Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Original Caffe Boa

    3.6 (942 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

    Order The Original Caffe Boa Takeout or Delivery

    The Original Caffe Boa Photos

    Business Info

    THE ORIGINAL CAFFE BOA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    More like The Original Caffe Boa

    Recommended Reviews - The Original Caffe Boa

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Butternut Squash Ravioli dish - A-
    Jennifer J.

    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.

    board. From left to right: salami & cheese, salmon, Bruschetta
    Cynthia P.

    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.

    Formaggi I Salumi (Charcuterie Board)
    Jenna T.

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

    Reuben
    Shelbie P.

    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.

    Chau B.

    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.

    Gnocchi Fricassee
    Scarlet P.

    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!

    Haboob cocktail and beer - Dec 2024
    Candace C.

    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.

    You had me at Chimay on tap!!
    Nelson L.

    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.

    Lasagna
    Courtney H.

    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.

    Joyce S.

    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.

    Ravioli Zucca
    Aileen Q.

    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.

    Ravioli Zucca
    Angie S.

    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.

    Denise M.

    We came here before going to a show at Gammage Auditorium. This must be a frequent stop for people on their way to Gammage, because as soon as we entered and got seated, the server asked if we were headed to a show there. We said yes, and she promised to get us out in time. Caffe Boa has a great atmosphere with lots of dark wood and exposed brick. We sat in the little sunroom separated from the dining room with our doorways. It's brighter in there. There's a separate bar and a glassed off room for more private dining. One of the best things about this place is the great art posters, all having to do with wine. The food here is fantastic. Hubby had the spaghetti and meatballs. The meatballs were delicious, although I admit I love all meatballs. I did like the red sauce, which I can be a little picky about, and would definitely order anything with the red sauce. I had the steak salad, which was very large. It was dressed greens with sliced steak on the side, and I could hardly finish it. I did, because it was soooo good, but I left feeling stuffed. Caffe Boa is a really great place in general, but especially Great for a pre-event dinner in Tempe.

    Cheers! Red sangria pitcher!

    See all

    Photo of Mika J.
    2
    12
    15

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 days ago

    I loved the bolognese, ate the whole bowl. Can't wait to have it again. The cheese bread is to die for!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 4

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    17 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Sha R.
    2
    10
    0

    28 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jessalyn I.

    Jessalyn I.

    Thank you for your review and supporting local!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 2
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jessalyn I.

    Jessalyn I.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Nicole  D.
    28
    112
    181

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jessalyn I.

    Jessalyn I.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chris W.
    1099
    128
    9

    5 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Food sucks! The service is just meh. The ambiance is cozy but that's it about this place.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jennifer R.
    13
    181
    220

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jessalyn I.

    Jessalyn I.

    Thank you for your review and thank you for supporting local!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Debbie M.
    82
    127
    9

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jessalyn I.

    Jessalyn I.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jessalyn I.

    Jessalyn I.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joshua A.
    87
    31
    64

    2 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Jessalyn I.

    Jessalyn I.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    Page 1 of 24

    Ask the Community - The Original Caffe Boa

    You might also consider

    Alter Ego Tempe - Indoor area

    Alter Ego Tempe

    (243 reviews)

    $$

    Odd description on their Yelp "About" because this is not a rooftop view. It's on the street…read morelevel. Nonetheless, this place was a great surprise. Our group of 8 ended up here when another Tempe restaurant had a kitchen emergency and cancelled our reso an hour before dinner. Alter Ego was able to accommodate us, and we were glad they did. If you enter from the street side you'd never know you're in a hotel restaurant. It's got an upscale, classy vibe not usually seen in hotel dining. The waiter and bartender were attentive and knowledgeable. The menu wasn't huge but it was a great variety of options. Table had some salads, flatbreads, burgers and a round of butter cake desserts. Each was really, really good. Way more sophisticated plates than expected. Also had a bunch of craft cocktails, unique and well made. Sometimes the best experiences are unplanned. But you SHOULD plan to give this place a try.

    I came to Alter Ego Tempe this morning with my wife expecting brunch... and instead got an…read moreimmersive, interactive escape room experience called "Find the Hostess." We walked in and were immediately greeted by... absolutely no one. There was what might have been a hostess stand, or possibly a modern art installation--I'm still not sure. After doing a full lap like we were casing the place for a heist, we confirmed: no hostess, no sign, no clues. Just vibes. Naturally, we migrated to the bar like confused NPCs waiting for a quest. Stood there. Made eye contact. Practiced our "we are clearly humans who would like to eat" stance. Nothing. Not even a nod. At this point, I was considering ordering invisibility cloaks since we were clearly already wearing them. Finally, we move to the front of the bar where someone acknowledges us and says, "Oh yeah, just go to the hostess stand... she'll be back." Ah yes--the elusive hostess. A mythical creature. So we return to the podium of mystery and wait. Eventually, an older woman appears (possibly summoned by our collective confusion) and seats us. Progress. We sit down. No water. No greeting. No "hey, glad you solved the puzzle and made it to Level 2." Just silence. About 7 minutes later, two guys get seated right next to us. Within 4 minutes, a server rushes over to them like they're VIPs at a Vegas club and takes their drink order... while we're sitting there like decorative furniture. At that point, we realized we weren't dining--we were extras in someone else's restaurant experience. So we left. To whoever manages this place: you might want to check the tape. Not even to fix things--just to appreciate the full cinematic masterpiece of how impressively this all unfolded. Honestly, it'd make a great training video titled "What If We Just Didn't?" Would I come back? Only if there's a leaderboard next time so I know how close I was to unlocking the "Order Coffee" achievement.

    Morning Squeeze - tempe restaurants with patios

    Morning Squeeze

    (439 reviews)

    $$

    This brunch spot offers generous portions and solid food quality that ultimately make the menu…read moreprices feel justified. While the ambience is fairly simple, the overall experience is a positive one, especially once the food arrives. I ordered the lox and bagel and was impressed by how substantial the portion was. The lox was generously layered, with a large amount of arugula on top. The arugula appeared to be lightly dressed with olive oil, which added great flavor. While it did not fully align with my personal dietary preferences, it was well executed, and I would be happy to return to see if it can be adjusted. The dirty chai was another highlight in terms of flavor. It was well spiced and not overly sweet, which I appreciated. Although it was described as very hot when delivered, it arrived closer to lukewarm, but the taste itself was enjoyable. Service was efficient and attentive. The check was dropped off relatively early, which initially felt a bit quick, but our server continued to check in on us throughout the meal, creating a balanced and courteous experience. The fresh squeezed orange juice was excellent, and everything we ordered was well prepared. Parking in the area can be challenging, though the nearby parking structure behind Pedalhaus makes it more manageable. Overall, this is a reliable brunch option with strong portions, thoughtful flavors, and enough positives to make it a place I would gladly return to.

    Decided to give morning squeeze another chance…read more My boyfriend ordered the butter cake French toast, and I had the BLTA with fries. The French toast was the star of it all. It was absolutely delicious and the best part of the dining experience. The BLTA (Bacon Lettuce Tomato Avacado) sandwich was way too heavy on the lettuce and the bread was quite hard, making it difficult to eat. It was moreso a handheld salad. Service was okay, though not especially attentive, as our water wasn't refilled. At the host stand there was some confusion when we arrived. She didnt realize we were standing there and then when my boyfriend asked a question about a menu item she didnt respond. Not sure if she was just not paying attention, the music was too loud, or didnt want to converse with us. Sort of awkward. Overall, the experience was mixed, but the butter cake French toast was delicious.

    Original ChopShop

    Original ChopShop

    (692 reviews)

    $$

    We discovered (well really re-discovered after 5+ years) Original ChopShop when we were in town for…read morethe IronMan. What a delicious surprise and local gem, right near ASU. They serve salads, bowls, sandwiches, all-day breakfast, protein shakes, fresh juices, and other healthy, fast-casual eats for dine-in or take-away. My kind of place! This is one of those spots that I'd frequent if I lived nearby (ChopShop, want to open in Northern California?!). I stumbled upon this spot after a little self-guided tour of ASU campus on a sleepy Sunday morning (everyone must have been asleep after the big football game the day before). I'd forgotten about this spot and it was such a happy surprise to find it again and to see that they survived the pandemic and are still thriving. First visit I ordered: -Cheat Day Wrap: scrambled egg, bacon, white cheddar, smashed avocado, tomato, brown rice (I ordered without rice), and turkey or ham (I skipped these too) *DELISH on a whole wheat wrap!!! Full of flavor and super easy to eat. This hearty breakfast sando fueled my active morning of hiking "A" Mountain (Hayden Butte Preserve) the running around the the IronMan course to spectate (30,000+ steps as a spectator!). We couldn't leave town without another trip. I took my guy and we enjoyed a salad, another breakfast wrap, and: -Chicken + Prosciutto Sandwich: grilled chicken, prosciutto, fontina, arugula, fig mostarda, dijon (no dijon for us), on a house bun. If you're in the area, looking for a healthy-ish breakfast, lunch, or snack, definitely check out Original ChopShop. Note: it gets busy at peak meal hours with students and faculty. Order at the kiosks (super easy), grab a number, find a table in their cozy interior or on their large front patio, and your food will be brought to you. Have a question? Just ask - the staff were very friendly and helpful in guiding our choices. And I love that they allow modifications to most menu items! We'll be back!!!

    As I was riding my bike, I saw this place and made a quick stop to try it out…read more Now, make no mistake: this place has so many healthy items on its menu that it should please just about any health nut. But my first experience was not that great. They had plenty of places to sit, whether you like to sit indoors or outdoors. I decided to try the "Glow Up Shake," which is their protein shake. The shake was okay; it didn't blow me away. Considering that it has banana, pineapple, dates, etc., I was hoping it would melt in my mouth with a galaxy of flavor--darn, no such luck. But like I said, it was an okay drink that I think others might like. Now, as for the $3 pre-wrapped Triple Chocolate Chip Cookie? The first cookie they brought me was hard as a diamond. I asked if they could heat it up to soften it a bit like they do at Starbucks, but he said they can't? Wow, I didn't realize that heating a Triple Chocolate Chip Cookie was so complex that it can't be done by some places. Anyway, the minor good news was he brought me a different cookie that was soft enough to bend and break off a piece and chew without worrying about breaking a tooth. But the big question is, will I be back? Of course I will; the place has a plethora of healthy food which I like. And I'm sure when I order something other than a diamond-hard Triple Chocolate Chip Cookie, my experience will be somewhat better. This place does have a fantastic Wi-Fi. That's a plus.

    The Original Caffe Boa - newamerican - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...