36 of Tucson’s Best Restaurants
Tucson was the first city in the United States to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for Gastronomy, so there are dozens of spectacular restaurants across town that aren’t on this list, but are still worthy of a visit. For more, check out Tucson Foodie or Visit Tucson.
From tacos, tortas, and pizza, to Nepalese, Ethiopian, and Thai food — here are some of the best restaurants in Tucson, in no particular order:
El Charro (downtown): A Tucson classic since 1922, El Charro is famous for many dishes including the chimichanga, which legend has it, was invented in the El Charro kitchen. El Charro also serves great margaritas and has a lovely ambience.
The Blue Willow (Campbell Ave. north of Grant): Beloved by Tucsonans, The Blue WIllow is an especially popular spot for breakfast. It also has a cute gift shop inside!
The Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress (downtown): The historic Hotel Congress, well-known as the place where John Dillinger was eventually captured, is a boutique hotel that includes multiple bars, a jazz lounge, and one of the best restaurants in town. The Cup Cafe has a charming interior and patio, where you can often enjoy live music. It was recently recognized by OpenTable as one of the 100 best restaurant patios in the country.
5 Points Market & Restaurant (downtown): Situated between two historic and lively neighborhoods — Barrio Viejo & Armory Park — 5 Points Market is loved by locals and visitors for its delicious brunch menu and cute market.
El Torero (South Tucson): El Torero is a laid back and welcoming place to get exceptional Mexican food. They have a specials menu every day that also includes plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, while still remaining authentic to Sonoran cuisine.
Karuna's Thai Plate (Grant at Campbell Ave.): Although there are many great Thai restaurants in town, Karuna's is the best of the best. Karuna's Thai Plate is perfect for dining in or takeout — however, there can be a long wait for takeout, so be sure to call ahead.
Barista Del Barrio (west of I-10 off of Speedway Blvd.): This walk-up coffee and burrito shop is super popular for a reason. Their drinks are delicious, but the burritos are the main event. The line is usually long unless you show up at an off time, but it's worth the wait!
Mojo Cuban Kitchen and Rum Bar (Grant at Campbell Ave.): Just opening in the fall of 2022, Mojo is already a hot-spot for delectable Cuban food and drinks. The ambience and decor is beautiful, and the open-concept bar/patio is perfect for a temperate day.
Del Cielo Tamal (Campbell Ave. near Fort Lowell): This welcoming spot is nicely decorated and has exceptionally friendly staff and really good Mexican food to boot. Del Cielo is a particularly exciting place for vegans, with a number of plant based options, including a vegan breakfast buffet on Thursday mornings.
Falora (midtown at Broadway & Country Club): Falora is known for its impeccable wood-fire pizza and is the perfect inviting and intimate space for a dinner date. You can also get pizza to go, and it's just two doors down from one of the best upscale bars in town, SideCar, where you can bring your pizza to enjoy or order from Falora from a smaller menu.
Midtown Vegan Deli and Market (midtown at 5th and Rosemont): This 100% vegan spot is both a small market and a spectacular spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. There's seating to dine inside, but you can also pick-up your food to go. And it's just a few doors down from Houlden's Rise Above, a vegan bakery currently open weekend mornings.
Restaurants at the Mercado San Agustin & MSA Annex (west of I-10 off of Congress Blvd): The Mercado San Agustin and adjacent MSA Annex serve as communal outdoor spaces where you can meander into restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and stores — or just sit outside and enjoy the weather. There’s something for everyone to eat here — from ramen at Kukai and tacos at Seis, to vegan burgers at Beaut Burger, upscale dining at Agustin Kitchen, baked goods at La Estrella Bakery, and more.
Brooklyn’s Pizza (4th Ave.): A casual spot to grab one of the best slices of pizza in town while you’re checking out 4th Avenue.
Eegees (various locations across town): Pronounced "E-geez," this local fast-food legend has been a Tucson favorite for over 50 years. You can skip the sandwiches but a must-try are the Eegee’s drinks (half-lemon, half-strawberry is the best) and the fries.
Beyond Bread (various locations across town): With an extensive menu of sandwiches, salads, and desserts, Beyond Bread is a great spot to grab a meal, especially for takeout.
Tumerico (two locations at 6th St. & 4th Ave.): Spectacular vegan and vegetarian Mexican food that's been featured on Diner's, Drive-in's, and Dives. Featuring a rotating daily menu, Tumerico is particularly well-known for its jackfruit carnitas.
Tall Boys at LaCo (downtown): The courtyard at LaCo (formerly La Cocina) is a classic Tucson spot, surrounded by shops and featuring a stage for live music. Surrounded by trees and bistro lights, this spot is an ideal place to enjoy dinner with friends or family.
Saigon Pho (U of A area): A favorite local Vietnamese restaurant serving pho, banh mi’s, and boba smoothies and teas.
Lovin' Spoonfuls (Campbell Ave. ): This casual vegan restaurant serves delicious meat-free sandwiches, burgers, and more that even omnivores will enjoy
Rocco's Little Chicago (central): Spectacular Chicago-style deep dish pizza!
Ermanos Craft Beer & Wine Bar (4th Ave.): A super stylish spot serving American food and craft beers and wines. Ermanos also houses Portal, an upscale bar with seriously cool vibes. Be sure to make a reservation for Ermanos and Portal if you’re stopping by on a Friday or Saturday night
Locale (Central, at Broadway and Alvernon): At this popular Italian spot you can enjoy your meal in their wonderful outdoor space or in the restaurant’s expansive interior. You can also find the Locale Bakery and Cafe inside, a European-inspired cafe serving pastries, coffee, and more.
Sher-e-Punjab (Grant & 1st Ave.): Absolutely delicious Indian food for dine-in, take-out, or delivery. The interior was recently renovated and includes lots of comfortable seating and a great bar.
The Coronet (downtown): Housed in a historic building in Barrio Viejo (previously the Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant), The Coronet is an upscale, yet unpretentious restaurant with a great patio and a menu fit for omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike. If you’re looking for a place with impeccable ambience, look no further. Housed in the same building are sister spots Nightjar and the Coronet Cafe, which are also worth checking out.
Charro Vida (Casas Adobes Plaza): From the Sí Charro family of restaurants, this mostly plant-based hotspot serves amazing drinks and food. It’s an especially exciting spot for vegan and plant-based diners, with a weekend brunch menu including french toast, chilaquiles, and more. And there’s often live music!
Cafe Desta (downtown): Delicious Ethiopian and Eritrean food that includes many vegan and vegetarian options.
Anita Street Market (north of downtown): Anita’s is a Tucson standby that sells the best tortillas in town, as well as burros, empanadas, and more
Yoshimatsu (Campbell Ave. and Glenn): This casual spot for Japanese food has a great happy hour menu, which includes significant discounts on their sushi and sake.
Time Market (U of A/4th Ave.): First opened in 1920, this historic and charming market has pizza, sandwiches, salads, and a cute patio. Conveniently located on University Blvd. in front of one of the streetcar stops, this spot is a Tucson standby that reminds me of a cool market you’d find in NYC.
Mi Nidito (South Tucson): One of the city's most famous Mexican restaurants that's hosted a number of celebrity guests!
Old Peking (central): Delicious spot for take-out, serving Sichuan-style Chinese cuisine. Old Peking has been undergoing renovations and will hopefully be open for dine-in soon!
Istanbul Mediterranean Cuisine & Bar (east of U of A on Speedway Blvd.): Huge portions of flavorful Mediterranean food and a very welcoming staff.
Barrio Charro (on Campbell Ave.): Co-owned by Chef Carlotta Flores of El Charro fame and Don Guerra of renowned Barrio Bread, Barrio Charro is a casual restaurant selling delicious tortas, tamales, and toasts.
Bobo’s Restaurant (Grant near Country Club): This Tucson-staple has been one of the most popular breakfast spots in town for decades. If you’re looking for a homey and intimate diner with excellent food and style, look no further. You’ll definitely have to wait in line for breakfast, but it’s worth it.
Lemongrass (4th Ave.): Homemade curries, noodle dishes, and other delicious Nepalese dishes can be found at this tasty spot on Fourth Avenue. Although the ambience and decor isn’t particularly exciting, the excellent food makes up for it!
Boca Tacos y Tequila (4th Ave.): If you’re a fan of Top Chef, then you’ll be familiar with Chef Maria Mazon from Top Chef's 18th season. Boca is her restaurant, where they serve tasty tacos, margaritas, and more.
Follow me on Instagram at @designremade for more info about things I love to do around town!
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Julia Van Valkenburg, REALTOR
OMNI Homes International
julia@buyselltucsonhomes.com
520-275-3514
