North Italia, the modern Italian concept that originated in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is beloved for its scratch-made cuisine and stunning craft cocktails, continues to grow its footprint in Arizona, with its newest location opening in Tempe on Wednesday, February 5. Located on 697 S. Novus Place, North Italia Tempe marks the restaurant group’s sixth location in The Grand Canyon State and succeeds the opening of its Peoria outpost, which debuted this past October.

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New North Italia: Nestled in the heart of Tempe

Situated in the bustling Novus Place, an entertainment district on Arizona State University’s (ASU) campus in downtown Tempe, North Italia is within walking distance to student and staff hot spots like Old Main, Noble Library, Hayden Library and the ASU Art Museum. It is also conveniently located near sports centers like Mountain America Stadium, Desert Financial Arena, Mullett Arena and Sun Devil Fitness Complex, in addition to the Tempe Improv, Tempe Town Lake Rural Road Bridge, Tempe Beach Park and more.

Whether guests are looking for game day refreshers, a midday lunch between classes or a happy hour after work, North Italia will quickly cement itself as a staple within the lively community.

The 9,787-square-foot dining space comfortably seats 157 guests inside the dining room and includes an indoor/outdoor bar as well as a fully covered patio that seats an additional 141 guests. Walls are donned with artwork that celebrates both the local Tempe community and Italian heritage, including a multi-dimensional mural showcasing the lore of a rooster – a symbol of good fortune and/or good luck in the kitchen per Italian tradition.

A taste of tradition: Local talent and seasonal flavors

At the helm of North Italia Tempe’s team are four long-time Arizonians: Regional Manager Antonia Wagner, Regional Chef Chris Barch, Executive Chef Luis Arellano and General Manager Matthew Shaloo. Guests of the newest location can enjoy their favorite North Italia dishes including the shareable Chef’s Board as well as creative pastas like the Trottole Chicken Pesto and pizza and the Spicy Meatball.

Guests can also indulge in standouts from the latest seasonal menu like the lunch-exclusive Hot Italian Stromboli with calabrese salami, Italian sausage, grilled piquillo pepper, red onion, ricotta, provolone, smoked mozzarella, basil and pesto, as well as the Lasagna Bianca al Forno with braised short rib, grana padano, provolone, mozzarella, and herb breadcrumbs.

Not to be missed are North Italia’s craft cocktails and zero-proof options, with inventive offerings like the Marco Polo featuring Iwai Japanese whisky, Montenegro, honey, ginger, and fresh lemon and the Limonata Rossa, a mocktail made with black cherry, fresh lemon and soda.

North Italia Tempe details

Reservations will soon be available via OpenTable. Guests can enjoy lunch, happy hour, dinner and weekend brunch service, plus takeout, online ordering and delivery via DoorDash.

Ahead of the opening, North Italia invites seasoned hospitality professionals and lovers of Italian cuisine and culture to join their team. Stop by their upcoming job fair on-site at North Italia Tempe (697 S. Novus Place, Tempe, AZ 85281) through Sunday, January 19^th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays – Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.