UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.
#9. Tempe
Much like an upcoming prize fighter, chefs and restaurants in Tempe, Ariz., are hungry for a victory. They have nothing to lose in the quest to become a standout in the metro Phoenix area, and that means Tempe residents get treated to innovative new meals that push the local food scene to new heights. Getting noticed among the elite cooks in Phoenix and Scottsdale takes true talent. That helped Tempe get noticed by our editors and earn a spot as one of the Top 10 Best Foodie Cities 2015.
See where Tempe ranks on Livability.com’s list of the Best Places to Live 2015. You can also read Why Tempe, AZ Is a Top 100 Best Place to Live.
Tempe residents eat at locally owned restaurants at a higher rate than most cities, which shows they’re eager for new dining experiences and like what local chefs are creating. One of the newest restaurants in Tempe to earn consistent praise from diners is The Revival. The Mexican menu features dishes like braised duck taquitos and pork osso buco. Diversity appears to be the spice of life in Tempe, as the top-ranked restaurants on Yelp include Hummus Xpress, Haji-Baba, Yupha’s Thai Kitchen and Nandini Indian Cuisine. Vegans and vegetarians feast at Desert Roots Kitchen, which is run by an Arizonia State University graduate. Some of the best beers in Arizona are served in the tasting room and restaurant locations of Four Peaks Brewing Company in Tempe. Among the hottest places for breakfast in Tempe is Crepe Bar, which offers savory crepes filled with buffalo chicken, duck Cuban, or smoked turkey and sweet crepes filled with vanilla bean custard, chocolate hazelnut and banana brulee.
Don’t Miss: Essence Bakery, Hong Kong Asian Diner, burgers at The Chuckbox
Find out where Tempe ranked on Livability.com’s list of the Top 10 Best College Towns 2014.