When asking yourself about something to do near me in Phoenix with a group of friends or family, consider
mixela
Why mixela is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Mixela stands out as a vibrant meeting spot in Phoenix where friends and food lovers come together to relish a remarkable blend of global culinary traditions. Rooted in the rich heritage of Chef Gian Franco Brugaletta's Venezuelan and Italian background and enhanced by his expertise in sushi techniques acquired in Monaco, Mixela offers a distinctive dining experience. The restaurant’s menu is a seasonal celebration of diverse flavors, artfully merging influences from across continents into creative and authentic dishes. Beyond the enticing food, Mixela’s aperitivo bar is a favored gathering place that effortlessly combines excellent drinks and small bites, perfect for happy hour or unwinding with friends. The casual yet memorable atmosphere invites guests to relax, socialize, and enjoy inventive cocktails paired with flavorful snacks. Nestled in the heart of Phoenix, Mixela’s warm and welcoming setting makes it an outstanding venue for catching up with friends, celebrating special moments, or simply savoring a culinary journey that is both personal and inspired.
Here's what people think of mixela
As of recent, mixela holds a 4.7-star rating based on 79 reviews.
Mixela enjoys a high rating of 4.7 from a substantial number of reviews (79), reflecting strong overall satisfaction among its patrons. Positive reviews frequently highlight the exceptional fusion of global flavors and the creativity of the menu, praising Chef Brugaletta’s skillful blending of cultural influences and seasonal ingredients that offer something unique on every visit. The aperitivo bar also receives acclaim for its inviting ambiance, quality cocktails, and delicious small bites, establishing Mixela as a premier spot not just for dining but also for socializing and happy hour gatherings. The friendly and attentive service further elevates the guest experience, leading many to recommend Mixela as a great place to meet friends or enjoy a special night out. On the other hand, a few less positive comments mention occasional issues such as wait times during busy periods or limited seating, which some guests found inconvenient. Despite these minor critiques, the overall sentiment remains very favorable. The consistency in quality and the distinctiveness of the culinary offerings contribute to Mixela’s reputation as a must-visit destination in Phoenix for both food enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy a memorable social atmosphere.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Emma Unferdorfer
Came in for a solo meal at the bar a couple weeks ago and everything was incredible! The food was absolutely delicious. Everything was so fresh and clearly made in house with lots of love. I tried the amaretto peach cheesecake that made its debut that night and it was just fantastic. Every team member I spoke with was so friendly and warm which elevated the meal even more. Valentina and her team have made a super special place that I feel is perfect for special occasions, or just taking yourself out for a treat!
MCK
Absolutely loved this place all around, atmosphere, service and food. My friend and I met our 2 other friends here at 4:00 pm right when they opened. Upon entering, we were greeted and seated by a very nice and friendly young man, who was our server throughout the evening. The restaurant is very small, no tables bigger than to hold a party of 4. The bar though was big, it could accommodate a lot of people. They also have outdoor patio seating which looked very inviting if the weather was cooler. We started off with the smoking deal they offer, a bottle of wine and a Bruschetta Board for $30. We ordered through out the evening cocktails and beers. They have limited cocktails, but the ones they offer were excellent. I had The V and Serendipity. The 4 of us shared all the tapas orders which were the Truffled Hamachi, 12pc Sashimi Assortment, Green Chili Beef Empanadas, Chicken Skewers, Spicy Salmon Avocado Maki and the Yellowtail Aburi. All was EXCELLENT! This was my first time here and definitely will not be my last.
Asia Bach
Absolutely amazing amazing amazing dinner! We got an assortment of sashimi, wine, sangria, and some dessert and it was the most perfect dinner. We love supporting local restaurants and this was such a great find. The patio outside is so nice when the weather is nice and they were telling us about an amazing happy hour special they have. We’ll definitely be back for the $30 wine and bruschetta board! Highly highly recommend
Rich H.
Sushi was absolutely delectable! Service was warm, friendly and inviting. The only thing wrong with the atmosphere is the back patio is backed up to a busy urban street. Definitely returning soon!
Wayne Mangum
We loved this quaint tapas restaurant. We ordered bruschetta, the tomato version was awesome. Ceviche, we didn’t care for but maybe it’s just us. The croquette was our favorite, the lamb moussaka was quite good, the green chile empanada was good too. The service was great, super nice people waited on us at the bar. The atmosphere was trendy, we’ll definitely be back
How to reach mixela
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Why mixela may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Mixela with your friends?
Mixela offers a compelling reason to gather your friends for an unforgettable dining and social experience. With an impressive 4.7-star rating from 79 reviews, this Phoenix hotspot delivers more than just excellent food — it provides an inviting atmosphere that naturally fosters connection and celebration. Whether you're catching up after a long week or celebrating a special occasion, Mixela’s blend of global tapas and Japanese sushi alongside a vibrant aperitivo bar creates a perfect setting to share stories, laughter, and delicious bites. The ambiance is described as "extremely cute" with a wonderful vibe that complements both intimate conversations and lively group gatherings. Its location in the historic Loma Linda District adds an element of charm and discovery, making it feel like a well-kept local secret worth sharing. Mixela’s thoughtfully curated menu invites guests to try a variety of dishes designed for sharing, encouraging interaction and variety that matches diverse tastes within a group. This is not just a meal; it’s a social event crafted to make your meetup memorable, all while enjoying some of the best tapas and sushi Phoenix has to offer.
What activities can you enjoy at Mixela and why is it perfect for a group meetup?
Mixela’s core appeal lies in its dynamic food and drink offerings that suit a group looking for an engaging, interactive dining experience. The main activity is indulging in their “sushi-centric global tapas,” a creative fusion that allows groups to sample flavors across continents in one place. The menu features boldly flavored Peruvian ceviche, classic Italian-inspired bruschetta, flaky Spanish bacalao empanadas, and a variety of Japanese-style sushi rolls, including a standout rainbow roll. This global mix caters wonderfully to groups with diverse preferences, giving everyone an opportunity to enjoy and share different tastes. Besides the food, Mixela offers a well-curated wine list focused on Old World styles, priced reasonably, along with a full bar serving artisanal cocktails like the celebrated port spritzer. This mix ensures that refreshing drinks keep pace with the food, enhancing the social atmosphere.
Beyond dining, Mixela’s layout and ambiance make it ideal for lingering and conversation, rather than rushed meals. Its aperitivo bar-inspired design encourages relaxed mingling over multiple courses and drinks. The venue often draws food enthusiasts and locals creating a friendly, neighborhood feel that complements group meetups. The place opens in the late afternoon and early evening hours, perfect for after-work gatherings or weekend celebrations. While parking can sometimes be a challenge, the worthwhile ambiance and excellent service make it easy to overlook this minor inconvenience. The attentive staff and management prioritize the group experience, making sure that parties feel welcome, accommodated, and valued.
How is the food at Mixela tailored for sharing and social interaction?
The menu at Mixela is intentionally designed to create a shared dining adventure, which makes it particularly appealing for groups of friends or families. Tapas tradition itself emphasizes small plates meant to be passed around and sampled communally, and Mixela elevates this concept with its globally inspired dishes. The Peruvian ceviche, served with toasted pepitas, combines smoky, zesty, and aromatic notes that stimulate the palate and encourage conversation about flavors and preferences. Two-way bruschetta, featuring both prosciutto di Parma and tomato-burrata-pesto, offers contrasting textures and tastes perfect for comparing and sharing. The Spanish bacalao empanadas provide a richly savory option that’s crispy and flaky, ideal for hands-on eating.
The sushi selections add a Japanese dimension to the tapas idea, with items like the rainbow roll anchoring the menu with fresh, colorful flavor combinations that appeal to groups looking for lighter, artfully crafted bites. This merging of culinary styles from South America, Europe, North Africa, and Japan provides a rich tapestry of tastes that helps turn any meal into a discovery process. Sampling multiple dishes gives friends more to talk about and share, fostering both communal experience and individual culinary exploration. The food at Mixela is not just nourishment; it’s an interactive, conversational centerpiece that makes every visit engaging.
What kind of beverage options complement Mixela’s culinary offerings?
The beverage program at Mixela is crafted to elevate the food and overall experience, playing a critical role in making it a top spot for group meetups. Alongside the food, Mixela serves a "smattering of Old World style wines" generally priced between $14 to $18, which pairs beautifully with their diverse and global tapas menu. These wines, known for their nuanced and sophisticated profiles, provide thoughtful accompaniment for dishes like the rich Peruvian ceviche or the Italian bruschetta, enhancing flavor interactions without overwhelming the palate.
Mixela also offers a full bar with a selection of cocktails, such as the popular port spritzer praised by guests for its refreshing quality and balance. The cocktail offerings allow for a festive atmosphere where groups can toast and unwind, fitting perfectly with the aperitivo bar vibe. The combination of wines, cocktails, and carefully selected non-alcoholic beverages ensures that all guests can find a satisfying drink to match their tastes and complement their food choices. The thoughtful pairing of drinks and food encourages extended visits, where conversations flow as freely as the drinks, making it ideal for social gatherings.
What makes the ambiance and location of Mixela ideal for friends or family meetups?
Located in Phoenix’s Loma Linda Historic District, Mixela benefits from a charming and burgeoning culinary neighborhood just around Osborn Road and 24th Street. This area has evolved into a small but vibrant dining scene, making Mixela a sought-after spot for those looking to explore new tastes in a local setting. The restaurant's newness, having opened in December 2024, brings fresh energy and modern appeal to the historic backdrop, blending authenticity with innovation.
Mixela’s intimate and inviting ambiance is frequently described by guests as cozy yet lively, with a design that encourages comfortable gatherings. Its "extremely cute" interior fosters a friendly and relaxed mood that suits both casual catch-ups and special occasions. Lighting, layout, and decor all contribute to creating a welcoming environment where groups can easily engage with one another without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The bar area adds a social hub where friends can enjoy pre-dinner drinks or linger after the meal. Despite some parking challenges, the overall experience makes it worth the effort to visit.
In addition, the fact that Mixela closes on Sundays and Mondays but keeps consistent evening hours from Tuesday through Saturday means it’s perfectly timed for evening social plans during the workweek and weekends. This schedule supports spontaneous meetups as well as planned gatherings, adding to its convenience for groups. Together, ambiance and location make Mixela a standout choice in Phoenix for creating memorable moments with family and friends.
How does Mixela’s service enhance the group experience?
Exceptional service is a critical element that Mixela prioritizes to make group meetups smooth and enjoyable. Guest reviews and the restaurant’s reputation highlight a friendly and attentive team eager to accommodate various group sizes and preferences. This level of service ensures that everyone from hosts to guests feels comfortable and cared for throughout their visit.
Mixela’s staff are knowledgeable about the menu and ready to guide groups through the diverse options, helping select dishes to maximize sharing and satisfaction. Their attentiveness includes pacing the courses so that the meal flows naturally, allowing time for both eating and socializing. This expert timing is especially valuable during group meals where people enjoy chatting between bites.
Moreover, the welcoming attitude of the team fosters a neighborhood hangout vibe, where returning visitors and newcomers alike feel valued. This customer-focused approach is essential in creating an environment where friends and family can relax, celebrate, and create lasting memories without distraction or hassle. The combination of excellent food, drinks, ambiance, and service solidifies Mixela as a premier destination for group dining in Phoenix.
Mixela is a carefully crafted venue that superbly fits the needs of anyone looking to host a casual or celebratory gathering with friends or family. Its global tapas and sushi menu, paired with curated wines and cocktails, stylish yet cozy ambiance, and friendly service, together provide a complete social and dining experience that is both unique and welcoming. Whether you want to savor new flavors, enjoy quality time, or simply have a fun night out, Mixela offers an ideal setting to rally your group and make every meetup special.