Kuza serves seafood flown in from Tokyo twice a week.
Courtesy of Clive Collective
September brings the very start of tourist season to Phoenix, and with it came new restaurants and bars. Some spots opened quietly, while others have been eagerly waiting out the summer to welcome their first customers.
The Valley scored a new plant-forward Caribbean cafe, a ramen shop from an acclaimed Japanese chef and some new homes for familiar favorites.
Here are the six most exciting new Phoenix restaurants and bars that opened in September.
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SoLuna Eats
1325 Grand Ave., #6
A new plant-forward eatery has made its debut on Grand Avenue. SoLuna Eats serves a Caribbean-inspired menu of mostly vegan options, plus a few items made with jerk chicken. The new spot offers bowls, sandwiches, salads and wraps with highlights including curried chickpeas and ginger pineapple yams. The colorful cafe sits among other plant-based neighbors at Desert Sun Plaza.
Iro Shoten Ramen & Sushi
1940 W. Chandler Blvd., #12, Chandler
On Sept. 5, a new ramen shop started pouring broth in Chandler. Iro Shoten was brought to life by chef Hirohata Norihiro, of the celebrated Mendo Hanamokoshi in Fukuoka, Japan. Now, he’s serving the same award-winning broth and noodles next door to 99 Ranch Market. The tight menu includes Traditional, Classic, Premium or Special Tonkotsu as well as Super Chasumen. Customers can dress up their bowls with A5 Wagyu, pork belly chasu or spicy sauce. Cold options include crudos and sushi rolls.
Baan Thai
7605 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, #2, Scottsdale
On Sept. 12, a new Thai eatery celebrated its grand opening in north Scottsdale. Baan Thai offers a wide menu with classic dishes such as curries and drunken noodles. But the menu goes beyond familiar favorites with grilled ribeye with Thai chile dipping sauce, pan-fried egg wrapped in fried noodles and honey-glazed duck. Pair those with lychee juice to drink and end on a sweet note with coconut ice cream.
Kuza is now open in north Scottsdale, replacing Chauncey Social.
Courtesy of Clive Collective
Kuza
17767 N. Scottsdale Road, #100, Scottsdale
The newest restaurant from the Valley hospitality group, Clive Collective, opened on Sept. 16. The group behind Cala, The Americano and Tell Your Friends, added Kuza to the mix, serving sushi and robata-style charcoal-grilled skewers. The new restaurant has taken over the former Chauncey Social space, reimagining it with a sleek design, modern woodwork and a central, square bar. The new, high-end Japanese concept brings in seafood from Tokyo twice a week. Pair fresh fish with creative cocktails at this new date-night spot.
Vecina opened its second location in McCormick Ranch on Sept. 18.
Vecina
8300 Hayden Road, Suite D-101, Scottsdale
On Sept. 18, a Valley favorite opened a second location in Scottsdale. When Vecina’s original spot opened on Indian School Road in 2019, it quickly became both a neighborhood favorite and a critical darling. With its new expansion to McCormick Ranch, Vecina has more space inside and out, allowing chef James Fox to expand the menu. At the new restaurant, he crafts Vecina staples and new Latin-inspired dishes.
Hand-pulled mozzarella is on the menu at Los Milics.
Los Milics Vineyards
7045 E. Third Ave., Scottsdale
Los Milics has hopped around in Old Town Scottsdale. But as of Sept. 19, it settled into its permanent home on Third Avenue. The new wine bar celebrates sips from the Los Milics southern Arizona vineyard in Elgin, pairing award-winning wines with shareable snacks. A highlight on the food menu is freshly hand-pulled mozzarella, which diners can see in action. The new, larger tasting room features two patios and a modern yet cozy interior.
