News Summary
Arizona’s Desert Ridge Marketplace is expanding its culinary offerings with the addition of four new restaurants, set to open between late 2025 and 2026. This includes Globe in the Dark, a cocktail lounge; Terra Gaucha, a Brazilian steakhouse; Nadu, a Michelin-ranked Indian restaurant; and Kajiken, a ramen spot. Each venue aims to provide unique dining experiences and elevate the marketplace’s appeal, catering to both locals and tourists who seek diverse culinary options in north Phoenix.
Desert Ridge Marketplace Expands Culinary Offerings with Four New Restaurants
Arizona’s Desert Ridge Marketplace is set to enhance its dining landscape with the addition of four new restaurants, expected to open between late 2025 and 2026. This expansion aims to introduce diverse culinary experiences to the shopping destination, which currently features primarily fast-casual dining options.
New Restaurant Lineup
The new eateries include:
- Globe in the Dark: A cocktail lounge aiming to offer creative drinks and modern dishes.
- Terra Gaucha: A Brazilian steakhouse that will serve fire-roasted meats and traditional southern Brazilian cuisine.
- Nadu: A Michelin-ranked Indian restaurant, originally named Feringhee Modern Indian Cuisine.
- Kajiken: A ramen restaurant known for its customizable soup-less ramen bowls.
Opening Dates and Features
Nadu, set to open in February 2026, began its journey in Chicago in April 2025 and specializes in modern Indian cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Kajiken, the first Arizona location of the popular Nagoya-based ramen chain, is expected to welcome patrons by the end of 2025. It is particularly famous for its thick noodles and a variety of unique toppings and sauces.
Terra Gaucha, the Brazilian steakhouse, is projected to launch in the summer of 2026. Diners can anticipate an authentic experience with a menu featuring a selection of fire-roasted meats and fresh vegetables, along with traditional Brazilian dishes. The cocktail lounge, Globe in the Dark, is aiming for an early 2026 debut, where guests can participate in a loyalty program earning passport stamps with each drink purchase. The menu will spotlight modern culinary offerings, including crab ravioli and escargot.
Statement from Vestar
The vice president of leasing at Vestar, Jenny Cushing, expressed enthusiasm for the new dining options that will diversify the flavors available at Desert Ridge Marketplace. This includes a focus on elevating the experience for both shoppers and visitors.
Background of Desert Ridge Marketplace
Located off Loop 101 and Tatum Boulevard in north Phoenix, Desert Ridge Marketplace has primarily focused on taverns and fast-casual chain dining in recent years. The addition of these four distinct restaurants represents a significant shift towards a more experience-driven culinary landscape, aimed at attracting a broader array of visitors.
The ongoing efforts to expand the marketplace’s culinary offerings align with contemporary consumer demands for variety and quality in dining experiences. As Desert Ridge Marketplace prepares to welcome these new establishments, it can be anticipated that the enhanced diversity in cuisine will draw both locals and tourists, fostering an even more vibrant dining culture in north Phoenix.
As these openings unfold, they are expected to contribute to the overall growth of the desert dining scene, reinforcing Desert Ridge Marketplace’s position as a key player in the region’s retail and dining landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Phoenix New Times: 4 New Restaurants Coming to Desert Ridge
- Mouth By Southwest: ComicX to Close
- AZ Family: Comic Book Inspired Restaurant Closes
- AZ Central: Phoenix Restaurant Guide for Desert Ridge Marketplace
- Wikipedia: Desert Ridge Marketplace
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
