Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Phoenix / Arizona
  4. Phoenix
  5. Desert Ridge
Kembara, Phoenix, AZ

Kembara

4.4
4.4
260 Reviews
$30 and under
Asian

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 21 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Innovative
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for creative cocktails
Kembara is the latest project from Chef Angelo Sosa that embraces Asian street food cultures, exemplifying the tradition of cherishing time-honored recipes, while also playfully innovating upon familiar flavors and techniques for fresh takes.

The menu is an homage to Chef Sosa’s travels across Asia, with inspiration drawn from countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, China, Singapore and Japan.

Each dish is constructed around Chef Sosa’s concept of a “trinity of flavors”—a balance between sweet, sour and salty elements that culminate in a perfect bite of harmony.

Located inside of the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Asian, Cantonese, Southeast Asian
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (480) 293-5000
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Angelo Sosa
  • Private party facilities
    Private Dining Room Available. Please inquire for details.
  • Area
    Desert Ridge
  • Cross Street
    Tatum Blvd and Deer Valley Rd
  • Parking details
    Hotel Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Chef Angelo Sosa x Chef Brandon Jew

    USD 140.00 per person

    Prepaid

    14 Mar 2025 only
    6:00 pm
    Experience an Asian-inspired culinary showcase by Brandon Jew and Angelo Sosa, featuring their mentees and a panel on mentorship. Brandon Jew, chef-owner of Mister Jiu’s and Moongate Lounge, has redefined Chinese-American cuisine, earning a Michelin star for six consecutive years and a James Beard Award. His acclaimed cookbook, Mister Jiu’s in Chinatown, also won a James Beard Media Award. Angelo Sosa, recognized for his appearances on Top Chef and Top Chef All-Stars, and is the executive chef at Tía Carmen and Kembara. Kembara, hailed by the Phoenix New Times as a “love letter to Asian street food,” has earned acclaim for serving the “Best Modern Asian
    Chef Angelo Sosa x Chef Brandon Jew photo

Offers

  • Sips & Bites $9 and less

    Multiple dates available
    Tue - Sat - 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
    Unwind at Kembara Bar with our Dim Sum Happy Hour! From 4pm to 5pm, savor delicious drinks and Asian-inspired bites, all for $9 or less!

    Sips & Bites $9 and less photo

What 260 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 3.9Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Phoenix / Arizona

    Innovative

  • Phoenix

    Innovative

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Kembara offers a vibrant dining experience with "amazing flavors" and "top-notch" service. The menu features unique Southeast Asian dishes like "Tuna Thai Jewel" and "crab fried rice," complemented by expertly crafted cocktails. While service can be slow during busy times, the "cool atmosphere" and "courteous staff" make it a standout choice.

260 Reviews
  1. kathy

    VIP

    Hawaii

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was very good! Really enjoyed!! We dined outside, it was lovely. Food coming out was a tad slow. Ordering was also a bit slow. Overall good experience!
    KembaraResponded 2 days ago
    Dear Kathy, We are glad your overall experience was enjoyable, but we want it to be perfect. We strive to exceed our guests' expectations; therefore, we are sorry that you had some service issues during your time with us. We take these concerns very seriously and will speak with our associates to ensure these are not repeated. Thank you for your valuable comments; we look forward to welcoming you back soon at Kembara whenever you are in Phoenix. Christopher Biguet Restaurant General Manager

    Is this helpful?

  2. Dom

    Phoenix

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Cole was great! Dan was a gracious host! Continues to be my favorite restaurant ever
    KembaraResponded 2 days ago
    Dear Dom, Thank you for making Kembara your most preferred dining choice when visiting Phoenix. We are delighted you received excellent, attentive service, especially from Cole and Dan, and enjoyed our quality meals. It is always our pleasure to serve you, and we appreciate your generous review. We look forward to welcoming you back soon! Christopher Biguet Restaurant General Manager

    Is this helpful?

  3. Mona

    Detroit

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We were not really impressed with the food. Pictures on website don’t look like what was served. Too expensive for quality of dishes. The dishes just weren’t memorable. Service was good and ambience was comfortable.
    KembaraResponded 3 days ago
    Dear Mona, We are glad you liked our inspiring ambiance and attentive service, but we are sorry for your disappointment with our food offerings while you were here. We take your feedback seriously and will share it with our restaurant and culinary team as we are continually striving to improve in any way possible. We regret not meeting your expectations in some areas and hope you give us another opportunity to make a better impression. We would love to have you join us again and leave completely satisfied! Christopher Biguet Restaurant General Manager

    Is this helpful?

  4. Harry

    Unspecified

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    typical overpriced and under qualified staff hotel restaurant bar is slow and drinks are tiny and over priced manager never checked with us about our dining experience
    KembaraResponded 3 days ago
    Dear Harry, We are truly sorry for your disappointment with our service during your visit. We take these concerns seriously and will speak with our team so we can work to improve in the outlined areas. We also value your comments regarding the bar as we are always seeking ways to enhance our guest experience. Thank you for your valuable feedback, and we hope to have another opportunity to provide you with the seamless visit and hospitality you deserve. Christopher Biguet Restaurant General Manager

    Is this helpful?

  5. Nithya

    VIP

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was disappointing. It seemed off balance like they had removed the heat without considering adjustments. The green papaya salad was too fish sauce tasting without the chili and the sambal crab was too tamarind tasting (needed the spice to balance). Service was slow from start to finish- waited in line at the hostess stand for 10 min with only three parties in front of us…waited ten minutes from being seated to have a server ask us for a drink order and same after completing the meal.
    KembaraResponded 4 days ago
    Dear Nithya, I deeply regret that your experience did not reflect the high standards we set for both our cuisine and service. The delicate balance of heat, acidity, and depth is fundamental to our dishes, and it is truly disappointing to hear that this harmony was not upheld. Your keen observations are invaluable, and I will personally ensure they are given the attention they deserve. Equally, the lapses in service you encountered are far from the seamless hospitality we strive for, and I sincerely apologize for any frustration they caused. Please know that your feedback is taken to heart and will be addressed with our team to ensure that every guest receives the prompt, attentive, and experience they deserve. Christopher Biguet Restaurant General Manager

    Is this helpful?

  6. Andrea

    VIP

    Phoenix

    32 reviews

    3.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on 16 February 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    The restaurant was not super full when we arrived, however we were taken to a 4 top that was broken into a 2 top as we sat at it. Super weird and unusual experience to have the table moved away from us as we sat at it. Extra weird is like 45 min later they sat a 2 top next to us… at the newly created 4 top. Very off putting and unpleasant experience. Service was slow. Our water glasses were filled twice before a server came by. And the glasses aren’t small. It was probably a good 10-15 minutes. Our server was polite but clearly under water. He rarely came by, especially to our little newly created 2 top in the corner that he couldn’t even reach appropriately. Our drinks ran dry throughout the meal, and our second round of cocktails came out AFTER our food was packaged to-go. The food was fine. Some was very good like the pork dumplings and the Khai Soi. Others were not great, like the pork belly noodles and the veggie spring rolls. All and all, about what you would expect but not at the price point. Recommend that you try most other l Asian places in the valley like Clever Koi, Glaj Blaan, or Lom Wong.
    KembaraResponded on 16 February 2025
    Dear Andrea, Thank you for the review We are very sorry for the issues you experienced with your seating as well as the lack of attentiveness you received while you were here. Exceptional service is integral to an excellent dining experience, and we appreciate that very much at our restaurant. Steps will be taken to ensure that each of our guests are afforded the care, efficiency, and hospitality that every guest expects and deserves. Also, while we are glad you were happy with some of the food options, we will use your specific feedback to improve our culinary offerings as well. Thank you again for your sincere comments, and we hope to serve you with excellence in the future. Christopher Biguet Restaurant General Manager

    Is this helpful?

  7. Kaylee

    Kansas City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 16 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was delicious, the staff was very accommodating, and we were seated outside so it wasn’t noisy at all. The heater outside didn’t work, but the staff attempted to fixed it multiple times. Overall a great time and would recommend. The food was slower to come out so plan accordingly if you are eating with kids like we were. Again did not take away from our experience, just a heads up. The food was worth it.
    KembaraResponded on 18 February 2025
    Dear Kaylee, We are delighted you loved your overall dining experience at Kembara and enjoyed the food served by our devoted staff. That said, we hope you will accept our apologies for the service and maintenance issues you experienced and the inconvenience this has caused. We have shared your feedback with the appropriate individuals and are grateful for your comments. Thank you for recommending us to future travelers, and we look forward to welcoming you and your family for the excellent visit you deserve. Christopher Biguet Restaurant General Manager

    Is this helpful?

  8. Chelsea

    VIP

    Phoenix

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 February 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    Great time and food…. Service was seriously lacking though
    KembaraResponded 4 days ago
    Dear Chelsea, Thank you for leaving your feedback. We apologize for the service shortfalls you experienced while dining with us, and we have addressed this with our team so we can work to improve in this area. We are disappointed that we did not exceed your expectations, but we appreciate knowing how much you loved our authentic food and your overall time with us. We look forward to making your next visit perfect. Christopher Biguet Restaurant General Manager

    Is this helpful?

  9. Russell

    Boise

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 15 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, great service. Really amazing flavors.
    KembaraResponded on 16 February 2025
    Dear Russell, Thank you for the great review! It is always exciting to hear from our guests, and we are delighted you enjoyed the combination of our attentive service and culinary excellence creating the perfect dining experience. It was our pleasure serving you at Kembara, and we hope to see you again soon.  Christopher Biguet Restaurant General Manager

    Is this helpful?

  10. Sandy

    VIP

    Phoenix

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 15 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This restaurant is amazing. 6th time here and never a bad experience. We try different dishes each time and have enjoyed them all. A wonderful experience from the moment you arrive.
    KembaraResponded 5 days ago
    Dear Sandy, It is always a pleasure to hear from our devoted guests, so thank you for taking the time to leave a review. With our quality, superior service, delicious meals, and signature drinks, we think it is pretty easy to fall in love with Kembara, and we are glad you feel the same! We enjoy having you each and every time and look forward to serving you again soon. Christopher Biguet Restaurant General Manager

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Kembara is rated 4.4 stars by 260 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 21 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Kembara

5350 E Marriott Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85054

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Tatum Blvd and Deer Valley Rd
  • Area
    Desert Ridge
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Asian, Cantonese, Southeast Asian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Parking details
    Hotel Parking
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Angelo Sosa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable Australia Level 22, 357 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo