The food scene in Tucson is rooted in a deep agricultural history that dates back 4,000 years, and the Old Pueblo is recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a City of Gastronomy. That history is celebrated at some of the classic restaurants in town. Other, newer spots are spicing things up with flavors from all over the world.
Whether you're heading to class or just visiting for a weekend, here are 10 must-try restaurants in Tucson.
BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs
2680 N. First Ave., Tucson5118 S. 12th Ave., Tucson When you hear, “hey, let’s go to BKs!” in Tucson, those hungry folks are not talking about Burger King. In the Old Pueblo, BKs stands for BK Carne Asada & Hot Dogs, a favorite of students and locals alike. The restaurant, which has two locations in town, serves two Tucson staples; the Sonoran Hot Dog — a hot dog wrapped in bacon, topped with pinto beans, onions, tomato, mayo, mustard and jalapeno sauce, and caramelos, a type of small quesadilla made with flour tortillas, cheese and meat that have absolutely nothing to do with caramel, as the name suggests. The restaurant also serves a selection of tacos and tortas that can be topped with an array of salsas from the self-serve counter. Cold beer and over-the-top cocktails wash it all down.
Noodleholics
3502 E. Grant Road, Tucson 7850 N. Oracle Road, Oro Valley Some of the best gems in Tucson are found in unassuming strip malls, and Noodleholics is no different. This spot is a favorite of many international students missing a taste of home. It specializes in Guilin-style rice noodles and freshly hand-made wheat noodles which fold into soups and plates mixed with barbecue pork, beef shank, minced pork or other toppings. Start with a plate of pan-fried dumplings and a Hong Kong milk tea to kick off your meal. The Grant Road original now has a second metro Tucson location in Oro Valley.
El Charro Cafe
311 N. Court Ave., Tucson The original El Charro Cafe is one of the most famous restaurants in Tucson, and certainly one of the oldest. This classic spot has been serving delicious Mexican food in the downtown area for decades. It’s often busy, so while you wait for a table, make your way through the courtyard to the back bar where you can order a prickly pear margarita and snack on free chips and salsa. The restaurant is comprised of a series of rooms, so each visit has a different feel. The front covered porch is the perfect place for a hearty lunch, and some of the colorful, cozy back rooms are perfect destinations for a group meal or birthday celebration. Make sure to leave room at the end of your meal for the outstanding, immensely creamy flan. There are other outposts of this restaurant in Tucson, but the Court Avenue restaurant is the one to visit.Ghini's French Caffe
1803 E. Prince Road, TucsonA great way to start your day is with breakfast at Ghini's French Caffe. Coralie Satta, also known as Chef Ghini, had a love for the culinary arts at a young age. She worked in many restaurants before moving to Tucson to create Ghini's French Caffe, serving classic French dishes such as the Croque Madame, Croque Monsieur and a variety of crepes. Try one of Ghini’s signature dishes, the Eggs Provençal made with local tomatoes sauteed with garlic, herbs and farm eggs with a choice of toast made from La Baguette Bakery, just next door.
HeeMee Coffee + Bakery's strawberry and pistachio cookie, a slice of strawberry cream cake and a berry tart.
Tiffany Acosta
HeeMee Coffee + Bakery
20 E. Congress St. #110, TucsonNeed a coffee break? Check out HeeMee Coffee + Bakery right in the heart of downtown Tucson. This cute, tiny, minimalistic cafe explores Korean heritage by making traditional cakes and sweet and savory treats. Some of the specialty drinks are the Yuja Ade, a fizzy sip sweetened with honey and sour yuzu and the Ocean Latte with blue Curaçao and fresh cream. Don't forget about pastries like fluffy cream cakes, strawberry pistachio cookies, egg tarts and red bean and custard donuts. HeeMee also offers classic Korean dishes such as Korean corn dogs, bulgogi sandwiches and sweet garlic fried chicken.
Mercado San Agustin
100 S. Avenida del Convento, Tucson There are a multitude of reasons to visit Mercado San Agustin, a collection of businesses near downtown Tucson. Here’s our recommended game plan: First, grab a smooth and rich coffee drink at Presta Coffee Roasters. Then, pick up a menu and stand in line at Seis Kitchen. There, order the El Jefe Burrito stuffed with chorizo, green chiles, eggs, guacamole, potatoes and cheese or the Mojo de Ajo Shrimp Tacos with mushrooms. Pick out a table in the sunshine to eat and after you’re full, head to La Estrella Bakery to pick out some freshly baked Mexican pastries to take home for later.
Locale Neighborhood Italian Restaurant
60 N. Alvernon Way, TucsonLocale Neighborhood Italian Restaurant is a Tucson destination. The bustling venue feels like an Italian villa with spacious outdoor and indoor seating, Tuscan-style interior design, modern wooden tables and wine shelves along the walls. Everything is made from scratch including the pasta, pizzas and bread from the Locale Bakery. To start, get the creamy burrata with sweet tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil. As your main entrée try the handmade Sfoglia, topped with braised pork, mushrooms, saba dandelion greens and a sprinkle of parmesan. Perfect for any graduation ceremonies, first dates, or birthday celebrations, Locale is a special treat.
The Parish
6453 N. Oracle Road, TucsonGet a taste of New Orleans at Tucson's Southern gastropub. The Parish draws inspiration from "Southern comfort, hospitality and community," according to its website. Its three owners, who hail from Louisiana, Texas and Arizona, work to create the perfect blend and atmosphere. Make sure to try the Goat Cheese Relleno made with balsamic reduction, pico de gallo, bacon and fresh cilantro, and the Drunken Angel, a dish of burgundy angel hair pasta, shrimp, crawfish, lobster broth, saffron red pepper cream sauce and fresh parmesan.
