From breakfast and boba to burgers and Bourbon, explore Tempe’s newest district
These days, there is also a prominent collection of new buildings on the rise: Mullett Arena, Herberger Residence Hall, John S. McCain III Library and Museum (to come) and ASU Health (to come).
And somewhere between the past and the future, there’s a burgeoning 355 acres campus that’s now known as Novus Innovation Corridor. Originally created as a University Athletics Facilities District, Novus Innovation Corridor is on track to become an innovative, sustainable mixed-use development that includes:
• more than 10 million square feet of urban, mixed-use development once fully completed,
• approximately 4.5 million to 6.5 million square feet of Class A office space, and
• 4,100 multi-family residential units and around 700 to 1,000 hotel rooms.
Where To Dine
The Alley
The Alley, a purveyor of tea as well as atmosphere, made its Arizona debut at NOVUS Place. This is the spot for signature milk teas, fruit-infused drinks, a variety of handcrafted Deerioca (tapioca), ices coffee, espresso and a curated assortment of treats. The atmosphere cute, modern and inviting, so pull up a chair and hang out for a bit.
707 E. 6th St., Suite 165, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-932-9065
Blanco Cocina + Cantina
Blanco Cocina + Cantina is a buzzy, modern Mexican restaurant that offers a fresh twist on Sonoran-style cuisine. The menu includes a variety of tacos, burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas, fajitas and cheese crisps — accompanied by a bevy of starters, fresh salsas, zesty corn slaw, black or charro beans and cilantro lime rice. And then there’s the margaritas. Choose from classic, mango, pineapple + jalapeño or coconut, and that’s just the beginning of the cocktail program. Tequila flights and a roster of mezcal offerings will delight the most discerning palates. Grab a table inside the bright space or on the breezy patio and enjoy!
717 S. Novus Place, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-366-3717
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
What sets Blue Sushi Sake Grill apart is the restaurant’s committed to preserving the environment and serves feel-good sushi made with sustainable seafood. Not only are they the largest sushi group running a sustainably sourced seafood program in partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, but they also offer a diverse menu of traditional and creative maki, sashimi, nigiri, and one of the broadest vegan sushi menus in the country. Starters and shared plates get the party started, followed by a fast array of classic and specialty offerings. Cocktails, mocktails, wine, sake, beer and hot tea complete the experience. But with such exquisite creations as chocolate spring rolls and tempura fried ice cream, dessert should not be missed.
690 S. Novus Place, Suite 183, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-977-2583
Eureka! Tempe
This new concept is a celebration of America’s finest food and spirits. The spacious and sophisticated space features a sleek patio, indoor-outdoor bar, live music stage and scratch kitchen. A roster of gourmet burgers and signature and entrees spotlight the Eureka! philosophy of locally sources ingredients, innovative flavor combinations and elevated pairings. Speaking of which, taps here feature 20 craft beers from the best local breweries, over 40 small-batch whiskeys and craft cocktails that range from classic sips to over-the-top creations. Bonus: If you’ve ever wanted to join a whiskey club, Eureka! has details for you here.
690 S. Novus Place, Suite 173, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 602-242-4431
Flower Child
Flower Child has landed in Tempe, bringing its famous menu — loaded with nourishing, scratch-made goodness — to NOVUS Place. This bright and cheery fast-casual spot invites you stay a while and enjoy the vibes along with a bite to eat. The superpower here is that this menu celebrates all dining preferences, from vegetarian and vegan to gluten-free and paleo. Salads and bowls, bursting with unique flavor combinations, offer a brilliant base for customizing with your choice of protein. The build your own entree combo comprises a series of seasonal sides for a true choose-your-own-dining-adventure. Steak, mac & cheese and kale salad; salmon, yuzu Brussles sprouts and red chile glazed sweet potato; shrimp, cauliflower risotto and fresh fruit; tofu, sweet corn quinoa and roasted broccoli. Yes, yes, yes, yes. The only decision left is whether to pair it with a kombucha, iced tea, sangria, wine or beer.
737 S. Novus Place, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-366-3030
The Melt
The newest restaurant to join the roster at NOVUS Place is The Melt, a no-nonsense burger operation that’s recently added two Valley locations to its roster of California restaurants. This fast-casual concept specializes in ooey-gooey handhelds, including chicken sandwiches, burgers and. grilled cheese. Of course, you’ll also find mac ‘n’ cheese varieties, fries, soups, salads and shakes on the menu here too. For the best of both worlds, try the Mac Daddy grilled cheese, which comes loaded with — you guessed it — creamy mac ‘n’ cheese with and smoked bacon.
777 S. Novus Place, Suite 111, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-660-9716
North Italia
For more of an upscale experience, North Italia serves up modern Italian cuisine in a contemporary atmosphere, with a sophisticated roster of scratch-made antipasti, wood-fired pizzas, and creative pasta dishes. The menu offerings — from pork Milanese and Tortelloni al Pomodoro to squid ink Tonnarelli and ricotta Cavatelli — are rich and hearty. The variety of small plates, sides and chef’s boards make for a deliciously diverse tapas experience. The craft cocktail program and wine list are equally impressive, and expert pairing recommendations should not be taken lightly. Last, but not least, North offers and equally impressive weekend brunch. Bon appétit!
697 S. Novus Place, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 928-588-1007
Over Easy
As the newest addition to Tempe’s breakfast landscape, Over Easy brings a retro-meets-modern diner vibe to Novus Place. Aesthetically, the bright space, expansive patio and such décor as the custom neon wall make for a sunny way to start any day. This concept is known for creating energized takes on classic breakfast staples. Think: Golden Waffle Dogs, Chilaquiles and the Monte Cristo — as well as the classic dishes. Pro tip: Try the Banana Nut French Toast (as seen on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives).
690 S. Novus Place, Suite #707, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-912-6294
Salt & Straw
Much more than your typical ice cream parlor, Salt & Straw cooks, freezes, candies, smashes, drizzles, ribbons, spoons and sprinkles unique ingredients to create flavor profiles that will give you something to talk about. The philosophy here is that ice cream is a blank slate for storytelling, which is why there are no limits to the flavor possibilities. Olive oil, goat cheese, liqueur, wild nettles are just a few examples of cameos in the featured flavors of the month. Of course, there are less inventive options, including the beloved classics, dairy-free selections and even pup-cups for your fur babies.
690 S. Novus Place, #175, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 602-898-1455
Where To Shop
Sparky’s Shop at Novus
The first retailer at Novus Place — Sparky’s Shop — opened its doors in September 2026. Perfectly located near Mullett Arena, Desert Financial Arena and Mountain America Stadium, this ASU team store is a convenient stop for fans heading to or from games. Inventory includes apparel, accessories, gifts and other game-day essentials.
777 S. Novus Place, Suite 117, Tempe | 602-334-4351
Where To Stay
Hyatt House Tempe / Phoenix / University
Hyatt Place Tempe / Phoenix / University
This dual-branded property, located just steps from ASU Tempe Campus, offers suites and standard studio rooms that are beautiful and comfortable. Their rooftop bar and pool give you great views of Mountain America Stadium (formerly Sun Devil Stadium) and Desert Financial Arena. Other modern amenities and a covered parking garage ensure a great stay when visiting Tempe.
601 E. 6th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-207-1578
