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Tempe's Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurants for Food Lovers

Tempe's dining scene thrives with new hotspots, timeless favorites, student haunts, and upscale venues, offering culinary adventures daily. As a local, I cherish the town's abundance of 'off-the-beaten-path' spots—charming neighborhood gems discovered via recommendations, Yelp, or lucky drives. Here's my curated list of favorites, with more awaiting discovery.

Tasty Thai Restaurant
10 W. Broadway Road, Tempe, AZ 85282
(480) 557-9999
This cozy neighborhood gem delivers bold flavors in generous portions. Standouts include red curry (spicy with tender chicken and veggies), yellow curry with tofu (sweet-spicy perfection), pad king (ginger-onion-bell pepper medley in brown sauce), and mild orange chicken.

Phoenicia Cafe
616 S. Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 967-8009
Family-owned for 19 years, this spot near Sun Devil Stadium serves affordable Mediterranean, Greek, and Middle Eastern classics. Don't miss the addictive Greek fries and hummus—budget-friendly for students.

Crepe Bar
7520 S. Rural Rd., Tempe, AZ 85283
(480) 247-8012
This chic south Tempe haven evokes vacation vibes with friendly service and inventive eats. The Grand Prix crepe—coffee-infused with pork belly, maple-glazed jowl, egg, and syrup—earned a spot on Phoenix New Times' 2015 top 100 list. Ideal for breakfast.

The Dhaba
1872 E Apache Blvd., Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 557-8800
In Arizona's largest South Asian center, this award-winning family spot offers elegant Punjabi cuisine with house-blended spices and wine pairings. Try Dhaba chicken korma or Kashmiri tikka masala for a cultural feast.

Casey Moore’s Oyster House
850 S. Ash Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 968-9935
Tucked in a rumored haunted neighborhood, this local icon shines with fresh oysters and fan-favorite calamari rings served with cocktail sauce—simple, delicious perfection.

Salut Kitchen + Bar
1435 E. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 625-3600
This hip-yet-relaxed wine bar features reclaimed wood, metal chairs, and a dog-friendly patio. Savor the tapas hummus-stuffed avocado with chicken, red onion, tomato, and feta—shareable but irresistible solo.

Cornish Pasty Co.
960 W. University Dr. #103, Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 894-6261
Near Downtown Tempe, this cozy spot offers 30+ hearty pasties. Favorites: Greek pasty, portobello balsamic, and the Oggie (steak, potatoes, onion, rutabaga with gravy). Visit the new Mill Avenue location for intimacy.

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