Masterminds Behind Tacos Chiwas and Espiritu to Open New Mexican Restaurant in Phoenix

James Beard semifinalist Roberto Centeno of Espiritu Mesa, who rose to prominence while working at Bacanora, and Armando Hernandez, the co-owner of Cocina Chiwas and Tacos Chiwas, are collaborating on a new restaurant opening in the space formerly occupied by The Vintage in Arcadia.

Located at the corner of 44th Street and Osborn Road, Santo Arcadia will open on the heels of Espiritu’s second and Cocina Chiwas’s first anniversaries. The 7,500-square-foot space can accommodate close to 300 people, though the owners plan to start with limited seating.

Hernandez described the concept as casual fine dining. Whereas Espiritu has a dark, moody interior, Santo, which means saint, is airy with clean lines, large windows and a bright green bar.

“Our other restaurants are in the East Valley and we wanted a more centrally located spot,” Hernandez said. “This is very close to the airport and very close to Scottsdale.”

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What’s on the menu at Santo Arcadia

“Like everything else we do, there will be a fire element,” Centeno said. “We’ll do some outdoor grilling and have grills in the kitchen.

He describes the menu as a hybrid between Cocina Chiwas and Espiritu, featuring steaks, ceviches and salads. According to Centeno, aside from a wood-fired grill, this restaurant will also use charcoal.

Prices will also be similar to Espiritu, Bacanora and Cocina Chiwas, ranging from between $12- $30 for appetizers and mains.

The bar program will include Mexican spirits like Mexican whiskey and bourbon, cocktails, sake, and global wines with a focus on Mexican wines