Good Eats
Tucson Restaurants & Watering Holes for Every Occasion
No matter what part of Tucson you find yourself in, there’s always somewhere excellent to eat. Designated in 2015, Tucson is the first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in the United States. Named not only for our incredible and ever-changing food scene, but also for the way our long and diverse history is reflected in that food. This is what makes enjoying a great meal in Tucson so special. From authentic Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine to award-winning breweries to unique coffee shops, Tucson has something for every palate and pocketbook.
Northwest Tucson
Truland Burgers & Greens
Known for their all-natural antibiotic- and hormone-free beef, fresh-cut Kennebec potatoes, incredible salads, and classic milkshakes, you can trust the ingredients at Truland are as impeccable as the flavors.
7332 N Oracle Rd
Tap & Bottle
Located in the Cottonwood Plaza, Tap & Bottle North offers the same exceptional beer, wine, craft cocktails, and to-go options from the bottle shop as its flagship location. Locally owned since 2013 by Rebecca & Scott Safford, T&B North boasts ample outdoor space, a private event room, and frequently hosts events like trivia nights, live music, and book launches.
7254 N Oracle Rd
desert Drifter
After getting their start in Portland, a pair of high school sweethearts decided to leave the franchise world and open a community-focused coffee shop in Tucson. Now with four locations across town, DD maintains their commitment to share profits with employees, support local charities, and locally source every ingredient for their exception coffee, smoothies, and small bites.
10335 N La Canada Dr
Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen
Chef and owner Jose Contreras, a James Beard semifinalist, wanted a restaurant to both honor his grandmother Amelia’s traditional recipes, and create modern Sonoran-style cuisine using locally sourced produce and meats. And in 2021, Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen was born. Beloved by regulars for the award-winning quesabirria tacos, unique margaritas, and extravagant molcajete towers, Amelia’s has quickly carved out a place for itself in the Tucson food scene. Now with two locations, you’re never too far from Amelia’s.
5851 N Oracle Rd
Amore
Traveling with a group and no one can agree what to eat? Check out Amore where choices and styles collide. Offering everything from classic Italian dishes and wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas to authentic Indian dishes to all-American chicken wings. This Northwest staple has been a family favorite for years.
12130 N Dove Mountain Blvd Ste 104
Li’l Abner’s Steakhouse
Named after the owners’ dog Abner in 1947, this bar turned steakhouse has remained the place to go for cocktails and authentic cowboy cuisine all these years later. A popular destination for birthdays and company events, Li’l Abner’s is the perfect place to enjoy mesquite-smoked ribs and fresh cobbler while taking in a desert sunset.
8501 N Silverbell Rd
Noble Hops
Opened in 2011 and named after the European noble hop varieties, Noble Hops has been the standard for Tucson gastropubs ever since. With breathtaking views of the Catalina Mountains, a large menu, and extensive drink selection, no one in your party will leave unsatisfied after visiting this local favorite.
1335 W Lambert Ln
CENTRAL Tucson
BOCA by Chef Maria Mazon
Situated in the heart of Historic Fourth Ave, BOCA is an unassuming outpost for world-class modern Mexican food. With Chef Maria being featured on Top Chef, The Food Network, The New York Times, The Travel Channel, and a James Beard Award Semifinalist, you can expect the best Sonoran tacos, salsas, and tequilas of your life.
533 N 4th Ave
Chez Peachy
Looking for a sweat treat like no other? You’ll know Chez Peachy when you see all the pink! Opened in 2021 by a husband-and-wife team, Chez is known for their elaborate cinnamon rolls with flavors changing every month, intricate Bento cakes, adorable Kawaii cookies and matcha drinks.
501 N 6th Ave Ste 101
El Güero Canelo
El Güero Canelo began in 1993 when Daniel Contreras started serving Sonoran-style hot dogs from a tiny stand. Now with three restaurants, a local meat market, and James Beard Foundation recognition, El Güero Canelo has grown into a must-try Tucson destination.
2480 N Oracle Rd
El Charro Café
Established in 1922 and continuously run by the same family, El Charro Café proudly claims the title of oldest Mexican food restaurant in the country. With a focus on classic, Sonoran-style food and claiming the invention of the chimichanga, El Charro is every bit the “Legendary Restaurant” Gourmet Magazine called it in 2008. If you only have one meal in Tucson, you can’t go wrong with this award-winning icon.
311 N Court Ave
Gentle Ben’s
Since 1971, Gentle Ben's Brewpub has been a popular dining destination for university students and locals alike. It’s spacious patio, casual atmosphere, large menu, and plenty of local beers on tap offer something for everyone—especially after catching a Wildcats game!
865 E University Blvd
EAST Tucson
Ghini’s French Café & Bistro
How is a French café a Southern Arizona classic, you ask? Look no further than Chef Coralie Satta. Born in Marseille, she learned to cook from her French grandmother before moving to the United States. After returning to France to study cooking professionally, she opened Ghini’s in 1992 and has been serving Southern French food to Tucsonans ever since. Known for her award-winning breakfasts and pastries, Ghini’s has a lovely pet friendly patio and attached bakery.
1803 E Prince Rd
Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse
If you’re looking for a hearty meal with an Old West flair and a “no ties allowed” vibe, look no further than Pinnacle Peak. Locally owned and operated, PPS has entertained locals and international guests alike for more than 60 years. Located in a modern-day Trail Dust Town, you’ll not only find Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse, but the Silver Dollar Saloon along with local shops and cowboy stunt shows!
6541 E Tanque Verde Rd
Casa Madre Restaurant
Looking for a romantic dinner for two? Look no further than Casa Madre, Tucson's only premier dinner club open to the public. With organic and local ingredients chosen daily, every dish is overseen by Chef Doma. Between the exquisite food, massive Himalayan salt brick wall, and soft music, a night at Casa Madre is a dining experience you won’t soon forget.
*Reservations are required.
119 E 18th St
Stacks Book Club - Broadway
Technically, Stacks is an independent bookstore, not a restaurant—but don’t let that fool you. With two locations across Tucson, Stacks Book Club is a café, bar, and community hub all rolled into one. Proudly serving Yellow Brick Coffee, Maya Tea Company, Dragoon Brewing Company, Houlden’s Rise Above Vegan Bakery, and many other local food vendors, Stacks boasts incredible seasonal drink menus along with classic favorites. Try a coffee flight, share a small-bites plate, and discover a new favorite book all in the same place!
2920 E Broadway Blvd