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Best New Phoenix Restaurants

2024 was quite the year for the Arizona food scene. With more than 100 new eateries opening their doors across the Valley, it was truly one of the most delicious years on record. Looking to try something new in 2025? Here are 32 of the best new Phoenix restaurants – from casual to fine dining – of 2024.

Kembara

While it technically launched softly in the final days of 2023, 2024 marked the true debut of celebrity chef Angelo Sosa’s Kembara at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. His second Arizona concept – joining Tia Carmen, also at the Phoenix resort – Kembara is inspired by Asian street food flavors, and every plate looks like a work of art. At Kembara, jumbo lump crab comes standard in fried rice, and even the usually basic chicken skewers are an extravaganza of finessed flavors. 

the larder & the delta

For years, Chef Stephen Jones has quietly been one of the most talented chefs in the Southwest. Quiet no more, in early 2024, the local icon closed his Southern-inspired kitchen in Central Phoenix to open one of the most ambitious culinary concepts in Arizona. While called the larder + the delta as its prior location was, the concept is wholly new, as is the location. Jones took over the coveted real estate once occupied by Binkley’s, and his menu is a 12-course exploration of textures, tastes, and locally sourced ingredients that is equal parts fine dining and warm and cozy in its look, feel, and flavors. 

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Ambrogio15

Ambrogio15

This eye-popping 5,000-sq.-ft. space seeks to evoke the style and aesthetic of Milan itself, a fashion and design capital. As a result, the soaring two-story Phoenix restaurant is awash in sleek woods with clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an ultra-modern feel. Inside, guests may enjoy a buzzy lounge featuring a two-story wine tower before cuddling up in one of the many leather-wrapped booths in the main dining area. There is also a posh 12-person private dining room that offers an omakase chef’s tasting experience with its own bar. While the menu has an impressive array of house-made pastas and signature pizzas crafted with hand-washed flour imported from a 191-year-old, family-run flour mill in Italy., there are also ample Italian-style steaks – some flambeed tableside – as well as seafood, and a raw bar with fresh oysters and crudos. Notable dishes on the opening menu beyond the pizza and steak include bone marrow focaccia with Maldon salt and Italian tzatziki; scallop sashimi saffron featuring Hokkaido scallops, Champagne-infused butter sauce, and saffron rice; and a whole lobster with pasta accompanied with fresh tomato and seafood bisque.

The Italiano

This is the latest, greatest masterpiece by Chef Joey Maggiore, marking his sixth concept introduced to the Valley’s award-winning dining scene. Open since late September, the 7,543-sq.-ft. restaurant exudes an ambiance of casual elegance, blending warmth with sophistication, while offering authentic Italian dishes that transport you to the very heart of culinary tradition in Italy. The menu features the flavors of old-school red sauce Italian cuisine with the hallmark “larger-than-life” Maggiore touch. Interactive tableside experiences include an antipasto cart, limoncello cocktail cart, and dessert cart.

Patricia’s Pizza

Melissa Maggiore Meyer, daughter of late culinary icon Tomaso Maggiore and sister of Joey above, opened this pizzeria at The Summit in Scottsdale in December. Inspired by her father’s first restaurant concept, which opened in 1969 in New York, and named to honor her mother, Patricia’s Pizza serves brick-oven pizza made with locally sourced and Italian imported ingredients using the recipes that have been passed down through generations of the Maggiore family.

Uchi

Uchi, or “home” in Japanese, specializes in non-traditional Japanese cuisine with signature tastings, sushi, and a seasonal omakase. Offering a delicate balance of elevated food and impeccable service. Uchi Scottsdale, made its Arizona debut in February 2024 in Old Town Scottsdale. James Beard Award-winning Chef Tyson Cole created the original Uchi location in a refurbished South Austin bungalow in 2003 with the simple vision of bringing the intimacy of the sushi bar experience to every table in the restaurant. Uchi’s interiors explore the intersection of Arizona and Japanese design sensibilities, using a palette of material, tones, and plantings prevalent in Arizona with a focus on hand-crafted detailing and minimalism characteristic to Japanese design. 

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Tesota

Tesota

Located in the heart of Phoenix, Tesota serves global comfort food, where local restaurateur Doug Robson and Executive Chef Jared Porter explore flavors from around the world. From premium steaks and seafood, to Mediterranean, Asian and South American fare, cooking from scratch is the foundation for the menu. Tesota, which is the Spanish word for “desert ironwood tree,” will also tempt with an ever-changing menu of craft cocktails and beers, plus a premium wine list, highlighted by an extensive selection of curated Arizona wines. 

La Fogata

The Scottsdale Resort & Spa, a Curio Collection Resort by Hilton, underwent a massive culinary transformation that debuted in 2024. As part of it, the resort welcomed La Fogata, which boasts modern Sonoran cuisine with global influences. In addition, its additional outposts are now open as well, including The Social Boardroom, a buzzy spot with a golf simulator focused on small bites and shareables; Barnaby’s Café + Wine Bar, a coffee shop with pastries and fast-casual items by day that transforms into a wine bar at night; and The Madam, a speakeasy.

The Goose

This chic Scottsdale cocktail bar is designed to feel like a clandestine speakeasy with its intimate seating areas, candlelit tables, Art Deco vibe, and bold use of gold and black accents. Limited to just 42 people at any given time, the cocktails and whiskey flights are the main event here, but do not sleep on the food menu, which comes from its sister restaurant, Crust Simply Italian Kitchen, which is located adjacent to the property.

Pizza to the Rescue

Puppies…and pizza? Yes! The new Phoenix restaurant not only delivers culinary delight, but it also helps raise funds for Almost There Pet Rescue’s operating costs and growth plans by donating 25 percent of all proceeds from pizza sales back to the nonprofit. The menu boasts an eclectic offering of Italian-Mediterranean-American-based appetizers, pizzas, pastas, and desserts featuring ingredients from local purveyors and many Italian products. All the ingredients are made from scratch daily, and the pizzas are fired in a 10,000-lb. handmade Italian pizza oven that was commissioned for the restaurant.

oliver's modern american
Oliver’s Modern American

Oliver’s Modern American

Chef Kent Macaulay – a veteran of Chelsea’s Kitchen and La Grande Orange – is cooking up a rustic menu of New American favorites at this new eatery in Phoenix, which stands out from other restaurants in town from a visual standpoint as the building was once the country’s only Polynesian Dairy Queen. Local real estate developer Tom Frenkel stepped in when the building’s owners were readying its demolition in 2019, moving farther north and enlisting the help of ALINE Architecture and Social Design Studio to bring it new life, succeeding on all fronts.

Dirtbags

Dirtbags, the iconic University of Arizona bar cherished by students, alumni, and locals in Tucson, opened in Arcadia this past summer. Dirtbags is known for great drinks and lively atmosphere, but at the center of everything is the hearty food menu. Not just your typical bar fare, Dirtbags is widely known for huge sandwiches, juicy burgers, and healthy options.

Blanco Reserva

Blanco Reserva, an elevated take on Fox Restaurant Concepts’ popular Blanco Cocina + Cantina restaurant, opened in the Paradise Valley area in late 2024. It offers a more sultry and sophisticated interpretation of the classic Blanco feel and fare, celebrating the timeless warmth and gracious hospitality of Spanish ranches. Inspired by the tradition of bringing friends and neighbors together under open skies and glowing lanterns, every detail – from the sumptuous new entrees and artfully crafted margaritas to the strikingly redesigned interior and bar – is a tribute to the spirit of community.

Pinard Wine Bar

This European-style wine bar, new to North Scottsdale in November 2024, features classic dishes like beef bourguignon and ratatouille and shareables such as cheese plates and foie gras. The menu also includes rich and hearty entrees like a veal chop and several cuts of prime steaks. The Pinard kitchen is led by Cordon Bleu graduate chef Sidney Goodman who joins Pinard with experience running the kitchen at well-known establishments like Cave Creek’s Tonto Grill, Binkley’s, and Houston’s.

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Little Snitch

Little Snitch Brunch & Cocktails

A feast for the eyes as much for the appetite, Little Snitch in Scottsdale is a full sensory experience, from its all-pink bar and a beautiful blend of modern whimsy juxtaposed with accents one might find at grandma’s house. Its focus is the daypart – meaning breakfast and lunch but truly shines for those seeking brunch – with the perfect combination of quick-serve treats and full-service dishes, notably anything with the eatery’s perfectly prepared eggs.

Beginner’s Luck

This is the latest and greatest concept from Chef Bernie Kantak and partner Andrew Fritz, owner-operators of The Gladly and Citizen Public House. Scottsdale-based Beginner’s Luck is homage in many ways to Kantak’s youth cooking and dancing with his Hungarian grandmother, which inspired him to go into the industry in the first place. Expect a combination of some of Kantak’s most iconic dishes – yes, he has the famous Chopped Salad on the menu – and even some twists on his own family’s recipes.

The Ends

Iconic American chef, author, and television personality Anthony Bourdain gained international acclaim for his travels to what he would call the ends of the earth in search of epicurean adventure. The Ends, which takes the place of long-time Old Town Scottsdale eatery Kazimierz, takes much of its inspiration from Bourdain’s effortlessly cool public persona and vocal rebellion from the mundane both in its look and across the menu. Owner Tommy Plato, who also helmed the dimly lit Kazimierz, worked for nearly a year to reimagine the space with a mid-century modern aesthetic and almost airy atmosphere. There are now sleek wooden low tops and tufted bar stools throughout as well as greenery and a walnut bar that serves as the centerpiece of the restaurant. Contemporary art is in all directions from lauded artists including Mike Wilcox, Milana Blackman, Leah Newton, and Lily Reeves, with a large piece serving as a visual homage to Bourdain himself as a major focal point. Beyond the artwork, eyes will also wander to what Plato is calling the “pasta room,” which offers guests a look at homemade hanging pasta on display.

Mon Cheri

Ultra-feminine, Mon Cheri is a beautiful blend of designer charcuterie boards, stylized small and shareable bites, and decadent desserts, all served in a bold setting awash in glowing chandeliers and thousands of pink, white, and red roses in Scottsdale. The concept has photo opportunities in every direction as well as art installations, making it the perfect place for a girl day hang or bridal shower. And the cocktails? They are similarly works of art, albeit drinkable art.

Tell-your-friends-int
Tell Your Friends

Tell Your Friends

Opulence on a whole new level, Tell Your Friends is hidden beneath The Americano, and while its entrance is nondescript, the 2,200-sq.-ft. visual homage to The Great Gatsby is anything but. Expect disco ball art installations, mirrored walls, plush maroon loungers, vibrant drapery, all sorts of gold accents, floral bar seating, and even a stage once inside. The food menu was designed by acclaimed chef Beau MacMillan, who recently took over the kitchen at The Americano above as well. The Food Network personality and Arizona culinary icon aims to make Tell Your Friends a dining experience unto itself by offering an eclectic, elevated menu of shared plates.

sneakybird

The 100 percent local concept – conceived by father and hospitality veteran Dan Chaon – managed to find a way to cultivate the juiciness and flavor profile, not to mention crunch, of fried chicken but through a proprietary oven-baked process, meaning it is made with none of the oils or fats of the fried stuff. Now with three locations across Gilbert, Surprise, and Scottsdale and a handful more to open in early 2025 in Arcadia, Dove Valley, and Queen Creek, the brand is looking to go statewide and beyond with its signature oven-grilled chicken wings, tenders, and sandwiches complemented by handcrafted flatbreads, tater tots, and fresh chilled veggies. In 2025, they will also launch their community giving platform, Camp Sneaky.  

Humble Oysters & Bubbles

Now open on High Street in Phoenix, Humble Oysters & Bubbles is a seafood parlor and bubbles bar located next to its popular sister concept, Humble Bistro. Upon entering, expect to be greeted by a vintage Mediterranean vibe in all directions as well as a beautiful spread of fresh seafood, an oyster-shucking station, and even the real steam kettles used in the cooking process. The menu is a celebration of sustainably sourced seafood including oysters, mussels, clams, crab, lobster, shrimp, scallops, and octopus as well as pastas, curries, and sandwiches.

Saint Urban

Named after the patron saint of wine vintners, Saint Urban is a stylish, elevated neighborhood wine bar that opened in November in Scottsdale’s McCormick Ranch neighborhood. Led by chef/owner Christopher Collins, Saint Urban’s all-day menu features several bruschetta options, including prosciutto with herb goat cheese, avocado with lime, and spicy capocollo with truffle goat cheese as well as a raw bar and a selection of handhelds and salads. The wine menu boasts 30 wines by the glass as well as a menu of craft beers from across Arizona and an elevated cocktail program.

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Brody’s Italian

Brody’s Italian

Jason Brody – the namesake of this authentic Italian gem – is a true north Scottsdale fella. A Horizon High School graduate, Brody’s aim with his eatery is to provide the same level of service as Nick’s Italian, which is the former occupant of the space, but with some utterly delectable enhancements. And he should know as he worked at Nick’s for two decades before endeavoring on ownership. Do not miss his signature rigatoni, the pizza, and especially the chicken marsala.

La Zozzona

This new signature dining experience at the Scottsdale Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort is the brainchild of Top Chef winner and James Beard darling Richard Blais. La Zozzona, which means “messy delicious” in Italian, is inspired by Blais’ extensive travels throughout the cities and countryside of Italy. Of note is the pasta – both those made daily in-house, as well as dried pastas imported from Italy – influenced by the trattorias of Rome, wood-fired steaks that pay homage to Florence and Tuscany, and extensive selection of Italian and rare wines. Insider tip: save room for the tableside tiramisu and hazelnut-chocolate cake.

Yellowbell

The Camby hotel closed out 2024 by opening an all-new signature dining experience in Yellowbell. Named after the native Arizona flower, Yellowbell is a celebration of the region’s indigenous ingredients and bold Southwestern flavors. From its signature green chile cornbread to the indulgent baked Oaxaca cheese and sweet and savory sage-honey salmon, each dish is crafted to reflect the diverse tastes and of the desert. The beverage program echoes the theme, featuring a curated selection of agave spirits.

Velvet Taco

This globally inspired taco concept opened its doors in Old Town Scottsdale in November. The two-story eatery is open as late as 3 a.m. on select nights and brims with bright pops of color, exterior neon lighting, natural wood textures, and irreverent wall murals. The menu boasts more than 20 tacos inspired by world cuisine. Some favorites are the beer-battered cauliflower with queso blanco, corn pico de gallo, and candied pepitas, and the Cuban Pig, spotlighting low-and-slow-cooked pulled pork.

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Élephante

Élephante

This spectacular fine dining concept located in Scottsdale is named to honor the Arco dell’Elefante, which is a rock formation on an island off the Sicilian coast that resembles an elephant. The island is dry and covered in cactus, much like the Valley, but located in the heart of Mediterranean culinary culture. As such, the menu is focused on all things coastal Italian with an eye-popping assortment of perfectly plated dishes ranging from diver scallops with citrus butter and whole lobster piccata with caper brown butter to dry-aged bone-in ribeye and wood-fired puccia, which is a puffed, soft bread from Italy’s Puglia region. The beverage program is a mix of classics and trending cocktails – notably frozen offerings and shareable punch bowls – and there is always a trained sommelier on the floor to offer wine pairing suggestions.

Toro Scottsdale by Richard Sandoval

In late 2024, the iconic North Scottsdale restaurant at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess overlooking the 18th hole of TPC Scottsdale re-opened its doors after significant re-imaging, offering guests a unique, fine dining journey through the vibrant flavors and diverse culinary history of Central and South America. Drawing inspiration from the culinary traditions of Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, and beyond, Chef Richard Sandoval’s vision celebrates the diversity of pan-Latin cuisine in a way few have showcased before.

Carry On

One of the most inventive concepts in modern memory, Downtown Phoenix’s Carry On is designed to feel as if on a plane. But not just any plane: one in the 1970s. Yes, it is a true retro airplane-themed cocktail bar. The 90-minute immersive experience comes complete with a “ticket,” in-flight snack, and announcements by the “flight attendants,” some of which require audience participation. The cocktails are made to match the era, but with thoughtful, modern details and surprising twists.

On The Rocks

On The Rocks is the newly expanded patio bar with epic views of Twin Peaks Mountains at the similarly re-imaged Marriott Phoenix Resort at Tempe Buttes. The drink menu is a celebration of local, domestic, and imported beers and wines including Four Peaks and Grand Canyon Brewing as well as an expansive list of bourbons and whiskies. The cocktail menu offers elevated takes on classics including a Maker’s Mark-kissed Old Fashioned, Tito’s Vodka Bloody Mary, and – of course – margaritas. There are also signature offerings, all created by the talented team of mixologists, and an impressive menu of burgers, handhelds, fresh salads, tacos, premium cuts of meat and seafood, and several shareable dishes including artisan flatbreads, an ample charcuterie board, pan-fried potstickers, ceviche, and wings.

backyard at desert ridge
Backyard

Backyard

Evening Entertainment Group introduced its concept, Backyard, to both Desert Ridge and Gilbert in 2024. Fully climate controlled, Backyard offers a menu of elevated bar favorites paired perfectly with fun cocktail selections and a curated beer list, featuring over 40 drafts and bottled options. There are also more than 40 high-definition televisions and four massive LED walls that keep the vibe and party going, not to mention every sport known to man. On weekends, expect DJs in the evenings and a fabulous brunch service during the daypart.

Mother Tucker’s Tavern

This elevated dive bar is located in the former Bevvy space on the corner of Saddlebag Trail and Shoeman Lane in Old Town Scottsdale. Mother Tucker’s interior pairs cozy-chic party pub décor with a focused food and drink menu featuring elevated bar snacks, craft beers, and retro-modern cocktails. Perfect for pre-gaming, or hanging out late, Mother Tucker’s offers happy hour Wednesday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and opens early on weekends for football. Its focus is hearty bites.  

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