Phoenix’s dining scene continues to attract nationally recognized culinary talent, with a new addition from Chef Sujan Sarkar, the MICHELIN-starred and James Beard Award-nominated chef. NADU Phoenix has joined Desert Ridge Marketplace, making it the second location of the acclaimed restaurant. The first NADU location, debuting in Chicago in 2025, quickly earned national recognition, including a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand designation, a James Beard Award semifinalist nomination for Best New Restaurant and a spot on Eater’s list of the Best New Restaurants in America.

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Named after the Hindi word for “homeland,” NADU aims to showcase the rich diversity of India’s regional cooking while blending traditional flavors with Chef Sarkar’s contemporary culinary approach.

What makes NADU different from other Indian restaurants

Rather than focusing on a single style of Indian cuisine, NADU takes guests on a culinary journey across the country’s many regions.

The menu draws inspiration from Kerala’s coastal flavors, the spice-rich dishes of northern India and lesser-known regional specialties rarely found on American restaurant menus. Chef Sarkar says the goal is to present authentic Indian cuisine in an approachable way while highlighting the ingredients, traditions and techniques that define each region.

“We want NADU to reflect the type of cuisine traditionally enjoyed in my home country of India, simple, bold and full of flavor,” says Chef Sarkar. “Our goal is to highlight the beauty of regional Indian cooking in an approachable way, with flavors people recognize and love.”

What diners should know

• NADU Phoenix is located at Desert Ridge Marketplace.
• The restaurant features approximately two dozen à la carte dishes inspired by regional Indian cuisine.
• A dedicated Regional Kebab Program showcases traditional live-fire cooking techniques from across India.
• The beverage menu includes cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks infused with traditional Indian ingredients.
• Hours are scheduled for 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, and 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Live-fire cooking takes center stage

One of the restaurant’s signature experiences will be its dedicated Regional Kebab Program, celebrating India’s centuries-old live-fire cooking traditions.

Guests can expect specialties prepared using traditional clay tandoors, charcoal-fired sigri grills and cast-iron tawas, showcasing techniques that have shaped Indian cuisine for generations.

Highlights are expected to include Galouti Kebab from Lucknow, Bhatti Ka Murgh from Punjab, Chapli Kebab, Duck Seekh Kebab, Stuffed Paneer Tikka and NADU’s signature Bihari Kebab.

The carefully curated menu is designed to introduce diners to regional dishes that are difficult to find outside India, offering an experience that goes well beyond the familiar favorites served at many Indian restaurants.

Cocktails inspired by India’s culinary traditions

The beverage program follows the same philosophy as the kitchen.

Cocktails and spirit-free drinks incorporate ingredients such as turmeric, saffron, curry leaf, ginger, chili and palm jaggery, while the bar also showcases distinctive Indian spirits, including Old Monk Rum, Cashew Feni and select Indian gins and whiskeys.

Together, the food and beverage offerings are designed to create an immersive dining experience that celebrates India’s culinary heritage from the first sip to the final bite.

Why this opening matters for Phoenix’s dining scene

Phoenix has steadily become one of the country’s most exciting food destinations, attracting award-winning chefs, nationally recognized restaurants and new concepts from across the U.S.

NADU adds another noteworthy chapter to that momentum, bringing a chef with MICHELIN recognition and James Beard acclaim to the Valley while introducing a dining concept that celebrates India’s diverse regional cuisines in a thoughtful, contemporary setting.

To bring the restaurant to Arizona, Chef Sarkar partnered with Zest Hospitality Group, the team behind the popular Feringhee Modern Indian Cuisine in Chandler.

Why it’s worth your time

Whether you’re already a fan of Indian cuisine or looking to explore something beyond the familiar, NADU promises a dining experience that blends authentic regional recipes, traditional cooking techniques and modern presentation. Between its nationally recognized chef, thoughtfully curated menu and live-fire kebab program, it’s shaping up to be one of the Valley’s most anticipated restaurant openings of the summer.

To learn more, visit naduphoenix.com.