In 2015 UNESCO designated Tucson a “City of Gastronomy”. With its agricultural heritage, it’s no surprise that we were granted such an honored title! Sonoran-style Mexican food is a big draw for locals and visitors alike. Fare like Sonoran dogs, fry bread, carne seca, and reposados are favored. Beyond the traditional cuisine, Tucson boasts several Zagat and Michelin-star rated restaurants in the downtown and surrounding area as well as several James Beard award winners and finalists. From Italian to Ethiopian, anything your taste buds desire can be found here. We’ve rounded up some of the best restaurants in the area to inspire your palate.
Located in the historic Hotel Congress. Since opening its doors in 1990, The Cup Café has found a home in the hearts of local Tucsonans and travelers alike. Named as a “Best Neighborhood Gem” by OpenTable as well as being a perennial winner of “Best of Tucson” awards, The Cup Café continues to make fans of all who visit.
INSIDER TIP: Cup Cafe features a cozy and quirky indoor dining room as well as expansive outdoor seating which extends into the Hotel Congress plaza.
Miss Saigon Restaurants is a locally owned chain of Vietnamese Restaurants in Tucson, AZ. They have been a staple here since 2000. Their mission is to provide our guests with the freshest ingredients and healthy delicious Vietnamese cuisine..
INSIDER TIP: Check out their newest location Downtown on Broadway Blvd.
New American cuisine with a twist. Handcrafted cocktails and locally sourced ingredients, and a seasonally based menu are the main focus at this upscale spot.
INSIDER TIP: This is one of the best places to get fresh oysters in Tucson.
Chef Maria Mazon offers Fresh, Original Mexican Tacos, Salsa y Tequila. Outpost for modern Mexican fare, imaginative salsas and local craft beers with a dog-friendly patio in the heart of Tucson. Chef Maria is a James Beard semi-finalist and has appeared on Top Chef.
INSIDER TIP: Chef Maria offers new fresh salsas daily so be sure look for what is trending today!
The Nation’s Oldest Mexican Restaurant in continuous operation by the same family. Traditional Tucson-style Mexican food with vegetarian and vegan friendly options.
INSIDER TIP: Make reservations well in advance. El Charro usually has a wait.
Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon and BBQ
A historic 1860’s adobe style building turned into a classic American cafe. The restaurant has romantic atmosphere with an Art Nouveau swag.
INSIDER TIP: Live jazz can be enjoyed on Sunday afternoons.
Mole y Maiz aka Maria Indita in Tucson, AZ has been a Tucson tradition since 1983. They are a Tarascan, Purépecha and Tohono O’Odham fusion restaurant. They offer great cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
INSIDER TIP: They offer both indoor and outdoor dining. Don’t forget to try the Margaritas.
Tucson’s vegetarian/vegan Mexican restaurant Tumerico is the No. 1 place to eat in America, according to Yelp’s 2024 Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. Chef Wendy Garcia is a two-time James Beard Award best chef semi-finalist. At Tumerico it’s all about food, serving the community by healing through food.
INSIDER TIP: Also visit Chef Wendy’s other location, La Chaiteria to experience both plant based meals as well as some dishes for meat eaters.
The Coronet Restaurant, Nightjar and Cafe. Coronet Restaurant located in a beautiful and historic 160 year old building, is where classic sensibility meets international cuisine. On the same property you will find Nightjar, a craft cocktail bar focused on culinary inspired expressions. And don’t miss the lovely little counter service Cafe. It’s a place where guests can enjoy honest fare made with integrity, sustainable proteins, and local ingredients whenever possible.
INSIDER TIP: Check out their calendar for interesting movie and entertainment events.
Fait Avec Amour | Hecho Con Amor | Made With Love – Welcome to The Monica, downtown Tucson’s newest dining experience for fresh and fast breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch, and any other time in between. The Monica was inspired by our legendary Tia Monica Flin who always said that food made with love is the best kind of food, and our kitchen works just the way she would have wanted it; always having something ready to eat or having the ingredients to make it for you.
INSIDER TIP: Visit The Monica for its “Tucson Tuesdays” – every 2nd Tuesday – when they feature and promote one of their local partners.
For the latest on Tucson’s food scene check out Tucson Foodie and Edible Baja. Or if you’d rather have an interactive experience, try the Taste of Tucson food and walking tour!
