April was a slow month for new restaurant openings in the Valley, but unfortunately, a big month for dining closures. Heading into summer, this is a gentle reminder to patronize your favorite local restaurants and watering holes whenever possible. They will be very happy to see you.
Openings
Arizona Pizza Co.
This Tucson-based pizzeria with several West Phoenix locations now has an outpost in Tempe. Look for pizza, wings, subs and salads in the restaurant, and grab-and-go fare at the Arizona Pizza Co. Market in the same building. 400 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, azpizzacotempe.com
Bonsai
Chandler’s Downtown Ocotillo shopping center now boasts a Japanese restaurant with signature rolls, sashimi, nigiri and limited entrées, including Wagyu and salmon hot rock dishes. From restaurateur Spike Lawrence. 2475 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler, bonsaichandler.com
Coach Coffee Shop
Tanger Outlets now has a coffee shop in its Coach store, serving hot and cold drinks and pastries. 6800 N. 95th Ave., Phoenix, coach.com
Cultura Mexicana
Breakfast and brunch offerings abound at this new Mexican eatery, from chilaquiles and breakfast burritos to enchiladas and street tacos. 5713 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale, culturamexicanaglendale.com
Go Go Avocado
In March, this popular breakfast booth at Gilbert and Uptown farmers markets opened a brick-and-mortar location featuring loaded avocado toasts and protein bowls. 707 S. Farmer Ave., Tempe, gogoavocadoaz.com
Kanoki
Sushi, sashimi and shareable plates, along with craft cocktails, sake and spirits, headline this new spot in Desert Ridge. 5415 E. High St., Phoenix, kanokiphx.com
Lucca Coastal Kitchen & Lucca Living Room
A pair of eateries from restaurateur Spike Lawrence opened in Downtown Ocotillo: Lucca Coastal Kitchen, an Italian eatery with pastas, pies and signature dishes (think chicken Parm and roasted salmon); and Lucca Living Room, a casual spot for sandwiches, salads and pizzas. 2475 W. Queen Creek Rd., Chandler, luccachandler.com
Tikka Drive
Chef Rahul Sahota has opened Arizona’s first drive-thru Indian restaurant featuring a dialed-down menu of six entrées, naan, a couple of sides and drinks. The meat dishes are halal-certified. 80 W. Warner Rd., Chandler, tikkadrive.com
Tommy’s Way Pizza & Pasta
Veteran pizzaiolo Tommy Morano has opened a pizzeria, where he also serves pasta, salads and sandwiches. 7132 E. Becker Ln., Scottsdale, tommysway.com
Closing
Bagelfeld’s original location in Phoenix is closed indefinitely due to a fire. The Tempe store at Rural and Baseline is open.
Mesa’s Echo 5 Sports Pub has called it quits after 12 years.
After 13 years, Hooters at Metro Center has closed due to the changing economy and rise in labor costs, but the Mesa location is still standing.
The Peoria location of Kasai Japanese Steakhouse has shuttered after two years, but you can still dine at the Scottsdale outlet.
Kyoto Bowl in south Tempe is calling it quits after more than 35 years, but the Mill Avenue location remains open.
Negranti Creamery, an ice cream shop known for its handcrafted sheep milk goodies, has closed its Peoria shop, but you can still get a scoop at the Camelback Road location in Phoenix.
Old Heidelberg Bakery, a beloved local treasure, has closed after 57 years. Owners cited inflation and a decrease in bread consumption as the causes.
Raffaeles Pizza in Phoenix is closing on May 30 after 52 years because the property is scheduled to be redeveloped. The Glendale location remains open.
Chef Claudio Urciuoli has closed his Mediterranean restaurant, Source at Gilbert’s Epicenter, after three years. No reason was given for the closure.
