Best Vegetarian / Vegan
Tumerico
2526 E. Sixth Street
520-240-6947
tumerico.com
Tumerico is a Tucson favorite for inventive plant-based dishes inspired by Latin flavors. Last year, the vegan Mexican restaurant was ranked No. 1 on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. As a scratch kitchen, the menu changes daily, but customers can call ahead to hear the dishes of the day.
Reader Recommended
Lovin’ Spoonfuls
2990 N. Campbell Avenue
520-325-7766
lovinspoonfuls.com
Govinda’s Natural Foods & Boutique
711 E. Blacklidge Drive
520-792-0630
iskcontucson.org
Best Greek
Opa’s Best
4590 E. Broadway Boulevard
520-838-0687
opasbest.com
Opa’s Best brings fresh Mediterranean flavors to Tucson with authentic Greek dishes like housemade baklava, souvlaki and slow-roasted lamb. Chef-owner Qais Papoutsis and his brother Chef Nawid Esar offer consistently delicious dishes and family-friendly service.
Reader Recommended
Pappoule’s
7475 N. La Cholla Boulevard
520-544-5551
pappoules.com
Opa’s Grill on Fourth Avenue
500 N. Fourth Avenue
520-838-0568
opasgrill.com
Best Seafood
Kingfisher Bar & Grill
2564 E. Grant Road
520-323-7739
kingfishertucson.com
Kingfisher has been Tucson’s go-to for seafood for over 20 years. Known for its oyster bar and dishes like calamari, crudo, ceviche and lobster rolls, the restaurant prides itself on serving a wide selection of fresh seafood alongside an extensive wine and cocktail list.
Reader Recommended
Wild Garlic Grill
2870 E. Skyline Drive
520-206-0017
wildgarlicgrill.com
Cruda
31 N. Scott Avenue
520-207-0589
crudamariscos.com
Best French
Ghini’s French Caffe
1803 E. Prince Road
520-326-9095
ghiniscafe.com
Ghini’s French Caffe has been serving up Parisian-inspired dishes in Tucson since 1992. Beloved for its scratch-made breakfasts, pastries and signature Provençal eggs, it’s a charming spot for French comfort food with a local twist.
Reader Recommended
Le Rendezvous
3844 E. Fort Lowell Road
520-323-7373
rendezvoustucson.com
Wild Garlic Grill
2870 E. Skyline Drive
520-206-0017
wildgarlicgrill.com
Best Eggs Benedict
Baja Cafe
2970 N. Campbell Avenue, Tucson
520-344-7369
7002 E. Broadway Boulevard, Tucson
520-495-4772
bajacafetucson.com
Baja Cafe is a locally owned, full-service restaurant serving breakfast, brunch and lunch with Southwestern flair. Known for their variety of egg dishes, from classic Benedict to huevos rancheros and omelettes, there are options for everyone. The cafe strives to provide top-notch service in a welcoming, comfortable environment.
Reader Recommended
Blue Willow
2616 N. Campbell Avenue
520-327-7577
bluewillowtucson.com
Prep & Pastry
Multiple locations
prepandpastry.com
Best Steakhouse
Silver Saddle Steakhouse
310 E. Benson Highway
520-622-6253
thesilversaddlesteakhouse.com
A Tucson staple since 1984, Silver Saddle Steakhouse is old-school in the best way. Mesquite-grilled steaks, cowboy decor and a warm atmosphere make it a favorite for meat lovers. Dinner options include a 24-ounce porterhouse, 16-ounce T-bone, 10-ounce top sirloin, 10-ounce New York strip, prime rib and more.
Reader Recommended
Charro Steak
188 E. Broadway Boulevard
520-485-1922
charrosteak.com
El Corral
2201 E River Road
520-299-6092
elcorraltucson.com
Best Indian
Sher E Punjab
853 E. Grant Road
520-624-9393
sherepunjabtucson.com
Sher-E-Punjab offers bold, authentic Indian cuisine on Grant Road. From aromatic curries to tandoori specialties, the menu delivers a wide range of flavors. Menu items include Khazan-e-Tandoori, chicken curries, lamb curries, veggie dishes, basmati rice, tandoori bread and soups and salads.
Reader Recommended
Saffron
7607 N. Oracle Road
520-742-9100
saffronindianbistro.net
Indian Twist
4660 E. Camp Lowell Drive
520-495-5499
indiantwistaz.com
Best Jamaican
Kingston’s Kitchen
5305 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-795-3400
kingstonkitchenaz.com
Kingston’s Kitchen brings the flavors of the Caribbean to Tucson with dishes like jerk chicken, curry goat and plantains. Other menu items include coconut shrimp, chicken lollipop, oxtail, rice and peas and steamed veggies. “The people there are nice and the staff keeps it fun and professional,” one customer said.
Reader Recommended
Cool Runnings
7889 E. 22nd Street
instagram.com/coolrunningsfoodtruck
Janet & Ray’s
5443 E. 22nd Street
520-327-7500
janetandrays.com
Best Sushi
Sushi Garden
Multiple locations
sushigarden.com
Sushi Garden is a longtime favorite for fresh sushi rolls, creative specialty dishes and all-you-can-eat options. With multiple locations, it’s a convenient stop for both casual diners and sushi lovers looking for variety. The restaurant works tirelessly to ensure every bite is a delightful fusion of flavors.
Reader Recommended
Sachiko Sushi
1101 N. Wilmot Road
520-886-7000
sachikorestaurant.com
Obon
350 E. Congress Street
520-485-3590
obonsushi.com
Best Italian
Carusos
434 N. Fourth Avenue
520-624-5765
carusositalian.com
Caruso’s has been serving Italian classics since the 1930s. Known for pasta, homemade sauces and a cozy courtyard, it’s a Tucson restaurant full of charm. Founded by Nicasio “Caruso” Zagona, the menu features spaghetti, pizza, lasagna, eggplant parmigiana and more.
Reader Recommended
Vivace
6440 N. Campbell Avenue
520-795-7221
vivacetucson.com
Roma Imports
627 S. Vine Avenue
520-792-3173
romaimports.com
Best Breakfast
Baja Cafe
Multiple locations
bajacafetucson.com
Baja Cafe is a Tucson hotspot for breakfast with creative takes on morning favorites. One of their signature breakfast items is their scratch-made snickerdoodle pancake, but it also offers items like French toast, waffles and huevos rancheros.
Reader Recommended
Bisbee Breakfast Club
Multiple locations
bisbeebreakfastclub.com
Blue Willow
2616 N. Campbell Avenue
520-327-7577
bluewillowtucson.com
Best Thai
Tuk Tuk Thai
2990 N. Campbell Avenue
520-777-7888
tuktukthai2990.com
Tuk Tuk Thai offers a fresh, modern take on traditional Thai cuisine. Menu items include ping, tod tofu, kor mu yaang, grilled lemongrass chicken, spicy green bean with rice and more. The restaurant aims to provide guests with a great dining experience using only the finest ingredients available.
Reader Recommended
Bangkok Cafe
2511 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-323-6555
bangkokcafe.net
Karuna’s
1917 E. Grant Road
520-325-4129
karunasthaiplate.com
Best Japanese
Raijin Ramen
2955 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-795-3123
raijinramen.com
Raijin Ramen specializes in rich, flavorful bowls of ramen that keep diners coming back for more. From tonkotsu to spicy miso, the broths are made with care and paired with fresh toppings. The restaurant serves comfort food and drinks with dine-in and take-out services.
Reader Recommended
Obon
350 E. Congress Street
520-485 3590
obonsushi.com
Ikkyu
2040 W. Orange Grove Road
520-297-9011
ikkyutucson.square.site
Best Brunch
Blue Willow
2616 N. Campbell Avenue
520-327-7577
bluewillowtucson.com
Blue Willow serves a mix of health-focused comfort food with breakfast available all day. The menu features dishes like quiche, shrimp and grits, a bacon jam sandwich, salmon and meatloaf. Guests can also enjoy brunch cocktails including mimosas, peach bellinis, bloody marys and micheladas.
Reader Recommended
Baja Cafe
Multiple locations
bajacafetucson.com
Prep & Pastry
Multiple locations
prepandpastry.com
Best Vietnamese
Miss Saigon
Multiple locations
misssaigontucson.com
The locally owned chain of Vietnamese restaurants has been a staple since 2000. Serving up dishes like pho noodle soups, rice noodle entrees, egg noodle entrees, vermicelli noodle entrees and Vietnamese rice plates, using the freshest ingredients. The restaurant strives to provide excellent customer service and give Tucson residents a taste of Vietnam.
Reader Recommended
Ha Long Bay
7245 E. Tanque Verde
520-571-1338
orderhalongbay.com
Banhdicted
Multiple locations
banhdicted.com
Best Middle Eastern
Zayna Mediterranean
1138 N. Belvedere Avenue
520-881-4348
zaynamediterranean.com
Zayna Mediterranean serves traditional and vegetarian Mediterranean food, using only high-quality and fresh ingredients. Founded in 2005, the restaurant offers dishes like shawarma, gyro, beef kifta, falafel, mujadara and more. “Great fresh food for a good price,” one customer said.
Reader Recommended
Istanbul Mediterranean Food
2945 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-849-7945
istanbultucson.com
Persian Room
9290 N. Thornydale Road
520-744-1414
persianroom.com
Best Chinese
Golden Dragon
Multiple locations
goldendragontucson.com
Golden Dragon has satisfied the taste buds of the Tucson community since 1990. Menu items include mo shu, chow mein, lo mein, chow ho fun, fried rice and house specialties like Khan’s beef and shrimp, sizzling eggplant with shrimp and peking duck. Every dish is made using carefully selected fresh meats and vegetables.
Reader Recommended
Jun Dynasty
2933 E. Grant Road
520-881-0778
jundynasty.com
Noodleholics
Multiple locations
noodleholics.com
Best Contemporary/
Fusion Restaurant
Tito & Pep
4122 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-207-0116
titoandpep.com
Tito & Pep brings modern Southwestern flavors to life in its bright Tucson venue. The restaurant offers mesquite-fired dishes complemented by cocktails and a wide selection of wine. Chef and owner John Martinez draws inspiration from the multicultural history of the Southwest and his travels for menu items.
Reader Recommended
Wildflower
7037 N. Oracle Road
520-219-4230
wildflowertucson.com
Feast
3719 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-326-9363
eatatfeast.com
Best Downtown
Restaurant
Cup Café
311 E. Congress Street
520-622-8848
hotelcongress.com
Housed inside the historic Hotel Congress, this café blends character and comfort. From breakfast scrambles to late-night bites, the menu offers something for every craving. The café also features a dessert carousel filled with house-made sweets that often catches customers’ attention.
Reader Recommended
La Chingada
110 E. Pennington Street
520-867-8441
lachingadacocina.com
Reilly Craft Beer and Pizza
101 E. Pennington Street
520-882-5550
reillypizza.com
Best Northwest
Restaurant
The Parish
6453 N. Oracle Road
520-797-1233
theparishtucson.com
A Southern-inspired gastropub, The Parish serves dishes like black and blue Brussels sprouts, goat cheese relleno, mesquite-smoked salmon and beer-battered catfish. The menu is inventive yet approachable, showcasing flavors from Louisiana and Texas. The restaurant also offers a lengthy drink menu with cocktails like the Swamp Cooler, Orange Grove, Oceanside, Magnolia in May and Blueberry Thyme Rickey.
Reader Recommended
Wildflower
7037 N. Oracle Road
520-219-4230
wildflowertucson.com
Dominick’s Real Italian
8330 N. Thornydale Road
520-744-2002
dominicksrealitalian.com
Best Central Restaurant
Blue Willow
2616 N. Campbell Avenue
520-327-7577
bluewillowtucson.com
In the heart of midtown, Blue Willow balances comfort food with lighter options for every taste. Its leafy patio allows customers to enjoy their food outdoors while indoor seating is still available. Breakfast, lunch and dinner service make it an all-day destination.
Reader Recommended
Tito & Pep
4122 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-207-0116
titoandpep.com
Kingfisher Bar & Grill
2564 E. Grant Road
520-323-7739
kingfishertucson.com
Best Upscale Restaurant
Vivace
6440 N. Campbell Avenue
520-795-7221
vivacetucson.com
Known for refined Italian dining, Vivace offers a menu of pasta, seafood and house specialties. Its Campbell Avenue location features beautiful views of the Catalina Mountains. Since its establishment in 1993, the restaurant has been known for its use of high-quality ingredients and fine dining experience.
Reader Recommended
Wild Garlic Grill
2870 E. Skyline Drive
520-206-0017
wildgarlicgrill.com
Hacienda Del Sol
5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road
520-526-9345
haciendadelsol.com
Best Eastside Restaurant
The Cork Tucson
6320 E. Tanque Verde Road
520-296-1631
corktucson.com
A long-standing fine-dining destination, The Cork offers steaks, seafood and an extensive wine list in a romantic setting. Known for attentive service, it’s been an Eastside staple for decades. The restaurant has offered prime cuts, sustainable seafood and classic cocktails since 1966.
Reader Recommended
Zio Peppe
6502 E. Tanque Verde Road
520-888-4242
ziopeppeaz.com
The Barnyard
11011 E. Tanque Verde Road
520-600-7570
barnyardaz.com
Best African
Zeman’s Ethiopian Cuisine
2731 E. Broadway Boulevard
520-239-5145
z-street.com
Traditional Ethiopian flavors shine at Zemam’s, which offers dishes like lentils and all-meat or vegetarian samplers. Founded in 1993, the restaurant strives to provide residents with a global culinary journey. “Zemam’s is a great place to eat,” one customer said.
Reader Recommended
Café Desta
758 S. Stone Avenue
520-370-7000
destacafe.com
Alafia West African Cuisine
1070 N. Swan Road
520-331-7161
facebook.com/alafiawestafricancuisine
Best Southside
Restaurant
Mi Nidito
1813 S. Fourth Avenue
520-622-5081
facebook.com/miniditotucson
A Tucson institution since 1952, Mi Nidito is celebrated for its Sonoran-style Mexican food and famous visitors. The dining room stays packed with customers ordering combination plates and house specialties like the President’s Plate. Customers can choose from dishes including tamales, bean tostadas, birria tacos and chile rellenos.
Reader Recommended
Rollie’s Mexican Patio
4573 S. 12th Avenue
520-300-6289
rolliestucson.com
El Torero
231 E. 26th Street
520-622-9534
eltorerotucson.com
Best Chef
Maria Mazon
(BOCA Tacos y Tequila)
533 N. Fourth Avenue
520-777-8134
bocatacos.com
Chef Maria Mazon has put Tucson on the national culinary map with her inventive tacos and bold salsas. At BOCA, she creates new, fresh salsas every day with ingredients she grows behind the restaurant. “Being a chef for me is a way to scream who I am as a person,” she said.
Reader Recommended
Mateo Otero (Rollie’s Mexican Patio)
4573 S. 12th Avenue
520-300-6289
rolliestucson.com
Travis Peters (The Parish)
6453 N. Oracle Road
520-797-1233
theparishtucson.com
Best Foothills
Restaurant
Vivace
6440 N. Campbell Avenue
520-795-7221
vivacetucson.com
Vivace is a Tucson landmark offering Italian dining with mountain views and an elegant atmosphere. The menu features handmade pastas, seafood and veal. The restaurant also offers both in-house dining and curbside takeout, allowing customers to enjoy meals in an elegant space or in the comfort of their home.
Reader Recommended
Wild Garlic Grill
2870 E. Skyline Drive
520-206-0017
wildgarlicgrill.com
Union Public House
4340 N. Campbell Avenue
520-329-8575
uniontucson.com
Best Place to Eat Lunch Downtown
La Chingada
110 E. Pennington Street
520-867-8441
lachingadacocina.com
La Chingada is known for its top-rated Mexican dishes, including quesa-birria tacos, lorenza de rib-eye, tamales and la chingada tampiqueña. Most dishes are paired with fresh salsas, and it even offers unique desserts like the churro cheesecake. Beyond its dining room, the restaurant caters private events, offers takeout and delivery services and sells merchandise.
Reader Recommended
Street Taco
Multiple locations
street-taco-and-beer-co.res-menu.com
HUB Restaurant and Ice Creamery
278 E. Congress Street
520-207-8201
hubdowntown.com
Best Westside
Restaurant
Mosaic Cafe
2456 N. Silver Mosaic Drive
520-624-4512
teresasmosaic.com
Teresa’s Mosaic Cafe is a traditional Mexican restaurant that has been serving homestyle Sonoran and Oaxacan dishes for decades with recipes passed down through generations. Their huevos rancheros and enchiladas are local favorites. The restaurant’s tortillas are also handmade in the main dining room.
Reader Recommended
Seis
Multiple locations
seiskitchen.com
Agustin Kitchen
100 S. Avenida Del Convento
520-398-5382
agustinkitchen.com
Best Place to Eat
Gluten Free
Tumerico
2526 E. Sixth Street
520-240-6947
tumerico.com
Tumerico is known for its plant-based Latin-inspired menu that changes daily. Fresh vegetables, beans and grains are at the center of their gluten-free dishes. Customers can call ahead to learn the day’s lineup of tacos, bowls and other specialty menu items.
Reader Recommended
Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bakery
5845 N. Oracle Road
520-408-9000
gourmetgirlsglutenfree.com
Dedicated
4500 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-209-2872
dedicatedgf.com
Best Outdoor Dining
Locale
60 N. Alvernon Way
520-398-7553
localetucson.com
Locale’s open-air seating glows under string lights, making it as inviting by day as it is at night. Its picturesque outdoor patio is also spacious, allowing visitors to comfortably enjoy Italian dishes like pasta and pizza. “Great atmosphere, yummy food,” one customer said.
Reader Recommended
Cup Café
311 E. Congress Street
520-622-8848
hotelcongress.com
Jojo’s Restaurant
76 W. Washington
520-622-0351
jojostucson.com
Best Korean
Takamatsu
5532 E. Speedway
520-512-0800
takatucson.net
Takamatsu has been Tucson’s go-to for Korean barbecue and sushi for over 20 years. Guests can grill meats like bulgogi and short ribs right at the table. The menu also features bento boxes, hot pots and sushi rolls.
Reader Recommended
Korea House
4030 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-325-4377
facebook.com/people/
Korea-House-Restarant/100090549566991
Kimchi Time
2900 E. Broadway Boulevard
520-305-4900
kimchi-time.restaurants-world.com
Best New Restaurant
La Frida
7230 E. 22nd Street
520-344-8335
lafridamexicangrill.com
La Frida celebrates Mexican flavors with colorful dishes like mole, enchiladas, seafood and tacos. The decor in the restaurant is vibrant and filled with Frida Kahlo art. All dishes are prepared with the freshest ingredients and “a touch of love.”
Reader Recommended
Ugly But Honest Pizza
733 S. Stone Avenue
520-777-7867
uglybuthonestpizza.com
Sunshine Wine
15 N. Santa Rita Avenue
520-771-6279
thetapandbottle.com/sunshine-wine
Best Signature Dish
Carne Seca (El Charro)
Multiple locations
elcharrocafe.com
Carne seca at El Charro is dried in the sun and put in special cages on the restaurant’s roof, just as it has been since 1922. The beef is then sautéed with chilies, tomatoes and onions. The carne seca or air-dried meat is shredded and used in many dishes like enchiladas and tacos.
Reader Recommended
Drunken Angel (The Parish)
6453 N. Oracle Road
520-797-1233
theparishtucson.com
Bashful Bandit Barbecue (Prime Brisket)
3686 E. Speedway Boulevard
520-526-2368
bashfulbanditbbq.com
Best Dining With a View
Hacienda Del Sol
5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road
520-526-9345
haciendadelsol.com
Hacienda Del Sol combines history, luxury and sweeping mountain views. The resort has two onsite restaurants with food made by an acclaimed culinary team. Patio seating showcases sunsets over the Catalina Mountains, making it a cherished destination for locals and guests.
Reader Recommended
Vivace
6440 N. Campbell Avenue
520-795-7221
vivacetucson.com
Saguaro Corners
3750 S. Old Spanish Trail
520-886-2020
saguaro-corners.com
Best Restaurant To Dazzle Out of Town Visitors
Hacienda Del Sol
5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road
520-526-9345
haciendadelsol.com
History, desert views and refined Southwestern cuisine come together at Hacienda Del Sol. The resort’s restaurants, The Grill and the Terraza Garden Patio & Lounge, are both known for their elevated menus and warm atmosphere. “Well-kept grounds, food is very good,” one customer said.
Reader Recommended
El Charro
Multiple locations
elcharrocafe.com
Coronet Restaurant
198 W. Cushing Street
520-222-9889
coronettucson.com
