LATHA

The 38 Best Restaurants in Phoenix

"Set in Heritage Square’s historic Silva House — right across from Pizzeria Bianco — Latha celebrates the cuisines of the African diaspora, weaving together African, Brazilian, Caribbean, and Southern U.S. influences. Owned by Evelia Davis, whose studies and travels across Africa sparked her vision for a community-driven hub, the restaurant hums with Afrobeats and breezy decor. A bar program featuring colorful cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits crafted by Black artisans is curated by general manager and barman Will Brazil. Chef Digby Stridiron’s menu spans piri piri chicken wings, pimiento cheese with coconut bread rolls, shrimp escabeche, and oxtail paired with cheesy pasta reminiscent of slow-cooked ribs and macaroni and cheese. Live music on the patio adds to the convivial vibe. While the food might be reason enough to visit, Latha’s embrace of diverse culinary routes and downtown history makes it a new mainstay in the Phoenix dining scene." - Mcconnell Quinn, Chris Malloy, Nikki Buchanan