The 6 most exciting new restaurants that opened in December

Many folks use January to recalibrate. Perhaps they overindulged a bit over the holidays and are now looking to cut back. We don’t subscribe to such ideologies, but a host of new Phoenix restaurants that opened in December are making it even more difficult. 

The Valley scored a new barbecue joint that puts a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean spin on smoked meats. There are multiple new brunch spots, one of which infuses artisan chocolate into its menu offerings. And a long-awaited steakhouse finally reopened, dashing any resolutions to eat less red meat in the New Year.

Here are the six most exciting new restaurants that opened around the Valley in December.

Sophia’s Brunch Counter

336 E. Thomas Road
Longtime Phoenix chef and restaurateur Aaron Chamberlin reconnected with his brother Dave to open a new brunch spot in midtown. Located in an eye-catching, metallic, arched building on Thomas Road, Sophia’s Brunch Counter offers multiple levels of dining, from pastries and coffee to full sit-down meals. The menu spans breakfast and lunch options, coffee, tea, beer, wine and cocktails, available from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. 

Durant’s

2611 N. Central Ave.
After a long wait, one of Phoenix’s most classic restaurants reopened in December with a fresh menu and a refreshed space. Durant’s, the iconic Central Avenue steakhouse that originally opened in 1950, closed last year for renovations when new owners took the reins. Then, in mid-December, it swung back open and welcomed customers to check out what was new. The space looks similar to how it always has, with plush red leather booths and an entrance through the kitchen, but everything is just a little shinier. The biggest changes have been made to the menu, which features a host of new dishes along with some tired and true classics. 

Tandy’s

2320 E. Osborn Road
Another new brunch destination emerged in December, occupying a very recognizable location. Tandy’s has taken over the midtown bungalow formerly home to The Larder & The Delta, and Binkley’s before that. Chef and owner Tandy Peterson, a Binkley’s alum, has most recently focused on her sweets business, Embers Chocolate, and artisanal chocolate is woven into her all-day menu. Currently, customers can get a taste of chocolate-infused coffees in the morning, and the chef plans to add dinner service in the future with items such as a chocolate mole-drizzled pork shoulder.

Wolf by Vanderpump

4747 N. Goldwater Blvd., Scottsdale
In December, the Caesars Republic Scottsdale by Hilton, upgraded its celebrity-connected restaurants. The ground floor’s Luna by Giada is now accompanied by Wolf by Vanderpump, which has taken up residence on the hotel’s seventh floor. Reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump helms the restaurant, which also has a location in Lake Tahoe. The glitzy space is decked out with chandeliers and fur, and features a menu packed with storied items including the “famous” goat cheese balls and Vanderpump Vodka Pumptini.

Wild BBQ

601 W. University Drive, Tempe
Wild BBQ is putting a Mediterranean spin on classic Texas-style smoked meats in Tempe. The former food truck made its brick-and-mortar debut in December, and is starting slow. The restaurant, located in the former home of Arizona Distilling Co., is currently only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. until they sell out. Customers can pick between brisket and beef ribs or the less traditional tandoori turkey or lamb rack. The owners plan to add more menu items and hours in the future. 

Noor

10625 N. Tatum Blvd., #150
Many restaurants around the Valley call themselves Mediterranean. But they stretch that cuisine to its fusion limits, with some even serving sushi. But not at Noor. This new eatery on Tatum and Shea boulevards promises “Levantine flavors” and offers tabouleh, eggplant fattoush, orfa kebbeh nayyeh, lahem bajin and other dishes that immerse customers in the region. Pair your mezze with creative cocktails that infuse flavors from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines into each sip.