April 2017 Restaurant Openings in Metro Phoenix

From a spot with cuisine from Belize to a new, kitschy diner in Mesa—the newest restaurants opened in Metro Phoenix in April offer a pretty wide variety.

By Lily Altavena

May 5, 2017

Image: Handlebar Diner brings a vintage aesthetic to the young Eastmark community in east Mesa.

Handlebar Diner brings a vintage aesthetic to the young Eastmark community in east Mesa. Patricia Escarcega

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Summer is descending on Metro Phoenix, and that means restaurant openings are likely to slow. But that doesn't mean there wasn't something new to try in April: the Valley now has two more options for customizable pizza, a spot for döner kebab, candy-coated doughnuts, and more — including Belizean cuisine.

Openings

Handlebar Diner, Mesa

Looking for something a little bit kitschy in the East Valley? Handlebar Diner might be your new favorite spot for simple diner-style fare, with a lot of appetizing comfort food options.

Blaze Pizza, Phoenix

The customizable pizza chain's newest location is on Central Avenue. The restaurant celebrated by giving away free pie on April 14.

Doner Dudes, Tempe

European-style kebab may finally be catching on in the states. Kebab is perfect for when you're extremely hungry — a pile of slow-roasted meat, typically served on a thick wrap.

Pieology Pizzeria, Phoenix

Another customizable pizza shop opened in Phoenix in April. Pieology is on the southeast corner of Bell Road and Ninth Street.

Berdena's, Scottsdale

Berdena's offers trendy menu items like avocado toast and muesli, judging from its Instagram account.

Naked BBQ, Scottsdale

This new barbecue joint in Scottsdale near McCormick Ranch looks promising, with menu items like beef ribs and brisket.

click to enlarge

Stephanie Bray

Hurts Donut Company, Tempe

What goes better than a college town and a doughnut shop? Hurts Donuts is a great fit for Tempe, serving up candy-covered gourmet doughnuts. Plus, it's open 24/7.

Elvira's Belizean Cafe, Chandler

Cuisine from Belize in the Valley? Count us in. But check Elvira's hours before going — it looks like the restaurant closes early in the afternoon on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Aishiteru Asian Bistro, Phoenix

This new Asian fusion spot on Cactus Road offers a pretty decent sushi special, according to its Yelp page: three rolls for $11.95.

Gino's East, Phoenix

Chicago style deep-dish is officially a trend in Phoenix, now available at newly-opened Gino's East in Arcadia and Lou Malnati's in uptown Phoenix.

Aloha Poki Company, Phoenix

There are definitely more than a few options for poke, the raw fish salad that originally hails from Hawaii. Aloha Poki Company's bowls are $9.95 for two scoops of fish.

Lily Altavena

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