1000 Degrees Neopolitan Pizza

I know you're probably thinking 'do we really need yet another fast casual pizza place offering up $9 pies made in 90 seconds'?  Finally, one fast pizza concept worth keeping around.The price point is on par and the flavor is Naples approved.


The 'Must Try'- Tick off the purists and savor the Buffalo Chicken

Cafe Rio

Utah's culinary contribution to the world which means something overly sweet, cheap, and served in large portions.  A more tasty and less heralded lunch alternative to Chipotle.


The 'Must Try'- Sweet Pork Salad

Sushi Broker

Good sushi but we all know that the scene is just as important. This place has an a great vibe for a congenial happy hour and a creative menu that satisfies the purist and the novice alike.

The 'Must Try'- The Surfer

Dilly's Deli

A long-standing Phoenix spot serving up solid soup and sandwiches for the hurried business lunch crowd.  Still stands out in an increasingly competitive and creative sandwich landscape.

The 'Must Try'- Dilly Club with Bread Bowl of Chowder

Carvalho’s Brazilian Kitchen

A great spot that gives you a more intimate and less corporate chance (I'm looking at you Fogo de Chao) to taste the diverse flavors of Brasil. The staff adds another layer to the experience and the love of their culture definitely shines through in their service, knowledge, and ambiance.  

The 'Must Try'- Picanha Grelhada

Isabella’s Kitchen

Put this place in a strip mall and it becomes a slightly better looking cousin then Macaroni Grill.  The food isn't exceptionally memorable. Don't worry though, what sets this place apart is its atmosphere and location.    You will be hard to pressed to find anywhere else in the Valley that offers such a setting.

The 'Must Try'- Decent food but better view and atmosphere

La Torretta Ristorante

Fits the old-school Italian stereotype to a T, down to the Sinatra in the background and Godfather poster on the wall.  All of the classic dishes are present as well as the all of the traditional cliches. Still, friendly service and a good place to get comfortable with some Veal Parmesan.

The 'Must Try'- Veal Scaloppini alla Parmigiana

Streets of New York Pizza

For those moments when you don't need VPN certified, can't tolerate Dominoes, and just need something good and cheap for the family on a weekday night.

The 'Must Try'- Have the kids in tow?  Stick with standard pepporoni

Lucky’s Burgers & Hotdog Grill

It feels like a family generated labor of love which is cool. Solid burgers but the pricing, marketing, menu need some refinement.

The 'Must Try'-  The Red Wine Burger with Waffle Fries

Blue Agave Mexican Cantina

More sports bar than authentic Mexican experience.  But in an area not especially proficient in 'South of the Border' the Agave is a great option for those wanting to catch a game and grind tacos.

The 'Must Try'- The Baja Shrimp Enchiladas

Juan Jaime's Tacos and Tequila

Your taco options are limited in North Scottsdale but Juan Jaime's does the best job for those of us in need of a lunch time fix. The place might be better served as a fast casual concept but the service good and the salsa bar provides some nice color to the taco standards.

The 'Must Try'- Pick a trio of tacos.  They are all solid.

grabbagreen

 It ain't cheap eating healthy but these guys do a decent job of providing something healthy, filling, and at a decent price point.  A great place to combat my hunger pangs next time that I am heading in the general direction of that New York style pizza place across the parking lot.

The 'Must Try'- The Marrakesh

LAMP Pizzeria

While not quite in the same league as heavy weights Pomo, Pizzeria Bianco, or Cibo it offers the best pie North of Shea.  Makes for a great end of a day exploring the lush desert foothills of far North Scottsdale.


The 'Must Try'- The Gem

Paradise Valley Burger Company

The creativity of this ambitious menu helps PV Burger stand out in the difficult terrain between the fast food and gourmet burger price point. A slight upgrade in their ingredients and this place will quickly outgrow the strip mall in which it resides and move to the upper echelon of the Phoenix burger scene.

The 'Must Try'- The Beach House Burger

Ono Hawaiian BBQ

The place is about as authentic as one of those cheap plastic coconut bras that you get for $5 at the ABC store in the seedy part of Honolulu but it is tough to argue with their low lunch prices.  I can tolerate a lot when I'm only paying $5

The 'Must Try'- The BBQ Beef and Rice

Foosia

A tip of the hat to any place that can get me to eat my vegetables, cost under $10, and actually taste good.  Foosia has done a great job executing the ever popular Chipotle model and bringing good fresh Asian to the busy lunch masses.

The 'Must Try'- Rice Noodles and Grilled Shrimp

Tom's Thumb Fresh Market

It's BBQ meets Pygmalion!  They've taken the venerable Southern country store concept, think Rudy's in Austin, and dressed it up a notch or two.Can't think of of a tastier way to way kill time while your car is getting washed.

The 'Must Try'- The Brisket

Fired Pie

Think of it as Chipotle for Pizza.  While the pizzas are slightly above average their price point and speed of service make an attractive inclusion into your lunch routine.

The 'Must Try'-The Tomato Basil

The White Chocolate Grill

They do a pretty good Houston's impersonation. A solid upscale lunch spot that captures, for good or bad, the essence of Scottsdale.


The 'Must Try'-  Filet Mignon Cobb Salad