The Best New Restaurants In Phoenix, Arizona Right Now (Winter 2026)
There’s a certain magic to Phoenix in the winter. The oppressive heat finally relinquishes its grip, and we all collectively remember that we own jackets.
For me, this season has always been synonymous with two things: the crisp, citrus-scented air and the primal urge to find incredible food to share with friends. This year, that quest led me on a delicious tour of the city’s most exciting new openings.
I’ve traded sun-bleached patios for cozy, firelit dining rooms, and discovered that the best way to celebrate our perfect winter weather is by diving headfirst into a bowl of handmade pappardelle or gathering around a sizzling platter of inventive Korean BBQ.
Consider this your curated guide to the season’s most memorable meals. Your jacket (and your appetite) will thank you.
1. Alden
Nestled inside the Phoenix Art Museum at 1625 N Central Ave, Alden brings gallery-worthy plating to every dish that lands on your table. This refined modern-American restaurant celebrates seasonal ingredients with a menu that shifts to showcase what’s freshest and most flavorful.
Chef-driven creativity meets polished hospitality in a space that feels both sophisticated and genuinely welcoming. Diners rave about the thoughtful drink pairings and the way each course tells a story through color, texture, and taste.
Expect dishes that balance innovation with comfort, like roasted duck with winter squash or seared scallops paired with citrus and herbs. The atmosphere invites lingering conversations, making it perfect for date nights or celebrations.
Reservations book up fast, especially on weekends, so plan ahead. Alden proves that museum dining can be destination-worthy all on its own.
2. CP Coffee & Pâtisserie
Croissant lovers, rejoice: CP Coffee & Pâtisserie at 850 N 5th St has arrived with layers so flaky they practically shatter at first bite. This pastry-forward café quickly earned a reputation for impeccably laminated croissants that rival anything you’d find in Paris.
Beyond buttery pastries, the café serves high-quality espresso drinks that complement delicate tarts, éclairs, and seasonal desserts crafted with precision. Every item reflects serious technique and respect for classic French baking traditions.
The bright, minimalist space invites you to linger over a cappuccino and a pain au chocolat while watching bakers work behind the counter. Morning crowds can get intense, so arriving early means snagging the best selection.
Grab a few pastries to go or settle in for a leisurely breakfast. Either way, CP Coffee delivers a sweet escape that feels both indulgent and refined.
3. Pretty Penny
Located at 509 E Roosevelt St, Pretty Penny has become the downtown darling where comfort food gets a serious upgrade.
This buzzy neighborhood spot draws crowds for dishes that feel familiar yet surprisingly inventive, like fried chicken with unexpected spice blends or mac and cheese elevated with gourmet touches.
The vibe strikes a perfect balance between casual and special, making it ideal for everything from weeknight dinners to weekend hangouts with friends.
Creative drink options keep the energy high, and the friendly staff makes everyone feel like regulars.
I stopped by on a Thursday evening and was blown away by how packed it was, yet service never skipped a beat. The menu changes often, so there’s always something new to try alongside the fan-favorite staples.
Pretty Penny captures what makes Phoenix dining exciting right now: bold flavors, warm hospitality, and a neighborhood-first approach that keeps people coming back.
4. Saint Pasta
What started as a beloved food truck has transformed into a brick-and-mortar gem at 100 W Portland St, and Saint Pasta is winning hearts one handmade noodle at a time.
The focused menu keeps things simple but packs each dish with bold, satisfying flavors that showcase quality ingredients.
Fresh pasta is the star here, whether it’s silky ribbons tossed with seasonal vegetables or hearty tubes coated in rich, slow-simmered sauces. Every bite proves that sometimes less really is more when execution is this spot-on.
The casual atmosphere makes it approachable for weeknight dinners, while the food quality rivals much pricier Italian spots around town. Portions are generous, and the kitchen doesn’t hold back on garlic or herbs.
Parking can be tricky downtown, but the payoff is worth the hunt. Saint Pasta delivers exactly what you want from a neighborhood pasta joint: honest cooking, big flavors, and a warm welcome.
5. Marisco Boys
Fresh seafood takes center stage at Marisco Boys, the coastal Mexican newcomer at 2026 N 7th St that’s already making serious waves. Whole fish preparations arrive at the table with theatrical flair, while ceviches showcase bright, clean flavors that transport you straight to the beach.
Shareable platters encourage group dining, and the menu draws inspiration from Mexico’s coastal regions with dishes that balance spice, citrus, and ocean-fresh ingredients.
Generous portions mean you’ll want to bring friends to sample everything.
The casual, energetic atmosphere matches the bold flavors on the plate, creating a dining experience that feels celebratory without being stuffy. Servers happily guide you through the menu and make spot-on recommendations based on your preferences.
Don’t skip the aguachile if it’s available, as the citrus-forward marinade perfectly complements the delicate seafood. Marisco Boys proves Phoenix can do coastal cuisine just as well as any beach town.
6. Malegria Latin Café
Small but mighty, Malegria Latin Café at 1031 Grand Ave has quickly become the go-to spot for Latin-inspired breakfast and brunch dishes layered with comforting, bright flavors.
The lively atmosphere starts early, with locals lining up for chilaquiles, breakfast burritos, and specialty plates that honor traditional recipes.
Every dish arrives bursting with fresh ingredients and bold seasonings that wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them. The café’s compact size creates an intimate, neighborhood feel where the staff remembers faces and orders.
Last month, I tried the huevos rancheros and couldn’t stop thinking about the perfectly runny yolks mingling with tangy salsa verde.
The homemade tortillas alone are worth the visit, warm and tender with just the right amount of char.
Weekend waits can stretch a bit, but the turnover moves quickly. Malegria proves that some of the best meals come from the smallest kitchens with the biggest hearts.
7. Bar Capri
Tucked into a Tempe corner at 1730 E Warner Rd, Bar Capri brings intimate, neighborhood-focused dining with a Mediterranean soul.
Handmade pastas steal the spotlight, each variety crafted with care and paired with sauces that highlight seasonal produce and quality olive oil.
The carefully curated selection of beverages complements the food beautifully, with options that range from classic pairings to more adventurous choices. The cozy space encourages conversation and connection, making every meal feel special.
Mediterranean influences shine through in dishes that balance simplicity with sophistication, like grilled vegetables drizzled with herb-infused oils or seafood preparations that let the ingredients speak for themselves.
The intimate setting means reservations are essential, especially on weekends. Service strikes the perfect balance between attentive and unobtrusive, allowing you to enjoy your meal at your own pace.
Bar Capri proves that great neighborhood restaurants don’t need to be flashy to be unforgettable.
8. Liquor Pig
Playful and unapologetically indulgent, Liquor Pig at 7217 E Fourth Ave in Old Town Scottsdale is turning heads with a menu that blends comfort food with unexpected twists.
Creative drink options keep the party going, while dishes surprise with clever flavor combinations that shouldn’t work but absolutely do.
The vibe is fun without being over-the-top, attracting a crowd that appreciates good food served with a sense of humor. Expect items like loaded fries taken to ridiculous extremes or sandwiches stacked impossibly high with premium ingredients.
The kitchen isn’t afraid to experiment, resulting in menu items that spark conversation and Instagram posts in equal measure. Portions lean generous, so arrive hungry or plan to share.
Old Town can feel touristy, but Liquor Pig offers something genuinely fresh and entertaining that locals are embracing. The name might raise eyebrows, but the food and drinks back up the bold branding with serious skill and creativity.
9. Indibar
Modern Indian cuisine gets the spotlight it deserves at Indibar, located at 6208 N Scottsdale Rd in Paradise Valley. The polished dining room sets the stage for dishes that balance traditional spice profiles with contemporary plating and technique.
Standout spice balance means even heat-sensitive diners can enjoy the complex flavors without overwhelming burn, while those who crave fire can request dishes kicked up a notch. The menu spans regions, offering everything from creamy curries to tandoor-grilled specialties.
I visited with friends who claimed they weren’t big Indian food fans, and by dessert they were already planning their return visit.
The butter chicken struck that perfect balance between rich and light, while the naan arrived hot and impossibly fluffy.
The stylish space feels special enough for celebrations but welcoming enough for casual dinners. Indibar proves that Indian cuisine can be both approachable and elevated, introducing new fans while satisfying longtime enthusiasts.
10. Catch
High energy meets high glamour at Catch, the seafood destination at 7014 E Camelback Rd that’s redefining upscale dining in Scottsdale.
Sushi-forward offerings share menu space with surf-and-turf dishes that arrive with the kind of presentation that makes phones come out before forks do.
The atmosphere buzzes with excitement, attracting a see-and-be-seen crowd that appreciates both the food and the scene. Servers navigate the packed dining room with impressive grace, delivering impeccable service even during the busiest nights.
Signature rolls showcase creative combinations that push beyond traditional sushi boundaries, while grilled options satisfy those craving something heartier. Quality ingredients shine throughout, from buttery fish to perfectly cooked proteins.
Prices reflect the upscale experience, but portions and quality justify the splurge for special occasions. Catch delivers exactly what it promises: a glamorous, energetic dining experience where the food lives up to the hype and the atmosphere keeps you coming back.
11. Warren’s Supper Club
Step back in time at Warren’s Supper Club, located at 1040 N 54th St in Chandler, where nostalgic charm meets modern execution.
Theatrical drinks arrive with smoke and flair, while rich classics like prime rib and lobster thermidor remind you why these dishes became icons in the first place.
The old-school supper club concept gets a thoughtful update here, preserving the glamour and indulgence while improving on technique and ingredient quality.
Dim lighting, plush seating, and attentive service create an atmosphere that feels special from the moment you walk in.
Live music on select nights adds to the vintage vibe, making dinner feel like an event rather than just a meal. The menu leans into retro favorites done right, from shrimp appetizers to decadent desserts that require sharing.
Warren’s proves that classic dining formats still have a place in modern restaurant culture when executed with care and respect for tradition. It’s dinner and a show, all rolled into one memorable experience.
12. Pinyon
Mediterranean coastal flavors come alive at Pinyon, the sleek newcomer at 7363 E Scottsdale Mall that’s already earning devoted fans. Vibrant shareable plates encourage communal dining, with dishes that showcase olive oils, fresh herbs, and seafood prepared with confidence and restraint.
The Old Town location puts you in the heart of the action, while the modern interior provides a sophisticated escape from the tourist crowds outside.
Grilled octopus, roasted vegetables, and mezze platters arrive beautifully composed and bursting with flavor.
Each dish feels lighter than typical American fare but still satisfying, thanks to smart seasoning and quality ingredients that need little embellishment. The beverage program complements the coastal theme with refreshing options that cleanse the palate between bites.
Service moves at a relaxed Mediterranean pace, encouraging you to savor each course and enjoy the company at your table. Pinyon brings a breath of coastal air to the desert, proving that Phoenix diners are ready for flavors beyond the usual suspects.