Located on the northwest corner of University Drive and Rural Road, Novus Place serves as a central gathering place for visitors to stroll along shaded walkways and people-watch with a bevy of restaurants within a few steps of each other. And with the new school year underway, it’s bound to be a hot spot for hungry students, faculty, visiting family members and year-round residents alike.
Filling the development is ongoing, but there are currently 10 eating and drinking spots to satiate just about every craving. Here’s a guide to where to eat and drink at Novus Place.
The Melt
Fast-casual eatery The Melt is a great option for a quick bite during the week or a late-night snack on the weekends. Find classic comfort fare with contemporary flair. Burgers and grilled sandwiches ooze with gooey melty cheese and are adorned with embellishments like jalapenos, bacon or crispy onions. Crispy chicken sandwiches and three kinds of macaroni and cheese vie for attention. Wash it all down with a fountain soda, lemonade or La Croix as there's no booze here. Make sure to save room for one the five hand-spun shakes. The snickerdoodle gets our vote.
Flower Child
Flower Child, a fast-casual spot that’s ideal for a quick bite, takeout or casual dining, will satisfy with fresh, healthy meals ready in a near-flash. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, paleo, keto and omnivore dietary needs can be met with a cornucopia of customizable bowls, salads, wraps and build-your-own-plate options. Beer, seasonal sangria and wine accompany fountain drinks on the beverage menu. The build-your-own family meals let you call the shots with about two-dozen choices spanning salads, proteins, sides and desserts. It’s perfect for hosting the parents at home, house parties or late-night cramming sessions.
Blanco Cocina + Cantina
Head to Blanco Cocina + Cantina for a sit-down meal with friends, relaxed sipping and noshing or date night. All the tried and true Mexican favorites are gathered onto one menu. Street style tacos stuffed with mahi mahi, ground beef or grilled avocado, check. Cheese crisps pumped up with machaca or roasted poblano pepper, check. Fajitas, burritos and enchiladas, check. Agua frescas, beer, wine and margaritas are plentiful. There’s an extensive tequila and mezcal selection plus flights featuring both. Up your Taco Tuesday plans with all-day happy hour pricing on guacamole, nachos, tacos and the green chile smash burger with poblano, queso blanco and caramelized onion, accompanied by fries. Deals on cocktails, wine and cervezas can be enjoyed for those 21 and older.
North Italia
Whether you seek al fresco dining, a date night spot or dinner with the parents, North Italia’s sit-down dining spaces will accommodate you with Italian comfort cuisine. Fresh pastas are made from scratch. Handmade pizzas and fun starters such as crispy eggplant parmesan, cacio e pepe arancini and the signature fried zucca chips with pesto aioli make this place a crowd pleaser. An impressive wine list offers bubbles, rose, white and red selections available by the glass, carafe or bottle. There are also cocktails, local beer and zero-proof options. Brunch is served until 4 p.m. on the weekends, so there’s lots of time to sleep in and still scarf down sustenance to soak up the previous night’s indulgences. Refuel with hearty plates like poached eggs and polenta, a sharable banana coffee cake and breakfast carbonara pasta with poached egg, pancetta, pecorino and herb breadcrumb topping.
Flower Child, a fast-casual spot that’s ideal for a quick bite, takeout or casual dining, will satisfy with fresh, healthy meals ready in a near-flash. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, paleo, keto and omnivore dietary needs can be met with a cornucopia of customizable bowls, salads, wraps and build-your-own-plate options. Beer, seasonal sangria and wine accompany fountain drinks on the beverage menu. The build-your-own family meals let you call the shots with about two-dozen choices spanning salads, proteins, sides and desserts. It’s perfect for hosting the parents at home, house parties or late-night cramming sessions.
Blanco Cocina + Cantina
Head to Blanco Cocina + Cantina for a sit-down meal with friends, relaxed sipping and noshing or date night. All the tried and true Mexican favorites are gathered onto one menu. Street style tacos stuffed with mahi mahi, ground beef or grilled avocado, check. Cheese crisps pumped up with machaca or roasted poblano pepper, check. Fajitas, burritos and enchiladas, check. Agua frescas, beer, wine and margaritas are plentiful. There’s an extensive tequila and mezcal selection plus flights featuring both. Up your Taco Tuesday plans with all-day happy hour pricing on guacamole, nachos, tacos and the green chile smash burger with poblano, queso blanco and caramelized onion, accompanied by fries. Deals on cocktails, wine and cervezas can be enjoyed for those 21 and older.
North Italia
Whether you seek al fresco dining, a date night spot or dinner with the parents, North Italia’s sit-down dining spaces will accommodate you with Italian comfort cuisine. Fresh pastas are made from scratch. Handmade pizzas and fun starters such as crispy eggplant parmesan, cacio e pepe arancini and the signature fried zucca chips with pesto aioli make this place a crowd pleaser. An impressive wine list offers bubbles, rose, white and red selections available by the glass, carafe or bottle. There are also cocktails, local beer and zero-proof options. Brunch is served until 4 p.m. on the weekends, so there’s lots of time to sleep in and still scarf down sustenance to soak up the previous night’s indulgences. Refuel with hearty plates like poached eggs and polenta, a sharable banana coffee cake and breakfast carbonara pasta with poached egg, pancetta, pecorino and herb breadcrumb topping.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Red lantern clouds are suspended from the ceiling. Hand-finished tables inspired by Tokyo fish market carts are painted with Kanji characters. The low-lit Blue Sushi Sake Grill is ideal for a romantic dinner or a fun classy weekend night with pals. The menu is served late and flaunts creative sushi rolls, sashimi and nigiri, plus gluten-free and vegan options. The happy hour menu is extensive and available all day on Sunday. Score deals on a number of items, including truffle salmon and tempura tofu pockets stuffed with spicy crab mix, and shared plates of mango crab rangoon and crunchy calamari. Wine, beer and a fun cocktail list with a few spirit-free options round out the menu, but the substantial sake collection with cold and warm offerings is the star attraction. Order a flight, glass, carafe or bottle. FYI: This national chain is the largest sushi group running a sustainably sourced seafood program, so you can feel good about what you’re eating.
Eureka!
Known for its American classics with a modern twist, Eureka! is perfect for al fresco dining, date night, dinner with the parents or late-night eats. The menu does not lack sophistication or creativity. Truffle cheese fries, mac and cheese balls with beer cheese sauce and crispy Brussels sprouts with orange chile glaze grace the starters lineup. Find burgers adorned with fig marmalade, bacon and goat cheese, or 28-day aged bone marrow, shiitake butter and grilled onion. Entrees include steak frites and fish and chips. A luscious bourbon barrel cake with candied pecans, bourbon caramel and vanilla bean ice cream is the highlight of the dessert menu. Local breweries have a presence among the 20 craft beers on tap. There’s wine and a fun signature cocktail list, but the whiskey selection deserves attention. Enthusiasts will discover more than 40 small-batch whiskeys and special off-menu offerings. Need a weeknight break? Reverse “hoppy hour” features deals on food and drinks from 9 p.m. to close Monday to Friday.
Over Easy
Hall-of-fame-worthy hearty plates have been the calling card of popular eatery Over Easy for years. Grab a table inside or on the dog-friendly patio to enjoy breakfast and brunch dishes spanning three-egg omelets, benedicts, pancakes, French toast, chilaquiles and biscuits and gravy. There’s even a take on the Hawaiian classic Loco Moco with a sunny side up egg, ground beef patty, crispy onions, mushroom gravy and sticky rice. You could go with the reliable coffee, orange juice or iced chai latte. But the spirit-filled menu makes a compelling hair of the dog case. In addition to beer and seltzer, choose from cocktails spanning espresso martinis and bloody marys to mules and palomas. Or keep it simple with a mimosa flight with the four flavors of your choosing. Just for fun, check out the "As Seen on TV" lineup for dishes that got their time in the spotlight. The banana nut French toast, chicken fried steak and redeye ham steak were seen on the Food Network’s "Diners, Drive-ins & Dives," and the chicken and waffles were featured in "Best Food Ever" on the TLC Network.
Nautical Bowls
Grab a quick bite at fast-casual spot Nautical Bowls, where all of the ingredients are all-natural or organic, plant-based, gluten-, soy- and dairy-free. In addition to the signature acai bowls featuring granola, fresh fruit, peanut butter and other fixings, you’ve got the option to build your own. There are about 20 toppings to choose from, so allow a little extra time to ponder. Protein crumbles in birthday cake and peanut butter dark chocolate flavors are among the fun surprises. Six customizable almond milk-based smoothies are also available to address your craving of the moment. The Immune Boost aims to do just that with acai, blueberries and chia seeds. The Coffee Cruise is a pick-me-up with cacao, coconut and instant coffee, and the Tropical Tide promises to sweep you away with a combination of mango, coconut and banana.
The Alley
Get thirst quenchers to-go with The Alley’s Asian-inspired beverages. In addition to teas, espresso concoctions and fruit-infused refreshers, this fast-casual eatery offers Vietnamese iced coffee, mango jasmine milk tea, ube milk tea with pudding and lychee yogurt smoothies. The brown sugar boba series flaunts creative ube taro, ube creme brulee and matcha versions. A small menu of fried finger food offers popcorn chicken, fries, calamari, mozzarella sticks, crab rangoon and dumplings stuffed with pork and vegetables. Keep an eye out for the changing rice and noodle plate.
Starbucks
Starbucks’ ubiquitous menu and concept need little elaboration. However, this location offers complimentary coffee seminars on the second or third Tuesday of every month for coffee enthusiasts to learn about brewing, beans and beyond.
Novus Place
777 S. Novus Place, Tempe
Red lantern clouds are suspended from the ceiling. Hand-finished tables inspired by Tokyo fish market carts are painted with Kanji characters. The low-lit Blue Sushi Sake Grill is ideal for a romantic dinner or a fun classy weekend night with pals. The menu is served late and flaunts creative sushi rolls, sashimi and nigiri, plus gluten-free and vegan options. The happy hour menu is extensive and available all day on Sunday. Score deals on a number of items, including truffle salmon and tempura tofu pockets stuffed with spicy crab mix, and shared plates of mango crab rangoon and crunchy calamari. Wine, beer and a fun cocktail list with a few spirit-free options round out the menu, but the substantial sake collection with cold and warm offerings is the star attraction. Order a flight, glass, carafe or bottle. FYI: This national chain is the largest sushi group running a sustainably sourced seafood program, so you can feel good about what you’re eating.
American classics with a modern twist, signature cocktails and an extensive whiskey lineup are what diners will find at Eureka!
Novus Place
Known for its American classics with a modern twist, Eureka! is perfect for al fresco dining, date night, dinner with the parents or late-night eats. The menu does not lack sophistication or creativity. Truffle cheese fries, mac and cheese balls with beer cheese sauce and crispy Brussels sprouts with orange chile glaze grace the starters lineup. Find burgers adorned with fig marmalade, bacon and goat cheese, or 28-day aged bone marrow, shiitake butter and grilled onion. Entrees include steak frites and fish and chips. A luscious bourbon barrel cake with candied pecans, bourbon caramel and vanilla bean ice cream is the highlight of the dessert menu. Local breweries have a presence among the 20 craft beers on tap. There’s wine and a fun signature cocktail list, but the whiskey selection deserves attention. Enthusiasts will discover more than 40 small-batch whiskeys and special off-menu offerings. Need a weeknight break? Reverse “hoppy hour” features deals on food and drinks from 9 p.m. to close Monday to Friday.
Over Easy
Hall-of-fame-worthy hearty plates have been the calling card of popular eatery Over Easy for years. Grab a table inside or on the dog-friendly patio to enjoy breakfast and brunch dishes spanning three-egg omelets, benedicts, pancakes, French toast, chilaquiles and biscuits and gravy. There’s even a take on the Hawaiian classic Loco Moco with a sunny side up egg, ground beef patty, crispy onions, mushroom gravy and sticky rice. You could go with the reliable coffee, orange juice or iced chai latte. But the spirit-filled menu makes a compelling hair of the dog case. In addition to beer and seltzer, choose from cocktails spanning espresso martinis and bloody marys to mules and palomas. Or keep it simple with a mimosa flight with the four flavors of your choosing. Just for fun, check out the "As Seen on TV" lineup for dishes that got their time in the spotlight. The banana nut French toast, chicken fried steak and redeye ham steak were seen on the Food Network’s "Diners, Drive-ins & Dives," and the chicken and waffles were featured in "Best Food Ever" on the TLC Network.
Nautical Bowls offers signature acai bowls featuring granola, fresh fruit, peanut butter and other fixings.
Novus Place
Grab a quick bite at fast-casual spot Nautical Bowls, where all of the ingredients are all-natural or organic, plant-based, gluten-, soy- and dairy-free. In addition to the signature acai bowls featuring granola, fresh fruit, peanut butter and other fixings, you’ve got the option to build your own. There are about 20 toppings to choose from, so allow a little extra time to ponder. Protein crumbles in birthday cake and peanut butter dark chocolate flavors are among the fun surprises. Six customizable almond milk-based smoothies are also available to address your craving of the moment. The Immune Boost aims to do just that with acai, blueberries and chia seeds. The Coffee Cruise is a pick-me-up with cacao, coconut and instant coffee, and the Tropical Tide promises to sweep you away with a combination of mango, coconut and banana.
The Alley features Asian-inspired teas, espresso concoctions, milk teas and boba drinks.
Novus Place
Get thirst quenchers to-go with The Alley’s Asian-inspired beverages. In addition to teas, espresso concoctions and fruit-infused refreshers, this fast-casual eatery offers Vietnamese iced coffee, mango jasmine milk tea, ube milk tea with pudding and lychee yogurt smoothies. The brown sugar boba series flaunts creative ube taro, ube creme brulee and matcha versions. A small menu of fried finger food offers popcorn chicken, fries, calamari, mozzarella sticks, crab rangoon and dumplings stuffed with pork and vegetables. Keep an eye out for the changing rice and noodle plate.
Starbucks
Starbucks’ ubiquitous menu and concept need little elaboration. However, this location offers complimentary coffee seminars on the second or third Tuesday of every month for coffee enthusiasts to learn about brewing, beans and beyond.
