Chef Sujan Sarkar, the acclaimed MICHELIN-starred and James Beard-nominated chef behind Chicago restaurants NADU, Indienne, Sifr, and Swadesi, is set to open NADU Phoenix this summer in Desert Ridge Marketplace. Meaning “homeland” in Hindi, NADU will transport guests on an authentic journey through India’s diverse regional cuisines, where traditional flavors and local ingredients are seamlessly infused with Chef Sarkar’s modern sensibility.
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This opening marks the second location of NADU, following the debut of the original in Chicago in spring 2025. Within its first year, the Chicago flagship was named one of the “Best New Restaurants in America” by Eater National, earned a James Beard Award semifinalist nomination for Best New Restaurant, and received a prestigious MICHELIN Bib Gourmand designation, among other accolades. To bring NADU Phoenix to life, Chef Sarkar has partnered with Zest Hospitality Group, the team behind the acclaimed Feringhee Modern Indian Cuisine in Chandler.
“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.”
The kitchen will be helmed by Executive Chef Pujan Sarkar, a longtime mentee of Chef Sujan and an award-winning chef who also oversees the MICHELIN-recognized Tiya, a modern Indian restaurant in San Francisco.
NADU’s menu draws inspiration from India’s culinary landscape – from Kerala’s coastal vibrancy to the northern heartland’s rich spices. With an emphasis on local produce and sustainable practices, it will feature approximately 24 curated a la carte dishes that celebrate India’s depth and variety.
In addition to its à la carte menu, NADU will feature a dedicated Regional Kebab Program celebrating India’s rich live-fire cooking traditions. Prepared using traditional techniques including the clay tandoor, charcoal-fired sigri, and cast-iron tawa, the menu will showcase regional specialties such as Galouti Kebab from Lucknow, Bhatti Ka Murgh from Punjab, Chapli Kebab from the Northwest Frontier, Duck Seekh Kebab, Stuffed Paneer Tikka, Goli Kebab, and the signature Bihari Kebab. The program offers guests a unique opportunity to explore India’s diverse culinary heritage through dishes rarely found in Indian restaurants across America.
The beverage options at NADU are thoughtfully crafted to complement the menu and include cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks infused with traditional Indian ingredients like turmeric, saffron, chili, ginger, curry leaf, and palm jaggery. The cocktail list will highlight regional spirits such as Old Monk Rum, Cashew Feni, and select Indian gins and whiskeys, offering a taste of India’s rich heritage.
NADU will accommodate more than 120 diners in a setting where touches of modern elegance meet vibrant energy. The restaurant’s design reflects the bold, contemporary spirit of India, creating an atmosphere that’s dynamic and inviting. A focal point of the space will be captivating oil paintings by Abhay Sehgal, a rising talent and proud alumnus of the Art Institute of Chicago.
NADU is located in Desert Ridge Marketplace at 21001 N. Tatum Blvd in Phoenix. Its hours of operation are Tuesday – Thursday from 4-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4-11 p.m. and Sunday from 4-10 p.m. Reservations will be available soon.
For more information, visit naduphoenix.com or follow on Instagram.
