New Mediterranean eatery brings punchy mezze to Phoenix

Levantine flavors shine through shareable small plates at this new spot in north Phoenix.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Noor, a new Mediterranean restaurant in Phoenix, promises to bring 'a new light to Mediterranean dining' with its Levantine-inspired menu crafted by Syrian chef Dima Al-Chaar. The restaurant features a luxe dining room with design elements nodding to its Syrian roots, and a cocktail menu developed by local expert Maxwell Berlin. While the entrees fell a bit flat, the mezze plates and shareable starters like hummus, muhamara, and eggplant fattoush salad impressed with bold, punchy flavors.

Why it matters

In a city with a growing dining scene, Noor stands out by offering a more authentic and focused take on Mediterranean cuisine, moving beyond the typical catch-all 'Mediterranean' label used by many restaurants. The restaurant's commitment to Levantine flavors and dedication to sourcing quality ingredients provides a fresh dining option for Phoenix residents and visitors.

The details

Noor opened in December 2025 at the northeast corner of Tatum and Shea boulevards, taking over a space that previously housed sports bars. The restaurant received a luxe makeover, with design elements like an octagonal fountain, a mural depicting a Syrian village square, and woven textiles hanging from the ceiling. The menu features a wide array of mezze plates, salads, hummus, flatbreads, and entrees, all inspired by Levantine cuisine. While the entree of Shish Tawook fell a bit flat, the starters and shareable plates like the short rib hummus, muhamara dip, and eggplant fattoush salad impressed with bold, punchy flavors.

  • Noor opened in December 2025.
  • The restaurant is located at the northeast corner of Tatum and Shea boulevards in Phoenix.

The players

Noor

A new Mediterranean restaurant in Phoenix that promises to bring 'a new light to Mediterranean dining' with its Levantine-inspired menu.

Dima Al-Chaar

The Syrian chef who crafted Noor's menu. She is a 'Top Chef Middle East' semifinalist who consults on restaurants around the world.

Maxwell Berlin

The local cocktail expert who developed Noor's drink menu. He previously helmed the dual downtown lounge Quartz and tended bar at the revered Thai restaurant Glai Baan.

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The takeaway

While the entrees at Noor may have fallen a bit short, the restaurant's commitment to authentic Levantine flavors and shareable mezze plates makes it a welcome addition to Phoenix's growing dining scene. The cocktail program and luxe, design-forward atmosphere also contribute to Noor's appeal as a destination for a lively, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired experience.