I never expected a place like this to be on Mill Ave! My friends and I were looking for a nice place to eat while we had an out of town guest, and this spot was one of the options. They spoke highly of it so I was excited to try it out. The wine list is extensive and slightly overwhelming, so I went with a cocktail instead. Next time I am back, I'll explore the wines a little more. The drink I chose is called Smoky and the Bandito - mezcal, yellow chartreuse and a few ingredients to make it spicy. Highly recommend if you like mezcal. For food, I got the fettuccine with salmon. I ate the whole thing because it was so dang good. We also started with an order of calamari, but we ate that before I could get a photo. Dessert isn't something I usually get, as I'm typically too full, but I figured I could have a few bites and take it to-go. I went with the espresso mocha torta, while my friends got the crepe, tiramisu, and the creme caramel. I like that they had a variety of options and all servings were enough to share if you couldn't decide between two things. I was also expecting it to be "fancy", but it was more casual/date night vibes with table lighting and overall mood. Don't feel like you can't come here after a football game or with a family+kids. Overall the experience was great. One thing that brought this rating down was the service. Our server seemed overwhelmed and never asked if we wanted a second round of drinks. He was very kind, but we were left sitting while waiting on him a couple times. I won't let that stop me from returning as I want to try more of their menu. read more

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Caffe Boa has become my favorite! I live in California and have now twice eaten at Cafe Boa while visiting our daughter and son in law in AZ. Each time, the food was exquisite! The service is top notch and the atmosphere is welcoming and relaxing, while keeping an upscale vibe. We will most definitely go back again for a third time and more! read more

I was in town for business and made a reservation through Rezy. Dinner was on a Monday night so a reservation wasn't necessary but it's always nice to have just in case. Our server, Chris J (according to the receipt), was very friendly and attentive. There was live music! On a Monday! I was impressed. The band played laid-back jazz consisting of a piano player, upright bass and I couldn't see what the other musician was playing from my vantage point. Anyways, the food... Calamari (4/5) - lightly battered and covered in garlic and parsley. It was a bit oily but still tasty. Served with a spicy aioli SoCal Salad (4/5) - light tasty dressing. I loved that the tomato slices were seasoned and not just thrown on the plate for garnish only. Chris knew we were sharing the salad and split it on separate plates for us. Sicilian Cioppino (4/5) - i don't get this often so i don't have much to compare it to but it was so tasty. Filled with seafood and ground Italian sausage. read more

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Highway robbery! My friend and I went for lunch on Ash Wednesday. First we waited five minutes to be greeted and sat. It appeared they had one person working the lunch shift and she had about 10 tables. I asked for a side of pasta in marinara sauce with no meat in order to honor the first day of lent. They accommodated my request and served me a side portion of pasta. The waitress never brought us our bill and we were going to be late back for work so I took her our credit cards. When i saw my charge receipt they charged me $24 for a meatballs entree!!! I didn't have meatballs and I didn't have an entree size portion of pasta!! No time to argue I decided I'd email them via their website....no response!! I'm so disappointed in the entire experience. Sad thing is on that side of Tempe it's the only decent place to eat in walking distance of my office . Most likely won't be back. read more

So good! Cute and cozy place with great food! I ordered the lasagna and it was amazing! read more

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

This place is the best! We called ahead for a large party reservation (over 10 people). In my experience, many restaurants will charge table minimums for groups this size. Caffe Boa allowed us to call a month in save the table with no added fee (note: there are options for private rooms here, which are available for a charge, but we were ok with being seated in the common area). The server was wonderful and was able to provide excellent food and drink recommendations. We ordered the Conglio and Fettuccine Bianca - both 10/10. This place also has great cocktails and mocktails. We ordered a fresh strawberry lemonade, the 398, queen's gambit, and black Anastasia. The server also offered us a complimentary dessert for our celebration. Strongly recommend this place. read more

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This place was recommended by the concierge at the hotel. We showed up a little after 5 and were told they weren't taking walk ins so we sat at the bar. Our server came over after 10 minutes and gave us menus to look at. We ordered what most people had recommended- fettuccini and the voodoo pasta. The food was ok- nothing exciting. We were there over an hour and the server only gave us one drink. Never refilled our waters or asked if we needed anything. Service was not that great considering it was not that busy. Both couples next to us also had to wait 10 minutes to even get menus. Our kids were never given silverware or napkins either. read more

I love the fettuccine pasta here. It's best fettuccine I've had in the US and I've been to Italy, New York and San Francisco many times! The texture is fantastic as I like thin noodle threads not the thick doughy fettuccine so the white crème sauce adds so much flavor. The Aiyana music band outdoors in the beautiful patio on Sundays was fantastic to hear live music. Super family friendly with great drinks and sangria for a family and friends get together. Highly recommend coming for Aiyana Music band. read more

The food was amazing! We split two entrees and an appetizer and it was all really good. The actual place itself is very welcoming and aesthetically pleasing. The food did take a while to come out, and our server was a little M.I.A at times, but the overall experience was great. Not a place to go if you just want a quick bite, but if you have the time to wait, it is so worth it. read more

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

The food was excellent. The flavor of the Congilio was scrumptious and the rabbit was tender and not too gamey. The halibut was cooked to perfection. We were a little disappointed with the server. Many misses. Did not tell us about specials until we asked after overhearing from the other server. Same with free dessert if going to Gamage. We overheard and asked. Then proceed to ask about 4 times during our meal what we wanted. When we did she brought it when we were not done with our delicious meal so the ice cream melted by the time we were done. We asked for a replacement which she did. But should have noticed not done with meal so why bring the dessert. During our time we felt rushed even though we were not in a hurry nor was there a line waiting. read more

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

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Let me take you back to the mid-90s, when Friends was must-see TV, cargo pants were inexplicably cool, and I discovered a little slice of Italy tucked away on Mill Avenue called Caffe Boa. Back then, my idea of fine dining was successfully not burning my Top Ramen, but this place? This place was fancy with a capital F. Fast forward to today, and while my hair has gotten thinner and Mill Avenue's seen more changes than a chameleon in a crayon factory, Caffe Boa stands there like your reliable Italian uncle who still makes the best sauce in town. The surrounding bars may be playing music that makes me feel ancient, but step inside Boa, and suddenly I'm that college kid again (just with better taste in wine and the ability to actually afford it). Working on Mill these days, I've developed what I call the "Boa Gravitational Pull." It's a scientific phenomenon where around dinner time, my feet automatically start shuffling in Boa's direction, as if drawn by the magnetic force of their garlic bread. The fact that it's walking distance from my office is both a blessing and a curse - blessing for my soul, curse for my attempts at portion control. Let's talk about their lasagna - or as I like to call it, "The Great Wall of Pasta." This isn't just a serving of lasagna; it's a geometric miracle. It arrives at your table looking like it was designed by an Italian architect, swimming in a bolognese sauce so good it should have its own Instagram account. The cream-tinted sauce isn't just a sauce; it's a silk robe for your taste buds. Then there's the Ravioli Zucca, which is Italian for "pillows of joy stuffed with butternut squash." Topped with hazelnuts and sage in a garlic butter sauce, it's the kind of dish that makes you want to hug the chef and ask if they're taking adoption applications. The hazelnuts add a crunch that says, "Hey, you're eating something fancy!" while the garlic butter sauce whispers, "Don't you dare leave a single drop on this plate." The drink menu is where things get interesting. Sure, you could go for a classic cocktail or wine (their wine list is longer than my college thesis), but then there's Rakija. For the uninitiated, Rakija is a Balkan fruit brandy that puts hair on your chest (metaphorically speaking - I hope). It comes in flights, which is perfect because after the first taste, you might need your taste buds to call in reinforcements. Caffe Boa has hosted more first dates than a dating app and more graduation dinners than I can count. It's where awkward first date conversations have blossomed into marriages, and where "I can't believe we're graduating" has turned into "I can't believe our kids are graduating." While Mill Avenue around it has morphed from record stores to whatever-young-people-are-into-these-days, Boa remains steadfast, like that one friend who never went through an embarrassing fashion phase. It's still the perfect escape from the thumping bass of nearby clubs, offering a slice of serenity with a side of perfectly al dente pasta. Pro tip: If you're going for dinner, make a reservation. Nothing says "I should have planned better" like watching couples inside enjoying their romantic pasta while you're outside contemplating the life choices that led to this moment. P.S. To all my fellow Mill Avenue workers - yes, that was me you saw power-walking toward Boa at 5:01 PM. No, I will not apologize for my pasta enthusiasm. read more

What happened to this place? As I was leaving, I saw a server who had just finished their shift. They were in tears next to their car. Not my business but they seemed in distressed. They were like a waterfall of emotions. So many issues with the way they and other employee's are treated so poorly. The food is fine. But treating minimum wagers like garbage is inexcusable. If the management were ever on site, I'd let them know face to face. read more

I've been a regular customer at this place for many years. I've NEVER had a bad meal, bad service, or bad experience. The food is always superb. They use local sourced farm to table staples to create wonderful and unique dishes. The staff and owners are always pleasant. You simply can't go wrong here! read more

Awesome food and service... Zia was very attentive and knowledgeable. Wonderful first class restaurant.

I've been to Caffe Boa on Mill several times and I ALWAYS look forward to it. Not only is the food delicious, but you can find more than just your run-of-the-mill Italian fare on the menu. The vibes in the dining area are spot on, and the staff has always been friendly! I've enjoyed everything I've tried there whether it came from the kitchen or the bar. Definitely recommend! read more

The food is amazing! I tried the ravioli zucca and I would definitely order it again. I wasn't expecting the goat cheese and greens on top but it was a really nice addition! The #1 complaint is the speed of the bar!!!! This time and the previous time I have been here the wait for drinks is crazy. I got my second drink after I finished my food and had to chug whiskey on my way out. read more

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Great food. Diverse menu. Friendly service. In a cool location in downtown Tempe. Been there a few times since the mid 1990s.

Have been going there for years... Love their eclectic menu and their proximity to Mill Avenue and close hotels. If you haven't been there, you have to give this place a try... You won't be sorry.!!! read more

Amazing! Love Caffe Boa Tempe! It's a classy but casual vibe. The service is top notch! So friendly and knowledgeable of the menu. They get it right with the food- it's perfection! Always a favorite with my family and friends! read more

Caffe Boa is never disappointing!! The staff and the food is simply amazing. such a cool place to hang out with friends and family. Highly recommend that you take your group there for an awesome experience- love love love them read more

Ambiance was different, was dead on a Wednesday evening. Sat at the bar and just got the vibe something was off. No music so super quiet. I ordered a glass of wine and the butternut squash ravioli. I was disappointed in the portion of my meal.... It was very good though. I was pleasantly surprised when I got my bill though, it was like $22 for my wine and meal. Had I known the prices I would have ordered more and likely been satisfied. read more

Caffe Boa is a great little place to eat or just go for a drink. The service we received from our server Christina was exemplary. She was obviously very busy but still took the time to check on us often. We enjoyed a great meal and were treated so well, we will definitely return and will ask for the same server! read more

This place was not on our radar, but we happened to be in Downtown Tempe, and we were HONGRY. We thought Italian food? Can't go wrong with that. We came during the day time, and there was not a lot of folks, before dinner rush hour started pouring in. And it was the sweetest vibe. It was relaxed, but romantic. The brick walls, and the windows were set in a modernistic style, but had a luxurious feel. The gentleman that helped us was very attentive and charming. The food was good, and filled us up quite well. I would recommend coming here to have eats with wines. It seems they lean quite heavily on that part. We came here last year, idr when exactly. read more

This was an excellent Mother's Day location. Two of my sons took me out and we had brunch and a picture of sangria. Oh boy sangria! Glad I wasn't driving. read more

I love stopping by this place every time I am in Tempe. It has an amazing vibe. Its centrally located and close to the shopping. I like to come here on the weekends to grab food or drinks before heading out to a bar or club. The service is always amazing, especially at the bar. The wine list is extensive and you'll have no issues finding something you like. I lean more towards cocktails so i usually get something off the specialty cocktails menu. I don't even like gin but the Queen's Gambit is my favorite drink. The fettuccine is amazing, its a must have and the tiramisu is a perfect way to end the night. I definitely recommend this place. The food is delicious, the service is amazing and the restaurant is clean and well taken care of. read more

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

We recently went here for a casual anniversary dinner during their happy hour. If you sit by in the bar area (there are high tables and low tables), you can order from their happy hour menu that includes both drinks and food. It was such a good deal given the price and portion. We had the happy hour calamari and mussels. The calamari was lightly battered and paired with a tangy and creamy sauce. The mussels were well seasoned although they were a bit too savory to my taste. We had two whiskey cocktails as our round 1 drinks. The presentation for my drink was worth a picture if not a video. The bartender came to my table and lit a fresh bunch of rosemary on fire and placed it on top of the glass. The drink was good but I prefer to have a spirit-forward taste instead. My partner's drink on the other hand was not that great. It was super sour for some reason, almost like tasting white vinegar. He had a Belgian dark beer to finish the meal, which was definitely better than the cocktail that he got. We also ordered the voodoo penne, which was amazing. I did not expect it to be this good at first, but the sauce was creamy and flavorful. We had to dip the bread that came with the mussels into the pasta sauce, which was a genius move. I also tried dipping the calamari into the sauce, which was another smart combination. The ambiance of this place was cozy while classic. It felt like an authentic European restaurant when you first walked in. But as you sat down and took a look at the decorations around you, it felt young, lively, and inviting. We are excited to come back for their wine and charcuterie boards! read more

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Great food, amazing staff. Beautiful outdoor patio surround by bougainvillea in a great part of Tempe. We met for lunch. The food was fresh and the presentation of everything was just lovely. My Salmon Niçoise salad was the best I've tasted in a very long time. The salmon was cooked perfectly. Service was attentive and friendly. The pace leisurely and relaxed. Will definitely go back. Highly recommend. read more

I was told that this was a French restaurant, only to show up and be pleasantly surprised that it was actually Italian! The inside is pretty uniquely decorated - some of the artwork drew laughs from our group. I had the rabbit, which usually tastes like chicken to me. We also cycled through a bunch of appetizers, drinks and desserts. Overall a pretty good dining setting, with above average food in my book. I wouldn't hesitate to come back. It does get crowded for dinner, so be sure to make a reservation. read more

The Original Caffe Boa - For the table. - New American Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Unfortunately, my experience at Caffe Boa was far from satisfactory. The staff's lack of attentiveness and subpar customer service left much to be desired, especially given the pricing of the dishes. Stars is for the food... read more

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A lot like most places that fancy themselves as upscale. The only thing upscale is the price. Chicken was dry. Pasta dishes weren't any better than fast food places. Also they don't have soda or fountain drinks at all, so if you don't / can't drink alcohol, you're mostly out of luck. The one in Ahwatukee is far better. read more

I ordered the Lamb Shank and it was very good but my friend got the Prime Rib and the steak was undercooked, unseasoned, and visually unappealing as well. Our waitress was great and the atmosphere is nice but the management didn't seem to care about our concern with the steak. Aside from the steak, it was a good meal and I had a good time. read more

Average Italian place. I ordered the special of the night which was risotto with scallops. The scallops got a bit of the strange taste because the chef didn't cook the scallops properly to remove that taste (that I can't describe). I found some restaurants that cook the scallops well removed that taste or maybe better quality scallops? The risotto has too much butter/oil at the bottom that is overly greasy and I can't eat the bottom layer. Their calamari is a bit disappointing as it is not fried well to make it really crispy. Got other stuff too for our table and everything was pretty average and not a great place to eat but still good enough ish. read more

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We have been here a few times without incident, but last night was the worst. This was our wedding anniversary, special dinner and it could not have gone worse. We had the babysitter for a certain amount of time and the service was so poor and the food so long in arriving to us that when it finally got to us, we had to take it in boxes to go. Also - they were out of the butternut squash ravioli, which is why we went in the first place. The server kept apologizing, but nothing was taken off the bill or discounted despite having to wait for our food for an hour and a half. The couple at the table next to us was waiting even longer than we were. Not cool. We won't be back and will not recommend. read more

This is a great place for an early dinner with their happy hour food deals. I think a couple other places in the area do bruschetta better, but their mussels were fantastic and their dessert cannot be beat! If you come on a night you're headed to Gammage and show your tickets, they give you a free dessert. It's a perfect pairing for a classy date night in Tempe. We had great service from T. The staff seem to be knowledgable about their wine selection, which is pretty wide. I enjoyed their recommendations, but I'd have to come back a dozen times to try half the drinks menu. For a fun time, sit at the bar and go for the mystery flight. read more

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

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Fabulous! Delicious meal, perfectly competent service and tasteful Jazz make for a lovely Monday night out. Started with Gazpacho with Shrimp was outstanding! Hand made Fetticini Bianchi with salmon was excellent. Very nice atmosphere, nice for a special occasion. I'm a lover of Jazz so I highly recommend Monday night for that reason. read more

Came here with friends before going to Gammage. *Make sure you get your free dessert if you are seeing a show!! Overall bright and sleek atmosphere. The tables felt a little close together and had to talk loud to be heard over the music. Sometimes it felt like we were part of other group's conversations. I forget the name of the drink that I got but it was delicious and pink. We started with a salad that was mostly arugula and other mixed greens. I had the Pollo entree. The sauce with it was perfect. My friends had the Voodoo Pasta and the Fettuccine. Both friends loved them. Will probably return again to try a pasta dish next time. read more

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

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Cute place! I like that the table setting had a sprig of rosemary with the silverware. The service was on point considering how big our group was, but it also wasn't very busy that Sunday evening. I got the "Agnolotti" Boa and it was good, I wasn't wow'd by it though. A friend ordered the Coniglio and said it was good. I noticed that the drinks didn't look or taste the same when ordered the exact same one. It is a bit pricey here but I would come back to try something else next time. read more

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

The charcuterie board was delicious! One of the best I've ever had. Order extra bread if sharing with lots of ppl because you'll need it. Pesto gnocchi wasn't the best gnocchi I've ever had. Pesto, veggies, and cheese were delicious, but actual gnocchi tastes like a mushy potato. It was just a weird texture and gnocchi doesn't usually taste like I'm eating a straight up potato even though I know that's what it's made of. Bread pudding wasn't amazing either. Just average without much flavor and I don't like raisins. Overall, I'd definitely eat there again and get the charcuterie board, but just a different entree and maybe dessert at a different place. read more

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

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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

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