Taste in Tempe returns Sunday for 2nd year of prix-fixe meal deals

🍽️ Tempe Tourism is bringing back Taste in Tempe this Sunday, giving diners two weeks to explore the city’s restaurant scene through specially curated prix-fixe menus priced between $25 and $55 per person.

This year’s lineup spans 25 restaurants, covering everything from chef-driven concepts and neighborhood favorites to rooftop lounges, craft breweries and globally inspired kitchens.

Participants include Culinary Dropout, Ghost Ranch, North Italia, Cocina Chiwas (pictured), Bar Capri, Pedal Haus Brewery, Society Tempe, and Filthy Animal, among many others.

Each restaurant offers its own multi-course menu built around signature dishes and seasonal flavors. See the restaurants and menus here.

Whether you’re planning a date night, a group dinner, or just want an excuse to skip the kitchen this summer, Taste in Tempe makes discovering a new favorite spot easy.

Roman sets opening date

🔥 Downtown Tempe’s most-anticipated Italian arrival, Roman God of Fire – chef Scott Conant’s wood-fired tribute to ancient Rome from Pretty Decent Concepts – finally has announced when it’s opening its doors.

A limited number of reservations will be available July 31-Aug. 5, giving diners a first taste before the official grand opening on Aug. 7.

Located on the northeast corner of Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway, the 8,000-square-foot Roman will resemble an old-world cathedral, complete with arches, statues, and a cross-shaped floor plan.

The restaurant’s adjacent speakeasy, Mea Culpa, is expected to open in September.

Moe’s closes in Peoria

🚫 Moe’s Southwest Grill has closed its north Peoria location at Lake Pleasant Crossing, about a year after opening in May 2025.

The closure comes roughly 18 months after Moe’s marked its return to Arizona following a 14-year absence, debuting in Goodyear in 2024.

The Peoria spot was the second of 10 planned Moe’s locations from Arizona franchisees Tony and Namit Mangat, part of an ambitious rollout for the Atlanta-based chain known for its Southwestern menu.

It’s unclear how the closure affects the Mangats’ remaining expansion plans.

Celebrate the watermelon

July is National Watermelon Month, and Valley restaurants are celebrating with juicy, refreshing menu items built around summer’s most iconic fruit.

🍉 Diego Pops: The Old Town Scottsdale modern Mexican spot is slinging a Seasonal Watermelon Salad with romaine, purple kale, arugula, cotija, pepitas, radish, and jalapeño vinaigrette, plus a Watermelon Mint Margarita made with Don Julio Reposado, muddled watermelon, and mint.

🍉 Blanco Cocina + Cantina: All Valley and Tucson locations are bringing back the fan-favorite Smashed Watermelon Margarita, blending blanco tequila, chili con sal, and house lime sour for a spicy-sweet way to beat the heat this summer.

🍉 Belmont Kitchen & Cocktails: This north Scottsdale neighborhood favorite is serving a seasonal Watermelon & Cucumber Salad loaded with arugula, whipped feta, candied cashews, pickled red onion, and Dijon-shallot vinaigrette.

🍉 Hash Kitchen: The brunch-party favorite is pouring its Bump ‘N’ Rind Booze Bag, a tequila cocktail with watermelon syrup, pear, ginger beer, and lime, delivering fruity, citrusy vibes across all six Valley locations.

🍉 Eat Up Drive In: The Arcadia staple is rolling out three limited-time watermelon dishes, including a Watermelon Pistachio Salad with artisan greens, heirloom tomatoes, feta, toasted pistachios, and pomegranate molasses vinaigrette for sweet-savory balance.