The uptown Phoenix dining scene has a new addition with Urban Fraiche Restaurant, a Mediterranean establishment that prides itself on a farm-to-table philosophy and healthy ingredients, which opened in an iconic location that once housed Oak on Camelback and its much-celebrated predecessor, St. Francis, according to information obtained by Mouth by Southwest.
Not just a mere outpost of tasteful dining, this venture is an extension of the Urban Fraiche Lifestyle brand, which is a furniture, home goods, and boutique store situated a few blocks away and what this means is that those familiar with the Urban Fraiche's commitment to wholesome living will find the restaurant's ethos harmoniously in sync with its parent brand's values stated in an article by Phoenix New Times.
Dean Waziry, the owner and chef of Urban Fraiche, has an impressive background that spans working in Michelin-starred restaurants and under the tutelage of a French cuisine master chef, forming a philosophy where food and wellness are interwoven into life's fabric; "Our mission is to inspire people to live a better life, so we want to provide everything possible that would allow people to live better," Waziry told Phoenix New Times.
The menu at Urban Fraiche zeroes in on the seasonal best from land and sea, sporting dishes like basil marinated grilled prawns, classic beef Wellington, and vegan moussaka eggplant while the chef also ensures that the integrity of every ingredient is maintained, with no refined sugar, seed oil, or harsh chemicals infringing on the natural quality of his offerings as such the patrons of the restaurant can indulge without apprehension knowing that every dish has been thoughtfully curated for both flavor and health. The apparent commitment to sustainability and the Earth is also evident in the restaurant's physical space, which includes a mural representing inclusion and a welcoming atmosphere regardless of one's background just as Waziry says, "No matter who you are, no matter what you do, you are welcome here," captured in a statement obtained by Phoenix New Times.
Urban Fraiche operates seven days a week, with lunch offerings including fresh salads and proteins ranging from steak to scallops, and a dinner menu featuring heartier preparations of beef, chicken, lamb, and seafood, detailed by Mouth by Southwest. The restaurant also houses a full bar, from which guests can order both cocktails and mocktails crafted with freshly squeezed juices. In embracing its Mediterranean heritage and Phoenix's cultural mosaic, Urban Fraiche not only enlivens the taste buds but also the spirit of communal dining.
