Where to Eat in Tucson When Someone Else is Paying the Bill

Lobster Tamalada at Charro Steak & Del Rey (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Where to Eat in Tucson When Someone Else is Paying the Bill

Apr 18, 20191 min read

Good food is worth good money but not all of us can afford a special occasion meal every day.

If you have parents from out of town or some other personal benefactor in your life, let them express their love by treating you to an indulgent meal at one of these fancy restaurants in Tucson.

Just don’t forget to thank them.

Fancy Brunch

Brunch at CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Brunch at CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Even if you can happily live off $5 breakfast burritos, treat yourself to a bounty of mimosas, avocado toast, and all the other millennial favorites, all prepared with the finest ingredients.

Read our article Feasts, Views & Mimosas: 6 Fancy Sunday Brunch Buffets.

Dinner

Lobster Tamalada at Charro del Rey (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Lobster Tamalada at Charro del Rey (Credit: Jackie Tran)

If it’s too late for brunch, you’re sure to have a stellar dinner at one of these restaurants. Whether it’s a date, birthday, or another special occasion, they’ll know how to treat you right.

Furthermore, this list includes a wide range of options all around Tucson. Look forward to creative weekend specials, seafood feasts, classy steakhouses, beautiful patios, and more.

Read our article Date Night in Tucson: 34 Places to Take Someone Special.

Opulence

Shellfish Sampler at PY Steakhouse at Casino Del Sol (Photo courtesy of PY Steakhouse)
Shellfish Sampler at PY Steakhouse at Casino Del Sol (Photo courtesy of PY Steakhouse)

Ever share a seafood tower? A whole roast suckling pig? Want truffles grated over everything?

Well, darling, you have some choices. Luxury resorts and casinos know how to work magic around Tucson.

Read our article 10 of the Most Luxurious Dishes in Tucson.

Where do you like to eat with your parents? Let us know in the comments.

Article written by:

Jackie Tran

Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer and photographer. Best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.

Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments and petting pets.

If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.

You Might Also Like

Get our free Tucson Foodie weekly newsletter

New openings, events, dish recommendations, and guides — every Wednesday. No spam.

Advertisement

Follow @TucsonFoodie136.5K followers
Have you tried any of them?

@Crossroadskitchen 
Daily buffet 8am - 2pm
2602 S 4th Ave 

@Casamolinadelnorte 
Sunday buffet 10am - 3pm 
3001 N Campbell Ave

@Delcielotamal 
Vegan buffet 9am - 11:30am 
Thursdays and Saturdays 
Traditional buffet Sundays
3073 N Campbell Ave 

@Losme.zquites 
Sat-Sun 7am - 2pm 
2527 W Drexel Rd 

@Cafesantarosa520 
Sunday buffet 8am - 1pm 
2615 S 6th AveHave you tried any of them? @Crossroadskitchen Daily buffet 8am - 2pm 2602 S 4th Ave @Casamolinadelnorte Sunday buffet 10am - 3pm 3001 N Campbell Ave @Delcielotamal Vegan buffet 9am - 11:30am Thursdays and Saturdays Traditional buffet Sundays 3073 N Campbell Ave @Losme.zquites Sat-Sun 7am - 2pm 2527 W Drexel Rd @Cafesantarosa520 Sunday buffet 8am - 1pm 2615 S 6th Ave
Vegan Chinese Chorizo Empanadillas de Roseta 🌹 

Available Oct 30th & 31st at @thekingfishertucson as a collaboration with the @chinesechorizoproject. 

Pipian Verde | Agave-Miso Glazed Broccolini, Mushrooms & Heirloom Carrots | Pepita Garlic Chili Crisp

I got to try this special dish, and it’s incredible! I was rushing between appointments and planned to save most of it for later, but it was so good I ended up staying to eat more.🥰 — @deathfreefoodie 

Make your reservations now before it’s too late. 

2564 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, AZVegan Chinese Chorizo Empanadillas de Roseta 🌹 Available Oct 30th & 31st at @thekingfishertucson as a collaboration with the @chinesechorizoproject. Pipian Verde | Agave-Miso Glazed Broccolini, Mushrooms & Heirloom Carrots | Pepita Garlic Chili Crisp I got to try this special dish, and it’s incredible! I was rushing between appointments and planned to save most of it for later, but it was so good I ended up staying to eat more.🥰 — @deathfreefoodie Make your reservations now before it’s too late. 2564 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, AZ
@Dedicatedgf is for sale, but it’s not closing. The Midtown bakery at 4500 E. Speedway Blvd. will continue normal operations into 2027 and is accepting holiday orders.

Owner Jennifer Kinkade announced the listing on Instagram, explaining that rising operating costs and accumulated debt have made it difficult to sustain the business, despite steadily increasing year-over-year sales since 2020. The sale includes the business, recipes, lease and equipment. Kinkade is also open to a partnership or angel investor. The buyer would not assume the bakery’s existing debt.

Dedicated offers an entirely gluten-free facility with vegan and dairy-free options, including pastries, bread, cookies, pies and custom cakes.

Interested buyers can email jen@dedicatedgf.com. Customers can continue placing holiday orders as usual. 

Read the story on Tucsonfoodie.com@Dedicatedgf is for sale, but it’s not closing. The Midtown bakery at 4500 E. Speedway Blvd. will continue normal operations into 2027 and is accepting holiday orders. Owner Jennifer Kinkade announced the listing on Instagram, explaining that rising operating costs and accumulated debt have made it difficult to sustain the business, despite steadily increasing year-over-year sales since 2020. The sale includes the business, recipes, lease and equipment. Kinkade is also open to a partnership or angel investor. The buyer would not assume the bakery’s existing debt. Dedicated offers an entirely gluten-free facility with vegan and dairy-free options, including pastries, bread, cookies, pies and custom cakes. Interested buyers can email jen@dedicatedgf.com. Customers can continue placing holiday orders as usual. Read the story on Tucsonfoodie.com
@Prepandpastry is known for brunch, but have you tried their lunch menu? 

Here’s what we tried on our visit, from the Shaved Steak Sandwich and Commoner’s Burger to brunch options like the vegan Chickpea Scramble and Sweet Potato Hash. Breakfast and brunch favorites, mimosas, and Prep’s Bloody Mary are also available throughout the day.

🚨Prep & Pastry is a Tucson Foodie restaurant partner! Tucson Foodie members receive a $20 voucher every six months.

📍 2660 N Campbell Ave 
📍 6450 E Grant Rd@Prepandpastry is known for brunch, but have you tried their lunch menu? Here’s what we tried on our visit, from the Shaved Steak Sandwich and Commoner’s Burger to brunch options like the vegan Chickpea Scramble and Sweet Potato Hash. Breakfast and brunch favorites, mimosas, and Prep’s Bloody Mary are also available throughout the day. 🚨Prep & Pastry is a Tucson Foodie restaurant partner! Tucson Foodie members receive a $20 voucher every six months. 📍 2660 N Campbell Ave 📍 6450 E Grant Rd