Looking for the best restaurants in Tucson? Then you’ve come to the right place!
The dynamic Tucson food scene has seen speedy growth in the past several years, particularly downtown dining, which is booming.
Mexican and Southwestern cooking permeates the food scene in Tucson but is by no means your only option. The city has become a central culinary hub with renowned chefs serving up contemporary and classic cuisine.
However, if American food is what you are looking for, you will still find that here, along with Asian and European flavors.
To find more excellent dining options in Tucson – read on!
Table of Contents
Best Restaurants In The Catalina Foothills Of Tucson
Restaurants in Tucson’s foothills commonly have one clear advantage, and that’s the beauty of the Santa Catalina Mountains in their backyard. As a result, restaurants in this part of town are typically aimed toward a more sophisticated audience.
But let’s not forget, it’s still Tucson, so you won’t commit fashion crimes walking and wearing more casual clothes.
The Grill At Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort
Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort 5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road // (520) 529 3500
If you visit The Grill at Hacienda del Sol and don’t order a bottle of wine, you’re making a mistake.
With over 900 labels and 6,000 bottles of wine, and 16 consecutive “Best of Awards of Excellence” from Wine Spectator, there aren’t many places where you can have a wine-focused experience of this kind.
And oh, their food is impressive, delicious, and expertly crafted.
- Special Diets: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten-Free Options
- Cuisines: American, Contemporary, International
Union Public House
4340 N. Campbell Ave. Ste. 100, Tucson // (520) 329 8575
This is one of the best bars in Tucson, with an excellent food palate. The pot pie highlights a garlic confit and leek crema dancing with the roasted meats and vegetables.
If you want to watch a game, hang out with friendly people, and enjoy a great cocktail, Union Public House might be just the perfect spot for you.
- Special Diets: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten-Free Options.
- Cuisines: American, Bar, Pub, Gastropub.
Reforma Modern Mexican Mezcal + Tequila
4340 N. Campbell Ave. Ste. 10 Tucson // (520) 867 4134
It’s a great Mexican restaurant, slightly remote from where you’d typically expect outstanding Mexican cuisine. Still, if you’d like an upscale take on Tucson’s favorite food, Reforma won’t disappoint you.
They have everything made from scratch, and you can find hundreds of tequilas and mezcals to choose from. The happy hour is superb, and the patio is lovely.
- Special Diets: Vegan Options, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options
- Cuisines: Mexican, Latin
The Flying V Bar & Grill At Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
7000 N. Resort Drive, Tucson // (520) 299 2020
Famous for new Southwestern cuisine, the Flying V Bar And Grill offers a vast tequila selection. They offer seasonal menus with items to savor indoors in the rustic dining room, in front of the cozy fireplace, or outdoors on their patio, surrounded by magnificent views.
- Special Diets: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten-Free Options
- Cuisines: American, Southwestern, Bar, Contemporary
Best Tucson Restaurants For Ice Cream
eegee’s
2470 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719, United States // (520) 888 7933
If you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up or an ice-cold dessert fix, you’ve found your new go-to place. They only use fresh ingredients that they buy directly from local farmers and markets to prepare their delicious ice cream and sandwiches.
Additionally, Organic Valley uses organic ingredients if possible — a plus when it comes to your health.
- Special Diets: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
- Cuisines: American, Mexican
Best Seafood Restaurants in Tucson
You can find a list of the top and leading best Seafood Restaurants in Tucson below.
El Berraco
2960 N. 1st Avenue, Tucson // (520) 620 9828
They are a Latin seafood restaurant with expertise and flavor created to bring joy to every visitor. A happy and devoted team meets everyday responsibilities with satisfaction, loyalty, honesty, and efficiency. And the result is, they provide a high-quality service to their customers. This is El Berraco’s attitude!
- Special Diets: Gluten-Free Options
- Cuisines: Mexican, Latin, Seafood
Kingfisher Bar And Grill
2564 E. Grant Rd, Tucson // (520) 323 7739
This seafood house is famous for its vintage interior, popular happy hour, and inventive and classic dishes. So, if you find yourself in the mood for some seafood and great wine, this is the right choice for you.
- Special Diets: Gluten-Free Options
- Cuisines: American, Seafood, Contemporary
Sue’s Fish & Chips
2500 S. 4th Ave., Tucson // (520) 622 5711
Sue’s Fish & Chips has become a Tucson staple since the year 1952. They have been a tradition for more than six decades, serving tasty fish and chips to the visitors of Tucson.
They batter their fish and shrimp every day, all to ensure they’re fresh and crispy when the guests arrive.
- Special Diets: Vegetarian Options
- Cuisines: American, Seafood
Best Steak Restaurants In Tucson
Tucson is a great place to find a delicious and juicy steak. Whether you’re in the mood for an authentic cowboy restaurant, or you prefer to cut into your delicate filet mignon surrounded by posh, dark-paneled walls and white tablecloth, Tucson has a steakhouse suited for almost every mood and taste.
Bob’s Steak And Chop House
2727 West Club Drive, Tucson // (520) 877 2377
Winner of the Diner’s Choice and Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence awards, Bob’s Steak & Chop House is inside the charming Omni Tucson National Resort.
The dress code may be casual, but the food they serve, from prime porterhouse to the seared duck breast, is on-point. Also, I have to mention that the marbled chocolate amaretto cheesecake is a must-try when you go there.
- Special Diets: Gluten-Free Options
- Cuisines: American, Steak House
Charro Steak
188 E. Broadway Blvd, Tucson // (520) 485 1922
The legend of Charro dates back to 1922, when the founding family’s ancestor first opened the original downtown Tucson Mexican restaurant, which is still young and growing.
Every piece of beef or chicken they serve is locally sourced and raised without antibiotics. You can’t miss out on this!
- Special Diets: Gluten-Free Options
- Cuisines: Mexican, American, Steakhouse, Southwestern
Daisy Mae’s Steak House
2735 W. Anklam Rd. Tucson // (520) 792 8888
Daisy Mae’s takes pride in their certified Angus Beef steaks. They have an extensive range of beers, including a wide variety of local craft brews.
It has a Southwestern vibe that has been endearing them to the locals for more than 25 years. So, for laid-back local excellence, this is your pick.
- Special Diets: Gluten-Free Options
- Cuisines: American, Steakhouse, Barbecue
Silver Saddle Steakhouse
310 E. Benson Hwy. Tucson // (520) 622 6253
Since 1984, the Silver Saddle Steakhouse has been family-owned and operated and was voted “Tucson’s Best Steakhouse” by The Arizona Daily Star in 2009.
They focus on a delicious traditional menu, with a 24 oz. Porterhouse and a 16 oz. T-bone as top dishes, along with a time-honored surf n’ turf combination that can include Alaskan King crab legs or Australian lobster tail.
Don’t forget to save some room for Silver Saddle’s house dessert, their massive… frosty… Mud Pie!
- Special Diets: Gluten-Free and Vegetarian Options
- Cuisines: American, Steakhouse, Bar
Best Italian Restaurants In Tucson
Who would assume that you could get authentic Italian cuisine in the middle of the desert? Yet, such is the case with this city. It’s a home to many thriving, family-owned Italian restaurants that successfully bring the flavors and traditions of Italy straight to Arizona.
Renee’s Tucson
7065 E. Tanque Verde Rd., Tucson // (520) 886 0484
Renee’s has a reputation and dedication to serving a menu of premium quality. Here you can taste great Italian food and enjoy your meal on their patio.
- Special Diets: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, and Gluten-Free Options
- Cuisines: Italian, Pizza, Healthy
Vivace Restaurant
6440 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson // (520) 795 7221
Vivace, established in 1993, is recognized for its consistency in service and cuisine. They are serving Northern Italian Cuisine with the greatest quality of ingredients.
- Special Diets: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options and Gluten-Free Options
- Cuisines: Italian, Contemporary
Tavolino Ristorante Italiano
2890 E. Skyline Dr., Tucson // (520) 531 1913
Found at the base of the Catalina Mountains, Tavolino is an amazing destination for an authentic Italian dining experience. The delightful atmosphere and traditional recipes have made it a local favorite since 2003.
- Special Diets: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options and Gluten-Free Options
- Cuisines: Italian, Northern Italian
North Italia
2995 E. Skyline Dr., Tucson // (520) 299 1600
Each day, a fresh, delicious favorite is prepared from scratch, waiting to be discovered and devoured.
At North Italia, you can find a fascinating collection of wines, beer, and house-made cocktails that provide you with countless ways to indulge yourself, depending on your choice of gastro/eno weaponry.
- Special Diets: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, and Gluten-Free Options.
- Cuisines: Italian, Pizza.
Best Vegan And Vegetarian Restaurants In Tucson
Even if you are vegan or vegetarian, you’ll find plenty of places to eat in Tucson. I’ll list some of my personal favorites.
Govinda’s Natural Foods Buffet
711 E. Blacklidge Tucson // (520) 792 0630
This vegetarian and vegan buffet is also an organic salad bar, making delicious meals since 1992. In addition to freshly baked bread, here you can find various dishes like pasta, spinach filo, tamale pie, lasagna, and more.
At Govinda’s Natural Foods Buffet, Thursday is all-vegan night, and they have a Sunday brunch service.
- Special Diets: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options and Gluten-Free Options
- Cuisines: Indian
Lovin’ Spoonfuls
2990 N. Campbell Ave. 120 Tucson // (520) 325 7766
This vegetarian restaurant offers many different choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On their menu, you can find quite a selection.
Veggie burgers, fries with vegan ranch dressing, wraps, a signature dish, cashew nut loaf, and much more.
Lovin’s Spoonfuls is your vegan paradise.
- Special Diets: Fully Vegan and Gluten-Free Options
- Cuisines: American
Urban Fresh
73 E. Pennington St., Tucson // (520) 792 9355
This plant-based place offers salads with a choice of oil-free dressing, wraps and sandwiches, desserts, soups, smoothies, and juices.
The venue also hosts cooking classes and educates the community on the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.
- Special Diets: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options and Gluten-Free Options
- Cuisines: Cafe, International, Healthy, Soups
Tumerico
2526 E. 6th Street Tucson // (520) 240 6947
402 E. 4th Avenue Tucson // (520) 392 0224
Tumerico’s cuisine is essentially vegetarian, but it goes further and beyond veggie fare. What makes Tumerico so unique is that there you won’t find an ordinary menu.
Instead, their menu is on blackboards, constantly changing, depending on what arrived fresh from the soil or a tree.
- Special Diets: Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options and Gluten-Free Options
- Cuisines: Mexican, Latin, Spanish
Yelp Approved Restaurants in Tucson
In this section, you can find some of the best and most rated restaurants on Yelp in Tucson.
- Prep & Pastry. 2660 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, (520) 326 7737
With more than 2000 positive reviews, this place is an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch, and brunch. All food and drinks are prepared with fresh ingredients and sourced locally.
- Culinary Dropout. 2543 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, (520) 203 0934
You must visit them at happy hour for ice-cold beer and their famous soft pretzels with provolone fondue. Their signature cocktail and slow-braised 36-hour pork ribs are a perfect dinner pair. While you and your crew enjoy good food and drinks, a local band plays live for great vibes.
Are you a real foodie? I’ve compiled a list of the best foodie gifts you can get for yourself and your closest ones. Cheese, meat and sweets subscriptions, and some classic must-have foodie gadgets.
- HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery. 266 E. Congress S.,t Tucson, (520) 207 8201
This is one of the most notable places you can visit if you want to try some delicious ice cream after the tasty dinner dishes.
- The Parish. 6453 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson, (520) 797 1233
The restaurant’s menu inspires visitors to explore and share unique and classic dishes with a twist – for lunch, dinner, or happy hour. The restaurant’s fun, intimate atmosphere is an excellent dining and gathering spot to enjoy a house-made infused spirit or craft beer.
- Guadalajara Original Grill. 1220 E. Prince Rd., Tucson, (520) 323 1022
Traditional and innovative Mexican cuisine inspired by Guadalajara, Mexico. From the minute you arrive, you’ll feel you have just stepped into the real city of Guadalajara. The Guadalajara Original Grill offers a wide variety of favorite Mexican dishes and innovative, fresh meals that keep customers coming back.
- Baja Cafe. 7002 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, (520) 495 4772
This place specializes in putting a smile on customers’ faces with fresh, delicious American and Southwestern food, accompanied by an upbeat atmosphere with superb customer service.
Best Restaurants In Tucson Final Thoughts
Tucson is an exciting city, with many great restaurants within its limits. All of them serve delicious meals and offer excellent and friendly service.
Now that you have your food guide for Tucson, Arizona, you can choose some of the best places to eat with your friends or family. Reserve your table, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comment section below.
If you liked this post and want to learn more about Arizona’s food scene, be sure to check the following ones, too.
- Where To Eat In Prescott, Arizona.
- 7 Sedona Restaurants With A View.
- Best Restaurants In Glendale Arizona
- 10 Best Restaurants In Salt Lake City
- 7 Must-Try Lake Havasau City Restaurants
- 10 Fun Things To Do In Goodyear Arizona
- 8 Must-Try Flagstaff Restaurants
- 12 Exciting Things To Do & 8 Best Cave Creek Restaurants
- 15 Best Restaurants In Prescott, Arizona
- 10 Fun Things To Do In Flagstaff, Arizona
- 5 Best Scottsdale AZ Restaurants
Which of these restaurants in Tucson do you most want to try? Let us know in the comments section below!
Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever