Fresh on the Fork

A taste of new places defining the Valley’s blooming food scene

By Alison Bailin Batz

Once known primarily for its endless sunshine and resort scene, Phoenix has quietly transformed into one of the country’s most dynamic culinary destinations. Chefs, restaurateurs and mixologists from across the nation are planting roots here, drawn by the region’s creativity, community and appetite for bold flavors. Neighborhoods from Paradise Valley and Old Town Scottsdale to Desert Ridge and Tempe are buzzing with inventive tasting menus, sleek cocktail lounges and immersive dining experiences that rival those found in major metropolitan cities. The energy is electric, the innovation palpable, and the standards higher than ever as local talent continues to redefine what Arizona dining means. Here is a look at the hottest openings from the past year and the most anticipated debuts set to make headlines in the months ahead.

Summer Sensations

Glenrosa

Nestled in the historic Papago Buttes, where the first Salt River crossing and early farming traditions shaped the land, Glenrosa brings the rich heritage of the area to life. The space is a celebration of the outdoors, offering open-air seating amid thousands of bougainvillea and unobstructed views of the Buttes. The menu focuses on elevated Sonoran Desert and Mexican fare cooked on a Sonoran-style live fire with dishes such as steak ranchero, grilled seabass and Two Wash Ranch smoked chicken. There is also a dedicated taqueria menu featuring authentic Mexican tacos and an ample cocktail menu, where agave spirits are proudly showcased. www.glenrosarestaurant.com.

Jamie’s Bottle Shop

Founded by Jamie Hormel, owner of the historic Wrigley Mansion, Jamie’s Bottle Shop redefines the neighborhood wine experience with warmth, elegance and accessibility. The shop was designed by Mendil and Meyer Design Studio to feel both refined and relaxed, with natural wood finishes, gold and green accents, and softly lit walls lined with more than 700 labels from across the globe. Guests can browse or linger at cozy tasting tables while enjoying a curated menu of wine-friendly fare, including pressed ham and cheese sandwiches; fresh seasonal salads; and charcuterie boards with hand-cut meats, cheeses, jams, and pickled vegetables. The Champagne Room serves as a lively hub for tastings and educational classes, while the Reserve Room functions as a temperature and humidity-controlled cellar featuring rare vintages and collectible bottles. www.jamiesbottleshop.com.

Indibar

Indibar dazzles with a vibrant celebration of Indian culture, cuisine and craftsmanship. Set in the former Rancho Pinot space at Lincoln Village, the restaurant envelops guests in a cinematic blend of color and texture. Intricate arches, jewel tones and custom wallpapers inspired by cities across India evoke a sense of global glamour, while sandstone and emerald hues nod to both Arizona’s desert and India’s lush landscapes. The menu, developed by chef partners Nigel Lobo and Ajay Singh, highlights true tandoor cooking through dishes such as Afghani chicken, lamb chops, and vindaloo-spiced baby back ribs. A cocktail program featuring saffron, cardamom and curry leaves completes the restaurant’s sensory journey. www.theindibar.com.

Shiv Supper Club

Shiv Supper Club reimagines the dining experience through a captivating blend of fine cuisine, live performances, and theatrical design. The space glows with dramatic lighting, cascading greenery and sculptural accents that create a sense of movement and anticipation. The whimsical twist on a fine dining menu boasts surprises at every turn, from white soy poke and truffle Parker House rolls with hot honey to caviar-topped chicken nuggets and caviar bumps for the table. Beverage Director Lyndsi Mundy elevates the experience with cocktails like the Salt and Vinegar Martini with chip-infused vodka and the Well Dressed with gin and lemon olive oil. After dinner, The Dessert Room transforms the night with avant-garde sweets and Champagne. www.shivsupperclub.com.

Sexy Roman

Here, guests are invited into a sultry celebration of Italian decadence. Sexy Roman’s interior feels like a glamorous Italian salon reborn for modern Scottsdale, with olive wood, black marble and cascading velvet drapery setting the stage for an evening of indulgence. Plush wine-colored booths, glowing brass accents and a show-stopping bronze and glass wine cellar heighten the atmosphere of lavish sophistication. Chef Jason Franey, a James Beard Award nominee, crafted a menu that balances comfort and artistry through dishes such as spicy lobster spaghetti in Calabrian chili sauce, truffle agnolotti, and bone-in veal Milanese. Martini carts bring the spectacle tableside, offering ice-cold creations with Chopin Vodka and Meletti liqueurs, while inventive cocktails and bold Italian wines complete the seductively spirited experience. www.sexyroman.com.

Kauboi

The signature restaurant at The REMI., Kauboi is a cinematic expression of culinary duality where Japanese precision meets Southwestern swagger. Expect layers of warm leather, wood and stone around an open robata and grill suite that turns live-fire cooking into theater. Flames rise as chefs sear wagyu short rib, lobster tail, and Santa Maria-style steaks alongside skewers, sushi, and sashimi. Signature dishes like the smoking bluefin tuna tartlet served tableside in a steaming donabe and the 40-ounce Mishima tomahawk ribeye carved tableside anchor the experience. The cocktail menu is equally compelling, showcasing inventive Japanese spirits, smoked elements and dramatic presentations. Every pour feels like a performance, mirroring the fire, artistry and exactitude that define Kauboi itself. www.kauboiscottsdale.com.

Little Pickle

This beloved Jewish deli that began as a six-month pop-up found its permanent home at the Esplanade this past year, bringing true New York flavor to the heart of Phoenix. The fast-casual eatery serves house-smoked salmon, hand-rolled bagels with made from scratch schmears, and what many are calling the city’s best pastrami sandwich, especially when ordered Reuben-style. Morning regulars come for the bodega-inspired egg sandwiches and traditional bagels and lox, while lunchtime favorites include fresh roasted turkey and classic egg salad. Created by 151 Hospitality’s Rick Phillips and Peter Hearn, the team behind The Mercer and the upcoming Camello, Little Pickle pairs nostalgic East Coast comfort with modern ease, offering counter service, online ordering and catering. www.littlepickleaz.com.

Filthy Animal

Filthy Animal’s bold concept and daring design immediately made waves when it debuted in Tempe earlier this year. Stepping inside feels like entering a jungle-inspired dreamscape where murals roar with life, and a life-sized jaguar watches over guests. The menu is equally adventurous. Highlights include tuna-pineapple ceviche with plantain chips, grilled oysters dressed in gochujang butter and queso, and a 42-ounce bone-in short rib with sesame chimichurri. The cocktail program keeps pace, with spicy, smoky, tropical, and herbaceous elements. www.thisisfilthyanimal.com.

Fresh this Fall

Catch

Bringing coastal sophistication and global flavor to the desert, Catch Scottsdale’s opening elevated the city’s reputation as a world-class dining destination. Designed by the acclaimed Rockwell Group, the restaurant blends terracotta and auburn tones with light limestone, warm wood lattice and lush greenery, creating a modern yet inviting atmosphere. The menu celebrates seafood and sushi sourced from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market, complemented by a robust steak program featuring A5 Kobe, snow beef and Australian wagyu. Standout dishes include truffle sashimi with yuzu soy, Japanese wagyu on the hot rock prepared tableside, and an indulgent omakase boat. The bar program mirrors the menu’s artistry with drinks ranging from a crystal-clear clarified piña colada to a strawberry infused twist on an Aperol spritz. www.catchrestaurants.com.

The Delicatessen by Chef Joey

The Delicatessen by Chef Joey brings East Coast attitude and big city flavor to north Phoenix with a fresh, imaginative twist. The lively, retro-inspired space channels the golden age of New York delis with chrome accents, bold colors and an old-school soda fountain serving egg creams and housemade sodas. Guests can build their dream creation at the signature bagel bar, choosing from over 25 toppings and spreads ranging from smoked salmon and pastrami to Fruity Pebbles cream cheese. Mile-high sandwiches showcase house-cured corned beef and smoky pastrami, while the chopped Italian sub bar adds a creative, interactive touch. Classic desserts like black-and-white cookies and towering chocolate cake complete the menu. www.thedelicatessen.com.

Heritage Kitchen + Cocktails

Heritage Kitchen + Cocktails captures the spirit of refined ease, blending coastal Mediterranean inspiration with a focus on elevated, ingredient-driven cuisine. Inside, soft golden light dances across herringbone wood floors, teal and green tile, and vintage mirrors, while a wine display anchors the room. The open bar and expansive patio create a fluid indoor-outdoor experience. Chef Christopher Brugman’s menu celebrates bold, vibrant flavors with oysters, Spanish octopus, lobster fideo, Iberico pork chop, and Two Wash Ranch half chicken. Handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas invite sharing, and a rotating cocktail list keeps every visit fresh. Signature drinks like the Tropic Like It Hot and the indulgent Pie in the Sky bring artistry and allure to every sip. www.heritagescottsdale.com.

Formation Brewing

Roosevelt Row’s new spot brings a fresh sense of community and creativity with locally inspired beer, inventive food and laid-back energy. The modern industrial space features warm wood, exposed steel and an open brewhouse where guests can catch a glimpse of the brewing process unfold. A sunken lounge, expansive patio and upstairs bar invite lingering from afternoon to after dark. Head brewer Sam Townsend, an award-winning brewer, showcases Arizona’s spirit through beers that balance innovation and tradition. The kitchen complements the taps with a menu built for sharing, featuring smoked elote dip, chicken wings, pork nachos, hearty bowls, and Detroit-style pizzas. The brewery also hosts events, live music and artist collaborations. www.formationbrewing.com.

Alden

This new restaurant inside Phoenix Art Museum brings together culinary artistry and architectural inspiration in perfect harmony. Named for Alden B. Dow, the visionary behind the museum’s original 1959 design, the concept reflects his creative spirit through thoughtful design and imaginative new American cuisine. Created in partnership with CS Hospitality, the team behind Kaizen Sushi and Conceptually Social, and led by operating partner Monica X. Castillo, Alden offers a refined yet approachable dining experience overlooking the Dorrance Sculpture Garden. The menu celebrates seasonal ingredients and global influences with dishes like hamachi crudo, chicken katsu buns, squash risotto, and steak frites, all complemented by playful desserts. Artful cocktails and zero-proof creations complete the experience. www.aldenphx.com.

Cleaverman

Bringing a refined edge and culinary flair to Downtown Phoenix, Cleaverman’s menu celebrates the art of the steakhouse in bold new ways. The space glows with dark woods, brass accents and soft lighting that creates a dramatic yet still welcoming atmosphere. Executive chef Jared Porter’s menu highlights expertly sourced cuts such as dry-aged rib-eye, wagyu filet and a towering porterhouse, paired with sauces like green peppercorn brandy and foie gras bordelaise. Beyond steaks, dishes such as lobster Wellington, branzino meunière, and herb-crusted lamb chops showcase the kitchen’s creativity. Decadent sides, including truffled Yorkshire pudding, risotto cacio e pepe, and crispy Brussels sprouts with pork belly, round out a dining experience built on craftsmanship and indulgence. www.cleaverman.com.

Tomu-San Sushi

Tomu-San Sushi brings a new sense of calm and creativity to Market Street at DC Ranch. Designed with minimalist elegance, the space glows with natural light, bamboo and bonsai that frame an open kitchen where sushi preparation becomes art. From the team behind The Living Room and Elvira’s, this sushi spot blends precision and imagination through curated sake flights and modern interpretations of classic rolls. Executive chef Christopher George crafts dishes that balance discipline and discovery, where every bite tells a story. Guests can unwind over flame-seared starters, unique rolls and bespoke cocktails. www.tomusansushi.com.

Pinyon

Vibrant flavors, timeless design and the warmth of shared experience define Pinyon, a new Mediterranean restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale. The space glows with hand-crafted details, from checkerboard marble floors and brass fixtures to an open patio shaded by olive trees and centered around a trickling fountain. At the heart of the kitchen is a Josper Grill from Barcelona, infusing dishes like whole roasted turbot, flat-iron steak, and charcoal-grilled shrimp skewers with smoke and depth. Guests can also enjoy fresh crudos, housemade pita, and a rotating Hummusiya menu of dips such as baba ganoush and pistachio labneh. A spirited bar program highlights Mediterranean wines, spritzes, and aperitifs that perfectly complement Pinyon’s coastal elegance and convivial energy. www.pinyonrestaurant.com.

Winter Wonders

Telefèric Barcelona

Telefèric Barcelona will bring the flavor and flair of Spain to Scottsdale Fashion Square with a lively setting inspired by the coastal charm of Catalonia. Founded by siblings Xavi Padrosa and Maria Padrosa nearly 30 years ago, the restaurant continues its legacy of warm, communal dining through vibrant design, authentic cuisine and lively experiences. The Scottsdale location will feature rich wood accents, tiled archways, and an energetic central bar. Guests can enjoy tapas before savoring signature paellas layered with Ibérico pork and chicken or seafood. Churros con Nutella, creamy flan, and handcrafted signature sangrias will add a spirited finish to this Spanish celebration. www.telefericbarcelona.com.

Pablo’s

Pablo’s, the debut concept from Saguaro Nights Entertainment Group, will bring an intoxicating mix of mystery, design and nightlife to Downtown Phoenix in early 2026. Set within a restored 1950s Spanish-style building, the multiroom venue will unfold like a secret mansion filled with possibility. Guests can drift between three lively bars, a cozy den, an artful billiards room, a lush courtyard, and Night Tiger, the high-energy club pulsing at the heart of it all. Every inch has been designed to surprise, from handcrafted Mexican-inspired interiors by Crater to cocktails by the award-winning Barter & Shake team of Century Grand fame. With whispers of a hidden mezcal room and a mood that shifts by the hour, Pablo’s promises an unforgettable night of discovery and connection. www.pablosphoenix.com.

Nadu

Nadu will bring bold Indian flavors and refined design to Desert Ridge Marketplace in early 2026. Created by celebrated chef Sujan Sarkar, the restaurant celebrates India’s diverse culinary regions through inventive dishes that honor tradition and spark discovery. The space will blend warm natural textures with contemporary details – think textured wood, muted metallic accents and artistic lighting that shapes a sense of calm energy. Guests can choose from intriguing plates like murgh makhani, crab milagu fry, and vegetable moilee, each presented with thoughtful flair. The beverage program will feature cocktails infused with turmeric, saffron, chili and ginger, along with a rich selection of Indian spirits and zero-proof options. www.naduchicago.com.

Camello

In early 2026, the team behind Little Pickle as well as The Mercer – a lauded new eatery and lounge in the Biltmore area – will introduce Camello, a luxurious and theatrical high-energy and chef-driven Mexican restaurant. Named for its panoramic views of Camelback Mountain, the space will span 6,000 square feet and accommodate 200 guests, featuring a main dining room and a showstopping bar and cocktail lounge with a DJ and room for dancing. Guests can also expect an alfresco dining experience with a patio adorned with lush tropical greenery and a wrap-around indoor-outdoor bar, firepit and more. The menu will offer elevated, inventive colorful shared plates and large-format entrees as well as a tableside ceviche cart and an omakase taco offering. www.camellobiltmore.com.

Globe in the Dark

Prepare for an adventurous departure! Opening early 2026 at Desert Ridge, Globe in the Dark will be an intimate cocktail lounge  inviting guests to sip their way across continents in a space that blends discovery with design. The 800-square-foot venue will glow with warm light, vintage travel accents and glassware inspired by destinations from Tokyo to Paris and Rio to Mumbai. Each handcrafted cocktail will celebrate a different culture through regional ingredients and presentation, while guests collect passport stamps for every drink they try. The experience will be guided by “globetrotter mixologists” who will share the stories behind each creation. www.globeinthedarkaz.com.

Starfish

Bringing its signature Asian coastal cuisine from southern California to the Arizona desert, Starfish is gearing up for a striking arrival in Scottsdale’s McCormick Ranch neighborhood this winter. The dining space, which will showcase a blend laid-back beach club ambiance with modern polish, will be equipped with large indoor-outdoor patios and a full open bar where house cocktails meet sake and Asian-inspired brews. The menu spans the Asian seaboard, from Thai and Vietnamese to Japanese and Korean, and will feature inventive shareables crafted for both casual bites and celebratory evenings. Guests can expect fresh crudo, ample sushi, bold flavor profiles, and a globally inspired beverage list that pairs perfectly with the vibrant cuisine. www.starfishcalifornia.com.

Noor

Located at Tatum and Shea boulevards, Noor will introduce a refined take on Levantine cuisine, inspired by the warmth, tradition and sophistication of the eastern Mediterranean. Translating to “light,” the name symbolizes freedom and vision, reflecting the restaurant’s mission to bring an elevated yet welcoming dining experience to the Valley. The menu, led by celebrity chef Dima Al-Chaar, winner of Top Chef Middle East, will highlight signature Levantine dishes such as lamb shank, branzino, beef skewers, short rib, and oven-baked specialties like shish tawook and wood-fired pita bread. The bar will mirror the region’s rich flavors with cocktails infused with rose water, dates, pomegranate, and Turkish coffee, creating an elegant and transportive experience rooted in culture and connection. www.noorpv.com.

212° Shabu Shabu

Opening this winter in Tempe, 212° Shabu Shabu will bring an immersive and interactive take on the Japanese hot pot experience to the Valley. From Kaos Hospitality, the team behind Tempe’s Three Thirty Three, the restaurant will invite guests to explore the art of cooking with water at 212 degrees. Diners will select a rich housemade broth and swish premium proteins, such as A5 wagyu beef, toro fatty belly, Kurobuta pork or sashimi grade salmon, through the bubbling pot. Each meal will be paired with rice, noodles, vegetables and sauces for a customizable experience. The sleek, modern design will blend vibrant Japanese motifs with contemporary elegance, while cocktails like the Mango and Sticky Rice and Good Morning Vietnam espresso martini will add a playful, polished finish to the dining adventure. www.212shabu.com.

Worth the Wait

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grill

Slated to make its Arizona debut in Gilbert’s Northside at SanTan Village in 2026, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille will feature a modern, stylish dining room with dramatic lighting, textured finishes and a striking wine wall. At the restaurant’s core is Bar 79, a lively indoor-outdoor venue with island seating and expansive patio options. The menu will spotlight USDA Prime steaks as well as Perry’s signature “seven-finger-high” pork chop carved tableside, served with applesauce. Guests can also choose from lobster tail entrees, delicate seafood selections, and decadent desserts, with an array of wines and cocktails to choose from for the perfect pairings. www.perryssteakhouse.com.

Drake’s Hollywood

Drake’s Hollywood will bring its signature mix of glamour, classic cuisine, and lively energy to Old Town Scottsdale in 2026. Known for its cinematic interiors and golden era allure, the restaurant will feature plush red booths, art deco chandeliers, and hand-painted portraits that evoke the spirit of old Hollywood. Guests will find a menu that blends timeless American fare with modern indulgence, including steak tartare, lobster escargot, spicy tuna crispy rice, and signature entrees such as parmesan crusted snapper, honey truffle chicken, and A5 wagyu steak finished with white truffle butter. The bar stars the brand’s iconic World’s Coldest Martini, served ice-chilled alongside a collection of classic cocktails, sparkling wines, and Champagnes that turn every visit into a celebration. www.drakeshollywood.com.

Roman Fire of God

The Downtown Phoenix dining scene will be ignited in 2026 with Roman God of Fire, bringing a bold fusion of Roman Italian heritage, architectural grandeur and culinary artistry. Created by Pretty Decent Concepts, the team behind Wren and Wolf and Trophy Room, this immersive experience reimagines the timeless beauty of cathedrals and Italian stonework with statues, arches and layered lighting that will transport guests to another world. James Beard Award winner Scott Conant, alongside PDC’s culinary director Ivan Gonzalez, will lead the kitchen, crafting soulful Roman dishes centered on wood-fired flavor and seasonal ingredients. Forgive Me Father, an intimate cocktail chapel, will be hidden within the restaurant, offering Italian-inspired drinks and theatrical presentations. www.prettydecentconcepts.com.

BOA Steakhouse

BOA Steakhouse is a bold reimagining of the traditional American steakhouse. Known in California and Texas for its modern design, seductive atmosphere and dry-aged prime steaks, the restaurant has long been considered one of the most innovative names in high-end, high-wattage dining. Opening in 2026 in a prime location at Scottsdale Waterfront, this location will bring that same energy while also introducing some distinctive features that set it apart, including exclusively sourced steaks from the iconic Four Sixes Ranch, a first for the brand, and a completely seed oil–free menu. This isn’t Innovative Dining Group’s first foray into the Valley; they successfully operated Sushi Roku in Scottsdale for 15 years. www.boasteak.com.

Mendocino Farms

In spring of 2026, Scottsdale Promenade will debut Arizona’s first location of Mendocino Farms, bringing its signature California spirit and fresh, chef-driven menu to the Valley. Known for its farm-fresh sandwiches and vibrant salads, the fast-casual restaurant focuses on wholesome ingredients and creative flavor combinations designed to make guests “Eat Happy.” The bright, welcoming space will feature a relaxed modern design and a sunny patio ideal for outdoor dining. Signature favorites include the Not So Fried Chicken Sandwich, the Happy Hippie with roasted vegetables and hummus, and the Baja Green Goddess salad with crisp produce and zesty dressing. With its approachable style, seasonal menu, and focus on feel-good food, Mendocino Farms will be a refreshing addition to Scottsdale’s dining scene. www.mendocinofarms.com.

Topic Thunder

Tropic Thunder will bring a rebellious twist to Roosevelt Row when it opens in 2026, blending the escapism of a Tiki bar with the grit of punk rock culture. Created by Fork and Dagger Hospitality, the 50-seat bar will trade polish for personality with zebra print stools, glowing lanterns, murals of tigers and pinup girls, and a sticker wall that feels more local hangout than tourist attraction. The beverage list will reimagine Tiki classics with creative flair, from painkillers and zombies to the original Industry grog and the over-the-top Tribute to Xipe Totec, served in a theatrical style. With no reservations and a come as you are attitude, Tropic Thunder promises to be among Phoenix’s most electric new neighborhood bars. www.instagram.com/tropicthunderphx.

Depwah

Drawing its name from the Vietnamese phrase “dep quá,” meaning “so beautiful,” Depwah is set to debut in 2026 in Scottsdale. Founder Heather Walker aims to offer an elevated French-Vietnamese fine dining experience where culture, wellness and intentional design converge. Designed by global award-winning interior architect John Sofio of Built, Inc., the space will glow with warm woods, muted greens and golden-lit accents, crowned by a rooftop lounge and an espresso bar serving Vietnamese coffee and artisanal matcha. The menu will weave soulful Vietnamese heritage with French finesse through thoughtfully crafted dishes rooted in seasonality and crafted for modern dining. www.depwah.com.

Cowboy Seafood

Set to debut in 2026 at Park Central in midtown Phoenix, Cowboy Seafood will bring a fresh take on dining to the Valley with a bold fusion of smokehouse flavor and coastal sophistication. Created by Common Ground Culinary, the team behind Grassroots Kitchen & Tap and The Collins Small Batch Kitchen, among other award-winning eateries, the concept pairs competition-worthy barbecue with an elevated seafood and raw bar. Guests can expect smoked meats alongside oysters, shrimp, sushi rolls, and fresh catches prepared grilled, seared or broiled. Designed in collaboration with Ideation Design Group, the space will balance the rugged charm of a Southern smokehouse with the freshness of a coastal eatery, featuring warm wood textures, blue-and-white tile, and lively energy that captures Phoenix’s modern spirit. www.cowboyseafoodaz.com.