Popular Phoenix Restaurant Vecina Expanding To Scottsdale

PHOENIX, AZ — One of Phoenix's most acclaimed neighborhood restaurants is expanding, but its next chapter will take place outside the city.

Vecina, the Latin-inspired restaurant that has become an Arcadia favorite, is opening a second location in Scottsdale this August. Chef James Fox confirmed the expansion on social media last month, announcing that the restaurant will move into the former Z'Tejas space at the northwest corner of Hayden Road and Via de Ventura in McCormick Ranch.

The Scottsdale restaurant will be significantly larger than Vecina's original location, with about two-and-a-half times the space, according to reporting by The Arizona Republic. Plans include private dining rooms, a mezzanine, a lakeside patio and a much larger kitchen.

Since opening in Arcadia, Vecina has built a following across the Valley. The restaurant was named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best New Restaurant in 2020 and was also selected as Phoenix New Times' Best New Restaurant that year. It has continued to appear on the publication's list of the Valley's Top 50 Restaurants.

The Arcadia location will remain open, with Vecina's chef-driven menu continuing at both restaurants. The concept centers on seasonal small plates, shareable entrees and handcrafted cocktails inspired by Latin flavors and ingredients.

Diners can expect signature dishes including Duroc pork belly tacos with tomato jam and toasted peanut, skirt steak tacos with cascabel salsa and avocado relish, hamachi ceviche with grilled pineapple and coconut leche de tigre, and the adobo Duroc pork chop with house escabeche and chicharrón.

An exact opening date has not been announced, but the Scottsdale location is expected to open in August. The Vecina team has shared construction updates on social media, including photos of the new exterior signage.