Best Places to Eat in Tempe, Arizona: 23 Delicious Restaurants (including a Spice Trail!)

Looking for places to eat in Tempe, Arizona? You can’t go wrong with these picks!

I’m a repeat visitor to Tempe and love eating my way around the city.

From informal cafes to 5-star restaurants, here are the best places to eat in Tempe, Arizona!

Best Breakfast Food in Tempe, Arizona

1. Crêpe Bar

Address: 7520 S Rural Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283
Price: $$
Cuisine: French

This spot started as a food truck and was so popular they put down roots.

They specialize on French crepes with a twist.

There are savory, sweet and vegan options available. You can’t go wrong with the Papa K or First Time.

They’re open till 2pm.

2. Snooze an A.M. Eatery

Address: 615 S College Ave Suite 103 & 104, Tempe, AZ 85281
Price: $$
Cuisine: American

This restaurant is in the heart of downtown Tempe.

They serve several variations of Eggs Benedict, large smoothies and satisfying meals like shrimp and grits or a Croque Madame.

They have outdoor seating available, as well as vegan dishes.

3. Daily Jam

Address: 310 S Mill Ave #A101, Tempe, AZ 85281
Price: $$
Cuisine: American

Serving breakfast and brunch, this eatery has sandwiches, omelettes, southwest inspired dishes and fresh-squeezed juice.

Indulge in dishes like red velvet chicken and waffles or go for a healthy option like avocado toast.

There’s indoor and outdoor seating available.

4. Morning Squeeze

Address: 690 S Mill Ave Suite 110, Tempe, AZ 85281
Price: $$
Cuisine: American

This brightly decorated establishment gets packed on the weekends, so reservations are recommended.

I was very tempted to try their breakfast cocktails but I was going to Bouldering Project Tempe right after so I kept it to a breakfast sandwich. Everything was delicious.

There is outdoor dining here, perfect for people watching and vitamin D.

5. Foch Cafe & Bistro

Address: 21 E 6th St, Tempe, AZ 85281
Price: $$
Cuisine: French

This is a locally owned restaurant with European-inspired dishes and drinks.

The cafe pays tribute to the street in Paris where the owner’s grandparents used to live on.

The tributes carry with a menu of French favorites — duck confit, crepes and more.

Grab an espresso or a mimosa on the patio and start your day off right.

For Lunch

6. Postino Annex

Address: 8749 S Rural Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284
Price: $$
Cuisine: Italian

This spot is located on the ASU campus and specializes in bruschetta and charcuterie boards.

For my first visit, they brought me a complimentary burrata, bacon, and arugula bruschetta. They offer a bruschetta flight where you can pick from multiple flavor options.

This is a great spot for happy hour, with pitchers coming out cheaper than a pint.

They also have delicious soups and sandwiches and an extensive wine selection.

7. Taco Boys

Address: 1015 S Rural Rd #101, Tempe, AZ 85281
Price: $
Cuisine: Mexican

You will not regret ordering tacos from Taco Boys. You pick your protein, like chicken or carnitas, and flour or corn tortillas.

There’s a toppings bar that includes hot sauces so you can customize (and have unlimited) add-ons.

They also have beer, homemade horchata, and micheladas.

This is a family run establishment and the food tastes authentic.

8. Yupha’s Thai Kitchen

Address: 1805 E Elliot Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284
Price: $$
Cuisine: Thai

A favorite for vegetarians, this Thai restaurant offers many Pad Thai options and brings the flavor with garnishes like fried tofu.

Don’t feel left out, meat lovers — you can add a protein to any dish.

9. Pita Jungle

Address: 4 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281
Price: $$
Cuisine: Mediterranean

This restaurant has Mediterranean inspired options like hummus, gyros, shawarma, and more.

They are vegan friendly, have gluten-free alternatives, and generally serve healthy dishes for those looking for a light lunch.

For Dinner

10. Lucero Rooftop Lounge and Terrace

Address: 7 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281
Price: $$$
Cuisine: Spanish

Found at the Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU, Lucero is a rooftop dining establishment with gorgeous views od downtown Tempe.

They have live music, fire pits, LED menus, and indoor and outdoor dining.

I tried the branzino and it was perfectly cooked. I also enjoyed their guava pina colada.

The food has a Spanish flare and can be on the smaller, tapas side.

11. Cocina Chiwas

Address: 2001 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281
Price: $$$
Cuisine: Mexican

Located in Culdesac, Tempe’s first car-free neighborhod, this is an elevated Mexican restaurant with thoughtful dishes and IG friendly drinks.

I tried the aguachile appetizer and short rib tacos.

12. Ghost Ranch

Address: 1006 E Warner Rd #102-103, Tempe, AZ 85284
Price: Modern Southwest
Cuisine: Mexican

Are you in the mood for authentic Mexican food in a lively atmosphere? Y

ou can have all the guacamole and tacos you’re craving at Ghost Ranch, along with options like a Cowboy steak (14 ounce prime ribeye) and rainbow trout.

13. Top of the Rock

Address: 2000 W Westcourt Way, Tempe, AZ 85282
Price: $$$
Cuisine: American

If you’re looking for the ultimate date night, this is it.

Perched atop of a butte overlooking the desert landscape, Top of the Rock is the perfect place to catch the sunset and treat yourself to world-class cuisine.

14. Culinary Dropout

Address: 149 S Farmer Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281
Price: $$
Cuisine: American

This is a funky restaurant and bar with live music from local bands.

The menu includes new takes on classic items, like a provolone pretzel bites fondue and BBQ pork belly nachos.

For Drinks

15. Pedal Haus Brewery

Address: 730 S Mill Ave #102, Tempe, AZ 85281
Price: $$
Cuisine: American

This is an award-winning brewery that’s been named Best Brewery in America!

It is bike themed, with bike parts decorating the space.

The food menu is also delicious and great for lunch or happy hour. I tried the green chile smashburger and it hit the spot.

16. Thirsty Lion Gastropub

Address: 2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy #1041, Tempe, AZ 85281
Price: $$
Cuisine: American

Located in Tempe Marketplace, Thirsty Lion Gastropub is a nice sports bar with flat screen TV’s throughout.

It’s the place to be for big celebrations like football games and St. Paddy’s day.

17. Social Hall

Address: 715 S McClintock Dr, Tempe, AZ 85288
Price: $$
Cuisine: American

With pub games, fire pits, hammock swings and signature cocktails, you’ll come for a drink at Social Hall and never want to leave.

They also have a fun Tempe themed mural out front.

For Dessert

18. Tracy Dempsey Originals

Address: 1325 W University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281
Price: $$
Cuisine: Dessert

Cakes, tarts, puddings, homemade ice creams, pastries and shared space with a wine shop make Tracy Dempsey one of the best places to feed your sweet tooth while in Tempe.

19. Insomnia Cookies

Address: 116 E University Dr Suite 110, Tempe, AZ 85281
Price: $$
Cuisine: Dessert

Looking for cookies at midnight?

Insomnia cookies is open till 3am for when you get a late-night craving.

Bonus: Spice Trail

20. Haji Baba

Address: 1513 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281
Price: $
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

This is a Middle Eastern grocery store and restaurant serving items like kebabs, gyros and baklava.

While you’re there, try the homemade rose water lemonade.

21. The Dhaba

Address: 1872 Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281
Price: $$
Cuisine: Indian

This is an Indian market with on-site restaurant.

Try items like the chicken tikka masala and lamb curry.

You can choose your spice level from 1-10; choose wisely!

22. Chou’s Kitchen

Address: 910 N Alma School Rd, Chandler, AZ 85224
Price: $
Cuisine: Chinese

Tucked away in a strip mall, this is the last place you’d expect to find authentic Chinese food.

Try the juicy steamed dumplings and Chinese clay pot dishes — they’re both tasty and IG-friendly.

23. Curry Corner

Address: 1212 E Apache Blvd, Tempe, AZ 85281
Price: $
Cuisine: Pakistani

Curry Corner is a Pakistani restaurant with diverse options. You can’t go wrong with options like naan bread, tandoori wings and goat biryani. There are also vegetarian dishes available.

These are just some of the best places to eat in Tempe. Did your favorite restaurant make the list?

Till next time, safe travels!

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