Cancel

Open app

Search

Kembara

4.2 (94 reviews)
Closed • 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM

Kembara Photos

Business Info

KEMBARA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Upscale
Dogs allowed
Happy hour specials
Outdoor seating

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Kembara

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Great beer options to pair with the cuisine
Van D.

Our meal at Kembara was a highlight of our stay at Desert Ridge. The service was exceptional, and our meal offered just the right mix of flavors and textures, including the crispy spicy tuna, the house-made lo mein, and the ginger beer. The patio is comfortable and pleasing, with a firepit, silk lanterns, string lights, and ample seating -- we thoroughly enjoyed our meal in this inviting space. Happy that we paced ourselves too, because savoring the deliciously delicate coffee donuts was the perfect end to a fantastic evening.

Kelci S.

I checked out Kembara while staying at the JW Marriott, and it was an interesting experience. To set the scene, I was at the bar alone, and there was nobody else around. I had a server who started off ok and the bartender. Something I noticed that was a little sketchy was multiple servers trying freshly made cocktails with straws. I honestly have never seen this at a restaurant, and it was a turn off. There were also a few times where I was sitting at the bar waiting for assistance, and the server was engaged with other servers. The bartender however turned it around a bit, and made the experience a little better for me. The happy hour menu is pretty solid here, and I tried a few dishes. The brown butter crab roll came in the form of a sushi taco, and it was pretty good. I was a big fan of the bang bang shrimp and the garlic green beans. I also had the chicken dumplings with dim sum sauce, and it was tasty. All of the food came out hot and fresh. Some subtle feedback would be to make sure customer engagement is steady!

Smashed Cucumber
Chari M.

We made reservations for 6:30pm and got in 20min earlier with notifications of our table being ready. We were filled with welcoming entrance as we walked in on the way to our table near the chef kitchen area. The restaurant is set for ordering to share which we like, great way to try many things on the menu! We enjoyed it all! We also ordered filet mignon (somehow I didn't get picture of it) and it was prepared perfectly, very tender it almost melts in your mouth, the charred greens were delicious as well. Vietnamese coffee donuts is delicious, we loved the Vietnamese coffee caramel like sauce, we used it over the dark chocolate ice cream (perfect combo) as there was plenty leftover after we all ate the donuts.

Brown butter crab roll
Laurie V.

This place was good, although it is hard to find options that do not contain a high volume of carbohydrates. The brown butter crab roll was good, but I didn't taste that nutty golden brown butter flavor I might have expected from this dish. I also had some sort of tuna in a lemongrass broth, which was quite good. I had asked the server if this would be about the right portion for a full meal and he said it would. I was still hungry though after I finished my meal. The ambiance and decor is quite lovely in here, adorned with Asian lanterns. Service was efficient. Bill was pricey. Fortunately I had a gift card from Bonvoy, so I was able to easily apply that. This place would be better if you have no dietary preferences or restrictions, but over all it was pretty good. I was with a larger party and they all seemed satisfied.

Chicken dumplings
Cammi P.

Wow wow wow! Kembara was an exquisite, delicious meal. From the eclectic, unique and artsy inside and design of the restaurant, to the amazing food, it was the perfect meal. The service was perfection, with our waitress giving us the perfect recommendations. The coconut sticky rice was the star of the show and pork belly noodles was a dish I would go back for! The restaurant is more family style, making it fun to order more off the menu and share. The spicy crispy tuna was delicious and the dumplings melted in your melt. We had a hibiscus tea with our meal, which was the perfect, refreshing pairing. The value and price of the meals at Kembara were expertly reasonable, especially for the size of the main entrees, like the noodle dishes. The set up of the restaurant is unique and the chairs are so comfortable. While the restaurant is on the darker side, it fits the vibe and makes for the perfect dining experience.

Gerald J.

This is one of many restaurants inside the JW Marriott Desert Ridge. I think it's the best restaurant option on the property. The vibe and the atmosphere was great, service was incredible management was awesome and they have the best shrimp dumplings I have ever had. It also had great cocktails. The crab dish was very good. !So if you're in the mood for Asian food definitely go check them out. Food 5/5 Service 5/5 Staff 5/5 Location 5/5 Parking 5/5 Atmosphere 5/5 Cocktail 5/5 Return 5/5

Steamed Pork Dumplings Appetizer
Sophie S.

We decided to check out Kembara, an Asian street food-inspired restaurant tucked inside the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort, to take advantage of the inaugural Arizona Chef's Week: a brand-new dining event (August 1-10) celebrating local chefs, seasonal flavors, and creative flair. For $55 or $66 per person, participating restaurants were serving up exclusive three-course prix fixe menus, and we were intrigued enough by their menu to try them out for the first time. From the moment we stepped inside, the atmosphere set the tone: a tastefully decorated space with nightlife energy. It felt like we had been transported somewhere far more exotic than North Scottsdale. Our server, Colter, was a standout from the start: friendly, talkative, and full of thoughtful recommendations that made us feel genuinely welcomed. We began with the steamed pork dumplings, generously filled and served with a flavorful dipping sauce that had us savoring every bite. For entrées, my partner chose the vegetable lo mein noodles, which were hands-down the best we've ever had as it had perfectly cooked noodles, loaded with fresh vegetables, and coated with a rich sauce. The portion was large, easily enough to share between two or even three people, making it the ultimate comfort dish of the night. I opted for the Beef Rendang, a braised Wagyu short rib with coconut, lemongrass, and Fresno chili sambal. The flavors were spot-on; slightly spicy, aromatic, and comforting, though the beef had a bit of gristle that occasionally distracted from the otherwise melt-in-your-mouth texture. Dessert sealed the deal on a memorable evening. The halo-halo was a showstopper: a beautiful balance of textures, refreshing citrus notes, and creamy sweetness. Like the lo mein, it was a large portion, perfect for sharing between two or three people. My partner devoured his dessert of Vietnamese coffee donuts, dipping them into an irresistibly rich cream sauce. The cocktails were equally impressive: inventive, refreshing, and just as thoughtfully crafted as the food. Overall: Kembara delivered a truly wonderful dining experience, combining a vibrant atmosphere, warm service, and flavorful, well-executed dishes. We left talking about what we'd order on our next visit, though it will be hard to resist simply repeating the incredible lineup we had this time.

Skyler P.

What a great experience. First time stopping by Kembara and it was delicious. The restaurant is really nice and the menu has quite a selection. Started with a few apps for the table. Everything was delicious but I would probably skip the dumplings since it was only 3 of them. The veggie lo mein was really good too. Ended with some mango sorbet to end the meal which was nice. The staff and service was really great too. We initially were going to do happy hour but did not realize it was for the bar area only, which wasn't mentioned on the website.

Drinks
Nancy W.

Location. Part of the JW Marriott complex at Desert Ridge area. It's very classy and has beautiful modern indoor decor and a lovely outdoor patio with colorful lanterns. We used to enjoy this spot as Roys Hawaiian. It's not casual and it's not dog friendly. It's upscale. Servers are attentive. We are here twice last week. I made reservations using open table. They are closed Sunday and Monday. They are only open for happy hours and dinner Tuesday enjoyed it so much we came back the next evening and ate again. The crab fried rice is so good. I loved the crunchy wings. The only item I didn't really like was the egg rolls. The filling was weird. The outside was perfect and crunchy.

Debbi P.

A fabulous dinner!!!! Absolutely stunning restaurant with a quiet, comforting vibe!!!! You just know from the minute that you walk in, that you'll be taken care of and you look forward to each dish being brought out. Eclectic Asian flair at its finest!!! From the fabulous teas, to the dumplings, sticky rice, noodle dishes, appetizers and decadent desserts!!! This is a must try to add to your dining lists!!!!

Pre dinner drinks at the lobby bar
Beckie B.

We had an absolutely wonderful experience at Kembara, and it reminded us why we keep coming back to the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa year after year as locals. We happened to visit during Lunar New Year and were genuinely surprised and delighted with a beautiful gift bag from Rémy Martin, along with a thoughtfully crafted cocktail highlighting the brand. Such a classy, unexpected touch that immediately set the tone for the evening. Our server, Megan, was an absolute standout--warm, knowledgeable, and perfectly attentive without ever feeling intrusive. She elevated the entire experience. Every dish we ordered hit the mark. The edamame was outstanding, topped with perfectly crispy garlic that was savory and salty without even a hint of bitterness. The smashed cucumber was refreshing, and the green papaya salad was beautifully balanced, featuring a perfectly jammy salted egg that tied everything together. We were thrilled to see that the brown butter crab hand roll is now offered as a sushi roll--still just as indulgent and delicious. The vegetable lo mein was a surprise highlight, deeply flavorful and comforting, and the crab fried rice was packed with large, sweet pieces of crab that felt truly generous. My husband ordered the Sympathizer cocktail, which arrived with a stunning smoked presentation tableside--dramatic, aromatic, and absolutely delicious. From the thoughtful Lunar New Year touches to the exceptional food and service, this meal was memorable from start to finish. We've been visiting the JW for years, and thanks to Kembara, we now have yet another reason to keep coming back.

Vegetable lo mein
Tyler J.

Kembara has the best dining options on the property, without a doubt. The food and service was terrific. I ordered a vegetable lo mein. I loved that the food was brought out as it was ready, which made for a fun dining experience. My biggest complaint were their hours.

Maling S.

Kembara located JW Desert Ridge, pays homage to Asian culture's street food and the menu is created by Chef Angelo Sosa, while travelling across Asia. The dishes are meant to be shared so we ordered: chicken satay with cashew sauce lo mein nasi goreng Malaysia snow pea shoots silken chili tofu wagyu beef rendang Drinks: Milk Tea with Brown Sugar, The Sound of Waves and Tales of the Floating World. The service was outstanding and the restaurant was busy on a Saturday night with awesome vibe and ambience. I loved the outdoor decor lanterns lit up at night! "Yes Chef!" from the kitchen throughout the night made me feel like dining at Carmy's restaurant from The Bear. :) We did feel some of the dishes was saltier than it should be and is why I'm rating 4/5 stars.

Thai tea shaved ice cream

See all

1 month ago

Business owner information

Photo of Maritza P.

Maritza P.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Maritza P.

Maritza P.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Maritza P.

Maritza P.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 days ago

Business owner information

Photo of Maritza P.

Maritza P.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Maritza P.

Maritza P.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Maritza P.

Maritza P.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Maritza P.

Maritza P.

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Maritza P.

Maritza P.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Maritza P.

Maritza P.

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 1

8 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Maritza P.

Maritza P.

Helpful 2
Thanks 2
Love this 2
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Maritza P.

Maritza P.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Maritza P.

Maritza P.

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Aren P.
0
45
30

3 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Maritza P.

Maritza P.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of H Y.
1
272
6

5 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Maritza P.

Maritza P.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Maritza P.

Maritza P.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1
Photo of E M.
9
83
161

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Maritza P.

Maritza P.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1
Photo of Jessica P.
0
1306
915

10 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 2

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Devon C.
146
32
7

8 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Maritza P.

Maritza P.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

4 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Maritza P.

Maritza P.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Business owner information

Photo of Maritza P.

Maritza P.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0
Photo of Kyle F.
4
36
20

1 year ago

Business owner information

Photo of Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Helpful 6
Thanks 2
Love this 5
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Helpful 4
Thanks 2
Love this 3
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of DeDe S.
152
107
56

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Carl F.
14
82
2

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of Christopher B.

Christopher B.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 3

Ask the Community - Kembara

If we come just for drinks do we still get parking validated or do we have to order food?

Does kembara validate parking?

We do validate self-parking and offer a small discount on valet parking.

Is the Kembara patio dog-friendly?

No this is- hotel restaurant and FDIC's except service dogs aren't welcome

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

You might also consider

Star 78 Speakeasy - charcuterie board, espresso martini, panini, bacon wrapped dates

Star 78 Speakeasy

4.0(22 reviews)
0.7 mi

Came here for a friends birthday celebration. I remember when this space was called Gin n Reel, it…read morestill has the same vibe inside but it's been turned into a speakeasy and now serves food. The price for the murder mystery was $55 which was very reasonably priced and the drinks were tasty. I did the cipher which they bring out pen and paper and you fill out how adventurous you're feeling and they will custom make you a drink. The murder mystery experience was so interactive and so much fun! If I'm honest I'd pay just for the murder mystery but the food options weren't great in flavor. The appetizer (bacon wrapped dates) only came with two small ones, and the fig app was even smaller they looked the size of peanut size m&m's. The main dishes were also not great, the skewers were lacking in flavor and the polenta had a weird texture. The tri tip just came out without any ask to cooking temp and was overcooked (well done). The dessert was probably the best tasting of the meal and it was nothing to write home about. Overall I would go out for the murder mystery but maybe hold out for a better menu.

I was searching for a nice speakeasy/cocktail bar to get after dinner drinks for my friend's…read morebirthday and found Star 78. It was easy making a reservation. There is parking on the street or in the lot. We weren't familiar with the area so it was a bit tricky to find. It is located in the back of a coffee shop. The concept of going through the phone booth is fun. The space inside was quaint and intimate. They have a regular menu and then had a special Valentine's Day menu. I got a nice fruity cocktail that was sweet. I enjoyed it. Everything was reasonably priced. All of our drinks were pretty glittery, it made everything really pretty. My friend got a free glass of prosecco for her birthday which was nice. A good speakeasy to visit. Menu has good variety. Service was great, they ran through the menu with us and was attentive.

Photos
Star 78 Speakeasy
Star 78 Speakeasy - Little Italy Press

Little Italy Press

Star 78 Speakeasy - Espresso martini

See all

Espresso martini

Twenty6

Twenty6

4.3(35 reviews)
0.2 mi
•$$

I was here for a conference. The bar was a huge hangout for everyone!…read more I had a few drinks here. The service was always good. One day when I was hungry and I'd already eaten at Tia Carmen's twice and Kembara was still closed and the Meritage was having a private event, I decided to order something from the bar. I ordered a chicken Cesar salad and it was really good! My waiter was so nice! He was super busy but always very sweet! The menu is very limited but when there's nowhere else to go... The next night we ordered a charcuterie board to share before dinner. It was good, but I did not like the blue cheese-looking cheese. It's very strong, smelly, and gave me bad breath. The bread and sauces were delicious, and of course you can't go wrong with manchego cheese!

Came here for a little staycation with my family and decided we didn't wanna leave the hotel so we…read morepicked 26 for dinner. I'm gonna give three stars because the service was great at the bar and the server was attentive outside and quick although she didn't know the menu well. I ordered the cheese plate to split with my children and no one knew what was on it when I asked, but I was later informed that I got a tomato jelly and honey mustard as the sauces. To me a $30 cheese plate would not come with a container of honey mustard so I was not impressed. When I asked what cheeses were on it they told me there was 2 different cheddars. There was no way it was a cheddar it was a very soft cheese. I believe it was a goat cheese. The almonds were probably the best part of the whole platter. My husband got wings, which were very big. He enjoyed those and the sauce, and my other daughter got meatballs, which she enjoyed, but thought they were a little spicy, I find that usually when kids order things that are spicy servers will say just so you know that has a little bit of heat to it to which the waitress did not again, I don't think she was very knowledgeable on the menu in general . For the type of hotel twenty6 was kinda of major let down. Definitely will pass on the next visit.

Photos
Twenty6
Twenty6
Twenty6

See all

Tia Carmen - Guisado Chicken and street corn

Tia Carmen

4.2(346 reviews)
0.7 mi

Thoroughly impressed with Tia Carmen. My husband had a conference at the JW Marriott, and I ended…read moreup dining here multiple times. The decor is gorgeously coastal, and the food was incredible. For dinner, my husband had the lamb shank, which was attached to a Flinestone bone. It was tender and full of flavor. I had the mesquite chicken tacos, and they were FIRE. I absolutely loved the charred pineapple brussel sprouts. The drinks were phenomenal - Get the "century of passion" mezcal cocktail! For lunch the next day, I had the cod fish sandwich. Let me tell you!!!! The fish sandwich was probably my favorite dish, as I ordered it two days in a row. I also had the Wagyu kebabs, with a side of mole and it was 10 out of 10. I would highly recommend Tia Carmen!

Given there are fairly limited options for food at the JW, Tia Carmen was not bad for the 4 meals I…read morehad there over the 4 day conference. Starting off with breakfast, almost everyone ops for the buffet route, which features an omelette station, your standard hot food offerings with a Mexican flair (Mexican fried rice and birria for breakfast!). The charcuterie offerings are stand out, as does the drink station, with horchata, hibiscus, and guacamole drinks on ice. Lunch offerings are a limited menu, but all very tasty. The birria empanadas had the best pastry crust I've ever had, and the spicy tuna was a nice light app meal. Dinner was fantastic--the ceviche is really something special, great cocktail and dessert as well. All in all, pretty tasty, one star off only because I felt like I was in my own personal Groundhogs day shoot on this trip.

Photos
Tia Carmen - Interior

Interior

Tia Carmen - Tomato salad

Tomato salad

Tia Carmen - Paloma

See all

Paloma

Tell Your Friends

Tell Your Friends

3.7(141 reviews)
3.4 mi

Unfortunately, I would not go here again. I was genuinely so excited to take my husband because he…read moreloves jazz, flapper-era music, and the whole 1920s speakeasy atmosphere. Based on how this place is described and marketed, we were expecting an intimate, vintage-feeling evening where we could sit down, have a cocktail, listen to jazz, and enjoy the atmosphere. That was not our experience. There were definitely things we liked. The location was great, the overall theme and decor were beautiful, the lighting created a great atmosphere, and we enjoyed the food and drinks. The service was also very good. However, the entertainment was a huge miss and completely took us out of the experience. We walked in and the band was performing "Genie in a Bottle," followed by other current/recent pop songs, Backstreet Boys songs, and "Creep." The singer was repeatedly screaming into the microphone and encouraging everyone to scream and make noise. At one point, while sitting in what is supposed to be a speakeasy, we were literally listening to him sing "creep" which is one of the most depressing songs of all time. It felt much more like being at a loud dive bar or country bar than an intimate 1920s inspired speakeasy. My biggest issue is that the entertainment did not match the experience being advertised. You can decorate a room beautifully and make it look like the 1920s, but when the soundtrack is "Genie in a Bottle," "Creep," and Backstreet Boys songs being loudly belted into a microphone, the illusion disappears pretty quickly. The noise level also made it difficult to simply sit, have a drink, talk, and enjoy the space. We specifically chose this place because we wanted that relaxed jazz/speakeasy experience, and that simply wasn't what we got. The cocktail selection was another disappointment. For a speakeasy-style bar, I expected a stronger selection of specialty bourbon and whiskey cocktails. The prices also felt excessive for the overall experience. On top of the already-high prices, we paid a $20 entertainment cover ($10 per person) specifically for the band. I wouldn't have minded paying a cover for quality live entertainment that fit the advertised atmosphere, but the artist was not particularly impressive and, more importantly, the music didn't fit the theme at all. There is a lot of potential here. The space itself is beautiful, the service was good, and they nailed many of the visual details. Unfortunately, the entertainment is such a major part of a speakeasy experience that it overshadowed everything else for us. If you're specifically looking for jazz, flapper-era music, and an authentic-feeling 1920s speakeasy atmosphere, I would not recommend this place based on our experience.

** Dining While Black!**…read more My group made a reservation two weeks ago. We are from out of town. We showed up on time, dressed according to the restaurants requirements and was immediately led to the bar by one of the hostess. When I asked why we were sitting at the bar she said that the reservation was for the bar or the table. A couple that came in after us was immediately sat at a four top table in front of rhe band. There were other tables available and was told that they were for other guests. When I asked why they sat a couple at a four top after us they apologized and said that they could possibly sit us at a table later. I believe that we were not catered to is because we were black. If you are black and thinking about coming to this restaurant please look elsewhere.

Photos
Tell Your Friends
Tell Your Friends
Tell Your Friends

See all

Kembara - asianfusion - Updated November 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...