Latha is in a historic downtown bungalow with a big open-air porch that doubles as a live music stage, making it one of the coolest places to grab a weekend dinner. You won’t even care if your friends are late (again) because one of the rum-based cocktails can keep you company. The passion fruit caipirinhamojito or rum punch both go down easy while listening to the R&B singer or Afrobeats DJ they have booked for the night.

We went here during the Arizona Restaurant Week. The parking can be challenge since it could be the same day that downtown Phoenix has an event (so please plan ahead). There is a parking structure near by, unfortunately, we could not get in because the parking ticket would not release from the machine (maybe the parking lot was already full?). Luckily there is a valet parking for the restaurants in the heritage square. The flip side is that we pay for valet parking. I think the restaurant will give you a compliment parking validation if you park at the parking structure.We came right when they are just opened. The dining room is spacious with beautiful decorations. The food are super-delicious and huge portion. The watermelon salad is so refreshing. The whipped goat cheese is addictive. Goat cheese is not my favorite but the chef here made it so delicious. The black garlic honey on top of whipped goat cheese make this dish complete. Hypha Mushroom Criollo is a huge bowl of variety of vegetable stew. This is my first time having Yolele Fonio grains. These grains help complement the broth in criollo. Last but not least, the Southern pound cake is to die for. I love watermelon sauce and coconut sauce on every bite of this cake.On the other side of the restaurant is a market. They have many products, dry food, clothes, skin cares, baskets, and bags. The baskets are so cute and I had to stop myself from getting too many things.

Located in Heritage Square, just steps from Pizzeria Bianco, Latha offers a unique dining experience that celebrates the interconnected foodways and cultures of Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, and the Southern U.S. Their menu is a journey of discovery, rooted in authentic recipes crafted with responsibly sourced seasonal ingredients. With a focus on pan-African cuisine, Latha offers a memorable experience, highlighting the rich culinary traditions of their ancestors. The restaurant also features a selection of wine, beer, and spirits developed or owned by Black artisans, making it a true celebration of culture, community, and flavor.

Evelia Davis is the CEO and Founder of Latha, a restaurant and bar that celebrates the rich and diverse flavors of Africa and the African diaspora. The menu is rooted in the food traditions of Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and the Southern US. Ingredients are carefully sourced from local farms, responsible purveyors and fair trade sources, as well as offering a selection of wine, beer, and spirits made, owned or developed by Black artisans.

A restaurant and market dedicated to celebrating Africa and the African diaspora opened in downtown Phoenix. Latha, which is a reference to the Swahili word for flavor, found its home in the historic Silva House in Heritage Square across from Pizzeria Bianco. The menu draws influences from Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and the South.

We are halfway through our list of the best restaurants in Phoenix, Arizona, and it’s time for LATHA. This establishment is more than a restaurant and bar; it celebrates diverse African and delicious flavors and presents them at their finest. The food culture of Brazil, the Southern US, and the Caribbean also influences its menu.

The word “latha” means “flavor” in Swahili, and that’s a perfect description for this up-and-coming Phoenix restaurant. Since opening in 2023, Latha has been serving up the finest flavors of Africa, while celebrating the past, present and future of these timeless cuisines.