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. read more

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We went to celebrate a friend's birthday at Kembara. We were expected, welcomed, escorted to our table, and greeted by every passing hostess. It was an excellent start. The menus were detailed, and the aroma of amazing flavors was dancing in the air. Hostesses stopped by frequently to answer any question and explain dishes with so much detail that alone made your mouth water. We were all excited for the food to arrive and chatty, but then the food arrived, and it was quiet as everyone was seduced by the beauty, aroma, and taste of each dish. Everyone was so impressed we insisted everyone try everything. read more

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. read more

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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. read more

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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 read more

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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!!!! read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

Kembara - Vegetable lo mein - Asian Fusion Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Used to love this place before new management. The vibe really changed. So many employees in and out of there now. The assistant manager there is the best and the only reason I still pop in from time to time! read more

Amazing loved everything. Would definitely recomend. Delicious and great service. i could see the ambiance being somewhat romantic and child friendly and has an exciting vibey vibe. Would definitely come again read more

Food somehow gave me a severe headache. They are using way too many curry leaves in all there dishes. No idea why they changed there authentic menu to mirror American fare. The earlier menu was so much better and took you back to Asia. The ambiance is very nice but food also has to match that. The crab rice that was served last year had much more crab to it. Thie time it was lean and not decorated as last time. The Cod did not do justice to the fish curry and they need to use a more robust fish like King fish or Salmon. read more

Kembara - Fish Curry - Asian Fusion Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

As far as hotel restaurants go, its great. But Scottsdale has so many other restaurants that are so much better. Cocktails were the highlight of this restaurant. the food was served/plattered well but was ok in terms of taste. Another reason I am slightly off put was the host at entry. I entered and saw the host was engaged in conversation with another person (assume another manager) and waited for them to get done. They did, asked my name for reservations and then just continued their conversation! After a minute or 2, another gal at the hostess desk quickly grabbed a tablet and got us seated, but that experience alone was enough to lose a few stars on my rating. However, rest of the staff were great, patient and attentive during our dining experience there. read more

Amazing presentation!! Fine dining experience for a great price. The tuna crudo dish was the highlight. read more

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Wish I would have taken pictures (but others have) we ordered a lot and here's our "must orders": Beef Rendang Miso Salmon Pork Noodles Pork dumplings read more

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. read more

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Aggressively average and it was as expensive as it was salty. I enjoyed my cocktail and the larb, but the rest of the dishes were incredibly overseasoned. I'd love to go through the dishes but I don't remember a single flavor other than salt. And definitely don't get the wings unless you like jerky. read more

Kembara was incredible! The atmosphere was intimate with fun neon lighting! Everyone we interacted with was polite and helpful. The food and drinks were unique and delicious. I ordered The Apology, which was tequila based and included boba! Such a fun idea. We also ordered the Wild Swans and Tales of the Floating World. For dinner, it was recommended that we order a few dishes to share. The ones we choose were: Chicken Satay: this was delicious and was accompanied by the perfect dipping sauce (highly recommend) Steamed Pork Dumplings: warm and fresh Pork Belly noodles: the pork belly in the dish was so flavorful and savory (also highly recommend) Crab Fried Rice: the addition of the crab made this a fun and different twist on regular fried rice and it was very tasty We also tried the Vietnamese Coffee Doughnuts which were amazing, especially with the coffee, caramel sauce. The Ube Delight sorbet was great too, which included a scoop of mango. Such a great combination. read more

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3.5 stars for me so I'll round up to 4 for service and portion sizes. Nice Southeast Asian themed restaurant at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge! We liked about half of our dishes. Food came in a timely manner and good portions for the price. Expected dishes to be much smaller at a resort like this! Service was also kind. Slow at times but attentive. The good: beef rendang & crab fried rice. Beef was tender and tasted authentic with the spices. Delicious. Crab fried rice was not too salty and had lots of toppings. There was enough crab to tell that it was there. So-so: papaya salad & banana leaf fish - both were a bit too salty for me but flavors were on point and the fish was very soft and well cooked. The bad: pork belly noodles & thai tea shaved ice - pork belly was wayyy too salty and noodle flavors just OK. The dessert was disappointing - not much thai tea flavor and sweet marshmallow on top. It had pickled blueberries inside which was a weird combo for us. Dessert is on the house if its a bday. You also get a free one if you're staying at the resort too. Not sure if we'll return but if you're staying at this resort it's worth a try. We kept getting our hot water refilled and they were really nice about that! read more

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The reviews seemed hit or miss, but we decided to check it out during our staycation at the JW Marriott and we are glad we did! The vibe of the restaurant is cool and fun! Loved the lanterns outside and the vibe but it was just way too hot to sit outside even at dinner time. Service was AMAZING! Our waiter, Cole, was very friendly and took the time to explain to us the dishes and cocktails on the menu. For our appetizers we started with the lamb spring rolls and the chicken satay. The lamb spring rolls came with 3 pieces and they were a good size. I liked the filling and the sauce but the powder dusted on top was a little too strong for me. The chicken satay came with two skewers but there were about 4 pieces of chicken on each which had the perfect char to it and it was so tender. I wish the cashew sauce that it came with had more flavor like the traditional peanut sauce. For mains we opted for the beef randang and chicken kao soi. The kao soi was served with crispy egg noodles, which was different. My husband loved it but I didn't care too much for it. The broth was delicious with the perfect amount of spice. The beef randang had two chilis listed next to it but the waiter assured us it was like a 3-5 out of 10 on the spice scale and he was right. I can't do spicy and this was just hitting the upper end of my tolerance. The beef was cooked perfectly and just melted. The flavors were bold. For dessert we got the Vietnamese coffee donuts. The donuts were so airy and pillowy and the coffee condensed milk was the perfect sweetness. Overall a great dining experience. The food is definitely pricey and I can't really justify three pieces of shumai for that price. Or even some of the other dishes like lo mein and spring rolls. But it's a nice twist on traditional asian food and definitely worth a try. read more

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Such a hip spot inside the hotel, I almost forgot I was in a hotel. This place was very accommodating. We had a reservation for two and allowed me to bring 4 more people at the last minute. Enjoyed the food! I liked the smashed cucumber, it was light and bursting with flavor. The vegetable fried rolls were okay, a bit bland. The shrimp shumai was really good and fluffy. The chicken satay and fried rice was my favorite!!! Soooooo delicious! The server was very kind and overall it was great! read more

The food is really good! Excellent service in the manager was very kind, coming over to check on us and interacting with our kids. I thought it was a little pricey but it's a resort. The desserts are SO GOOD! Food is good and they are sensitive about allergies. It's beautifully decorated, very comfortable. read more

We made reservations for Kembara last night for Valentine's Day, the restaurant is located inside the JW Marriott resort in the same location as Tia Carmen. We arrived and Valet parked (it was $25, but you can validate for $15 off, so we paid $10 plus tip) the lobby and resort is gorgeous, you take the elevator down and the restaurant is right on the lower level. The hostess was gracious and confirmed our dietary restrictions, my gf is vegetarian so they offered her a completely separate menu. We were seated right past the bar, the decor is lovely, dark, moody and hip. Everyone was very polite and welcomed us in. We were offered sparkling or still water. The menu is very involved and the cocktails are intricate. So if you don't like speciality cocktails this might not be the place for you. My gf ordered the tale of the genji and she described it as a salty margarita. The menu was explained to us, it's more family style with larger plates and small appetizers. I ordered the shrimp shu Mai. It was PERFECT. Delicate and soft, steaming hot and the filling was incredibly fresh and flavorful. For my entree I ordered the crab fried rice. It was delicious, fresh crisp veggies, large chunks of quality crab meat and overall very good. My gf ordered the vegetable curry, keep in mind it is basically a stew, so you will need to order a side of rice to go with it. The flavors were great, but she wished there had been more veggies in the dish. It was basically just broth over rice. Overall the service was fantastic, we were offered gourmet chocolates at the end of our meal. I would definitely return. The patio looked amazing as well. I'll definitely sit outside next time! read more

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Shout out to our server Cole and chefs Stephanie and Penny for giving us one of the best meals we've experienced. Amazing food and amazing service, plus you can't beat being at the JW. We absolutely LOVED the Tuna Thai Jewel appetizer (must get) along with everything else we ordered... Shrimp Shu Mai, Crab Fried Rice, Beef Rendang, Vietnamese Coffee Donuts, and Ube Delight. The cocktails were fantastic too. Hands down one of our new favorite restaurants. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more

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Cole was such a good waiter. Very friendly and the food was amazing! The best customer service and food combined.

We stay at this resort every year for 5 nights, and unfortunately, for the second time, we were treated very poorly and with a lot of disrespect at Kembara. I am currently pregnant, and when I realized that I wouldn't be able to order anything I was only craving sushi but all they had was raw sushi, we kindly let the staff know within about 5 minutes of arriving that we would go somewhere else to find something I could eat. The manager's reaction was shocking. She became extremely rude and visibly angry simply because we decided not to stay. Her attitude was so unprofessional that we were all left speechless. No guest should ever be treated that way. This incident happened on October 4, 2025, around 7:30 PM. I normally don't leave negative reviews, and the only reason this one is late is because I've been very busy. Still, what happened was completely unacceptable. We felt like we were treated less than human, and no one deserves that kind of experience. read more

Stayed at the JW and ate here - Clay was our server and he was awesome. The Beef Rendeng, chicken satay, fried rice, and chicken noodles were all fantastic. Highly recommend if you're in the desert ridge area. read more

This place was delicious! Very unique food and cocktails! Represents different Asian cuisines from around the world. Ask for Clayton he's a great server.!!!! read more

Kembara - Asian Fusion Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Beautiful restaurant, delicious food, and wonderful service. Everything we ate had unique flavors and tasted amazing. My favorite dishes were the coconut sticky rice and silken chili tofu. Our server, Cole, was very informative about the menu and attentive throughout. He made sure we had a lovely evening. Thank you, Cole! Would highly recommend Kembara (and also would highly recommend Angelo Sosa's other restaurant across the hall, Tia Carmen)! read more

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I'm conflicted about this place for the following reasons: As hotel dining goes, it was positive. The restaurant has interesting and attractive decor. The outdoor space is really fun (however, good luck getting a table outside). The food was good, no question. So if you come in with low expectations because you're at a hotel, you will be pleased. However, if you stack Kembara against a stand alone Scottsdale restaurant or if you remember what you're paying for the JW name/experience, you'll walk away with a "meh". The service was mediocre and the coursing of the food was a disaster. We literally received an entree before our appetizers and before our drinks. The kids meal we ordered (not cheap) didn't arrive until the last entree had been delivered for over 28 minutes (56 minutes from the first delivery of food). No one bothered to check on us or ask any follow up questions. If we were going to have a prolonged experience, they should have kept the booze coming. I didn't take pics of all the food (forgot), but it was all really tasty. read more

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Kembara is an absolute jewel nestled in the Desert Ridge JW Marriott. It's inspired by South East Asian Street food, elevated with modern cooking techniques. Without hesitation, my favorite part of the entire dining experience was The Tuna Thai Jewel in the salad section (a cold soup) is not only Instagram worthy photos and presentation but the flavors literally blend and are a serious "omg". Coconut milk, ginger, lemongrass... fresh tuna...kiwi... Thai basil... The Chicken Satay was so moist and beautifully marinaded with a cashew cream. Everything was phenomenal but that soup was the star! My kids loved this restaurant and we still have the paper cranes for momentos. read more

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This place was a super fun experience. I felt like I was walking into a vegas restaurant. The ambience was everything but ohmyword the food was AMAZING. The lamb spring rolls were so delectable. I savored every bite. And the sauce (have no idea what it was but I would order it just by itself). Khao soi has become one of my favorite thai dishes and theirs did not disappoint. They also have an amazing house hot sauce that just elevated everything if that was even possible. Super cool place to check out for date night or hanging out with the girls read more

Kembara - Chicken khao soi masamang curry - Asian Fusion Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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So so so good! We already loved the food at Tia Carmen so we knew this would live up to the hype. The Thai jewel tuna was hands down the best dish, followed by the silken tofu stew thing - it's only been a week but we're already talking about come back soon! read more

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A Sultry Escape to Asian Street Food Nirvana Kembara is a full-blown sensory immersion into the electrifying world of Asian street food, orchestrated by Chef Angelo Sosa's undeniable passion. The moment you enter Kembara, prepare to be swept away. Designed by Thomas Schoos, the extraordinary visionary behind the seductive TAO Las Vegas, the space pulsates with an ultra-modern Asian vibe. Rich textures, pops of color from red lanterns and pink Sakura, accent lighting in hues of purples and pinks, against sophisticated ebony colored walls, interspersed with graffiti art, create an atmosphere as sexy as the food itself. A Culinary Passport to Asia Chef Sosa's menu is a love letter penned in spices and sauces that whisks you across Asia. From the vibrant streets of Hanoi to the aromatic markets of Penang, each dish is a celebration of regional specialties, reimagined with Chef Sosa's playful creativity. Must-Try Masterpieces *Tuna Thai Jewel: tuna sashimi and turmeric tapioca-dusted jicama in a lemongrass-ginger broth, finished with Thai basil and edible flowers from the kitchen garden. *Chicken Kao Soi: house-made noodles embraced by a rich broth infused with cardamom, turmeric, and the comforting warmth of coconut. This dish is pure soul food. *Chili King Crab: juicy king crab with sambal, ginger and tamarind guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. *Mishima Ranch Wagyu Ribeye: pure indulgence, a dream come true. Melt-in-your-mouth perfection and exceptional marbling make this wagyu one of the most luxurious cuts. A Feast for All Senses Kembara, meaning "to wander," is more than a meal; it's an experience. From the seductive ambiance to the explosion of Asian flavors and gorgeous plating, Kembara is a must-try for anyone seeking a vibrant and unforgettable Asian street food odyssey. read more

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The food was excellent! I would recommend trying the pork dumplings and the crab fried rice. I couldn't stop thinking about it even after we left. They also have a chili sauce (not too spicy), which I ended up putting on almost everything--it really enhanced the meal. Our server was fantastic; he remembered us from a previous visit, which contributed to our positive experience and our decision to return. Thank you for recommending the Chili Crab and Coconut Rice. I was initially a bit hesitant, but they pair together beautifully. We look forward to coming back because of the wonderful service provided and the delicious dumplings. The interior ambiance is great as well, with dark and vibrant colors creating a lively atmosphere. read more

This place is awesome to grab dinner or also hang out with friends on the outside patio! Definitely a nice Asian feel vibe with a very eclectic menu. The flavors are definitely on point as it is heavily included by Thai and other Asian cuisines mixed together. Very easy to try multiple dishes with a few people. Drinks also delicious too! Our waiter was awesome and provided quick attentive service. Came here on a Wednesday night and wasn't too busy at all. Will definitely be back! read more

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Wow - I loved Roy's but this Asian street food concept is amazing. Reasonably priced for being in the JW! In top 10 meals I have ever had - yes that good. Service was on point even though they are busy. Don't miss the cocktail menu - smoky whiskey drink is amazing. Wide had a clear vodka drink that was amazing. read more

Food and Ambiance at the place is great. Arianna was our server and she unfortunately did not pair the great food with great service. Leaving the table before everyone had ordered(twice), making two mistakes on our order, looking completely uninterested, forgetting part of our kid's order until after we had paid the bill, then proceeded to not give us any utensils for it and leaving the table before asking if we had gotten everything. Hate to be the person to be complaining but when you're automated to pay 20% gratuity on a $500 bill it's kind of absurd... read more

Loved the decor. Food delicious. Expect it be pricey considering where it is. Service was not the standard I'd expect for a high end restaurant. Had to ask 3 times for a tea refill and my husband didn't even get his iced tea. They served a nicely presented cocktail but took ages to arrive. Servers didn't seem to know who had ordered which dish, they just seemed confused. read more

Kembara - The sympathizer. - Asian Fusion Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Beautiful atmosphere at night! Great food with shareable bowls but let me warn you, everything I ate except for pot stickers was spicy! We had the noodles with pork belly, steak, and beef that was sooo tender. Everything was great and I will definitely come back. read more

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