Chef and owner of Hush Public House and Fire at Will, Dom Ruggiero reccomends Vecina, which translates into "neighbor." The little gem in Arcadia has a Latin-inspired menu featuring dishes like hiramasa ceviche made with grilled pineapple, coconut leche de tigre and crispy tortillas and Saltspring mussels, served with Spanish chorizo jalapeño citrus broth, mesquite grilled Noble bread. In addition to Vecina, Ruggiero seconded two of our essentials on his list, Glai Baan and Little Miss BBQ.

Phoenix is known and loved for its incredible Mexican food, but there’s also a thriving scene for other Latin cuisines. Vecina, with its Peruvian-inspired cuisine, is one such example, and one of the best Phoenix restaurants. At Vecia, you can expect beautifully plated dishes with brilliantly-paired sauces that will tempt even the most well-mannered diner to lick their plate clean.

You will be, upon discovering that this Phoenix restaurant serves up modern American cuisine with Latin American undertones, specializing in both large and small shareable plates. This trendy spot is a perfect option for both a group dinner and an intimate date night. Don’t forget to check out the drinks menu for a wide variety of craft beer, specialty cocktails and unique wines.

Vecina transforms the rustic empanada into something elegant and fork-worthy, tucking juicy Duroc pork – confited, shredded and sweetened with onion – into a blistered, rough-hewn pie, made with incredible masa dough and sprinkled with Manchego. And for the denouement: a puddle of salsa verde and bright yellow dots of manzano chile sauce, for a sharp, spicy accent.

Vecina, a fiercely original restaurant that opened its heavy front door in Arcadia in 2019, is a gem from start to finish. A one-of-a-kind menu is driven by vegetables, rooted in Latin America and laced with countless dimensions of chile heat. It also drills down to molecular details like few other places in Arizona.

Its seasonal menu features mouthwatering dishes with Latin-inspired ingredients, spices, and chiles. The term Vecina means neighbor in Spanish. Likewise, this establishment is a lively neighborhood hangout spot that strives to unite people and create a sense of community.

Vecina is the magic palace of amazing food run by a team of chefs. This is a true hidden gem if you are looking to experience exploding flavor, highest quality ingredients, and a twist of traditional Latin cuisine and modern American dishes.

In 2022, modern Latin restaurant Vecina made the list of semifinalists after wowing diners with dishes including white bean puree with crispy short rib and hiramasa ceviche, featuring grilled pineapple and coconut leche de tigre.

Chef James Fox has a runaway hit on his hands with his contemporary take on Mexican cuisine. Self-described as punch-you-in-the-face flavors. Salmon tacos are a must.

If you read about Vecina, you’re going to read that it’s a Latin-Asiany fusion spot. But it’s not in your face like SumoMaya. And it’s not weird like Chino Bandido.