Cafe Boa in Tempe has that cozy, neighborhood Italian feel that makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile. We tried several pasta dishes and everything came out rich, fresh, and full of flavor. The creamy gnocchi with mushrooms and spinach was especially good, and the red sauce pasta had a nice depth without tasting overly heavy. Portions were generous, and the pasta itself held up well under the sauces instead of getting lost in them. The cocktail was also a standout and had a fun spicy, citrusy kick. Service was relaxed and friendly, and the whole meal felt more personal than polished in a good way. A solid Tempe spot when you want comforting Italian food without the chain restaurant feel. read more

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I took my team of 18 to dinner here after a long day of training. The location is great, and the staff who checked us in and got us seated were wonderful. Most of the experience was positive, and our servers were friendly and accommodating. Unfortunately, there were several issues that ultimately led me to leave a 2-star review. First, one of the pasta dishes had a piece of wire/rubber-like material in it. The server handled the situation appropriately, acknowledged the issue, and took the dish back to the kitchen for a remake. The person who ordered it then had to wait approximately another 7 minutes while the rest of the table already had their food. We were very understanding about the situation, especially since mistakes can happen. Second, a side salad that was ordered did not arrive until after the entrees had been served. At that point, it was too late for the guest to reasonably enjoy it, so we asked the server to take it back. The bigger disappointment came when I reviewed the bill. I was charged for two glasses of wine but only received one. I suspect this may have happened because I asked about the wine twice after waiting quite a while for it, but regardless of how it happened, I was charged for something that was never served. The pasta dish containing the foreign object was also still charged on the bill, as was the salad that had been taken back because it arrived too late. With a party of 18, I wasn't going to go around the table asking every team member exactly what they ordered or received just to reconcile the bill. I trusted that the final bill would accurately reflect what was actually served. It was also very clear that this was a business dinner with a large group. I don't want to assume that the billing errors were intentional or that anyone thought we wouldn't notice the additional charges. Regardless of how they happened, the charges were incorrect and should have been caught before the bill was presented. That's ultimately what was most disappointing. We were very understanding about the mistakes during the meal, and I would have expected the same level of attention to carry through when the bill was prepared. A dish containing a foreign object, a salad that was returned, and a glass of wine that was never received should not all remain on the final bill. For a large group, especially one spending a significant amount on a business dinner, I expect the final bill to be reviewed carefully and to accurately reflect what was actually served. Unfortunately, because of the combination of the food issue and the billing errors, I would not bring another large group here. I'm also doubtful that I would return personally. The location and staff were great, which is why I'm disappointed that the experience ended this way. read more

Caffe Boa has such a cozy, rustic vibe. Since it was my friend and I first time, our waiter took the time to explain the menu and answer our questions, which I really appreciated. We started with the fried calamari for the table. I ordered the lasagna, and honestly, it tasted better than I expected! We also ordered the Salmon Nicoise to share, which was a nice addition to the meal. Overall, it was a great first experience with good food. If you are looking for an Italian restaurant, I would start here! read more

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My husband and I really, really like this place. It's become our place to go before heading out to a show at Gammage. It's located just off Mill Ave. in Tempe. There is a lot of outdoor seating with string lights and misters and surrounded by lots of greenery. The building looks old and the interior has high ceilings and lots of exposed brick. I love the very tall wooden doors and a super fun artwork. There is a separate bar area. We got: *Para Mi Amor (cocktail) *Paulander-Mulchen Hefeweizen (beer) *Noble Bread *Lasagna *Luca's Meatballs *Broccolini *Espresso Mocha Torta The lasagna had a three meat sauce that was amazing! Even after I was full I couldn't stop eating it because it's so delicious. Lucas meatballs came with spaghetti with mushrooms in a red sauce. It was also delish. Portion sizes were quite large. The Espresso Mocha Torte was absolutely luscious. Is a great dessert to share because it is so rich. So good! I have to give so many bonus points for the customer service here. I had made an error and even though it was totally on me, the manager make sure that the bread and dessert was complementary. Even after I told her that I understood it was my mistake, she insisted and said she wanted us to go away happy. And we did! This place has been on our rotation for a while and it will continue to be. It's really such a perfect mix of lovely ambience, great service, and always amazing food. Keep in mind that this is Mill Avenue so you will need to allow a few minutes for parking. That said, we've never had an issue not finding a space out in front. read more

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I've been to Caffe Boa at least 5 times, and it's never disappointed. I have had their salmon salad, crepes, shareable board, and more. They were all delicious! I appreciate that their portions are not humongous, so I can explore Tempe afterwards without lugging around a doggy bag. The servers are super professional. They have accommodated our requests without any issues. The service is not the quickest, but that is okay because the food is super fresh, presentable, and yummy. The environment is pretty laid back. It's not informal like a sports bar, but it's not formal that it requires jackets. It's classy for a brunch with friends or a cute date. For a fun weekday date, they offer live music Monday nights. read more

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I treated myself to a solo Easter Sunday brunch at Caffe Boa, and it was such a beautiful experience from start to finish. I sat out on the patio, and the weather was absolutely perfect, truly the ideal setting for a relaxing brunch date with myself. I ordered the steak and eggs, and let me just say... absolutely delicious! Everything was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. I also had a ginger beer, and when I requested it in a wine glass with a side of olives, they made it happen without hesitation, which I loved. It's the little touches like that for me! Griffin, my server, was attentive and kind, and honestly, every employee I came into contact with was phenomenal. The team consistently checked on me and made sure I was comfortable without ever being intrusive. The level of service really stood out. Of course, I couldn't leave without dessert. I kept it simple with vanilla bean gelato, and they served it in the cutest little glass--such a perfect, thoughtful presentation. From the food to the service to the ambiance, everything was fantastic! You can truly tell that the team takes pride in what they do. Keep doing what you're doing! I'll definitely be back! -Mika read more

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The service here is hit or miss, the food takes awhile to come out. The salmon ceviche barely has salmon. The voodoo penne is my favorite pasta dish ever. I am a very big fan of the breading on the calamari as well. The margarita flatbread is perfect to me. The crepe is very fresh. read more

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My party had been to Caffe Boa last year during a conference, and wanted to go again. They remembered the beautiful patio, good food, and good conversation. It wasn't within an easy walking distance from the hotel so if we went. We were seated in the corner of the patio. We started to wonder if we could not be seen, because it took a long time to get water. We thought that won't be the end of the challenges. Other tables had been seated after us and not only had water but their food as well. We finally were brought water and placed our orders. We had mentioned that we were going to share a salad for our appetizer. It took a long time to get the salad and the soup that was ordered. But we were not given plates, and had to track the waiter down, so that we could split the salad. The rest of the food took a very long time to come out. The steak salad, soup, and pasta were good. The salad had a great dressing, but the chicken was very overcooked and dry. I was worried that the salmon would also be overcooked, but it was not. The pasta sauces were delicious. It took a very long time to get our plates cleared and then to get the check. And another long wait to get our cards back so we could sign and leave. I'm hoping this was really just an off night. When we did have service, it was fine. We were checked on multiple times. But when we needed service, it just was not available. The front patio really is very lovely. And other guests were served much more quickly. read more

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The charcuterie board options are great. Pretty restaurant. We were blessed with beautiful weather so we sat outside. Our server was very nice & helpful. I got the butternut ravioli dish. It had good flavor and I would order it again. My husband got the lasagna and he wasn't quite as impressed. He said it lacked flavor. It looked delicious, but he struggled to finish it. read more

The Original Caffe Boa - Butternut Squash Ravioli dish - A- - New American Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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Still one of the best restauraunts in Tempe. The Coniglio is a must-try always. Huge portion and homemade!!! read more

The Original Caffe Boa - Formaggi I Salumi (Charcuterie Board) - New American Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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Great food, great service really nice ambience... We sat on the patio and it was beautiful - perfect weather and the bourgenvilla were in full bloom. My wife got the Oso Buco and the lamb was very tender and really flavorful. I got the Zuka ravioli. I believe it was called. - super tasty came out hot & fresh with some arugula and goat cheese on top and it really hit the spot. Also had a great blackberry Negroni. Highly recommend this place! Friendly service and it always has great food! read more

We got there for early dinner. My friend and I ordered the voodoo penne, which we split. She ordered the ça presse salad and I ordered a side salad. All food was delicious. Service was great at the beginning then as it got busier I had to wait for salt and pepper. The pasta was tasty and delicious. Service was ok. read more

Excellent food, strong wine & cocktail program, real potential... Largely positive experience at Caffe Boa Tempe. The food is genuinely excellent (house-made pasta and sauces, thoughtful sourcing, beautifully plated). Craft cocktails are inventive, and the wine list is extensive with a focus on cleaner selections. The space is warm and inviting, with free Wi-Fi and some power access in the back, giving it potential as a strong third-place gathering spot. A few service flow and accessibility details could be refined, but the foundation is solid. For a full breakdown of food, accessibility, atmosphere, and brand observations, read and follow Accessible Tempe on Medium.com: https://medium.com/@accessible_tempe read more

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This place is Top Tier an absolute gem their food is the best I've had! Have to dine in soon. Such a beautiful place. They never disappoint. read more

We came to Cafe Boa for a weekday lunch, and unfortunately, it was a pretty underwhelming experience from start to finish. While the restaurant has a nice layout and the patio seating was pleasant thanks to great weather, the positives ended there. The food was mediocre at best. My Bianco Flatbread was bland and overly oily--there was barely any flavor to it. I also tried the Reuben, which had potential, but the sauce made the bread so soggy it fell apart in my hands. The antipasti platter was fine, but it's hard to mess up a plate of cured meats and cheeses. The biggest issue, though, was the service--it was incredibly slow and inattentive. We waited far too long for everything, and our waters sat empty for most of the meal. What should have been a quick one-hour lunch turned into a two-hour ordeal, which was frustrating since we were on a work break. To top it off, a table near us actually got up and left after no one came to take their order. Maybe dinner service is better, but based on this experience, I wouldn't recommend Cafe Boa for lunch. We expected much more. read more

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Our reservation mix-up had us seated outside in the Arizona summer, but luckily it wasn't too hot--and we had the best waitress, Ava. She made the night fun and memorable. Her recommendation of the Antonino Street Corn was spot on, and the mains (Ossobuco, Coniglio, Ravioli Zucca, Voodoo Penne) were excellent. We ended with the amazing Zucca Gelato. Ava's great service turned a warm evening into a wonderful dining experience. read more

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This place is so good with excellent service! I will be coming back the ambiance it amazing and the food is great. read more

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

Service was great, we made a reservation for dinner and were seated promptly inside. We got two pastas, 1) fettuccine Bianca with adding the wild Alaskan salmon ($34) and 2) voodoo penne blackened chicken with Cajun cream ($23). We got two drinks and the special sausage perogis as an appetizer ($24). They charged a 2% credit card fee which was not communicated to us that was strange but we paid it. 3.5 stars, overall the food was too expensive and drinks were average. I got the Haboob and it came without a straw so my first sip was all bitters. Asking for a straw helped but it was too sweet for me. My pasta was delicious, noodles were delicate for the fettuccini but the value fell short. The had other items menus that sounded intriguing (rabbit, ossobucco) that we wanted to try too but came for a pasta craving. The perogis really missed the mark for us and were not worth the $24. They have indoor and outdoor dining and some metered parking outside. read more

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Love it! Have being going for years!!! The pastas are fantastic and I'm Italian! ******************************* read more

Caffe Boa is very consistent. They never mess my take out orders up. Food is always tasty. I love the veggie side. Definitely recommend!

Tucked away in a small inlet of businesses right off Mill Avenue. The ambiance is old luxury with a slight modern vibe. We arrived right in mid-afternoon on the weekend. The dining room was surprisingly empty. We headed to the bar where another couple were enjoying libations and conversation with one of the bartenders. Another bartender was prepping for the next service and while we made eye contact, neither staff member made an immediate effort to approach us. Upon finally being greeted, we ordered a cocktail - delicious - and a Chimay on draft! Presentation of the Cucumbersome was fitting for the atmosphere and Chimay on tap is a HUGE plus! Definitely worth returning, or so we thought at that moment. As we were waiting for other folks to partake in an event nearby, we asked for our check promptly so as to not have to wait to get the staff attention as they were in the midst of prepping. I provided my credit card and waited for the receipt to tip and pay. That's when the surprise came in... Not previously disclosed, there was an additional 2% "credit card" fee added to the final bill. If I can afford to pay $15+ for a cocktail and around $12 for a pint of beer, an additional 2% isn't an issue. The hidden way it was charged was revolting. And I hate being nickel-and-dimed! Just add a freaking $0.50 or $1 to each drink and include it as an expense! The majority of folks will pay by CC. You are just aggravating us. Turned off enough that I will never recommend the business or return. read more

The Original Caffe Boa - You had me at Chimay on tap!! - New American Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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This place was fantastic and so cute. The environment felt upscale without being too much. We had lunch here the weekend of the iron man. We sat outside and played carts. Our waiter was 10/10. Attentive and lots of personality. I got the bruschetta at lunch and I order 3 of the normal tomato bruschettas. He said he went ahead and put it in as a dinner bruschetta because I would get more for the same price. So nice! My boyfriend got the lasagna. It looked really weird because it was orange but he really liked it and would recommend it. read more

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

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Stopped in with my fiancée and a couple of friends from out of town last night. The restaurant was so nice inside and felt cozy. The wait staff was excellent too. We got a bottle of Grenache to share - it was very good. For dinner, I had the SoCal Love and it was delicious. Would definitely come back! read more

Went the Caffe Boa for a girls night. The ambiance did not disappoint - the perfect mix of fancy and relaxed. We wanted to dress up and go somewhere cute and this was the perfect place for that. We sat on the patio but the inside looked just as cute. Our server was very friendly and very knowledgeable on the menu. I ordered the gnocchi dish with mushrooms and a sauce (I forgot the name oops). The gnocchi itself was amazing and had the best texture. The sauce was a little salty for me, but I still ate the entire meal so the saltiness did not deter me. We had the crepes and espresso mocha torta for dessert. Crepes were my personal favorite. Amazing prices too. I spent about $45-$50 for my meal, a coke, and splitting two desserts. Would recommend! read more

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

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Just a short walk from the Mill Ave. stop on the light rail, step inside CAFFE BOA (est. 1994) and be transported to a world of simple elegance: a spring of rosemary nestles in with your silverware, and fresh flowers look like they are posing for a still life in the restroom.Treat yourself to an elegant lunch with unique menu items like the butter lettuce salad or a pasta dish made with pasta made fresh daily. Here's an ex: Coniglio made with Nicky Farms free range and slow roasted rabbit, foraged mushrooms, thyme, and pecorino. Perfect. Just perfect.An attentive and informative server completed my mini vacation away from the ordinary so I left satisfied and refreshed. A chalkboard announced there is live jazz on Mondays from 6-9, but call to check for that and other possible performances. read more

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Received this recommendation from a local. We arrived about 20 minutes before kitchen closed and I thought we would be rushed but not at all. The waiter very kindly sat us down and allowed us to take our time. We started off with the Calamari (not pictured) which was pretty good. For entree I chose the Ravioli Zucca and wow it was delicious. It's squash filled ravioli topped with sliced almonds, ricotta, and arugula. It was amazing! There was a sweet savory touch which I really enjoyed. I would prefer less arugula but that would just be a personal preference. The waiter again was very helpful with recommendations and very attentive. The ambiance was very authentic nice Italian restaurant. Glad we went with the recommendation. read more

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

Absolutely adore this place. It has become a place where my family goes for accomplishments and celebrations or if you just want some good food. Recently I took my husband on a date for helping through nursing school and the service was amazing. Ambiance is always so nice and clean even the bathroom. I will continue to frequent this place whenever I can. read more

Caffè Boa was really a cute spot. We went right when they opened their doors, so for the first 30 minutes it was just us in the restaurant. We sat and enjoyed the ambiance with the seating close to the windows. I really enjoyed the Ravioli Zucca. The bruschetta was a little underwhelming. My mom enjoyed the Fettuccine. We will definitely be back when we are in the area. We had to pay for timed parking outside with a meter, but we had enough time to shop around after our meal. Paid parking is available right outside the restaurant. There's a lot of shops nearby if you want to do some shopping. read more

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

It was our first time trying it last night and honestly the food was delicious. We came around 6:45 and it was a little busy. As someone who works in the industry it happens. Our server was very busy but he stopped by maybe twice to check on us. All in all seeing as how good the food was it overshadows any wait time on food. read more

Caffe Boa is phenomenal! Please understand that sometimes it gets busy and the wait will be a bit longer, but it's totally worth it! JJ as a server was just spectacular, and the food was a 10! We went for brunch and the steak and eggs is literally to die for! Hidden secret (because it's not advertised), but if you order an entrée during brunch a (Red or Champagne) Sangria OR Mimosa pitcher is only $15! That's like 5 full drinks! What a deal! Not too sweet and just fantastic. Sit outside on the lovely shaded patio with the gorgeous bougainvillea and enjoy the relaxing vibe. Cheers! read more

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Holy S*****. Yup. Pasta guy. Get here. That voodoo pasta is REAL good. Spice yes. Flavor. Yes. Cool bar - but the pasta outshines it all. Eat up yelpers. Again and again. read more

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

Had dinner on a Sunday evening, the restaurant was pretty empty. Our server was very attentive, we ordered the day boat, it was really flavorful and refreshing. I've had the fettuccine Bianca it's one of my favorite dishes there. The crème Carmel was so delicious, at the bottom of the Carmel it had a salty taste. So tiramisu was delicious definitely recommend. read more

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When in Tempe, I always look for new spots to try. One place that had been on my radar--but admittedly intimidated me with its charming façade--was Caffe Boa on Mill Avenue. Tonight, after a leisurely stroll, I finally decided to step inside. Walking in, I grabbed the wine menu, feeling a little overwhelmed at first. But as I browsed the selection, I found myself at ease--especially when I noticed the prices were quite reasonable for the quality. Settling in at the bar, I chose a glass of Grenache/Syrah/Cabernet from Château de Montfrin in Languedoc, France--a smooth, well-balanced choice. Perhaps it was the late hour (around 9 PM), but the atmosphere was peaceful and intimate. This place feels like a perfect spot for a romantic evening, yet it's equally ideal for a solo stop to enjoy a high-quality glass of wine in a relaxed setting. If you appreciate good wine and a refined yet approachable ambiance, Caffe Boa is well worth a visit. I'll definitely be back. read more

The Original Caffe Boa - Grenache Syrah Cab from Chateau de Montfrin, 2022 - New American Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

I loved everything about Caffe Boa other than my food. So why such a high review? The ambiance and service were excellent. We had a larger party and they sat us in a side room that was really nice. So the food. This really isn't my favorite kind of food. I'm not a huge fan of pasta and this kind of Italian food. I would have had an entree but nothing really stood out, so I just got a pasta. It was fine. We shared some appetizers that were fine. A few people got salads and most looked good. One friend really enjoyed the chopped salad but another got the SoCal Love and said it wasn't great and that the chicken was dry. I'll definitely give it another try and see if I can find some foods I enjoy. read more

10/10 SOOO GOOD Caroline is so sweet and kind I loved her she was amazing server and she was new! love this place the food is so fresh and good read more

Went in for dinner last night because we found this place recommended on Resy. So happy we did because it was so good! We started with two drinks. I asked for something sweet and the white wine sangria with the fruits really did the trick. The fresh fruit made it super fresh and sweet which was exactly what I was looking for. The 368 cocktail was STRONG. We like a good balance but if you like strong drinks, this is a good place to go to. Now for the appetizer, we started with the calamari and they were good! The sauce was balancing the slight oiliness of the calamari but I really loved the garlic addition. Good calamari, I wish the batter had a little more spices. (Just a suggestion) . As for the main course. I LOVED MY DISH. I got the Fettuccine Bianca and they were so good. Light, creamy and flavorful. My partners dish was the Voodoo Penne which everyone loves here, he liked them too BUT the amount of bell pepper was a bit heavier than expected. It's good for flavor but not good when it overpowers the whole dish. Now overall, we love a place that is not shy on their pasta sauce and this place was not so we will be back just for this! Let me talk about the service. Our server was outstanding. Gave great recommendations, was very attentive and was really easy to interact with. He improved our experience for sure! One piece of advice that I would recommend to improve the ambiance of this restaurant would be the music. It's such a cute Italian restaurant, great location, great patio etc but they were playing "2000's pop music" or something like that. Don't get me wrong I love my throwbacks but I feel like the vibe of the restaurant would improve if they played something a little nicer and more ambiental... Overall great experience just made some small suggestions read more

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The dining experience at Caffe Boa was absolutely wonderful! I met with a group of girlfriends at Caffe Boa for lunch and, oh my goodness, we left with full bellies and happy hearts! The staff was so fun and so kind. The menu options were fabulous and the food we ordered was fantastic! We had the opportunity to meet Jessalyn Italiano, the owner of this highly-recommended restaurant, and she was absolutely lovely. I highly, highly recommend coming here for lunch with friends, an intimate dinner, and a group event. Ask for JJ to take care of your party. He's so great! Be sure to order the charcuterie boards! They have beautiful salads and mouth-watering pasta dishes with a gluten free option! I will be sure to come back! read more

The Original Caffe Boa - The amazing streak salad! - New American Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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The food was delicious, the owner was super nice, and I heard positive things about the wine!

This has been a favorite for years. Do not confuse it with the ahwatukee location. Totally different place. Great lunch, brunch, happy hour and dinner. The gnocchi is amazing read more

We went for thanksgiving and the turkey was very dry but then they charge 20% extra which they explain up front but they do it on the total tab which includes tax and fees. They shouldn't do that. That's ripping people off. This place has gone down hill. Avoid read more