Carcara is the newest addition to the bustling culinary scene in Downtown Phoenix, serving a Sonoran-inspired menu with locally-sourced ingredients in a lush and vibrant setting.
Situated within the newly reimagined Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, upon walking into Carcara you feel transported to a destination outside the busy Downtown Phoenix atmosphere, with lush greenery and warm earth tones along with an expansive 14-ft. tree in the center of the dining room with glass and metal lanterns hanging within the branches. The inside flows seamlessly onto the patio where Cara Cara orange trees line the perimeter––the inspiration and namesake for the restaurant. There are also several private dining space options that are beautifully designed.
The bar is situated in the middle of the restaurant where cocktails with a heavy citrus influence, hand-crafted syrups and fresh, seasonal flavors are mixed up. The cocktail menu features drinks all named after popular local hiking trails, like Cathedral Rock made with Cruzan Rum, Del Maguey Mezcal, Blue Curacao, chipotle-pineapple syrup, lime and pineapple. They also serve beer from local breweries and a variety of wines.
Led by Executive Chef Chaz Frankenfield, the Carcara menu was inspired by the five C’s of Arizona: cattle, citrus, copper, cotton and climate. Carcara’s menu changes seasonally and utilizes locally-sourced ingredients, influenced by the rich traditions of the Southwest, including Native American and Sonoran-inspired dishes. A must-try appetizer is the candied prickly pear ribs served with jalapeño slaw. For entrees, the 12-hour braised beef short rib with street corn risotto and the pan-seared sea scallops with prosciutto and Ramona Farms corn polenta are standout dishes.
For dessert, there are six options to choose from, including blood orange brulee and chocolate dream, which is a gluten-free sponge cake with milk and white chocolate mousse and a dark chocolate ganache. There are several dessert cocktails and wines to choose from as well.
Carcara is located on the Southeast corner of Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, accessible through the ground floor lobby of the hotel as well as the 3rd Street entrance. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 3 to 9:30 p.m. on weeknights and 10 p.m. on weekends for dinner and cocktails. Happy hour is 3 to 6 p.m.
For more information about Carcara restaurant in Downtown Phoenix, visit carcararestaurant.com.
320 N. 3rd St.
Phoenix, Arizona 85004