kid sister A WINE BAR — Restaurant in Phoenix

When looking for a place to end a monotonous work week, I always find myself craving—not for the silence of my own company or a place to lay my head and sleep away the exhaustion of the week, but a deep craving for the sweetness of community. Kid Sister has created the cure for that craving. Although small, they have managed to cultivate a space where every person who enters feels as though they’ve been going for years. The warm lighting, soft color palette, and casual staff give this restaurant a je ne sais quoi so many strive to capture in a world where restaurants chase after the best aesthetics, kitschy bathrooms, and overplayed appetizers. With both seasonal wine and dinner menus, every visit offers a pleasant surprise. My first visit consisted of a marinated olive appetizer that was bright, zingy, and full of flavor—a perfect start to the meal when accompanied by an exciting glass of red wine. My server (one of the two sisters who own the restaurant) was quick to provide recommendations and conversation throughout our dining experience. My main dish of choice was the lamb sausage with green tahini, burnt carrots, and Aleppo pepper. The composition of flavors reflected a well-balanced harmony. I absolutely love a dish I never would have thought to create on my own, and this was one of them. I’m not one to immediately show love to a restaurant so of course I had to go twice before forming my final option. On my second visit I once again followed a recommendation from my server. I got served a delicate quail dish that I likely would never have ordered on my own, but was pleasantly surprised by the rich savoriness it presented. While the portion was a bit smaller than I would have liked, the deep flavors more than made up for it. The desserts were just as fabulous as the mains. A soaked almond cake with strawberry preserves and a small aperitif on the side made for a sweet and nutty end to the culinary experience. The same goes for the brûléed rice pudding, whose decadence I will never forget. Reminiscent of a crème brûlée, the mixture of date purée, apricots, and cinnamon—along with the brûléed top—made this one of the most unique desserts I’ve been served to date. The perfect balance of sweetness allowed every element of the well-rounded dessert to shine. Kid Sister is the elevated neighborhood spot every person wishes they had in their 20s and 30s. The inside is inviting and chic, while somehow managing to put you at ease the minute you walk through the door. Maybe it's the perfect positioning of the windows to where every table has a front row seat to the best sunsets, or the nostalgic feeling provoked as the projector plays vintage movies in the back corner, or perhaps the way the staff makes you feel right at home. Whatever it is, this is the perfect venue for a quick catch-up or a bestie debrief and there's a dish and a glass of wine for every personality. What more could a...

Tired of the same old thing? Then this is the place. Have you been to Europe and you want the same good quality dining experience? Then this is the place. Tired of eating at a restaurant where they are more concerned about "turning the table" so they can get the next customer in and a tip from them too? Then this is the place. Are you stuck having the same wine choice but don't know how to move on to other options? Then this is the place. Are you exhausted from being just another customer? Then this is the place.

This is the place if you want a fine dining experience with excellent service and food so delicious that you dream about it after you've left the restaurant.

Their menu is seasonal, so it changes. Their food is locally sourced and fresh. Their wine choices are unique, but their servers know their wines. If you ask what pairs well with something on the menu they don't just give you a recommendation, they ask what kind of wine you normally choose then they offer you a taste of their recommendation. If you don't like their choice they ask why and what are your preferences. And then they deliver a wine that soothes the taste buds and puts a contented smile on your face. If you have questions about the menu (remember, it's not what you'd find at other restaurants) they are happy to explain it to you and answer all your questions.

I wouldn't recommend eating here if you just want something to stave off hunger. Instead come here when you want to share a meal with someone important. Or with someone who is extremely picky about their food. You'll impress them and leave a positive...

Came here for a proper dinner.

Vibe: Approachable yet sophisticated. Cozy and inviting.

Service: Warm, friendly, fun, attentive. Like hanging out with your best friend who also happens to be a wine wizard and gastronomic guru.

Food: On the culinary front, the kitchen is executing at an impressively high level. Each dish was considered, composed, and delicious. It’s worth noting that the serving sizes are on the smaller side (akin to tapas), so I’d recommend 5 to 7 plates for a full dinner for two.

Food High(s): Hard to choose a favorite dish. The gnocchi was like a delightful savory toasted marshmallow in both texture and flavor. I'm a sucker for raw fish and the albacore crudo definitely sang to me. The whipped creme fraiche dessert was a wonderful way to finish the meal.

Food Low: It hurts to say anything negative about this place because I loved it overall, but I felt the almond cake was a bit bland and dry.

Drinks: Oh, that's right, this is a wine bar... Zac, the resident sommelier, will guide you through a kaleidoscope of unique, interesting wines from across the globe. Samples are also offered to help you in the selection process. Also Zac is just the best.

Overall: I’m genuinely excited to return, delve deeper into the wine list, try the specials, and witness the growth of this charming...