Pomelo at The Orchard PHX in Central Phoenix Opens Today — Here's The Menu

It seems like new restaurants are popping up around central Phoenix faster than weeds after a monsoon. And we're excited about the latest addition to the local scene, Pomelo at The Orchard.

The restaurant is scheduled to open today, Thursday, May 5, and will encompass a large courtyard with multiple patios. The building is the original homestead owned by the Wasser family in the 1920s and owners Ken and Lucia Schnitzer and partner Jerry Mansoor took care in preserving many of the original fixtures. For example, a private dining room includes a large table cut from a 100-year-old eucalyptus tree that had to be cleared from the property. And adjacent to this room, you'll find a lounge area where two stained-glass windows were made using glass pieces from Lucia’s great-grandmother. Pomelo's kitchen includes a pizza oven imported from Italy, and the restaurant will serve contemporary American food — think, wings, salads, pizzas, burgers, and more.

The restaurant is just one part of The Orchard PHX, a two-acre venue located in the neighborhood just north of Glendale Avenue on 12th Street, specifically at 7100 North 12th Street. The Orchard PHX will also be home to Luci's at The Orchard and Splurge, both scheduled to open mid-May. The property occupies what used to be a citrus farm in the early 1900s, though the owners added a 30-foot water tower to the center of the plot, which is surrounded by more than 80 citrus trees.

Luci’s at The Orchard, a new marketplace, will be housed inside a building that dates back to 1949 and was the ranch home of Ralph Castro. Castro purchased the land from the Wasser family and transformed it into a citrus nursery, hence the venue's name. Many of the items sold will be sourced from local vendors, including unique gifts and specialty food items hand-picked by the owners. The décor will have an urban-European feel, and sandwiches, coffee, and bread will be available for purchase. Also worth noting: The market will have a convenient option for those on the go. Luci's will accept call-in orders for food and drinks and ready-to-go items can be ordered when you arrive. The entire order can then be picked up at a drive-through window. Dining-in options will include a large lawn for picnics and a dog-friendly patio, designated on the east side of the market.

The third space inside The Orchard will be Splurge, an ice cream and candy shop. Located adjacent to the Luci's market, kids, and adults will be able to indulge in treats such as homemade cookies, soft serve, shakes, and other ice-cream novelties. Splurge will also have a service window on the outside. The décor will include a nod to classic candy stores with striped walls and white tile throughout. Expect gifts, candies, and even adult shakes and popsicles for those 21 and up. The space will also include a splash pad for the little ones to cool off during hot summer days.

For more information on The Orchard PHX check Facebook or visit the The Orchard PHX or Pomelo websites.

Editor's Note: This post has been changed from its original version.