The unmatched vibe of Downtown Tempe continues to attract new culinary concepts and shops that make this ultimate downtown destination a place where you can count on a fun-filled day of authentic and inspiring experiences. Since the beginning of 2026, seven new restaurants and retailers have opened, adding even more character to this vibrant downtown community.
“Downtown Tempe continues to pave the way for a new era of downtown experiences,” said Lori Foster, President & CEO, Downtown Tempe Authority. “The heart of soul of this community are these inspiring, inviting businesses, many of which are locally owned and operated.”
From enjoying a rooftop bar to exploring a locally owned shop or trying new foods, every moment spent in Downtown Tempe helps support the businesses that influence the community’s unique character. Among the restaurants and retailers that have newly opened in Downtown Tempe since the beginning of 2026 are:
- Ciao Pizza (115 W. Sixth St., #106): Serving pizza and sandwiches all day, you can count on fresh, handmade dough as the foundation for a delicious pie. The Ciao Special features loads of pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, mozzarella and tomato sauce, but diners can choose from a variety of other options or build their own pizza. The menu also features signature sandwiches, wings and more.
- Go Go Avocado (707 S. Farmer Ave., Suite 125): At Go Go Avocado, everything is thoughtfully sourced from local farmers and artisans — simply prepared and intentionally served. Go Go Avocado started as a weekend pop-up at the Uptown Farmer’s Market almost four years ago. With a mission to serve fresh avocado toast for the community, growth was natural. Now the flagship café in Downtown Tempe takes those natural flavors from farmers markets to Farmer Avenue.
- Green Corner (777 S. College Ave., #105): Green Corner is filled with long, rich traditions of Levantine cooking, a culinary heritage found across Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, which is the native country of chef-owner Ebrahim Takkem. The menu is also filled with things like kebabs, gyros and chicken shawarma. You’ll find specialties like kibbeh — fragrant, crackly bulgur-beef croquettes — and knafeh, the wonderful syrup-soaked cheese pastry that’s baked in enormous sheet pans.
- Laymoon Cafe (616 S. Forest Ave.): An authentic Palestinian-Syrian inspired community cafe and pastry concept in Downtown Tempe, Laymoon Cafe aspires to bring the community together through reunions, new friendships, shared stories and laughs. The menu consists of thoughtful Middle Eastern inspired coffee, refreshers and pastries with an emphasis on hospitality. With late hours and open 24 hours during Ramadan, the cafe is Palestinian and Syrian owned and designed with nostalgia and cultural celebration in mind.
- Lizard Head Trading Co. (516 S. Mill Ave.): This sustainable secondhand clothing store operates on a buy-sell- trade model, giving customers instant cash or trade credit for items. The store also employs an in-house seamstress for upcycling unique, stylish fashion from pre-loved clothes, aiming to combat fast fashion.
- OG Taco + CASA Cantina (15 E. Sixth St.): Now open in the heart of Mill Avenue, The OG Taco Shop and CASA Cantina bring fresh, vibrant energy to the iconic CASA Tempe. Specializing in authentic street-style tacos with a modern twist, OG Taco serves bold flavors crafted from high-quality ingredients, while CASA Cantina offers a roomy patio bar and deck ideal for enjoying a cold draft beer, canned and bottled beer, or a selection of cocktails and agua frescas.
- Retail Therapy (522 S. Mill Ave.): A shop filled with local artists, local authors, local makers and local love, Retail Therapy’s mission is to create a collaborative community for small businesses to thrive. The store inspires passionate individuals to take a leap of faith and pursue what they love while providing resources and strategies to help them be successful in a retail space. At the Tempe store, you’ll find handcrafted art, jewelry, body care, pet products, food items and more.
The second half of 2026 promises more exciting retail and culinary additions, as Downtown Tempe continues to attract diverse and versatile concepts that reflect the community’s wants and needs. On the lineup for this fall are highly anticipated restaurants like Carmen and Roman, as well as a new Rally House conveniently located for sports fans and plenty of school spirit.
