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Kembara, Phoenix, AZ

Kembara

4.5
4.5
264 Reviews
$30 and under
Asian

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 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.
  • Neighborhood
    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

    $140.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Mar 14, 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 264 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Phoenix / Arizona

    Innovative

  • Phoenix

    Innovative

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Kembara offers an exciting fusion of Asian cuisine, praised for its "absolutely amazing" dishes like the Tuna Thai Jewel and Crab Fried Rice. Diners appreciate the "impeccable service" and vibrant ambiance, making it a "must visit" for culinary adventurers. However, some find the menu pricey and portions small.

264 Reviews
  1. ROSEIRAM

    Los Angeles2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    All of the food was amazing ! Everyone should try the Beef Rendang, it was delicious and the beef was so tender thay melted in your mouth. Another favorite was the Thai Jewel starter...a unique combination of fruits and raw tuna in cold coconut broth...very light and cleansing
    KembaraResponded 1 day ago
    Dear Rosieram, Kembara warmly embraces the rich tapestry of Asian street food culture, exemplifying the tradition of cherishing time-honored recipes, and we are thrilled knowing you loved our Beef Rendang and Tuna Thai Jewel with other deeply satisfying dishes. Thank you for your generous recommendation. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Christopher Biguet Restaurant General Manager

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  2. Kelly

    Milwaukee1 review

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was great - food, service, atmosphere. Hard to find all three, wish I didn't live so far away.
    KembaraResponded 3 days ago
    Dear Kelly, What a delight for us to read your comments! Since Kembara first opened, we have strived to make our name synonymous with a fantastic dining experience, and we are delighted to know you enjoyed our comfortable atmosphere, excellent service, and amazing food. We appreciate you leaving your kind review and mentioning we met all your expectations. Thank you for making us your preferred choice in Phoenix; we look forward to welcoming you back soon. Christopher Biguet Restaurant General Manager

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  3. Paula

    Sacramento16 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our service team was a bit slow to start, likely because we pushed our reservation back by 30 mins, but once they got rolling, the service was excellent and they even comp'ed our drinks as an apology for the delay. This is what prompted me to write a review. Kudos to the Service team for turning things around really well. Everything is meant to be shared, which I love and big serving spoons come with the meals as well. Absolutely loved the Chicken Dumplings and the Chicken Satay - delicious! I recommend and will be back if I'm in the area!
    KembaraResponded on March 3, 2025
    Dear Paula, What a delight for us to read your comments! We enjoy offering our guests a simple, elegant atmosphere combined with delicious food served by our devoted staff. Thank you for leaving your review and for the generous remarks about our exceptional hospitality. It was our pleasure having you at Kembara, and we look forward to welcoming you again soon. Christopher Biguet Restaurant General Manager

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  4. Melanie J

    San Diego1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The dumplings are FANTASTIC!!! They are my FAV!!! But ALL of the food is AWESOME!!!!!!
    KembaraResponded on March 2, 2025
    Dear Melanie, We are thrilled to hear that your dining experience with us was enjoyable. Our chef and team are delighted to receive such kind words. It is wonderful to know that our efforts in crafting delicious dishes resonate with our guests. Thank you for choosing Kembara, and we look forward to seeing you again soon. Christopher Biguet Restaurant General Manager

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  5. kathy VIP

    Hawaii9 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    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 on February 24, 2025
    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

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  6. Dom

    Phoenix3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    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 on February 24, 2025
    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

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  7. Mona

    Detroit4 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on February 21, 2025

    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 on February 23, 2025
    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

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  8. Harry

    Unspecified1 review

    3.0

    Dined on February 21, 2025

    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 on February 23, 2025
    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

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  9. Nithya VIP

    San Francisco11 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on February 20, 2025

    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 on February 22, 2025
    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

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  10. Andrea VIP

    Phoenix32 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on February 16, 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 February 16, 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

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FAQs

Kembara is rated 4.5 stars by 264 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 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
  • Neighborhood
    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
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