Vecina Will Make Your Midwest Grandma Crave Latin Flavors
There aren’t many restaurants like Vecina in the Valley, and that’s a real shame. It’s “Latin inspired,” but extremely approachable, which means you can get all the flavors you’re looking for while satisfying even the most meat-and-potato diner you know. Well, maybe not the most meat-and-potato diner, but close. While you’re munching on their famously complex elote, or a delightfully meaty carnitas empanada, someone else could be eating shaved brussels and a hearty pork chop (which is delicious enough to expand any comfort zone). Or you could split the difference and split the insane carne asada ribeye that might be the best beef dish in town, served up next to a perfectly tangy chimichurri that ties everything together. Vecina’s an impressive place, and should definitely be on your next date night shortlist.
Where: Arcadia
Website: vecinaphx.com
Reservations: Toast
Tip: They have special dietary menus available (let them know when you get there)… was super useful for a friend with Celiac.
Found On
Vecina Has 6.5 Yumpoints
FEB 21, 2024 / BAHAR ANOOSHAHR
AZ Central: Chefs absolutely love these 10 metro Phoenix restaurants: 'Dining is an expression of art'
Chef and owner of Hush Public House and Fire at Will, Dom Ruggiero reccomends Vecina, which translates into "neighbor." The little gem in Arcadia has a Latin-inspired menu featuring dishes like hiramasa ceviche made with grilled pineapple, coconut leche de tigre and crispy tortillas and Saltspring mussels, served with Spanish chorizo jalapeño citrus broth, mesquite grilled Noble bread.
FEB 13, 2024 / NIKKI BUCHANAN AND CHRIS MALLOY
Eater: The 38 Essential Restaurants in Phoenix
Vecina means “neighbor” in Spanish, an apt name for this lively neighborhood hangout offering great cocktails and a range of Latin-influenced dishes. Menu highlights include Peruvian-style hiramasa ceviche; pork belly tacos; mesquite-grilled prime carne asada rib-eye; and an outrageous carnitas empanada, stuffed with Duroc pork confit and manchego cheese, then garnished with onion marmalade and salsa verde. Grab a seat at the bar for good people-watching.
FEB 1, 2024
Phoenix New Times: The Top 100 Restaurants
This fiercely original restaurant, which opened its heavy front door in Arcadia in 2019, is a gem from start to finish. A one-of-a-kind menu is driven by vegetables, rooted in Latin America and laced with countless dimensions of chile heat. It also drills down to molecular details like few other places in Arizona. For instance, elote, simple street corn, contains some 40 ingredients.
JAN 13, 2024 / LAUREN MILLINGTON
Female Foodie: The 16 Best Phoenix Restaurants
Phoenix is known and loved for its incredible Mexican food, but there’s also a thriving scene for other Latin cuisines. Vecina, with its Peruvian-inspired cuisine, is one such example, and one of the best Phoenix restaurants. At Vecina you can expect beautifully plated dishes with perfectly paired sauces that will tempt even the most well-mannered diner to lick their plate clean.
FEB 26, 2020
James Beard Foundation: 2020 James Beard Award Semifinalists
Best New Restaurant
Jan 23, 2020 / NIKKI BUCHANAN
Phoenix Magazine: Vecina
I’m reminded of this lovely lyric while dining at Vecina in Arcadia – and not just because the name happens to mean “neighbor” in Spanish. A Latin-inspired Modern American newcomer that feels as simpatico as Mr. Rogers slipping on his cardigan and lacing up his sneakers, it fulfills every neighborhood hangout requirement and then some: slender patio, gorgeous mural, views of Camelback, a cozy bar that anchors the room and an impressive cocktail program, courtesy of talented lead barkeep Miguel Mora, who is batting a thousand according to my cocktail count. Add an infectious Latin pop soundtrack and a fun, affordable menu that allows for eating here often without fear of boredom or bankruptcy, and you’ve got a winner, easily one of the Valley’s best new restaurants heading into 2020.
