Phoenix January Restaurant Openings Revealed
Phoenix New Times compiled the most exciting new restaurants that opened in January 2026, featuring diverse cuisines and atmospheres. The list highlights standout venues for foodies looking to explore the city's latest culinary hotspots. Meanwhile, Easy Reader compiled the best South Bay new restaurants of 2025, featuring Attagirl and chef Alice Mai.
- Among the notable January openings in the Phoenix area is Ni Hao Bao, a fast-casual Scottsdale dumpling house from co-founder Darrell Ngo, who previously served as the senior culinary innovation chef for P.F. Chang's. - Other January debuts in the Valley included Tropic Thunder, a "cheeky tiki" bar on Roosevelt Row from owner Julian Wright, and Laymoon Cafe, a Middle Eastern coffee shop in Tempe started by a brother-sister team showcasing their Palestinian-Syrian heritage. - The new openings tap into larger 2026 food trends identified in the Phoenix area, including the growth of "vibe dining" which emphasizes experiential and dramatic presentations, and a rise in diverse global cuisines like Indian fusion. - The Arizona restaurant industry continues to expand, with approximately 13,000 restaurants statewide generating over $23 billion in sales in 2025. - Looking ahead in the Phoenix area, highly anticipated 2026 openings include the first Arizona location for the popular Din Tai Fung, and Bar Mar, a Mediterranean seafood concept from world-famous chef José Andrés. - Chef Alice Mai of South Bay's Attagirl transitioned to the culinary world after a successful career in commercial real estate, where she managed assets worth about $15 million annually. - Attagirl, which offers a modern take on Arabic and Mediterranean cuisine, is a collaboration between Chef Mai and acclaimed Chef David LeFevre, known for other South Bay staples like Manhattan Beach Post and Fishing With Dynamite. - The Easy Reader's list of the best new South Bay restaurants of 2025 also recognized other establishments for bringing under-represented cuisines to the area, including Toranj for its beautifully presented Persian dishes.
