Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Tempe

At Desert Roots Kitchen, items are prepared so fresh that its guests need to check the menu online daily at 10AM if they want to know what to order upon arrival. In the kitchen, chef/owner Leslie Robin prepares wraps, sandwiches, salads and other vegetarian/vegan dishes with an emphasis on healthy sustenance. The wrap-of-the-day is her highlight dish, and with variations like Moroccan Peanut Lentil, Sriracha Pineapple Lentil, BBQ Pinto Bean and many others, eating healthy never tasted so good.

Located on bustling Mill Avenue, Rúla Búla Irish Pub offers new Irish cuisine on the menu, but you'll still find Fish 'n' Chips, Guinness Pie and Lamb Stew on there as well. The decor is definitely traditional, with rustic wooden tables, Celtic motif and a convivial atmosphere all inside a colorful yellow and blue building. The name roughly translates from Gaelic to English as 'Uproar and Commotion', and on any given night, you can see why. The menu is composed of dishes like Steamed Mussels, Pan Seared Alaskan Cod, Bistro Filet Medallions and the Hot Bollix Spicy Potato Balls made with rashers, scallions and Cheddar cheese are must-try appetizers. For entertainment, Rúla has live music throughout the week as well as other events like trivia, fundraisers, etc.

Established in 1994, husband and wife owners, Jay and Christine Wisniewski are certified sommeliers, so to say they know their wine is an understatement. Their passion for wine has translated into wonderful recipes in the kitchen, where the menu is a fine selection of carefully created seasonal and organic specialties. The excellent wine list has received a number of national accolades and it boasts a selection of nearly 500 labels. The bistro's interiors have a modern decor, with brick-exposed walls and the beautifully decorated outdoor patio is also perfect for a romantic lunch or dinner.

The dining room of the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel turns out innovative combinations of classic cuisine with contemporary regional ingredients. Its proximity to Arizona State University and casual, bistro-like setting makes it a favorite with students for special occasions.

Ncounter is a hip, little eatery located right in front of the Mill Avenue/3rd Street light rail stop, a feature which makes it ultra-convenient. Ncounter is only open for breakfast and lunch, however anyone visiting during these hours will be pleasantly surprised. The heart healthy menu offers creamy smoothies, fluffy omelettes, hearty sandwiches and vitamin packed salads. Indoors, everything is served in a modern convivial space, although at times it may be difficult to find a table. Nonetheless, you can dine on the outdoor patio which actually makes for a better seating option, depending on the season.

Fat Tuesdays has been an institution on Mill Avenue for decades, known for its slushy frozen daiquiris which spin in mixers behind the bar. Many of these frozen drinks use grain alcohol which translates into strength, so if you want to maintain some semblance of sobriety, try the Fruit Cocktail, Mango or the Peach Bellini. In addition to frozen slush, the bar still has a nice selection of local beers from nearby breweries. Fat Tuesday's also serves bar food like wings, nachos, burgers, wraps and salads to soak up those strong drinks.