Hidden Gem! Always amazing food!!! Service sometimes can be slow but it's worth the wait because food is amazing EVERY TIME!

Elegant afternoon dining. We were on our way to Phoenix Skyharbor and decided on a late lunch in Tempe. Caffe Boa was open in the early afternoon; high doors and ceilings in an Edwardian Era warehouse caught our attention immediately. First off, My Lady requested a Rosé from France. I noticed a Merlot-Refosco blend from Slovenia, and as this is where Refosco evolved, I saw an opportunity to to compare it with our own from Arizona. A dark ruby wine faced me, with a few large bubbles on the rim. A rich currant flavor, medium acidity, and a short finish revealed that our Arizona Refosco is very much like the original. We started our meal with Gamberi Adriatico, 5 large shrimp in a lemon tomato sauce that was so good we wanted to continue enjoying it after the shrimp and the baguette slices were done. My Lady ordered a salmon Niçoise, which included the famous Niçoise olives, a bed of arugula, tomatoes, potatoes, eggs, two full-sized anchovy fillets, and an absolutely delicious Atlantic salmon. I saw meatballs on the menu and had to have them. Of course they came smothered in spaghetti, and the sauce took me right back to Italy. My Lady then ordered us Vouvray sparkling wine, which our gracious server, Patrick, brought in coupe glasses. That's when it struck me: though this was 2023, she was in a sport dress and I was in a T-shirt and jeans, had this been 1910, she in frills and lace, and I in a waist jacket and top hat, the fare and the atmosphere would gave been the same. Somehow the impression of wine on lily pads pulled it all together. The Edwardian Era lives today. I accepted the challenge of Zucca gelato: vanilla ice cream with a pumpkin seed oil and salt. The flavors came together in a way that reminded me of salted caramel ice cream. It was the perfect treat for this outstanding meal. What a great way to kick off our vacation! read more

See all

Caffe Boa is super cute and the food was lovely. My only complaint would be that our server was annoyed when we didn't want to order alcohol. I totally understand in the service industry you're supposed to upsell but not everyone can drink for health reasons and otherwise. I'd love to come back again and give it another shot because the penne was perfection. read more

By far my favorite restaurant! The cheese platter is the best in all of Arizona! Also can't recommend the ravioli zucca enough. Drinks are great too. Definitely a great spot to go to for dinner or brunch! read more

Great server Chris!! Beautifully presented plates... food was delicious... loved the Espresso for dessert!! read more

See all

I stopped by when I was in the area and loved the lunch specials! You can get a lovely salad and half of a pasta or panini at an extremely reasonable rate. The food is out of this world and the service is amazing. I ordered a SoCal Love salad and coniglio with mushrooms and thyme and both were delicious. Blazing fast Wi-Fi so I was able to spend a minute resolving a work issue before enjoying my lunch. You can sit indoors or outside. I've been here for amazing dinners before and can't wait to try the cocktails. The dessert I ordered was amazing: Vanilla bean gelato, pepitas, toasted pumpkin oil, black volcanic sea salt. Just a great combination of flagors read more

The Original Caffe Boa - New American Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

See all

My wife and I eat here about once a month prior to our season tickets at Gammage. Sometimes we get reservations and sit in the dining room, other times we go to the bar. The drinks are great and different from most places, very creative and delicious. The food regardless of being from the happy hour menu in the bar or eating in the dining room from the regular menu, is delicious. Then the free dessert with the gammage tickets is a nice perk. We have had them all now and they are all very good. read more

I went to Caffe Boa for a ladies night with several of my friends. We were seated at the "stage table" which was a fun little room set off from the rest of the tables. We were hungry! We got a charcuterie platter with several cheeses, meats, preserves and nuts and an arugula salad. This was delightful! We love our cheese in this group. We also got mussels and ceviche to start. Both were ok. Nothing outstanding. I got the scallops, which seemed a bit over cooked and was served on overly garlicky farro. The farro was better the next day leftover when I put an over easy egg on it and there wasn't so much. The tiramisu we shared to finish up with was really really good. I would go back just for apps and dessert. Our meal came out to around $100/ea for 4 ladies. Now, I expected a big tab because we got a lot, and there were drinks, but that was a bit more than what I would pay for what we got. I'd probably go back sometime as a date night. The ambience was nice, but it wouldn't be my every weekend or even once a month place. It was fine. read more

We loved our dinner experience here and highly recommend. The food, cocktail selection and service are top notch and the atmosphere and vibe sets this restaurant apart from other establishments in the area. read more

ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE. The atmosphere is divine, the staff is friendly, and the food is YUM! I've tried most things on the menu and have enjoyed all of it. The cocktails and wine are also some of my faves. Definitely a go-to spot. xo read more

We stumbled onto Cafe Boa Sunday morning after hiking ASU Mountain. We were surprised that there wasn't any wait time! The location is hidden behind beautiful flowers & large front patio. We sat at the bar & the bartenders were extremely nice. I ordered a peach mimosa and chicken & waffles as my entree. Both were tasty! My fiancé was a little upset with them not having any steak for the "steak & eggs" entree. However, he ended up ordering eggs, bacon & potatoes. He was really impressed with the prosciutto bacon strips. The restaurant was very clean & the bathroom decor was chic. We booked reservations for dinner next week! read more

See all

Absolutely a phenomenal and consistently great restaurant. Have been coming here for years. This location is not affiliated with the Awhatukee of the same name. Trust me, you will love this restaurant. read more

I'm in love with this charming little place. Even though it feels super intimate there are plenty of places to host a large party. This has been my go to for group gatherings down to small VIP dinners. I'm an event planner who grew up in the Tempe restaurant business so I'm pretty picky. I can honestly say you won't be disappointed with the food, the service, and the ambiance! read more

The service was great and employees so friendly. And the food delish! Will definitely be going back.

The rabbit in this pasta dish was pretty good but didn't do a great job at impressing. I was very excited to find a rabbit pasta dish as I've had some great experiences in the past at other Italian restaurants and the server specifically recommended this dish here. All together, pretty disappointing as the rabbit wasn't very flavorful and the hand spun noodles were not cooked for long enough. Ambiance is rather friendly and warm and is honestly a bit better than the quality of the food. You walk into the place and you expect top quality, unfortunate that the food doesn't live up to the standards. read more

The Original Caffe Boa - Coniglio - rabbit pasta - New American Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Nothing special here. It's a fine spot but not much is distancing this place from other chain restaurants. The food is not special and interior is clean but not unique. Definitely a smart place to go on a first date, hangout with friends, or meet up with coworkers. Nothing offensive and nothing mind-blowing. It can't hurt. read more

See all

Our family has celebrated many special occasions at Caffe Boa Tempe. The food and drinks are amazing, service is excellent and love the vibe. Great outdoor patio as well. Especially love their brunch! read more

It was amazing! The food, the service and the ambiance. The only thing that's an issue is parking! I can't wait to go back! I had the steak salad which was delicious! I am very happy to have discovered it because their food was amazing for everyone who was in our business meeting. read more

Over cooked (and probably reheated) pasta for main course. Green tomatoes not ripe enough for first course Not a real response when pointed to server read more

Caffe Boa, we got off on the wrong foot. We had a reservation for 17 people for my roommates 22nd birthday which was mistakenly given to another party of 17 thinking it was us. Our initial reservation was 7:00pm (on a Tuesday, which I was surprised was fully packed) and we were not able to be seated until 8:00pm. Management and staff were very apologetic and threw in a small complimentary shot/cocktail for our troubles. I was very excited to try out your lasagna, but by the time our waitresses (both were great!) got our orders you were sold out of the lasagna. At 9:00pm our food finally arrived. My dish of Fettuccini Bianca was okay. The salmon was bitter in some spots due to it being burnt, but the sauce in the fettuccine was creamy, garlicky and delicious. Overall Caffe Boa, if it had not been for my roommate saying that this was an unusual night for your restaurant I would not be wanting to come back. I hope to stop in again in the future and update my review. read more

See all

Great environment, the place was packed and lively on a Tuesday night. Chris was our waiter and was kind and helpful throughout the night - great service. Started with the Shishito Peppers and they were very tasty and easily shareable. Excellent garlic glaze. Ordered the Voodoo Penne for my meal and it was fantastic, the chicken was excellently cooked and the Cajun pasta sauce was creamy with the appropriate smokey Cajun flavor. To drink, I went with the Rakija flight of three. Cherry was my favorite by far, really deep flavor with a cough drop aftertaste. Plum was my least favorite and hard to get down - very sharp. Apricot was the most unique flavor, definitely tastes like apricot but has a hard bite that quickly follows to remind you you're drinking liquor not juice. Second time at Caffe Boa and wasn't disappointed, I will continue to come back! read more

See all

The Voodoo Penne make's me foam out of the mouth like a rabid dog, I'm addicted. Ravioli Zucca is also amazing. Tried the flatbread, Calamari, and a few other appetizers and they all smacked. read more

See all

After searching high and low for some good Italian food in the area, we settled on Caffe Boa. Parking was easy, as there was plenty of parking in the lot under "A" Mountain and it was a short walk to the restaurant. Starting out with appetizers, we ordered the Fried Calamari and Bruschetta. The calamari dish was a little smaller than you usually receive but it tasted fine and the bruschetta was good. For our entrees, we ordered the Pollo Al Roasmarino, Fettuccine Blanca, and Voodoo Penne. My wife raves about her chicken and the fettuccine was good as well. I had the Voodoo Penne and it was delicious. A little on the creamier side than I typically order but delicious nonetheless. I liked that the dish was a little different than what you usually find in Italian restaurants. Overall, we enjoyed our experience and would return. read more

See all

Caffe Boa is the cutest place to go for brunch with your friends or significant other! I love the sangrias they have (if you can't tell by the amount of photos I have of them) and they're at a great price. You can ask to ensure that the fruits that will be put in are to your liking (not a fan of apples) and the staff was kind enough to fulfill my request. They also have bottomless mimosas which are always a brunch staple. The food is great as well and not just your typical brunch foods. The pasta is TO DIE FOR. I had some Serbian friends join me and they geeked out of their drink menu (some type of Serbian drink that reminded them of family) which was a wonderful surprise. When I went with a larger party we were sat in a separate semi-enclosed area which worked well. Down to the little sprig of rosemary in the table setting, and the lighting in the back dining area, caffe boa is the sweetest. read more

See all

Beautiful atmosphere, live music and the lighting is so relaxing. If the weather is just right sitting on the patio is always a good choice. Employees are nice but service gets worse every year. About 3 years ago I had the formaggi Salumi, and one of the specials of the day the risotto with scallops. The formaggi salumi was incredible, a nice mix of cured meats, cheese, olives and fruit preserves. However, the risotto was floating in butter, it was like a lake of butter and the risotto was the island where the scallops sat on top of. Gave it a try because I like scallops and I never had risotto before, all I could taste was the butter. After 2 bites I decided I wasn't going to eat anymore of it, the waiter noticed and asked what was wrong. After about 5 minutes of conversation she apologized and offered to take it off the bill, I had the butternut squash ravioli (agnolotti ravioli was no longer being made) in place of the risotto. I did tip the cost of the risotto dish just to show my appreciation. However in a most recent visit after the 2024 Tempe Blooms event the service was such a sad experience. The were not packed, a few people at the bar and a couple tables inside when we arrived. Voodoo Penne took too long to come out but definitely worth the wait. Waited over 30 minutes for a gin and ginger ale, had to remind the waiter two times that I ordered that drink. I have been hesitant to go back since the service has gotten worse and the agnolotti is no longer on the menu. read more

We're in town for the week and had read some not so good reviews complaining about food and service. However, we decided to come on in and give it a try. We had excellent food, great service from CJ, and were very pleased with our decision to dine here. Thank you so much for the amazing experience. The pasta and sauces were on point. I loved my drink with the presentation and burning rosemary. We didn't have room for dessert but I'm betting it would've been excellent. The atmosphere was very elegant and if we have the opportunity, we'll dine here again. We highly recommend! Great date night! read more

The Original Caffe Boa - Agnolotti Boa Pasta, Ravioli Zucca - New American Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

See all

So very disappointed ! My friend and I love going to Cafe Boa every time we have anything planned in Tempe. However, Sunday we arrived at 11am with a reservation before attending a play at Gammage. We ordered right away, to be sure we would be finished by 12:15 to get to our shop in plenty of time. The waiter was pleasant and took our order. 2 more tables filled in the next 10 minutes. After 20 minutes... still no food. He returned and we asked about our food. (We ordered a salad and my friend an omelette). he said, "oh, I'll put your ordered in now". Both tables got their food and we still didn't have ours. So, I got up to find the waiter and explained it had been almost an hour now and we would be late to our show and asked about our food. He seemed surprised it hadn't been delivered and left, 10 minutes later I got up again and found the Manager, explained what happened and finally our food arrived and we immediately asked for our bill since we would only have 10 minutes to eat and leave. He brought the bill and said he'd be right back. I ended up bringing the bill to him! We paid in cash and just needed change, they took another 10 minutes and I once again had to go find him. The manager was standing with him and very aware of the delay in both food and bill. No, I'm sorry, No % off the bill for the trouble. Nothing! So disappointed! The food is always good, but the service and management is horrible ! We just make it before curtain. read more

What a wonderful treat!! We accidentally stumbled upon this AMAZING gem!! Christina H was OUTSTANDING. so attentive, knowledgeable and all around amazing. The food exceeded all expectations and sangria was so refreshing. We will be back again when we are in town next. read more

See all

Food was terrific. They made room for 2extra people what a great effort to accommodate us. Our server Vance was wonderful and very attentive. We have been here before but as always Cafe Boa never fails to deliver!! Thank you. read more

The atmosphere in this place is perfect, friendly, casual but also nice with a fancy feel. It would be perfect for a romantic date, and maybe just as good for a large family gathering. We had a nice booth room or "stage table" for a group of 7 people, these areas feel a bit separate from the rest of the restaurant and there are a few of them used for large groups. Three of us ordered the half salad/half pasta or panini lunch combination special - for $15 it is great value. Everything was very fresh and good solid authentic Italian food. All of the food and the wine list is excellent - I don't think you can go wrong with anything in this restaurant. Service was also perfect, our waiter was attentive, very friendly and couldn't be better. I have been there several times before (even for the first time, I was taken there for my job interview before I moved to Arizona!!) but I never got around to writing a review. Excellent place in downtown Tempe, great lunch specials, highly recommended!! read more

See all

Zach provides awesome service and knows his food. Real awesome ingredients leave me feeling nourishes and not weighed down. read more

The Original Caffe Boa - Gracias - New American Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

We had a casual and fun team dinner here in the back room of the restaurant. The room is semi-private with large glass windows and bench and table seating and then opens into the main dining room. The staff took great care of us and it was a very memorable dinner with great food and wine. We pre-ordered appetizers and then every was able to order from the menu. The restaurant has a very nice wine menu and the food portions were large and flavorful. We shared the charcuterie board with meats and cheeses, bruschetta and a few other items. For my entree I had the chicken parmesan and it was a big plate with tasty chicken and noodles. The menu is very Mediterranean in style and overall we just had a fun evening with great service, food and wine. We walked down the main street to get there so I don't know much about parking. Thank you! read more

We were seated at a great table, no hassle, during happy hour. The mussels were soooo delicious! Calamari were good too.

Someone spent some time learning to make sauces. Oh my f-in g. Everything thing we tried was absolutely perfect. Service is great, restaurant is clean and nice looking. Winner. read more

Looked up best places to eat in Tempe and this popped up so we headed there. First time for us both. It was a Sunday and we somehow got parking right in front and no charge on the meter (Sunday) we sat on the patio which we were warned might be a little "buggy". We didn't see a single bug and the weather was lovely. The menu looked great mostly Italian and what seemed like some German as well. The specialty drinks killed me they all sounded so amazing it was hard to choose. I can't remember which we choose but it was fantastic maybe the best specialty drinks I've ever tasted or at least top 5. I got the special kielbasa plate and my date got the gnocchi. Our waiter was the best! He was kind and fun and attentive and adorable. I will daydream about this place until I return again. Thanks for the great experience Caffe Boa! read more

See all

My favorite restaurant. Whenever I have someone visiting from out of town I always make it a point to visit this location. I have been here for brunch, lunch and dinner and am always happy. During brunch they have the most amazing sangria, the ambiance at dinner time is so relaxing and upscale, and I literally dream about the clams purgatory. They did change the recipe on the Sunday mac and cheese and added mustard or something, not a fan of that, but a small blip on all the happy memories I have experienced here. read more

The food was amazing! They even have gluten free pasta! I had the fettuccini with mushrooms and it was so amazing and decadent. My tastebuds were transported to another world. Note: there is a parking garage right by , along with street parking! read more

Starters, excellent. Mains? O ver rated. The clams from purgatory was spice with no good reason and masked the clams. Lasagna was a retro nestle frozen food served hot. read more

For Sunday brunch, made a reservation, but doesn't seem like you need one. Sat outside, and it's very pretty and airy, especially underneath the trees. The vibe inside is contemporary and modern. The outdoor seating must be really nice at night. Service was sweet, but so slow. It took a long time to place our orders, pay the bill, and get our cards back. I was stressed out because I had a meter running! Food was disappointing, nothing wow about it for me. I got the Mediterranean omelette, and while it's big, the taste was bland and I was underwhelmed, and I wanted to be whelmed. I feel it needed some seasoning or some extra ingredient to give it an extra pizzazz. It came with a large tin of fries, and those were great. My friend got the polenta bowl and raved about it. We ended up sharing the crepes for dessert, which comes with a scoop of ice cream and strawberries. It was a pretty good dessert, and the crepes felt light and tasty. I'd recommend trying this! read more

(10/10/20) I echo the sentiments of one reviewer, Heather B., who remarks in her five-star review: "I'm actually frustrated I can't give more stars!" The fiancé and I met with some dear friends for an 11 A.M. brunch, right at opening hour. We were seated by Josh, who would be our server for [what turned out to be] four hours of Epicurean revelry. Our company started off with the essential vittles of brunchtime: bottomless mimosas and sangrias abounded. The fiancé requested an iced latte, and I got an americano with a cocktail to follow. Then came the food. Being that we were at Caffe Boa, which is acclaimed for its Italian wares, I entertained the notion of ordering the Pasta Frittata for my meal. We were at the delicate hour, after all, wherein breakfast and lunch sounded equally appetizing, and the frittata did include an egg and pancetta. However, the prevailing opinion around the table, and even from Josh himself, favored the Mediterranean Omelette -- my alternative option. Our party ordered omelettes as well, among other things -- bruschetta, Sunday Mac N Cheese, and the daily-made Lasagna. | Mediterranean Omelette | I did not expect this, loved ones, but at Caffe Boa, I discovered a contender for the best breakfast. My #1 omelette, though it remains unsurpassed, has been challenged by the Mediterranean, with its crumbled sausage, feta cheese, and tomatoes folded into three eggs, cooked to the utmost standards. This was an impressive omelette, filling and flavorful. I savored every bite with periodic breaks to enjoy the French fried potatoes served with lycopersium reduction (it was a generous basket of fries and ketchup). It's a shame to have found ourselves at Caffe Boa with just weeks before we leave Tempe; had we known what excellence existed in our backyard, I would have insisted upon going more often, if only for these omelettes. My compliments to the chef. | Expat in France | I love a cocktail with a good name (better still if the flavor fits the bill). The American expat -- bourbon -- is mixed with Cointreau, a French orange liqueur, Meletti amaro, Banyuls, and orange garnish. This was not my first choice; I originally had my eye on Serb in the City, but I could not partake due to a glitch in supply. Nevertheless, Expat was the spirit that kept the celebration going. I do prefer drinks that are not too sweet, but this orange-based digestif was the decisive answer to chase a delicious meal and coffee. | Lasagna | Fiancé duties called as my better half couldn't best the megalith of that unmistakable bolognese, ricotta cheese, basil, and mozzarella. It makes sense of course; this was no meager square, no Stouffer's endeavor. I enjoyed what remained of this nod to cucina italiana classica, and on another occasion I'd likely order it myself. | Verdict | Caffe Boa is at good as it gets, and I repeat my lamentations of having not visited sooner. Their brunch is fairly new, from what I understand, so you now have my full endorsement of an 11 A.M. reservation for your party. Dinner is phenomenal, too, so I'm told, and I hope to make its acquaintance sooner rather than later. 'Til next time, and many thanks to this fine establishment for a Saturday brunch done right. read more

See all