FOODIE

New restaurants transform North Peoria dining scene

Hot spot emerges as the city’s newest dining destination as a surge of new restaurants follows years of residential growth

Michael Merendino, owner of Crust Simply Italian, opened the newest location in the locally-owned family of Crust Concepts restaurants in North Peoria when Crust opened in 2026.

(Photo courtesy Crust Concepts)

Crust Simply Italian opened this year at Trailhead.

(Photo courtesy Crust Concepts)

Editor's note: This article first appeared in Sun Life Magazine, a Daily Independent publication.

For years, North Peoria residents had a familiar request: more places to gather over dinner without driving across town. That wish is becoming a reality as a wave of new restaurants transforms the Lake Pleasant Parkway corridor into one of the city’s fastest-evolving dining destinations.

The timing isn’t a coincidence.

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers starting at $5 for your first month and support local, unbiased journalism.

Already have an account? Log in to continue.

Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

The latest edition of the Phoenix Independent

View this issue

Browse other issues

Latest Opinions

Will the real Republicans please step forward?

OPINION — I have a question for Paul Cahill, who wondered in a recent letter to the editor where America’s real Democrats are. ... I’ll ask: Will the real Republicans please step …

America's Charters of Freedom give Arizonans the power to bargain

OPINION — I’m replying to Annarose Lilly’s labor bargaining comments. America's Charters of Freedom already give Arizonans the power to bargain, so why would they pay a third …

Why I’m voting Scianna over Montenegro for LD 29 House

OPINION — Legislative District 29’s Steve Montenegro has used his power as speaker of the state House to promote the nation’s most expensive voucher system at the same time …

No need to expand collective-bargaining efforts in Arizona

OPINION — This is a response to Annarose Lilly's recent letter, Arizonans deserve real bargaining power. I read Ms. Lilly’s opinion with great interest. She seems to be advocating …

We know where Andy Biggs really stands

OPINION — Andy Biggs wants Arizonans to forget what he did after the 2020 election. We shouldn't, and I for certain have not. The organizer of the Jan. 6 rally said Biggs helped …

Most recent

WTA announces 'major milestone' with equal prize money at Italian Open and other big events in 2027

The WTA Tour has announced a major milestone for gender equality in tennis. Starting in 2027, all combined WTA 1000 events, including the Italian Open, will award equal prize money to men and women. …

Rapper Rick Ross charged with battery after domestic violence accusation

At Paris Fashion Week, Chloé bets on stars, lingerie and lace in a tougher luxury market

Charity dinner in Scottsdale to support Heart Association

France gripped by spreading student protests as PM calls crisis meeting

Photos show celebrations and protests marking China's National Day