Best Ramen
Raijin Ramen
2955 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-795-3123
raijinramen.com
Known for its rich broths and house-made noodles, Raijin Ramen serves traditional and creative ramen bowls in a casual setting. The menu features classics like tonkotsu and miso ramen alongside umami shoyu and vegetable options. The restaurant also serves drinks like sake, wine and beer, and has indoor and outdoor seating.
Reader Recommended
Obon
350 E. Congress Street
520-485 3590
obonsushi.com
Maru Japanese Noodle Shop
1370 N. Silverbell Road
520-838-0717
marunoodle.com
Best Specialty Food Store
Roma Imports
627 S. Vine Avenue
520-792-3173
romaimports.com
Roma Imports brings the flavors of Italy to Tucson with imported cheeses, hard-to-find oils and DOP tomatoes. The shop also offers house-made lasagna, sandwiches and desserts ready to take home. The store strives to serve good, tasty and healthy food, made from scratch.
Reader Recommended
Lee Lee Supermarket
1990 W. Orange Grove Road
520-638-8328
leeleesupermarket.com
AJ’s Fine Foods
2805 E. Skyline Drive
520-232-6340
ajsfinefoods.com
Best Fresh Baked Bread
Barrio Bread
18 S. Eastbourne Avenue
520-327-1292
barriobread.com
Founded in 2009, Barrio Bread began with Don Guerra selling loaves from the back of his car before opening his first store. The bakery specializes in naturally leavened artisan bread made with heritage grains. For Don, it’s not just a business but the “bakery of the future.”
Reader Recommended
Beyond Bread
Multiple locations
beyondbread.com
La Baguette Parisienne
7851 E. Broadway Boulevard
520-296-1711
labaguetteparisienne.com
Best Barbecue
Holy Smokin’ Butts
6940 E. Broadway Boulevard
520-329-3088
holysmokinbutts.com
Holy Smokin’ Butts is a family-owned spot serving slow-smoked barbecue with Texas-style flavors. The menu features brisket, pulled pork and ribs alongside sides like potato salad, smoked baked beans and macaroni and cheese.
Reader Recommended
Bashful Bandit Barbecue
3686 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-526-2368
bashfulbanditbbq.com
Brother John’s
Multiple locations
brotherjohns.com
Best Desserts
Nadine’s
4553 E. Broadway Boulevard
520-326-0735
https://www.facebook.com/
Nadine’s has been baking cakes, pastries, pies and other desserts for the Tucson community since 1982. The bakery has signature desserts, including a red velvet cake and apple pie made with crisp, juicy apples. The bakery strives to make it easy for customers to satisfy their cravings.
Reader Recommended
Beyond Bread / Back Dough
6260 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-629-4111
beyondbread.com
The Screamery
Multiple locations
thescreamery.com
Best Burger (TIE)
Graze
Multiple locations
grazepremiumburgers.com
Graze serves premium burgers built with natural beef, fresh produce and fresh-cut fries. Guests can choose from chef-crafted specialties or build their own with a wide selection of toppings. The restaurant sources quality ingredients and cares about using all-natural, antibiotic and hormone-free beef.
Truland
7332 N. Oracle Road
520-395-2975
trulandburgers.com
Truland uses all-natural antibiotic and hormone-free beef from Niman Ranch for their burgers. The full-service restaurant provides a premium burger experience with every burger containing two patties that are smashed, seared and cooked medium well. Burger options include the Truland classic, early riser, shroom and swiss, firecracker, truffle, poblano and others.
Reader Recommended
Divine Bovine
1021 N. Wilmot Road
520-203-8884
divinebovineburgers.com
Zinburger
Multiple locations
zinburgeraz.com
Best Ice Cream
The Screamery
Multiple locations
thescreamery.com
The Screamery makes ice cream from scratch and only uses whole and natural ingredients. The shop creates small-batch flavors like sweet cream honeycomb, Ooey Gooey Buttercake and seasonal fruit blends. Their base has no antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides or chemical stabilizers.
Reader Recommended
HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery
278 E. Congress Street
520-207-8201
hubdowntown.com
Bella’s Gelato Shoppe
2648 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-954-2843
bellasgelato.com
Best Place to Get a Slice
Brooklyn Pizza Company
534 N. Fourth Avenue
520-622-6868
brooklynpizzacompany.com
Brooklyn Pizza Company serves New York-style slices and whole pies baked in a solar-powered oven. Pizza toppings include bacon, chicken, ham, meatballs, pepperoni, sausage and vegetables like artichoke hearts, basil, garlic, green bell peppers, jalapeño and more. The pizza shop also has lunch specials every day from
11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Reader Recommended
Empire Pizza & Pub
137 E. Congress Street
520-882-7499
empire.pizza
Time Market
444 E. University Boulevard
520-622-0761
timemarket.xyz
Best Eegee’s Flavor
Watermelon
Multiple locations
eegees.com
Watermelon is a seasonal eegee’s flavor that blends sweet fruit with a refreshing icy base, perfect for the Tucson heat. Offered once a year, it has become one of the restaurant’s most anticipated summer flavors.
Reader Recommended
Piña Colada
Multiple locations
eegees.com
Lemon
Multiple locations
eegees.com
Best Caterer
El Molinito
Multiple locations
elmolinitorestaurants.com
El Molinito caters with the same bold flavors that have made its restaurants a Tucson staple since 1977.
Their catering menu highlights Sonoran-style favorites including shredded beef plates, fajitas and tamales.
With multiple locations, the restaurant makes it easy to bring authentic Mexican food to any event.
Reader Recommended
Feast
3719 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-326-9363
eatatfeast.com
Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ
Multiple locations
brotherjohns.com
Best Family Dining
Little Anthony’s
7010 E. Broadway Boulevard
520-296-0456
littleanthonysdiner.com
Little Anthony’s Diner creates a classic 50s-style experience complete with jukebox songs and diner booths. Families can enjoy burgers, pizzas, sundaes and milkshakes served in a fun setting. The diner also hosts themed events that make meals even more memorable.
Reader Recommended
Pinnacle Peak
6541 E. Tanque Verde Road
520-296-0911
pinnaclepeaktucson.com
Zio Peppe
6502 E. Tanque Verde Road
520-888-4242
ziopeppeaz.com
Best Diner
Baja Cafe
2970 N. Campbell Avenue, Tucson
520-344-7369
7002 E. Broadway Boulevard, Tucson
520-495-4772
bajacafetucson.com
Baja Cafe is known for its inventive takes on breakfast and lunch classics served with a Southwestern twist. Dishes like snickerdoodle pancakes and specialty eggs set it apart from typical diners. With two Tucson locations, it’s become a go-to for comfort food any time of day.
Reader Recommended
Little Anthony’s
7010 E. Broadway Boulevard
520-296-0456
littleanthonysdiner.com
Bisbee Breakfast Club
Multiple locations
bisbeebreakfastclub.com
Best Bagel
Bubbe’s Bagels
Multiple locations
bubbesbagel.com
Bubbe’s Bagels brings kettle-boiled, sourdough bagels and “mouth-watering” sandwiches to Tucson with a focus on small-batch, handcrafted baking. Bagels are paired with schmears, sandwiches and lox. Bagel add-ons include tomatoes, Persian cucumbers, capers, red onion, Monterey Jack, cheddar, avocado and smoked salmon.
Reader Recommended
Prep and Pastry
Multiple locations
prepandpastry.com
Midtown Vegan Deli and Market
5071 E. Fifth Street
520-849-5553
midtownvegandeli.com
Best Drive Thru
Coffee Times DriveThru
3401 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-318-3698
coffeetimesdrivethruespresso.shop
Coffee Times Drive-Thru has been serving Tucson residents with quick, quality coffee and espresso on the go for over two decades. The menu features specialty lattes, CBD drinks, frappes, teas and smoothies. Additionally, the establishment serves locally sourced baked goods that complement every drink.
Reader Recommended
Eegees
Multiple locations
eegees.com
Los Betos
7203 E. Golf Links Road
520-722-3689
losbetosmex.online
Best Smoothies/Juice Bar
Coffee Times Drive-Thru Espresso
3401 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-318-3698
coffeetimesdrivethruespresso.shop
Alongside their many coffee, tea and espresso drinks, Coffee Times blends up smoothies made with fresh ingredients. Their signature smoothies include chocolate banana, strawberry banana, orange strawberry and tropical mango. The drive-thru also has other smoothies like protein power pak, avocado banana spinach, avocado chocolate chia and green power smoothie.
Reader Recommended
Fruit Shack
Multiple locations
fruitshacksmoothies.com
Pure Love Juice
1980 E. River Road
520-815-9116
purelovejuicebar.com
Best Delivery
Brooklyn Pizza Company
534 N. Fourth Avenue
520-622-6868
brooklynpizzacompany.com
Brooklyn Pizza Company has served New York-style pizza in Tucson since 1996, baking every pie in solar-powered ovens. Toppings range from bacon, chicken and ham to fresh vegetables like spinach, tomatoes and mushrooms. Their late-night delivery, with hours until 2:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, has made them a downtown favorite.
Reader Recommended
Earth’s Healing
Multiple locations
earthshealing.org
NatureMed
5390 W. Ina Road
520-620-9123
naturemedaz.com
Best Food Truck
Ciao Down
Multiple locations
ciaodownpizza.com
Ciao Down serves pizza out of a mobile oven that brings artisan pies to events and neighborhoods. Each pizza is crafted with hand-stretched dough, fresh toppings and fast-fired heat. Founded in 2015, the truck’s rotating locations and catering services contribute to its success.
Reader Recommended
420 Taco
520-276-0668
facebook.com/420Taco
You Sly Dog
3795 N. Oracle Road
520-954-8174
facebook.com/youslydog
Best Food/Drink Tour
Whiskey Del Bac
2106 N. Forbes Boulevard
520-628-9244
whiskeydelbac.com
At Whiskey Del Bac, guests can take a behind-the-scenes tour to see how Sonoran American Single Malt whiskey is made. Led by an experienced tasting room guide, the tour covers the distillery’s history and production process. It ends with a tasting of their whiskies, including the Classic, Dorado and Sentinel.
Reader Recommended
AZ Wine Tours
520-201-6905
arizonawinerytours.com
Tucson Food Tours
520-477-7986
tucsonfoodtours.com
Best Coffee
Coffee Times Drive-Thru Espresso
3401 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-318-3698
coffeetimesdrivethruespresso.shop
Coffee Times Drive-Thru Espresso specializes in crafted espresso drinks made quickly without sacrificing
quality. Baristas prepare everything from simple Americanos to flavored lattes and CBD drinks. Its drive-thru
setup has made it a daily stop for Tucson coffee lovers.
Reader Recommended
Raging Sage
2458 N. Campbell Avenue
ragingsage.com
Presta
Multiple locations
prestacoffee.com
Best Sandwich
(the actual sandwich)
Unforgettable (Baggin’s)
Multiple locations
bagginsgourmet.com
The Unforgettable is one of Baggin’s signature sandwiches layered with turkey, bacon, cream cheese,
tomatoes, avocado and sprouts. Served on 12-grain bread, it balances savory and fresh flavors in every bite.
Since 1984, Baggin’s has aimed to deliver something special for customers.
Reader Recommended
Wildcat (Bison Witches)
326 N. Fourth Avenue
520-740-1541
bisonwitchestucson.com
Bart’s Bag (Beyond Bread)
Multiple locations
beyondbread.com
Best Donuts
La Estrella Bakery Inc
Multiple locations
laestrellabakeryincaz.com
La Estrella Bakery has been family-owned since 1986 and is celebrated for its traditional Mexican pastries. Their donuts are made fresh daily alongside hebillas, pan fino and cuerntios. Each treat reflects the bakery’s commitment to authentic recipes and community roots.
Reader Recommended
Donut Wheel
4524 W. Ina Road
520-744-2811
facebook.com/pages/Donut-Wheel/102208906489779
Amy’s Donuts
101 E. Fort Lowell Road
520-647-2481
amysdonuts.com
Best Veggie Burger
Zinburger
Multiple locations
zinburgeraz.com
Zinburger’s veggie burger features a house-made patty crafted with fresh ingredients for a flavorful
alternative. Topped with vegetables such as lettuce, pickles and onions and Thousand Island sauce, it delivers the same gourmet experience as their beef burgers.
Reader Recommended
Graze
Multiple locations
grazepremiumburgers.com
Lovin Spoonfuls
2990 N. Campbell Avenue
520-325-7766
lovinspoonfuls.com
Best Place to Get a Salad
Choice Greens
2829 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-319-2467
choicegreens.com
Founded in 2005, Choice Greens specializes in made-to-order salads with over 50 toppings and 20 dressings to choose from. Guests can build their own or select chopped classic combinations that emphasize freshness. Salad options include the chicken caesar salad, barbecue ranch salad, cobb salad, mediterranean salad and others.
Reader Recommended
Time Market
444 E. University Boulevard
520-622-0761
timemarket.xyz
Beyond Bread
Multiple locations
beyondbread.com
Best Cafe Hangout
Scented Leaf
Multiple locations
thescentedleaf.com
The Scented Leaf offers a modern tea experience with over 60 varieties served hot or iced. Its relaxed, artistic
spaces invite guests to stay, study or meet up with friends. With locations near the University of Arizona and
downtown, it has become a go-to spot for tea lovers.
Reader Recommended
Le Buzz
Multiple locations
lebuzzcaffe.com
Cup Café
311 E. Congress Street
520-622-8848
hotelcongress.com
Best Pizzeria
Rocco’s Little Chicago
2555 E. Broadway Boulevard
520-321-1860
roccoslittlechicago.com
Rocco’s Little Chicago, founded in 1998, uses high-quality and tasty ingredients for all their pizzas, aiming to give customers a taste of the Windy City. The restaurant offers the classic thin pizza, deep dish, stuffed pizza and gluten free. “Roccos has been a Tucson staple for years,” one customer said.
Reader Recommended
Brooklyn Pizza Company
534 N. Fourth Avenue
520-622-6868
brooklynpizzacompany.com
Empire
137 E. Congress Street
520-882-7499
empire.pizza
Best French Fries
eegee’s
Multiple locations
eegees.com
Eegee’s serves golden crinkle-cut fries that pair perfectly with their signature ranch dressing or famous frozen drinks. The fries are crispy on the outside, soft inside and available in generous portions. Other dressings include chipotle and buffalo ranch.
Reader Recommended
Zinburger
Multiple locations
zinburgeraz.com
Graze
Multiple locations
grazepremiumburgers.com
Best Tea
Scented Leaf
Multiple locations
thescentedleaf.com
The Scented Leaf specializes in teas sourced from around the world and crafted into signature drinks. The shop has over 60 varieties of teas to pick from, including black tea, green tea, herbal tea, oolong tea, puerh tea and white tea. The shop aims to turn every sip into a moment of discovery and delight.
Reader Recommended
Seven Cups
2510 E. Fort Lowell Road
520-881-4072
sevencups.com
Tucson Tea Company
5870 E. Broadway Boulevard
520-745-3042
tucsontea.com
Best Wings
Rocco’s Little Chicago
2555 E. Broadway Boulevard
520-321-1860
roccoslittlechicago.com
Rocco’s Little Chicago pairs its famous pizza with equally tasty wings. Customers can choose from mild, medium, hot or homemade barbecue wing flavors. Wings are served with ranch or bleu cheese dressing.
Reader Recommended
Neighborhood Wings
Multiple locations
theneighborhoodbar.com
Barrio Brewing Company
800 E. 16th Street
520-791-2739
barriobrewing.com
Best Hot Dog
El Guero Canelo
Multiple locations
elguerocanelo.com
Since 1993, El Guero Canelo has grown from a small hot dog stand into three local restaurants and a meat market. Their signature Sonoran-style hot dog comes wrapped in bacon and topped with beans, jalapeños, grilled onions, tomatoes and sauces like mustard, mayo and jalapeño sauce.
Reader Recommended
BK’s
Multiple locations
bktacos.com
Pat’s
1202 W. Niagara Street
520-624-0891
facebook.com/pages/Pats-Chilli-Dogs/321113101234682
Best Delicatessen
Roma Imports
627 S. Vine Avenue
520-792-3173
romaimports.com
Roma Imports has been a Tucson staple for Italian specialties since 1999. Its deli counter is stocked with meats, cheeses, oils and jams alongside prepared meals. The shop is all about serving tasty and healthy food made from scratch.
Reader Recommended
4th Ave Deli
425 N. Fourth Avenue
520-624-3354
4thavedeli.com
Dickman’s
Multiple locations
520-229-9777
facebook.com/dickmansmeat/?_rdr
Best Place to Get a Sandwich
Beyond Bread
Multiple locations
beyondbread.com
Beyond Bread has been hand-crafting breads and sandwiches since 1998, becoming a Tucson favorite for lunch. The menu features both creative combinations and timeless classics, with options like roasted turkey, albacore tuna, all-natural chicken, veggie and roast beef.
Reader Recommended
Bison Witches
326 N. Fourth Avenue
520-740-1541
bisonwitchestucson.com
Baggin’s
Multiple locations
bagginsgourmet.com
Best Personal/Private Chef
Chef Pablo Valencia
520-820-4515
scratchingtheplate.com
Chef Pablo Valencia brings fine-dining techniques to private and corporate events with a focus on scratch-made meals. He sources sustainable local ingredients for his meals and uses old cooking methods. “I want to return to the table, return to how food was, to return to all the memories made around the plate. Made by hand for good times and great people,” he said.
Reader Recommended
Chef Kade Mislinski - Meals by Kade
520-260-8624
mealsbykade.com
Chef Jenna Grigalauski -
A Culinary Inheritance
331-457-9000
aculinaryinheritance.com
