Just in time for spring, North Italia — a modern Italian dining sweetheart in the Valley — expanded to Tempe. That’s one more North Italia to love and one more opportunity to indulge in the unique menu twists and surprises for which the eatery is known. Recently, we got a chance to visit this vibrant indoor/outdoor venue in the heart of Novus Place to get a taste of what the Tempe location has in store.

North Italia Tempe musts:

• Try the Piña No-Lada, a refreshingly delicious non-alcoholic piña colada
• Add fried capers to North Italia’s already flavor-packed Caesar Salad
• Order a Margherita pizza “tie dye” style

Novus and North Italia = Match made in heaven

If you haven’t been to the Novus Corridor, go check it out. While not yet fully occupied, Novus Place hums with an exciting, vibey energy, making North Italia a perfect fit. In addition to inside dining amid a trendy, modern backdrop (accommodating up to 157 guests), the patio seats an additional 141 patrons. The lights and open layout of the outdoor area make it inviting and ideal for al fresco dining. 

Unique twists on traditional favorites

One of the aspects of North Italia I’ve always appreciated is its unique twists on traditional Italian dishes — each one has distinct flavors while maintaining the integrity of the old-world favorites we’ve grown to love and adore (pizza, bolognese, Caesar salad and more).

Let’s start with the pizza. We were introduced to the Margherita with mozzarella, fresh basil, EVOO and red sauce, but here’s a twist; you can order this pizza “tie dye” style. This means that in addition to all the Margherita staples, your pizza gets a dose of pesto drizzle — and there you have your very own tie-dye pie!

One of my personal favorites is the Little Gem Caesar with grated Grana Padano, herb breadcrumbs and cracked pepper. Our writer Alison orders this with fried capers, which I recently tried… and I’ll never go back! The crispy, salty little orbs add a kick to the salad you didn’t know you needed. 

Pastas for all paisans

North Italia is known for its delectable pasta plates. The Ricotta Cavatelli with lump crab, tiger shrimp, peperoncino, mint and lemon olive oil is a gem, as is the house specialty Bolognese with traditional meat sauce, pappardelle, grana padano, wild oregano and EVOO. We recommend pairing your pasta with the White Truffle Garlic Bread topped with house-made ricotta, mozzarella, grana padano and herbs.

Salute with specialty drinks

To accompany all the creative eats North Italia has to offer is a fully-stocked beverage menu. From cocktails and wines to Sangria and more, there’s a food/drink pairing for everyone. Our table thoroughly enjoyed two of the beverage menu mocktails: The Just Peachy with a mix of white peach, raspberry, lemon and ginger beer and the Piña No-Lada (a refreshingly delicious non-alcoholic piña colada).

Parting isn’t sweet sorrow with these sweets!

You’ll want to save room for dessert too, because why wouldn’t you when Dark Chocolate Budino with whipped crème fraîche, chocolate pearls, amarena cherries and a pine nut wedding cookie are involved? There’s also Seasonal Butter Cake and Tiramisu to finish off your Italian smorgasbord. 

To learn more, visit northitalia.com/locations/tempe-az.