What’s opening in 2026: 10 Valley restaurants to watch

From global heavyweights finally landing in metro Phoenix to buzzy new concepts from some of the Valley’s top restaurateurs, 2026 is shaping up to be a major year for the Valley dining scene. Here are 10 upcoming openings I’m looking forward to:

Bar Mar

Making his Arizona debut, world-famous chef and humanitarian José Andrés is bringing his Mediterranean seafood-forward concept to the much-delayed VAI Resort, scheduled to start opening late this year in Glendale.

Cowboy Seafood

Christopher Collins (Saint Urban, Wally’s American Gastropub, etc.) is introducing his boldest concept to date: competition-grade barbecue and an elevated seafood and raw bar program under one roof in Midtown Phoenix.

Din Tai Fung

The internationally beloved Taiwanese chain (shown bottom left), famous for its meticulously crafted soup dumplings, is making its Arizona debut at Scottsdale Fashion Square. Expect long waits – absolutely worth it – from day one.

Drake’s Hollywood

The see-and-be-seen celebrity hotspot (pictured on top) – a luxe supper-club featuring a velvet-draped interior, vintage murals, and portraits of film legends – is making its Arizona debut in Old Town Scottsdale.

Hornbill

Jason Asher, one of the Valley’s most celebrated mixologists,  and Jennifer Russo, owner of The Market by Jennifer’s, are joining forces on a Singapore-inspired cocktail lounge and restaurant in Arcadia.

Kuza

A Japanese robata concept from the Clive Collective (Cala, The Americano, etc.) will feature coal-grilled seafood, meat, and vegetables in the former Chauncey Social space in north Scottsdale.

Roman

Pretty Decent Concepts (Wren & Wolf, Filthy Animal, Cleaverman, etc.) is introducing a cathedral-themed Italian restaurant and cocktail chapel on the north end of Tempe’s Mill Avenue.

Slice House by Tony Gemignani

Thirteen-time world pizza champion Tony Gemignani (lower right) is expanding his fast-casual concept – known for its wide range of regional pizza styles – with his first Arizona locations in Gilbert and south Tempe.

Ted’s Hot Dogs

After nine years of delays, the longtime Tempe favorite finally is bringing its char-grilled hot dogs, hand-cut fries, and old-school diner vibe to a second location in south Chandler.

Udon Shin

Shinji Narahara, chef-owner of a famed 10-seat eatery in Tokyo, is bringing its cult-status handmade udon noodles to the expanded Mekong Plaza in Mesa – a dream come true for noodle purists.

These are just the headline names. Behind the scenes, I’m tracking more than 100 additional restaurants coming to the Valley, with deeper coverage for MXSW Insiders.