Beautiful restaurant and really cool vibes, has a great mixture of indoor outdoor seating that blends together, all in all beautiful. The staff were super sweet and welcoming, The food was also amazing every dish tasted so damn good. Only downside because of the open air concept and no steps taken to stop them, there were flies swarming us the entire meal and made it real hard to enjoy it and it seemed to be an ongoing issue. read more

The food and Margaritas were great but the wait staff needs some serious training. They messed up our bill, threw away my leftovers after I asked for a to-go box and took a long time to bring our food. I will get my order To Go next time. read more

This is a great addition to the Tempe dining scene. The food and service were excellent, and it is a beautiful space. The only reason for only four stars is we were seated on the front patio on Apache. The traffic noise was distracting, but the music was also playing so loudly (to mask the traffic noise?) that it was actually difficult to carry on a conversation. Next time we will hopefully find a spot at the east side of the restaurant with open air bar seating. There was also a bit of an issue with pacing, even though we only got shareable dishes, they came out at much different times. They have only been open a month or two so there are no doubt kinks to be worked out. read more

Dined there 3/13 for my wife's birthday. The service was great and very attentive. The big door was open out to the street and patio which made us wonder what they do when it rains like we have had recently. It was rather windy inside. I enjoyed the wood fired quesadilla. My wife had the guac which was an ample portion but just OK. She also had the Relleno - good presentation but again just OK. The place seems like it's trying to present itself as a gourmet experience with all its rules and regulations about holding reservations, splitting checks, texting to confirm you're coming , and decorator food presentations for average food. The food was acceptable, but we wouldn't go out of our way to go back. read more

Live less than a mile than from this great restaurant, always wanted to try it and tonight my boyfriend and I finally did. WOW! First off, ambience was great, we went on a rainy Friday and were well accommodated. Staff were extremely friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. First glance you might think this place is pricey for a Mexican restaurant, it is not. Elevated food, every dish was bursting with different flavors that complemented each other. Drinks were great craft cocktails and worth every penny. Very few restaurants capture hospitality so well. Will be back again and again! Thanks for a great date night. read more

Wow. I'm a fan of Tacos Chiwas, so was excited to try Cocina Chiwas. Very happy I did. Great food and environment.

Vent to this restaurant for the first time on Valentine's Day and it was incredible! We had Paloma's that were as good as I have had. The pricing was average for the drinks and well worth it. Our server was awesome and had great recommendations. For the appetizer we went with the elote and it was amazing. Tons of flavors and the corn was cooked perfectly. The other appetizers were a little expensive for something like chips and guacamole or queso. We ordered two entrees that were very well presented and they tasted great. There was plenty of food to go around. I was recommended this place by a friend out of state but I will definitely be recommending it to my friends as well. read more

My husband and I both loved this new restaurant!! The location is great, easily accessible and plenty of parking. The staff greeted us right away and sat us down even though we were a bit late to our reservation. All staff was very attentive the whole time we were there. They brought water to the table and took our drink order almost immediately after sitting down. We tried the Paloma and the Sangria cocktail drinks and both were made to perfection with the right amount of punch. The ambiance inside the restaurant gave good vibes with peaceful lighting. The music was good and not too loud to be uncomfortable. We decided to skip the appetizer as we wanted room for dessert and ordered the Wagyu and Costillas de Res for dinner. Both plates came out in good time and were a really good portion. We are in love with the Wagyu, it was cooked to perfection and would fall apart in your mouth. The flavor packed in both dishes was amazing. For dessert we tried the tamal de dulce and were pleasantly surprised. I've never had a tamal like that, and the sweet creams around it made it so much better. There is no other authentic Mexican food restaurant like this around here. The modern, upscale, clean feel is unmatched. This place is one of a kind and just plain delicious. We recommend it 10/10!! read more

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Food was excellent. Good selection of food choices. Have a pretty good drink menu too. Very nice place with great atmosphere. Patio and bar area were really nice as well. read more

Everything on the menu is incredible. The staff is wonderful and answers all questions. 10/10 experience and we will absolutely be going back. read more

Cocina Chiwas is a great place for a date, business meeting, or drinks with friends. The bar tiles from Mexico and handmade booths set against the more modern finishes of the building create a great ambience. Center stage is the food. Nadia and Armando put love and great thought into their regional cuisine. I've tried almost everything on the menu and you truly can't go wrong - don't forget to ask if there's a special of the day! read more

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This restaurant is INCREDIBLE! The pork belly and the chorizo quesadilla are my absolute favorites although you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Definitely plan on taking the light rail or rideshare, because you won't want to stop at just one margarita!! read more

Cocina Chiwas - Shrimp ceviche - Mexican Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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New favorite place! The food and drinks are so good and the location is prime. Culdesac and Cocina Chiwas are going to dominate Tempe. So excited for this place to get the attention it deserves. read more

Cocina Chiwas - Fresh Snapper - Mexican Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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I want to start by saying our server, Jordan was wonderful and friendly. Food was delicious and cocktails were good. However, our experience there was not the greatest from the start because the host gave us attitude about our reservation. We had originally made the reservation for 2 people but changed to 3 people that day. When we got there she was not accomodating or friendly and we felt she was giving us a look our entire meal. After our appetizers were finished we had just placed an order for our entrees when said host comes to our table and says the next reservation for this table is here (meaning we needed to leave, while we were still waiting for our entrees!) We then felt super awkward and rushed (meanwhile this is an expensive dinner and they did not prior tell us that we had a time limit!!) Our entrees come, a minute later someone else comes to our table to remind us that the next reservation for our table was here.. AGAIN! Anyways, food was good, Jordan was great, I am a server as well so I am understanding of most things but the lack of accomodations and pretty much kicking us out by the end definitely put a bad taste in my mouth and we will not be returning. read more

Ambiance 3 stars service 2 stars food 1 star. Overpriced and not great. Too bad their other restaurants much better. Should stick to tacos and leave the gourmet Mexican food to someone else. read more

What a gem! Food was yummy and service was outstanding (Michelle was our server). Will definitely be back.

Love this spot. The food is spectacular and it's location is super convenient off of light rail, so I don't need to drive home after some delicious cocktails! read more

Cocina Chiwas is quickly becoming one of my favorite restaurants in the Valley. The food and cocktails are exquisite and the staff is always friendly and quick to make a (good) recommendation. Plus, I love all the plants inside! Definitely check it out if you're in the Tempe area! read more

the food was amazing. service was really slow. we ate outside and the vibes were amazing. elote was my favorite part of the meal

Food was really great! I had the beef rib daily special. Great flavor with the perfect amount of char for texture. Great drink options. Elote was really flavorful and delicious! read more

Came here for dinner with my family and had an amazing experience, the service was great and the margs were the best!

I come here each week, when I can, as it is near my work. Everything was fantastic. Loved the food--I am an Arizona boy, so good Mexican food is important! :) Also loved the varied and delicious cocktail menu, always something fun to try each time I return. Staff was helpful and space was decorated beautifully! One time, I met the owner! Thanks to you and your team, Armando! read more

Amazing food especially the short ribs and rice. Chorizo quesadilla was awesome, as were pretty much all the other things we tried. Drinks were great and the friendliest people! read more

We walked to this place because of their tik toks and instagram, the drinks are decent but food need work. Their quesadilla are oven fire pizza's and their entree's had bones through the plate. Totally understand you want to show the tenderness but some of the bones where just sitting there. Service was good and can see the concept but they definitely have growing pains they need to work out. read more

Best Mexican food I've ever had. I love this place. Chorizo quesadillas from the wood fired oven were amazing. Nice ambiance for a date night. read more

Food was delicious and cooked to perfection ! I had the beef ribs and my husband the scallops and we both agreed it's really good- only thing is they opened the doors and the flys were everywhere yikes- everyone was nice and kind I hope it stays that way read more

Have been hugely looking forward to hitting this spot again. Drove across town only to get stopped at the door and sent away because they are closed for some dudes private bday party. Huge L. I get buy outs especially for a new spot trying to pay the bills but at least keep the bar seating open for walk ins. Went from one of my new faves to never going back. Do better. read more

Everything was ok to say the least. The chicharrones were really good and the green sauce was so tasty with a nice kick! Our chile relleno was room temp and the red sauce tasted like nothing. Food had an over all nice presentation. Drinks were fine, I had the Paloma which was decent and my husband had the chiwarita which was super small compared to the Paloma- both drinks tasted like they had no alcohol but they looked well done. They were able to seat us without a rez but we did arrive close to opening. Our waitress was nice but took a long time returning back to our table despite not really being busy. The restaurant has fine potential but with the prices of everything, we could expect a little more. Bathrooms were super messy with tp on the ground so that was off putting. The ambiance with the decor and music was nice though! With a few tweaks here and there this place could be pretty good. read more

Food was mid, service was fine, ambiance was lacking. You guys really need to work on the menu.

Great food, drinks and service. Wonderful new little place that will be packed once word gets out.

Loved it. Limited menu right now but great food, fabulous cocktails and service. I would recommend reservations.

Best new restaurant in Tempe hands down. Super convenient location being next to a metro train stop

The pork belly is great, highly recommend. Start out with the elote, you won't regret it. The staff and owners are also incredible!

Absolutely delicious! Tried many dishes and loved them all. Highly recommend! (Try the beet salad... I didn't think I liked beets but then... yum!) read more

First time dining there. Had high hopes but there is a lot to work on. Had a reservation, but when we arrived we were told our table wasn't available so we were seated by the front door. It was chilly and right next to the bar. Asked for a different spot but was told there wasn't one unless we wanted to sit outside. Started with cocktails which were good, but small for the price. Appetizers were decent, but the quesadilla is really a cheese crisp. Be warned. Guacamole was average. Service was below average as our server didn't know the menu at all when asked a few basic questions. (Such as what type of enchiladas are the on the special?). She said she hadn't tried most of the items so could only recommend what other people order???? Nice gal, but needs training. Entrees - my hubby and I had the Pulpo Pipian. It was $32 and you only get two shrimp, a mattering of octopus and some potatoes. Not worth it. Dessert options - only two and neither was appealing. We asked about coffee and were told they don't have any (only at brunch apparently). Really? If you have a coffee machine you could make coffee or at least offer espresso or cappucino. Nothing like an Irish or Mexican coffee on the menu either. We left pretty disappointed. Music is too loud also, depending on where you are sitting. Trying to be honest here, but some work on service and the menu would go a long way. Doubtful I'd return as we drove from southeast Chandler based on the reputation of the owners. read more

Had a reservation here for my birthday. Ambiance was great, the restaurant has a nice look to it. The food was overall decent, but we had some issues with our meals - octopus special could have had more that one piece of octopus...elote was too acidic...salad so overdressed it was inedible.... However, there were dishes that were a hit within my group as well. Couple other issues: A/C was nonexistent. We even requested it be turned down, as we were all sweating, and we were told it was, but the door to the patio kept being left open. So unfortunately, we continued to sweat the entire time we were there. Also, our waitress was nice but she looked like she would have rather done literally anything other than wait tables. She rarely stopped by (or even looked towards our table) and for a party of 10, it was frustrating when we needed simple things like napkins or flatware. Overall, if you sit at the bar, it might be a cool experience. However, I had been looking forward to this for several months, and was definitely disappointed. read more

Been wanting to try for several months since they opened. I first went to their original restaurant on McDowell and the 51, years ago and loved it. Noticed their collaboration with Chris Bianco on other locations, so I assumed that they were for real. Boy was I wrong. Went early last night for the first time. Had read all the reviews and was really looking forward to a great experience. Service was below average. Just kind of like they were going through the motions. Listening to us but not really hearing as if they really didn't care. Ordered two overpriced margaritas (their version) and they tasted strange. Not sure why. Placed an order for their chorizo quesadilla and Chile relleno. Since we were seated at the bar we asked them to bring the quesadilla first and then the relleno. Next thing you know they brought the Chile relleno first. It was just room temperature as if it had been sitting in the kitchen for a while. Kind of tasteless. Then they brought us the quesadilla. Same thing, just room temperature and not very good. Had to ask for place settings. I have no doubt that if the service and the food had been executed properly it would be a different story. I put myself through ASU working in the restaurant industry so I'm sensitive to poor service. I chalk it up to poor management. Atmosphere was ok but music was a little loud. I assume to drown out the road noise on Apache. Bottom line, so far it's just a bar trying to disguise itself as an upscale Mexican restaurant. Hope they can eventually pull it together so they can cover the overhead from investing so much money in the restaurant itself. Only time will tell. PS...I almost never post a review for restaurants but this place was a big disappointment. read more