Openings
Alibi at Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown
This full-service rooftop bar, open to the public Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, offers craft cocktails, global street food by chef Ken Arneson and a 180-degree panoramic view from the 14th floor. 108 E. University Dr., Tempe,480-968-6800, tempedowntown.canopybyhilton.com
Benjamin’s Upstairs
The creative team behind Citizen Public House and The Gladly has opened Benjamin’s Upstairs (located upstairs from Citizen Public House in Scottsdale), with a menu by chef Benjamin Graham featuring oysters, fried chicken and shareable plates along with a selection of natural wines and classic cocktails. 7111 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale, benjaminsaz.com
The Boozy Breakfast
High Street’s first daily breakfast restaurant dishes up breakfast classics, including waffles and eggs Benedict along with chilaquiles and French toast. You can also grab lunch – salads, bowls and panini. As the name suggests, there’s booze aplenty from bloody marys to mimosas. 5450 E. High St., Phoenix, 480-590-4278, theboozybreakfastaz.com
Daruma Sushi Roll Noodle
This new Japanese restaurant in Mesa serves “comfort Japanese cuisine” that includes a variety of sushi rolls, salads and other Japanese specialties. Dine-in, takeout or have it delivered. 1116 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa, 480-590-7979, darumabyrie.com
Francine
The long-anticipated fine dining Mediterranean restaurant from restaurateur Laurent Halasz, best known for Fig & Olive with locations across the country, has opened in the luxury wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square. Executive chef Brian Archibald leads the culinary team. 4710 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale, 480-690-6180, francinerestaurant.com
Gabriella’s Contemporary American Cuisine
Opened by Anthony and Anna Barr, this Scottsdale restaurant showcases American cuisine, with menu mains that include short rib grilled cheese, seasonal risotto, grilled fresh catch and weekly specials. 10155 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale, 480-534-7625, gabriellasscottsdale.com
Origami Ramen Bar
Former Nobu chef Yusuke Kuroda is now crafting “ultra rich” ramen, hand rolls and rice bowls in Ahwatukee. Vegan options and kids’ meals available. Takeout only. 4810 E. Ray Rd., Phoenix, 480-940-4455, origamiramenbar.com
Pitadise Mediterranean Grill
If you’re looking for casual Mediterranean fare, Pitadise puts out pita pockets, falafel, hummus, Greek salads and protein-studded bowls. 710 W. Elliot Rd., Tempe, 480-777-1268, pitadise.com
Stratta Kitchen
McCormick Ranch welcomes James Beard Award-winning chef Alex Stratta’s new casual Mediterranean restaurant featuring an all-star lineup of starter plates, wraps, greens, grains and grilled skewers that include everything from Alaskan salmon to free-range chicken breast. 8620 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale, 480-597-9195, strattakitchen.com
Tacos Chiwas
Husband-and-wife team Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin have opened a third location of Tacos Chiwas in downtown Mesa with a stellar line up of Chihuahuan-style tacos, burritos and gorditas. 127 W. Main St., Mesa, tacoschiwas.com
Closings
Burger bar and karaoke spot Americana, which has been on Tempe’s Mill Avenue since January 2018, has closed.
Bernie Kantak’s Commander Hamburger has shuttered after five months at The Churchill.
Farmboy Market, Meats, Sandwiches, a south Chandler locally-focused eatery and market opened by Oren and Diana Molovinsky in May 2018, has closed due to COVID-19.
The Harp Irish Pub, a fixture at Mesa’s Dana Park for 11 years, has shut down after being locked out of the building by the landlord, according to the pub’s Facebook page.
La Bocca Urban Kitchen
Both locations (Mill Avenue and High Street) of this Italian restaurant shut the doors in mid-June.
Majerle’s Sports Grill at Chandler Fashion Center has called it quits after 13 years. The Downtown Phoenix, Desert Ridge Marketplace and Flagstaff locations remain open.
Oink Café’s south Tempe location has closed, but the Phoenix and Tucson restaurants continue to pump out bacon flights along with breakfast and lunch standards.
