LATHA

"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

"Latha is in a historic downtown bungalow with a big open-air porch that doubles as a live music stage, making it one of the coolest places to grab a weekend dinner. You won’t even care if your friends are late (again) because one of the rum-based cocktails can keep you company. The passion fruit mojito or rum punch both go down easy while listening to the R&B singer or Afrobeats DJ they have booked for the night. Once everybody in your party finally shows up and has had a chance to look at the menu, dig into dishes like the shrimp moqueca, oxtail shakshouka, and vegan mushroom criollo." - Lauren Topor

"Explore the culinary connections among Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, and the American South at this modern African restaurant, which honors the African diaspora via food. Owner Evelia Davis, and GM/barman Will Brazil fuel this lively place with Afrobeats, wildly colorful cocktails and positive energy, while Digby Stridiron dishes out his own brand of fun via piri piri chicken wings, pimiento cheese with coconut bread rolls, and shrimp escabeche." - Nikki Buchanan

"Latha is in a historic downtown bungalow with a big open-air porch that doubles as a live music stage, making it one of the coolest places to grab a weekend dinner. You won’t even care if your friends are late (again) because one of the rum-based cocktails can keep you company. The passion fruit mojito or rum punch both go down easy while listening to the R&B singer or Afrobeats DJ they have booked for the night. Once everybody in your party finally shows up and has had a chance to look at the menu, dig into dishes like the shrimp moqueca, oxtail shakshouka, and vegan mushroom criollo. " - lauren topor

"Latha is quickly gaining fame in the Phoenix food scene — and for good reason. Opened in 2023 by Evelia Davis, this Victorian cottage-turned-restaurant pulls flavors from various corners of the world that revolve around the African diaspora. The brunch menu offers refreshing twists on classic dishes such as oxtail shakshouka, fried chicken-banana-and rum waffles, and harissa salmon with grits. Brunch is served on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with DJs playing Afrobeat music throughout the day." - Mcconnell Quinn, Jamie Killin