LATHA Introduce
LATHA Restaurant & Bar is more than just a dining destination; it is an immersive cultural experience and a culinary journey through the African diaspora. Located in the charming, historic setting of Heritage Square in Downtown Phoenix, LATHA—which means “flavor” in Swahili—artfully weaves together the foodways and culture of Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, and the American South. This unique combination creates a distinctive category in the local scene, proudly identifying as an **African restaurant**, a **Brazilian restaurant**, a **Caribbean restaurant**, a **Soul food restaurant**, and a **Southern restaurant (US)**, all under the umbrella of modern, Pan-African cuisine.
The establishment is a source of local pride, identifying as both **Black-owned** and **women-owned**, bringing a vibrant and authentic vision to the Phoenix dining community. The atmosphere is celebrated for its intentional design, being described as **Cozy**, **Historic**, **Romantic**, and **Trendy**. Patrons consistently praise the incredible energy, noting the lively **Live music** and upbeat Afrobeats that often accompany the meal. LATHA has rapidly gained acclaim for its ambitious and successful menu, quickly becoming a highly-rated spot popular for both **Dinner** and its unique weekend **Brunch** offerings.
While the service can sometimes involve a wait, especially for peak times, the overall experience—from the stunning cocktails to the final bite of dessert—is overwhelmingly positive, making it a highly recommended choice for **Groups** and **Tourists** alike, in addition to being a favorite among local Phoenix diners.
LATHA is perfectly positioned in one of Phoenix’s most iconic and accessible areas. The restaurant’s address is **628 E Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA**. This prime location places it within the picturesque Heritage Square, directly across from other famous dining spots, anchoring it firmly in the heart of Downtown’s cultural district.
The historic nature of the building is complemented by a comprehensive commitment to modern accessibility standards, ensuring that LATHA is welcoming to all guests. Key accessibility features include:
- **Wheelchair accessible entrance** from the street into the venue.
- **Wheelchair accessible parking lot** (with options nearby in the downtown area).
- **Wheelchair accessible restroom** facilities.
- **Wheelchair accessible seating** throughout the dining areas, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
Given its central downtown address, guests have numerous parking options, catering to different preferences and needs:
- **Free street parking** (available in the surrounding Heritage Square area, check signage).
- **On-site parking** (limited availability near the historic building).
- **Paid parking garage** (multiple structures nearby, a convenient option).
- **Paid parking lot** and **Paid street parking** (standard downtown options).
- **Valet parking** (offered as a premium convenience, especially during busy evening services).
The restaurant also offers **Outdoor seating** on its large, open-air porch, which often doubles as a stage for **Live music**, providing a delightful ambiance for dining in the beautiful Arizona weather.
LATHA provides a sophisticated, full-service dining experience that caters to both special occasions and casual enjoyment. The blend of a full **Bar** and extensive **Table service** ensures a high-end feel, while the variety of meal periods appeals to a broad audience.
The full range of services and amenities includes:
- **Dining Service:** Offering full **Table service** for **Dinner** and a highly popular weekend **Brunch**. **Dessert** service rounds out the meal.
- **Reservations:** Due to its popularity and the likelihood of a wait, **Dinner reservations recommended** and **Brunch reservations recommended** are essential for securing a table, especially on weekends and for **Groups**. LATHA formally **Accepts reservations**.
- **Takeout and Onsite:** Both **Dine-in** and convenient **Takeout** options are available. The historic setting also offers **Onsite services** such as the bar and **Private dining room**.
- **Bar and Beverages:** Features a full **Bar onsite** with **Great cocktails** (like the Passion Fruit Mojito and Rum Punch), a **Great beer selection**, a **Great wine list**, **Hard liquor**, and **Happy hour drinks** and **Happy hour food**. **Coffee** is also available.
- **Dietary Options:** The menu is thoughtfully designed to accommodate various needs, offering clear **Vegan options**, **Vegetarian options**, and **Healthy options** alongside its main **Comfort food** offerings.
- **Amenities:** Includes a **Gender-neutral restroom** and standard **Restroom** facilities, enhancing the comfortable and inclusive environment. **High chairs** and the restaurant being **Good for kids** make it **Family-friendly**.
- **Payments:** Accepts modern payment methods, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.
LATHA’s unique blend of cultural immersion and culinary excellence is what makes it a standout feature in the Phoenix market. Its highlights are a direct reflection of its Pan-African mission.
- **Pan-African Culinary Concept:** The core strength is the menu's ability to seamlessly fuse the rich culinary traditions of **Africa, the Caribbean, Brazil, and the Southern US**. Signature dishes like **Oxtails Barbacoa**, **Jerk Pork Chop**, and **Shrimp Moqueca** showcase this cultural connection.
- **Signature Appetizers & Small Plates:** The **Piri Piri Wings** are a must-try, often praised for their crispness and perfect heat. The **Whipped Goat Cheese** and **Pimento Cheese** offer comforting Southern and African-inspired flavor profiles.
- **Acclaimed Desserts:** The dessert menu is a huge highlight, with the **Amarula Cheese Torte** and **57 Chocolate Brigadeiro** receiving high praise for being "out of this world" and perfectly balanced. The restaurant boasts a reputation for **Great dessert**.
- **Vibrant Beverage Program:** LATHA features a well-curated bar program that emphasizes a selection of **Beer, Wine, and Spirits crafted by Black artisans**, creating unique and flavorful cocktails that complement the cuisine perfectly.
- **Atmosphere & Entertainment:** The **Historic** setting combined with a **Romantic** and **Trendy** feel is enhanced by the regular presence of **Live music**, with R&B singers, DJs, and Afrobeats creating an energetic and celebratory vibe.
- **Unique Brunch Menu:** The weekend offering is exceptional, featuring creative dishes like **Fried Chicken & Banana Rum Waffle**, **Berbere Steak & Eggs**, and **Oxtail Shakshouka**, elevating the standard Phoenix brunch scene.
- **Black-Owned & Women-Owned:** Its identity as a **Black-owned** and **women-owned** business adds a layer of cultural significance and community focus that resonates strongly with local patrons.
For securing reservations, inquiring about the menu, or scheduling a private event, guests can use the following contact details for LATHA Restaurant & Bar in Downtown Phoenix:
- **Physical Address:** 628 E Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
- **Phone Number:** (480) 640-6183
- **Mobile Phone (direct contact):** +1 480-640-6183
Given that **Dinner reservations recommended** and **Brunch reservations recommended** are strongly advised, reaching out via phone or the restaurant's online reservation system is the best approach to guarantee seating, especially when planning a visit for **Groups** or on weekends.
LATHA is worth choosing because it provides an elevated, memorable dining experience that you simply cannot find elsewhere in Arizona. It is a vital choice for the discerning diner who values cultural richness, bold flavor, and a lively atmosphere over a quick, transactional meal. It’s an ideal spot for a celebration or a highly unique date night in Phoenix.
The experience is a complete package: the culinary creativity of the Pan-African menu—which seamlessly connects **African, Brazilian, Caribbean, and Southern US** foodways—is a revelation, offering a constant sense of discovery with dishes like the **Harissa Roasted Salmon** and **Jerk Pork Chop**. This is complemented by a top-tier bar program that produces **Great cocktails** and a wine list curated with a unique focus on Black artisans.
The historic, vibrant atmosphere—enhanced by **Live music** and a **Cozy**, **Romantic** vibe—makes every visit feel like a special occasion. For Arizona residents seeking a restaurant that is not only chef-driven and innovative but also socially conscious and firmly rooted in community (as a **Black-owned** and **women-owned** establishment), LATHA is the definitive choice for an immersive, flavorful, and unforgettable culinary journey.
LATHA Menu
Drinks
- Drunken Elephant $14.00
Vodka, amarula cream liquer, coffee liqueur
- Latha x Enroot $10.00
Enroot sparkling tea , agave, lime (non-alcoholic) Options: Apple lemon, raspberry mint, peach hibiscus, or strawberry lavender
- Passion Fruit Mojito $14.00
Ten to One rum, passionfruit, mango, chinola and lime
- Rum Punch $16.00
Pineapple, guava, hibiscus, Cruzan rum
Appetizers
- Whipped Goat Cheese $15.00
Black garlic honey, radishes, sumac, chapati.
- Pimento Cheese $15.00
Herbs, coconut bread
Small Plates
- Piri Piri Wings $16.00
Pineapple, zaatar, sesame, lemon
- Watermelon Salad $17.00
avocado, tomato, jicama, whipped feta cheese, arenitas, awaze honey vinaigrette
- Shrimp Escabeche $19.00
Avocado, tostones, lime
- Oxtails Barbacoa $38.00
radiatori, gouda, pickled fennel
Entrees
- Shrimp Moqueca $32.00
Rice grits, charred broccolini, roasted coconut chutney, chimichurri
- Jerk Pork Chop $34.00
Charred brussel sprouts, butternut squash rundown, carrots, roasted turnips, tomato & cucumber chow, marcona almonds
- Harissa Roasted Salmon $34.00
Fonio, butternut cooked in awaze, ta- malice, kale, sauce mojito
Desserts
- Amarula Cheese Torte $14.00
Vanilla stewed pineapple, mint
- 57 Chocolate Brigadeiro $13.00
Coconut besitos, sorrel, avocado
Brunch
- Watermelon & Avocado Salad $17.00
tomatoes, jicama, whipped feta, arenitas, awaze honey vinaigrette
- Blackeye Pea Humus $15.00
cucumber, burnt onions, zaatar, chapati vegetarian, vegan
- whipped goat cheese $15.00
black garlic honey, radishes, sumac, chapati
- The Latha $17.00
2 eggs, harissa hash, bacon, coconut sourdough
- Berbere Steak & Eggs $36.00
chimichurri, harissa hash, fried egg
- Salmon Eggah $21.00
berbere, spinach, mushrooms, smoked gouda, arugula salad
- Mushroom Criollo $31.00
radicchio, watermelon radishes, fonio, coconut milk, shiro, pickled fennel
- Dayboat fish & Grits $29.00
criollo, pickled onions
- Latha Burger $18.00
pimento cheese, house made pickles, spicy mayo, brioche bun
- Awaze Shrimp $32.00
radiatori, gouda
- Fried Chicken & Banana Rum Waffle $38.00
awaze & honey syrup, seasonal fruit chutney
- French Toast $18.00
berries, whipped cream
- southern pound cake $13.00
caramelized watermelon frosting, whipped cream, coconut date milk jam
- Tamarind Bigadeiro Torte $14.00
avocado mousse, fig butter
LATHA Details
From the business
- Identifies as Black-owned
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Live music
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Historic
- Romantic
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
- On-site parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Parking
- Valet parking
LATHA Photos










LATHA Location
LATHA
628 E Adams St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
LATHA Reviews
whipped goat cheeseoxtailafrican cuisinepound cakegoat cheese appetizerday sailershrimp moquecapan-africanismshrimp escabecherice grits
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1We started with the Whipped Goat Cheese, which was beautifully presented, and we really liked the mildly savory cheese with the honey and the accompanying chapati. I think it was a touch too sweet though, and the black garlic component was overshadowed. The Honey Hot Wings had a nice heat level and great crisp on the skin. For the mains, we began with the Pineapple Piri Piri Chicken and while I loved the seasoning and cook on the chicken, I wasn't a fan of the labneh being layered beneath the surprisingly mild jollof rice. We also got the Lamb Tajine which we enjoyed with the spiced curry and pickled onions. The best dish of the night was the Chocolate Brigadeiro Torte for sure. Super well balanced, not too sweet, and the mousse made for a perfect bite with the chocolate and whipped cream.
October 17 · NimishWe got here right after they closed the kitchen and it was understandable they could not serve us meal. But the guy at the entrance was very nice and told us we can have a drink still , as we were pretty thirsty. We got two beers, one from Brazil and one from Jamaica , the Dragon Stout Fire- which although it was dark , it wasn't bitter at all. I highly recommend getting it if you are getting a beer here . It looks like an international place where I'd like to come back. Great vibe also!
October 10 · Diana AnghelusThe food was excellent and the service was incredible. Peri Peri was a bit more fruity and less spicy than my preference but had excellent flavors. The curried lamb was very good but the hangar steak with black garlic was phenomenal. We literally spoke about how good the bread was that came with the burnt onion hummus the whole drive home. It seemed like everyone there was celebrating a birthday and I can see why. Don't be afraid of the avocado crema on the chocolate torte. It sounds weird but it paired very well. The guy behind me was raving about his oxtail so we will have to try that next time. Can't wait to go back.
October 04 · Jason BeckmannA group of us had the privilege of experiencing this cute restaurant. It had lots of character. With indoor and outdoor seating, it's great for singles, couples, and groups.Each of us ordered different dishes and sampled each other's plates. We were warned that the chicken wings were spicy... that wasn't a lie. The oxtails were undercooked according to my standards. They were tender, but not falling off the bone tender. The sea bass and the salmon were both flaky. And the porkchops were very pleasing as well.They friendly staff were so welcoming, but our waitress wasn't attentive. We had to remaind her to bring important things like the wine for the course pairing, salt, and utensils.Browsing the market was great!There are stairs leading up to the entrance.
September 27 · O'ZandraGreat vibe. Live music with Johnathon was beautiful. The mixed drinks are delicious and I normally do not drink mixed drinks. Last but not least the food. The whipped goat cheese/watermelon salad was awesome!All staff members have great attitudes and genuinely seem to love being there! The owner was very nice and she knows what she is doing! Can’t wait to return on Aug 22!
August 02 · Kenneth Finney
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