Ni Hao Bao Dumpling House
Audio By Carbonatix
Across the Valley, dozens of new restaurants open every month. But some new spots catch our eye, and leave us clearing our calendars to schedule a reservation.
Last month’s most exciting new food and drink destinations have serious range. Scottsdale got a new dumpling house and an internet-famous coffee shop. Tempe scored a bagel bakery and a Middle Eastern cafe. And downtown Phoenix got a taste of the tropics, welcoming a new tiki bar. Here are five Phoenix spots to try soon.
Ni Hao Bao Dumpling House
9301 E. Shea Blvd., #105, Scottsdale
In our eyes, more dumplings are always a good thing. And on Jan. 16, Scottsdale leveled up with Ni Hao Bao, a new fast-casual spot serving handmade dumplings, bao, rice bowls, salads and boba teas. The new restaurant was brought to life by childhood friends Darrell Ngo and Arin Finger. Finger handled the design, while Ngo is putting his 20 years of cheffing experience to use in the kitchen. He spent most of his career rising through the ranks at P.F. Chang’s, where he was most recently the company’s senior culinary innovation chef. Now, he and Finger are putting their own spin on Asian eats at their colorful new Shea Boulevard space.
Sara Crocker
La La Land Kind Cafe
15215 N. Kierland Blvd., #190, Scottsdale
We were a little skeptical when La La Land Kind Cafe came to town. The Dallas-based coffee shop chain opened its first Arizona store in early January at Kierland Commons. Soon, lines of eager customers formed, snaking around the block and generating hours-long waits. We wondered, is any coffee shop really worth waiting hours in line? Turns out, La La Land is worth the hype. The modern cafe is accented with butter yellow branding and sparkling chandeliers. The menu features iced coffee and matcha drinks topped with fluffy cold foam, toasts and pastries from the acclaimed local baker J.L. Patisserie. This bubbly spot is cheerful and fun. Don’t be surprised when the staff shouts, in unison, “Love you!” as you make your way out the door. Bonus: A second location of La La Land officially opened on Camelback Road and 44th Street on Feb. 7.
Allison Young
Bagelfeld’s
5154 S. Rural Road, Tempe
Bagelfeld’s bagels are so widely recognized as the best in town, they frequently sell out early at the Thomas Road shop. But now, customers have two locations to track down their favorite flavor. On Jan. 7, Bagelfelds opened a second bakery on South Rural Road in Tempe. Bagelfelds sells bulk bagels, different flavors of cream cheeses to go and individual bagels with cream cheese. Flavors are posted online, and limited-time specials are often shared on their social media. Both locations of Bagelfeld’s open at 6 a.m. and close around noon or when they sell out.
Laymoon Cafe
616 S. Forest Ave., Tempe
After an extensive buildout, Laymoon Cafe made its Tempe debut in mid-January. The Middle Eastern coffee shop and cafe is owned by a brother-sister team, infusing their Palestinian-Syrian heritage into the business through its design and menu. Signature drinks include cardamom and baklava lattes and a caramelized fig and vanilla matcha. Food options include pastries such as Warbat, a flaky treat filled with milk custard, and avocado toast spruced up with zaatar, feta and pomegranate seeds.
Tropic Thunder
1014 N. Second St.
Downtown Phoenix needed a little tiki. Thankfully, bar and restaurant owner Julian Wright agreed. His new “cheeky tiki” bar Tropic Thunder opened along Roosevelt Row on Jan. 22. The space is located just west of Second Street, behind Industry Standard and LoveBite Dumplings. There, customers can find a dark yet colorful spot illuminated by neon and black lights. Tropic Thunder comes to life with a giant skull throne, a giant mural, tiki carvings, nautical lanterns and a palapa-roofed bar. Let the tropical times roll.
