Latha Makes Pan-African Food Everyone Will Want Again and Again
5 Yumpoints | Tied for #45 in Phoenix | Tied for #14 in Downtown
Pan-African food is something we don’t have a ton of in Phoenix (certainly not this exact fusion of African, Brazilian, Caribbean, and SE US), but a lot of what’s being served up at Latha won’t cause much of a culture shock. And whatever hesitation one may have will go away as soon as the food hits the tongue. Piri piri wings—awesome. Pimento cheese on anything—awesome. Perfectly seasoned meats—awesome. Pound cake with watermelon frosting—super awesome. And if you’re looking for some weekend brunch, the oxtail shakshouka might be the best shakshouka in town. Latha is one of those restaurants that everyone you know will love.
Where: Downtown (Heritage Square)
Website: lathaphx.com
Reservations: On the website
Reviews, Articles, and Awards
+1 Yumpoint (each) | APR 26, 2024
Foodists Awards: 2024
Best World Flavor - Finalist
Emerging Restaurant Of The Year - Finalist
+1 Yumpoint | Sep 1, 2023 / NIKKI BUCHANAN
Phoenix Magazine: Dining Review: Latha
Located in Heritage Square across from Pizzeria Bianco, Latha takes a modern approach to African cuisine, illuminating the historic culinary connections between Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and the American South in deliciously innovative ways. Essentially, owner Evelia Davis and chef-partner Digby Stridiron are retracing the African diaspora via food, and I’m crazy about the place (its name means “flavor” in Swahili).
+.5 Yumpoints | MAY 8, 2024 / NIKKI BUCHANAN
Eater: The 16 Hottest New Restaurants in Phoenix Right Now
Explore the culinary connections among Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, and the American South at this modern African restaurant, which honors the African diaspora via food. Owner Evelia Davis, and GM/barman Will Brazil fuel this lively place with Afrobeats, wildly colorful cocktails and positive energy, while Digby Stridiron dishes out his own brand of fun via piri piri chicken wings, pimiento cheese with coconut bread rolls, and shrimp escabeche.
+.5 Yumpoints | JAN 24, 2024 / LAUREN TOPOR
The Infatuation: The Best Restaurants In Phoenix
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.
+.5 Yumpoints | NOV 1, 2023 / NIKKI BUCHANAN, MARILYN HAWKES, CRAIG OUTHIER
Phoenix Magazine: 2023 Best New Restaurants
Owner Evelia Davis took a brilliant idea – celebrating the culture and foodways of the African diaspora – and made it flesh at her giddily upbeat new restaurant and market in Heritage Square. Chef-partner Digby Stridiron dishes out modern versions of the iconic dishes of Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and the American South, including spicy piri piri wings, pimento cheese, shrimp escabeche and jerk pork chop, while GM Will Brazil keeps the liquor flowing and mood lively via vivid cocktails and an Afrobeat soundtrack. When LATHA’s positive energy is palpable, what’s not to love?
+.5 Yumpoints | OCT 18, 2023 / MCCONNELL QUINN AND JAMIE KILLIN
Eater: 13 Phoenix Brunches Worth Waking Up For
Latha is quickly gaining fame in the Phoenix food scene — and for good reason. Opened in 2023 by Evelia Davis, this Victorian cottage-turned-restaurant pulls flavors from various corners of the world that revolve around the African diaspora. The brunch menu offers refreshing twists on classic dishes such as oxtail shakshouka, fried chicken-banana-and rum waffles, and harissa salmon with grits. Brunch is served on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with DJs playing Afrobeat music throughout the day.
