The newest restaurant in the Valley is one that you have probably never heard of before. Tocaya Organica has just opened a new location at Kierland Commons in Scottsdale. Started in California, Tocaya prides itself on offering a vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menu and adding a modern twist to traditional Mexican food. In addition, all of Tocaya’s fish and meats are 100% organic, and best of all, reasonably priced.

As soon as you walk through the doors, the Tocaya staff is there to greet you and help you understand the menu while you stand in line to order. When I shared that it was my first time at the restaurant, the staff responded with multiple recommendations of their favorite dishes and I ended up ordering the Barrio taco combo with chips and salsa (roughly $10). The flavors were strong, but not overpowering, which I personally liked because you can really taste all of the individual herbs and spices. Although I am not a huge salsa person, I really enjoyed Tocaya’s salsa because it was not overly spicy.

One great thing about Tocaya is that their menu is completely customizable to your personal preferences or dietary restrictions. All of Tocaya’s burritos, tacos, salads, and bowls are vegan based, but there is an additional menu that showcases all of the restaurant’s signature proteins and cheeses that can be added to any item. Sides include chips and salsa, tamales, fruit, street corn, tortilla soup, guacamole, and much more, all of which are served in generous portions. When it comes to drink options, Tocaya serves their signature juices, flavored limeades, and ice teas, along with hot coffee and tea. The options are endless and the menu can be quite overwhelming at first.

Junior Taylor Brown ordered Tocaya’s two taco combo with a side of chips and salsa and tried a watermelon limeade. She added carne molida to the traditional Barrio style tacos and spicy chicken tinga to the Tulum taco, which is filled with grilled bell pepper, habanero, red onions, and pineapple. She shared that she “liked the prices because the taco combo had big portions and was priced very well. However, I didn’t like the drink options that much and wish they had normal soda.”

Junior Kaitlyn Lauck recommended Tocaya for “anyone who is looking for a place to get a light healthy meal. The environment is warm and homey with comfy couches and outdoor fireplaces.”