Classic menu favorites include hot and sour soup, Mongolian beef, General Tso’s chicken, and walnut shrimp. Guests may also find other Asian dishes on the menu such as pad Thai, Korean bulgogi, and Vietnamese noodle soup. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 11849 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills; 480.816.8888; www. haofountainhills.com; $$

La Mai Thai Cuisine

At La Mai, the menu is a fusion of modern, authentic Thai flavors. Many loyal customers rave about the bold flavors in the popular pad Thai and curry dishes. Additionally, soups like the tom kha gai and chicken satay appetizers are favorites. Lunch specials are offered Monday through Friday. Closed Sunday. 12015 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills; 480.907.7706; www.lamaithaicuisineaz.com; $-$$

PICK N’ ROLL

Build your own poke bowl or sushi burrito, choosing from a base of purple rice or salad greens. Load it with fresh veggies, and add protein like fresh tuna, salmon, shrimp, octopus or tofu, top with savory dried seaweed or other toppings, and finish it off with one of Pick N’ Rolls fresh sauces, including favorites like eel, teriyak, or soy sauce, or fruity orange, hot mango or hot pineapple. Or, try one of the fresh sushi rolls, nigri or noodles, and finish your meal with a scoop of mochi ice cream. It’s a fresh and creative take on poke and sushi in a casual setting. 9120 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, 480.291.5070; www. picknrollusa.com; $

YC’S MONGOLIAN GRILL

YC’s Mongolian Grill is a locally owned and operated Valley staple for more than 30 years. A cult favorite of Valley residents, the new Scottsdale location features the restaurant’s signature small, large and unlimited bowls with flavorful, worldinspired sauces including Calcutta

Curry, Spicy Thai, Curry-Yaki and Spicy Black Pepper. Customize your bowl with protein, fresh veggies, rice, noodles and sauces, and a YC’s chef will stir fry the creation on the restaurant’s signature flat-top grill. 17850 N. 87th St., Scottsdale; 480-590-5479; www. ycs-mongoliangrill.com; $

Coffee CARTEL COFFEE LAB

This hip local coffeehouse chain has several locations throughout the Valley, including one in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Cartel Coffee

Lab sources its coffee beans from around the world, and its quality roasts have earned the roasters notoriety among local restaurants and retailers that serve the brew. Coffee drinkers can purchase coffee by the cup or whole beans to savor at home. 7124 E. 5th Ave., Scottsdale; www. cartelcoffeelab.com; $

Fourtillfour

Founded in 2007, Fourtillfour is a small coffee shop that serves Four Coffee, an Arizona-based small batch roastery with four signature blends. The shop combines the owner’s passions for great coffee and vintage vehicles. Enjoy the coffee, small bites, and car culture seven days a week. Stop by on Saturday and Sunday for Cars and Coffee events with different themes each weekend. 7105 E. 1st Ave., Scottsdale; 602.888.3583; www.fourtillfour.com; $

Jojo Coffeehouse

JOJO Coffeehouse is a communityfocused breakfast and brunch restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale that dishes up craft products through farm fresh food and drinks. This establishment is thoughtful about using natural and organic ingredients without GMOs and preservatives whenever possible. Not your typical coffee shop, JOJO has a great selection of kombucha, craft beer, wine, signature mimosas (including flights) and sangria. The build-your-own omelet option and decadent pancakes are wildly popular. Live music on Saturdays and Sundays during breakfast and brunch rounds out the coffeehouse vibe. 3712 N Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.907.6100; www.jojocoffeehouse.com; $$

SWEETWATERS COFFEE & TEA

This coffeehouse celebrates classic cafe fare alongside globally influenced coffees, teas, frozen drinks, pastries and desserts. While the traditional lattes and mochas are out of this world, the internationally inspired beverages are a great way to step out of any caffeine comfort zone. For instance, the French Vietnamese au lai is a masterpiece of Sweetwaters’ dark roasted French chicory coffee and sweetened condensed milk — an Asian finish to a French coffee. This community melting pot is a great place to sip, relax and repeat. 14850 N 87th St., Scottsdale; 480.410.4118; www.sweetwaterscafe.com; $

Village Coffee Roastery

Village Coffee Roastery is one of the oldest independent coffee houses in Arizona, opened in 1996 by chemist Craig Sellmen. Arabica beans are roasted via a patented scientific process utilized by only 12 roasters in the world, ensuring that the exceptional coffee is reproduced with near-perfect consistency each time. The coffee is as much science as it is art. Drip coffee varietals change every day to a different regional brew. In addition to a wide variety of coffee and espresso beverages, Village Coffee Roastery offers a breakfast and lunch menu that features burritos, pastries, salads and sandwiches. 8120 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.905.0881; www.villagecoffee.com; $

Health Food MIXT

The California chain focused on fresh seasonal ingredients opened its first Arizona location in 2020. The menu includes a variety of chef-crafted salads and grain bowls, creative and flavorful sandwiches. Or, design your own meal by choosing from an extensive selection of greens, grains, vegetables, fruits, cheeses, herbs, nuts and seeds and madefrom-scratch dressings. Vegetarian and vegan options available. At Scottsdale Quarter, 15125 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; www.mixt.com. $

NEKTER JUICE BAR

This healthy, fast-casual juice bar serves made-to-order cold-pressed juices, smoothies and bowls. Quick, healthy bowls and smoothies for on-the-go meals are their specialty. While you’re in try a wellness shot loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Everything is made fresh, or you can pick up a grab n’ go bottle or juice cleanse to kickstart your healthy eating habits. Seven Scottsdale locations, and one in Cave Creek. www.nekterjuicebar.com; $

Pita Jungle

Pita Jungle has been in the Valley for more than 25 years and has more than 20 locations. The casual restaurant celebrates the art of healthy eating with something for every taste from a delectable variety of hummus and dips to fish, gyros, wraps and wood-fired lavash pizzas with a fresh Mediterranean flair.

A wide variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes are available. Multiple locations; www.pitajungle.com; $$

Wow Wow Lemonade Stand

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; $

Indian HELLO..INDIA

Hello..India is an authentic Indian restaurant with a modern twist. Aromatic and flavorful spices give a rich flavor to favorites like chicken tikka masala, and curry dishes. Vegetarians will delight in the dal curry, palak peneer with fresh chopped spinach with cheese and spices, and navratna koorma, a dish of fresh vegetables and nuts cooked in a rich cashew sauce. South Indian and Tandoor dishes grace the extensive, 100 percent Halal menu, which includes lamb/goat, seafood, vegetarian and chicken entrees. This is the real taste of India. 14884 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale; 480.203.2699; www.helloindiaaz.com; $$

Khazana Indian Bistro

Khazana is an Indian term for “treasure” and what a gem this bistro is! Guests are enveloped with beautiful aromas of fresh Indian cuisine as they step inside Khazana Indian Bistro. If you can’t decide what to order, try the daily lunch buffet where you can sample everything the restaurant has to offer. Try one of the dozen specialty breads and naan that pair well with any of the curries and entrees. Vegetarian friendly. 8140 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.590.0029; www.khazanaindianbistro.business.site; $$

MARIGOLD MAISON

One of the Valley’s most popular Indian restaurants, Marigold Masion uses the traditional Tandoori oven in preparing many of the menu’s dishes, including several varieties of naan. Menu favorites include classics like chicken tikka masala, lamb vindaloo, samosas and pakora. 4720 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix; 602.795.0020; www. marigoldmaison.com; $$

TAJ MAJAL

Taj Mahal is an adventure in fine Indian dining. The authentic, made-to-order dishes are gluten-free and always tasty. All menu items can be spiced to suit your palate, whether you prefer it extra hot, mild, or with no spice at all. The menu is extensive, featuring favorites like chicken tikka masala, goat curry, taj biryanis, and both vegan and vegetarian options. The bar features an exotic cocktail menu, Indian lager, wine, and daily drink specials. 14225 N. Craftsman Court, Scottsdale; 480.257.1791; www.aztajmahal.com; $$

Tikka Shack

Tikka Shack offers fast-casual Indian cuisine, from street food starters to bold curries, and a variety of Indian staples and side dishes. House favorites include chicken tikka masala; the original house curry with chicken; and the chicken tikka wrap, served in handmade naan. Guests can also craft their own curry and visit the beer wall to self-serve their own drink to wash it all down. Vegetarian and gluten-free friendly. At Desert Ridge Marketplace: 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, 602.354.8800; and Scottsdale (Kitchen United), 7127 E. Shea Blvd., 602.635.7363. www.tikkashack.com; $$

Mediterranean 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, 602.805.7957; www.cava.com; $$

GEORGE’S FAMOUS GYROS

Look no further for no-frills mediterranean fast food. The gyro picado is one of the most popular pitas including seasoned meat topped with sauteed onions, peppers and jalapenos. Or, try the chicken supreme pita with feta cheese, fresh veggies and tzatziki sauce. Most meals come with guest’s choice of fries or a side salad. 7620 E. McKellips Road, Scottsdale; 480.874.1354; www. georgesfamousgyros.com; $

Kitchen 18

Kitchen 18 is a fresh, dairy-free, and 100% Kosher restaurant. Everything on the eclectic menu is made from scratch, using fresh seasonal vegetables and healthful ingredients carefully prepared with wellness in mind. Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Chinese dishes suit every palate, and guests appreciate the aromatic fresh baked pita and challah bread. The 18 Reuben sits on the menu beside a variety of fresh sushi, Chinese cuisine, barbecue ribs, grilled tuna, burgers and kabob platters. 10211 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale; 480.284.6001; www.thekitchen18.com; $$

PARS PERSIAN CUISINE

Pars is a family-owned restaurant serving fine Persian cuisine in the heart of Scottsdale. Juicy marinated kebabs, hummus and stuffed grape leaves platters are beautifully plated and served with traditional basmati rice. Persian ice cream is a delightful way to end with something sweet. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are available. 11144 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale; 480.551.3222; www.parspersiancuisine.com; $$

Pizza

LAMP WOOD OVEN PIZZERIA

Dig into a selection of red and white pizzas, appetizers, salads and desserts at this popular wood-fired pizzeria. Red pizza options range from pepperoni and margherita to the Kicker with spicy peppers and spicy salami. White pizzas include wood-roasted mushroom and the Kensington with figs, goat cheese and arugula. 8900 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale; 480.292.8773; www. lamppizza.com; $$

RAY’S PIZZA

This New York Italian pizzeria offers dine-in and takeout service with both Neapolitan thin crust and Sicilian thick crust pizzas reminiscent of classic New York slices. The menu also features strombolis, calzones, hoagie sandwiches, salads, wings and pasta entrees like spaghetti with meatballs and baked ziti with ricotta and mozzarella. Gluten-free menu available. 15577 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.368.0610; www.rayspizzaaz.com; $-$$

ROSATI’S PIZZA

The original Rosati’s Pizza started in downtown Chicago back in 1964 by Sam Rosati. Since then, the Italian eatery has spread across the country, bringing Chicago-style pizza to the masses. Guests have a choice of four freshly made delicious styles of Chicago pizza: traditional thin crust, Rosati’s unique double dough, Chicago deep dish, and authentic stuffed. Multiple locations. www. rosatispizza.com; $$