It’s a busy time for new restaurants in downtown Tempe. Earlier this week, I told you about Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row‘s grand-opening party tonight and Pedal Haus Brewery‘s grand-opening party Friday.
Now you can add the grand opening of Citrine, chef Peter DeRuvo (pictured) and restaurateur Nick Neuman’s new Italian restaurant, also Friday night. It takes over the former Revo Pizzabar space in  the Tempe Transit Center on the northwest corner of Forest and Fifth.
Like Whiskey Row and Pedal Haus, Citrine already has had its soft opening. On Friday it will offer half-off all beers, wines, and cocktails all night. The first 50 customers will receive a free order of the chef’s signature Focaccia DeRuvo, served tableside by the chef himself.
The eatery, which DeRuvo describes as ‘‘casual-upscale,’’ features wood-fired pizzas, pastas, bruschetta, and charcuterie. It will roll out its menu in two phases, with a streamlined version to start and additional items to be added as the kitchen expands.
DeRuvo will be splitting time between Citrine and his and Neuman’s Evo Italian restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale. DeRuvo’s resume also includes time heading the kitchens at Sassi, Prado, Cuoco Pazzo, and Francesca’s.
Citrine will be open 3-11 p.m. Friday through Monday, and it’s offering a $33 prix fixe menu as part of Arizona Restaurant Week, which runs through Sunday.
Lunch service will begin next Tuesday. At that time, hours will be 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.
