Tempe's Thriving Dining Scene: Global Flavors, Chef-Driven Gems, and Local Classics
By Justin Lee
Photography by Mark Lipczynski
Tempe is booming like never before, transforming from a lively college town into a dynamic urban hub. This evolution benefits residents and visitors with standout perks, especially its continually reinventing dining landscape. The focus isn't just on quantity but on remarkable variety—from upscale to casual, quirky to timeless, international to regional. Dining in Tempe has reached new heights.
Global Cuisine
Tempe leads locally in international dining. It offers authentic Middle Eastern, regional Indian, and diverse Asian options, long making it a city standout.
Café Lalibela has been a hit since opening, specializing in traditional Ethiopian fare like seasoned meats and slow-stewed vegetables served with warm, spongy injera bread for scooping.
A Tempe institution for nearly two decades, The Dhaba excels in soulful northern Indian cuisine, featuring chaat snacks, tandoori breads, and halal meats in a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere.
Ramen fans have plenty of choices, but Hachi Ramen in south Tempe shines with its masterful broths—from traditional miso and shoyu to rich tonkotsu.
Chef-Driven
Local chef-restaurateur Aaron Chamberlin elevates south Tempe with Ghost Ranch, a collaboration exploring Southwestern borderlands cuisine—Tex-Mex, New Mexican, and Sonoran styles—with chefs Rene Andrade and Roberto Centeno from Nogales, Mexico.
Chef Jeff Kraus captivates at Crêpe Bar with its cult-favorite premium coffee and inventive breakfast dishes, especially savory and sweet crepes.
For the Campus Crowd
In the heart of Sun Devil territory, Shady Park is a go-to hideaway for savvy students seeking pizza, loaded wings, or some of the area's best ramen.
Beer enthusiasts flock to downtown Tempe's Pedal Haus Brewery, a draft beer paradise with brews on tap, in bottles, cans, or growlers. Pair them with patio-friendly bar classics on a lazy afternoon.
On campus, Engrained Cafe serves the university crowd with organic, eco-friendly, seasonal options. Customize sandwiches, salads, and bowls with all-natural proteins, sustainable seafood, fair-trade coffee, and local produce—perfect for gluten-, dairy-, or meat-free diets.
Quintessential Tempe
House of Tricks embodies creative, seasonal American fare with global influences. Its expansive patio draws pre-Gammage theater crowds, happy hour fans, and power lunchers.
The Chuckbox draws loyal fans with open-flame, char-grilled burgers and chicken sandwiches. This cash-only icon is cherished by students and longtime residents alike.
Fueled by regulars, Casey Moore’s Oyster House shifts seamlessly from daytime dining to evening bar vibes. Its shaded wraparound patio welcomes all for reliable burgers, specialty sandwiches, bar snacks, and fresh oysters—raw, fried, or Rockefeller.
