Looking for new restaurants in Tucson? Here’s the list of restaurants who entered the fray in 2019.
Let us know your favorites in the comments!
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Recently opened Alexandria’s Pearl features authentic Egyptian meals along with unique Arabic dishes (and it’s vegan and vegetarian friendly). With Arabic seating, in the style of jalsa majlis, and Egyptian decor with a coastal theme throughout, you’ll be transported to the Northern African city of Alexandia as you enter.
Keep up with Alexandria’s Pearl on Facebook.
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Chandler-based wing restaurant ATL Wings announced it opened its first Tucson location on Saturday, February 16.
The traditional wings are some of the crunchiest in town. Out of the four flavors we’ve tried so far, Spicy ATL dry rub is by far the favorite.
For more information, call (520) 207-1771 or visit atlwings.com.
Cousin restaurant to Prep & Pastry, August Rhodes Market features a wide variety of scratch-made soups, salads, sandwiches, gorditas, and more.
Fresh loaves of bread are also available to purchase to-go.
Keep up with August Rhodes Market on Instagram.
The 2,800-square-foot space at 943 E. University Blvd. previously housed Red’s Smokehouse & Tap Room, which quietly closed in 2018.
The menu features pizza, calzones, salads, sandwiches, and pasta in a trendy spot. We have yet to visit and try the beckoning scoops of gelato — stay tuned for an article.
Keep up with Bacio Italiano on Facebook.
Phoenix-based pizza chain Barro’s Pizza opened their second location at 410 N. Wilmot Rd. Ste. 150.
Prices are surprisingly affordable, plus pizzas can be split into up to four separate topping combinations. This means pineapple lovers can enjoy their slices alongside pineapple haters from the same pizza.
For more information, visit barrospizza.com.
Bowld restaurant and meal prep opened in Vail in March.
The counter-service restaurant features a menu focused on a variety of bowls and “rowls,” which are items rolled in ham, breaded and fried or griddled.
Keep up with Bowld on Facebook.
Local catering company R & R Family Kitchen announced plans to expand their brick-and-mortar space with a restaurant called BBQ Shack.
The 2,600-square-foot restaurant at 7230 E. 22nd St. will host a soft opening on Friday, April 26.
For more information, call (520) 258-9994 or visit rrbbqtucson.com.
The former mac & cheese spot now features barbecue, tacos, and Southern-inspired dishes.
Check out our September 2019 article “The Blind Pig” Bar & Grill now open at former “The Fix” space at Main Gate Square.
For more information, visit blindpigtucson.com.
Fourth Avenue shipping container development The Boxyard opened its bar at 238 N. Fourth Ave. on Friday, January 18.
Four restaurant options are now available there: Percheron Mexican Grill, BXQ (Bronx BBQ), Nhu Lan Vietnamese Food, and Indian Twist.
Keep up with The Boxyard on Facebook.
East Tucson restaurant BZ’s Pizza Company recently reopened in a new location as BZ’s Pizza and Italian Kitchen after a nearly two-year hiatus.
The vibe is also the same: a friendly neighborhood joint where you can grab a pint, pizza, or other Italian dishes comfortably.
Don’t miss out on the poppers.
After celebrating their sixth anniversary, Cafe Santa Rosa moved from their location at 3303 S. 12th Ave. to 2615 S. Sixth Ave., which previously held Los Portales Cocina Mexicana.
Keep up with Cafe Santa Rosa on Facebook.
For Carnitas Estilo Michoacán Los Gordos, abbreviated to Carnitas Los Gordos, all you need to say is “look for the pink bus on 22nd west of Swan.”
The new food truck is serving up carnitas and other meat options in taco, burrito, and quesadilla form. Breakfast is also available.
Keep up with Carnitas Estilo Michoacán Los Gordos on Instagram.
Fresh hand-made pasta is the star of the show. Customers can order the pasta by the pound to-go or have it prepared to order with their choice of sauce.
CERES also offers ready-made sandwiches, salads, and baked goods such as pastries and loaves of bread. The tiny shop only has one seat, hence the to-go model. Grab your meal and head across the street to La Cocina, where family-style seating awaits.
For more information, visit cerestucson.com.
A cousin restaurant to Harvest Restaurant, Charred Pie focuses on wood-fired pizza. House-made pastas, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and other dishes are also available.
The Neapolitan-inspired crust is charred beautifully, the ingredients are clearly good quality, and the staff is attentive and friendly. Their Italian cocktail menu is unique — don’t miss the delightful house-made limoncello — and should be enjoyed against the backdrop of the Pusch Ridge mountains.
For more information, call (520) 395-2232 or visit charredpie.com.
The family behind El Charro Cafe and Charro Steak opened a new downtown concept that focuses on seafood and prime rib.
We’ve already eaten most of the menu; here are some of the favorites.
For more information, visit charrodelrey.com.
Months after Charro del Rey opened, the Charro family also opened Charro Vida. The branzino was one of the best fish dishes we’ve had in recent memory.
For more information, visit charrovida.com.
Fresh on the heels of her Iron Chef Tucson 2019 victory, Chef Chic owner-chef Wendy Gauthier opened a restaurant at a 1,190-square-feet-space that previously held Holy Smokin’ Butts BBQ.
The space features family-style farm tables with breakfast and lunch options such as eggs, breakfast bowls, high protein options, sandwiches, salads, wraps, and grab-and-go meals.
Keep up with Chef Chic on Facebook.
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The massive 165-dish menu features an extensive list of regional dishes from areas such as Sichuan, Dongbei, and Xinjiang.
For more information, call (520) 367-5375 or keep up with Chef Wang on Facebook.
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Churrasco de Brasil features over 12 cuts of meat; chefs walk around with different cuts to slice at the table.
Additionally, a market table features 30 to 35 salads, cured meats, cheeses, feijoada, and more.
Keep up with Churrasco de Brasil on Facebook. For more information, visit churrascodebrasil.com.
Central Tucson restaurant Copper Rock Craft Eatery announced plans to host their grand opening on January 16, 2020. While the grand opening is a few weeks away, eager diners can dine there now as the restaurant is actually already open.
Read our December 2019 article Copper Rock Craft Eatery now open at DoubleTree on Alvernon (PHOTOS).
For more information, visit copperrockcrafteatery.com.
The location features over 5,000-square-feet of space, almost tripling the current 1,700-square-feet housing The Coronet’s former location at 402 E. Ninth St.
For more information on the transition, read our May 2019 article Cushing Street Bar & Restaurant to Reopen as the Coronet and our August 2019 article Photo Feature: The Coronet to open on Cushing Street, August 29.
Crema Coffee opened in Northwest Tucson in April. The slim drink menu is designed to highlight the quality of the beans they feature. In addition to coffee, tea (from local company Maya Tea) and Sweetster’s Bakery pastries are available.
Read our July 2019 article Meet Crema Coffee, Marana’s new craft coffee shop for the full story.
Keep up with Crema Coffee on Facebook.
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Decibel Coffee Works officially opened its doors in October. Their focus is on sustainably sourced coffee that’s roasted locally in small batches.
Read our October 2019 article If you haven’t visited MSA Annex yet, here’s what you’re missing.
For more information, visit decibelcoffeeworks.com.
Divine Bovine features unique, hearty burgers with a proprietary patty combining chuck, brisket, and short rib.
For more information, visit divinebovineburgers.com.
Oregon-based drive-thru coffee chain Dutch Bros Coffee opened its second Tucson location in March.
Keep up with Dutch Bros Arizona on Facebook.
While Tucson is chock-full with Sonoran mesquite-grilled beef and flour tortillas, El Antojo Poblano features the distinctive cuisine of Puebla, Mexico.
The cemita is one of Tucson’s best Mexican sandwiches and a must-try.
Keep up with El Antojo Poblano on Facebook.
El Chinito Gordo opened on Oracle mid-December. While the name and ownership is a blend of Mexican and Chinese cultures, the food focuses on Mexican.
Keep up with El Chinito Gordo on Facebook.
Enchanted Cafe opened in January and offers a variety of sandwiches, organic pastries, boba, and coffee drinks. The interior features paintings of dragons, fairies, and other “enchanting” beings.
Read our June 2019 article Eastside Enchanted Cafe bewitches with boba, sandwiches & more.
Keep up with Enchanted Cafe on Instagram.
This food truck features cuisine from Ensenada, a fellow UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Their al pastor is one of their standout specialties.
Keep up with Ensenadastreetfood on Facebook or follow them on Instagram.
As it turns out Yu Zi Wei closed a few months ago the restaurant is now under new ownership as Fish Wok.
For more information, read our September 2019 article Handmade dumplings & whole grilled fish star at “Fish Wok”.
Keep up with Fish Wok on Instagram.
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The Coronet’s sister restaurant Fonda La Hermanita on the same property. The menu features a small selection of fresh, wholesome Mexican dishes along with a few daily changing baked goods.
Fonda La Hermanita also offers a variety of espresso drinks, coffee, aguas frescas, iced tea, beer, wine, micheladas, mimosas, and bloody Marys.
For more information, visit lahermanita.com.
This food business started at events in October 2018, but launched their food truck in April 2019. Go for the wings, shrimp, and fun sauces.
Keep up with Foxy Roxy’s Chicken n Cone on Instagram.
HeeMee Coffee + Bakery quietly opened its doors in June. The family-run cafe on East Congress Street serves coffee and scratch-made baked goods with a French, Japanese, and Korean influence. Menu items include assorted cakes, daily specials, doughnuts, tarts, buns, and Chicken Katsu Brioche Sandwiches.
Keep up with HeeMee Coffee + Bakery on Instagram.
While Hermosa Coffee a few feet away serves coffee, Hermosa Cafe serves artisanal sandwiches and toast made with Barrio Bread.
For more information, visit hermosacoffee.com.
Former food truck Holy Smokin’ Butts BBQ moved from their 2,000-square-foot brick-and-mortar space at 1104 S. Wilmot Rd. to a 7,000-square-foot space at 6940 E. Broadway Blvd.
For more information, visit holysmokinbutts.com.
East Tucson beer and wine taproom Hop Street Lounge opened on Saturday, March 16 in the Palo Verde Plaza.
The 3,800-square-foot space features cozy tufted black couches, booths, and chairs. Cushioned bar stools also offer back support.
Keep up with Hop Street Lounge on Facebook.
Hawaii-based doughnut shop Irene’s Donuts officially opened its Tucson location on Friday, March 29.
They also offer malasadas and other Hawaiian foods.
Keep up with Irene’s Holy Donuts Tucson on Instagram.
Istanbul’s menu features doner (and derivatives such as gyros), kebabs, Turkmen rice, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, and other Turkish and Mediterranean options.
For more information, visit istanbultucson.com.
All bowls of ramen cost $11.70; standard tonkotsu, shoyu, and miso broths are available along with spicy versions. Sesame ramen, tomato ramen, and tan tan men are also available.
Curry plates range from tofu curry ($9) to decadent combination curries such as shrimp, clam & fried squid curry ($17.70). Customers choose a spice level ranging from zero to 10. Naan, garlic naan, and naan with cheese are also available.
For more information, visit thejaramen.com.
The restaurant features dishes with a Northern Chinese influence. Although “noodle” appears in the name, go for the “pies” — known as xianbing — to get the best bang for your buck. Fillings include pork with scallion, Chinese cabbage, and beef with scallion, to name a few.
For more information, call (520) 770-8202.
While a dive bar was the primary goal upon starting, the railroad-themed bar ended up nicer than anticipated.
“It’s a little cozier and nicer, sort of a neighborhood lounge,” said Brenndon Scott, co-owner at John Henry’s. “The District was kind of a bit of our inspiration in designing it, but it turned out different as we built it out.”
If you’re looking for a bite to eat, the bar houses food trucks.
Read our October 2019 article “John Henry’s” bar to open downtown mid-November.
Keep up with John Henry’s on Facebook or follow them on Instagram.
This new Oro Valley Middle Eastern restaurant is more than kebabs. Their Persian stews and Afrique skewers are worth daydreaming about.
For more information, visit justkababusa.com.
The new Chinese noodle restaurant on Speedway Boulevard shares a space with the longstanding Middle Eastern restaurant Alibaba.
It features traditional Chinese noodles from the northern region of China as well as a variety of tasty “small dishes,” including Peanuts With Celery, Shredded Potato, Seaweed Salad, Cucumber Salad, House Special Beef, Pan Fried Dumplings, and Fried Chicken Nuggets.
For more information, visit justnoodlestucson.com.
JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa opened JW Market, which features local specialty snacks and products along with regionally-inspired flatbreads, artisan sandwiches, soups, and salads.
For more information, call 520-792-3500 or visit jwstarrpass.com.
Longtime Sonoran hot dog and carne asada stand Karamelo King quietly opened a brick-and-mortar location at 5224 E. Pima St. in March.
While the menu is mostly the same with tried-and-true classics, the new location also features an array of Mexican snacks and sweets.
Keep up with Karamelo King on Instagram.
Japanese restaurant Kukai officially opened at the MSA Annex on Thursday, February 28.
While they were one of the first in Tucson to showcase onigiri, their Hakata Ramen is one of the top-sellers.
Keep up with Kukai on Instagram. For more information, visit eatkukai.com.
Le Buzz Caffe quietly announced that they opened their second location at Plaza Palomino in early December.
The original location is at 9121 E. Tanque Verde Rd. Read our January 2019 article Le Buzz: European-style Patisserie & Cafe for Hikers, Bikers & Families.
Keep up with Le Buzz Caffe on Facebook.
With the closure of Hoi Poki, this national chain jumped into the poke scene at their new location on Grant.
Read our November 2019 article LemonShark Poké now open on Grant Rd. &Tucson Blvd.
For more information, visit lemonsharkpoke.com.
The original space for The Coronet has transformed into a cocktail lounge known as The Libertine.
Guests can indulge in a handful of snacks, cocktails, and other drinks on one of the best patios in town.
For more information, visit libertinetucson.com.
Maru allows customers to choose ready-to-eat appetizers from heat lamps, then order from the menu with the cashier and sit down.
Udon noodles star on the menu with eight different varieties available. Additionally, Maru offers a selection of ramen, donburi, onigiri, tempura, and other Japanese appetizers.
For more information, call (520) 838-0717 or visit marunoodle.com.
Mendez Bakery opened in the former Le Cave’s space on South Sixth Avenue in June. The bakery features a variety of goodies, from homemade cheese pastries and Danishes to pumpkin empanadas and cinnamon rolls.
Read our September 2019 article Former Le Cave’s space finds new life as Mendez Bakery.
While the menu features dishes that pay homage to Mexican cuisine, new and explosively flavorful adaptations have been introduced. Try the Mestizos-style taco, a masa empanada filled with meats or vegetables, and don’t overlook the flan or dollar fish tacos on Mondays!
Read our December 2019 article Check out the chic interior & unique empanada-like tacos at newly opened Mestizos.
Keep up with Mestizos Restaurant on Facebook or follow Mestizos on Instagram.
Mian Sichuan has no relation to MiAn Sushi & Modern Asian Cuisine, which closed in June; mian in this context is the Chinese word for noodles.
The Volcano Noodle Soup features spicy broth, sesame paste, chili oil, Sichuan pepper, minced beef, braised beef slices, scallion, greens, and a slice of American cheese.
For more information, visit miansichuan.business.site. Keep up with Mian Sichuan on Instagram.
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This new coffee shop features freshly roasted coffee. Stay tuned for an article.
For more information, visit missioncoffeeimports.com.
Mesa Sichuan restaurant Original Cuisine opened a Tucson location.
Although the menu features most dishes labeled as “Singapore-style,” the restaurant is, in all honesty, a Sichuan restaurant.
For more information, call (520) 338-2777. Keep up with Original Cuisine on Instagram.
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The southern end of American Eat Co. gained Pinches, a Mexican eatery. Check them out for cabeza sopes, TacoDillers, Enchidillers, jalapeño poppers, Texas-Style Quesito, breakfast tacos, and more. They also have a food truck that travels around, but is most often at Borderlands Brewing Company.
Keep up with Pinches on Instagram.
Louisiana-style crab boil restaurant Pirata Luchi previously held El Taquito King and before that, a second location for Mexican restaurant El Sur.
The menu also offers a variety of fried seafood baskets, shrimp and cheese enchiladas, shrimp or beef quesadillas, fish or meat hamburgers, ceviche or shrimp tostadas, salad, and steak. Seafood is also available to purchase by the pound.
Keep up with Pirata Luchi on Facebook.
Hotel Congress launched the food trailer Plaza Eats on Friday, February 22.
Swing on by a taste of some Cup Cafe classics along with new dishes off the street food-focused menu.
For more information, visit hotelcongress.com.
Potwhale features hot pot where the pot boils at the table and you cook your ingredients.
Make sure to check off the self-serve sauce ($1.50 per person) option on the menu. It’s essentially the Chinese version of a salsa bar. And you don’t choose just one sauce — pick a few from the self-serve bar (and if you’re feeling adventurous, mix your own concoctions).
Keep up with Pot Whale on Instagram.
Prep & Pastry moved from its original 2,700-square-foot space at 3073 N. Campbell Ave. into the new 4,000-square-foot space at 2660 N. Campbell Ave.
For more information, visit prepandpastry.com.
When the Downtown Clifton Hotel completed renovations with a 22-room expansion and a sexy new bar and restaurant, fry bread lovers throughout the city rejoiced.
The mid-century space features local art and chic accents with a bar that opens up to the courtyard patio.
Read our December 2019 article Red Light Lounge at Downtown Clifton serves fantastic fry bread & crisp cocktails.
For more information, visit downtowntucsonhotel.com.
Japan-based amusement store chain Round One Entertainment, also known as Round 1, opened its first Arizona location in Tucson’s Park Place Mall.
Your inner nerd can get excited over the hundreds of arcade games, bowling lanes, billiards, darts, ping pong, and karaoke rooms. The menu resembles American pub fare with burgers, wings, pizzas, chicken tenders, nachos, mozzarella sticks, and churros.
For more information, visit round1usa.com.
Fast-casual meal-in-a-bowl restaurant chain Rush Bowls opened its first Tucson location on Monday, March 4.
From fruit and vegetable-based smoothies to signature bowls, you can customize to your heart’s desire — vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free options available.
For more information, visit rushbowls.com.
Long time farmers market El Salvador food truck Selena’s Salvadorian Food quietly opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant at 2513 N. Campbell Ave., which previously housed Desert Island Eatery.
Go for the pupusa (stuffed corn flatbread) and try other Salvadoran eats such as tamales, caldo de res, yuca con chicharrón, panes rellenos, platanano fritos, and pastelitos.
Keep up with Selena’s Salvadorian Restaurant on Facebook.
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The midtown brewery expanded east into the former location of Stillhouse Grill and Bar. Visit for approachable beers and from-scratch pub fare.
For more information, visit sentinelpeakbrewing.com.
Serial Grillers moved their original location at 5737 E. Speedway Blvd. two blocks down the road into the former Lotus Garden.
With the move, seating went from 88 to over 140 and a pet-friendly outdoor patio was added. Other perks include their own parking lot and a larger bar area.
For more information, visit serialgrillersaz.com.
While New Mexico diner Poco & Mom’s closed its location at 1060 S. Kolb Rd. in June after a 20-year run, the neighborhood didn’t need to wait long for a fun Sonoran-inspired brunch menu at Sonoran Brunch Company — think corn waffles and chilaquiles. Specials will branch out further to include Mexican fusion, too.
Keep up with Sonoran Brunch Company on Facebook.
Casino Del Sol’s newest concept Sweetscape Desserts launched early January.
Visit for house-made doughnuts, gelato, and other treats. Custom orders are also available.
For more information about Sweetscape and other dining options at Casino Del Sol, visit casinodelsol.com.
The new space features 32 seats inside. The menu offers a range of tacos, burritos, tortas, and quesadillas.
Although we haven’t eaten at the new location yet, we can say the birria and lengua have been our favorites at the food truck.
Keep up with Taqueria El Rapido on Facebook.
The Corona de Tucson coffee shop Tay’s Brew House expanded with barbecue.
The menu features Meat Plates (choice of one to three meats and two sides), Sandwiches, Kids Meals, Family Ranch Packs, or individual meat servings — brisket, pulled pork, and pulled chicken.
The space features outdoor cornhole and bowling with an outdoor bar as well. Sunday brunch is also available.
Keep up with Tay’s BBQ on Facebook or call (520) 762-3439.
“The design aesthetic for [Toro Loco] was a laid back SoCal vibe, pops of greens and blues to draw your attention.” said Travis Miller, founder and owner of Serial Grillers. “The inspiration for the concept were California french fry-stuffed burritos and I wanted a casual atmosphere to match.”
For more information, visit torolocotacos.com.
Tucson tortillero Jose Zavala expanded his flavor-infused tortilla-making business with a retail storefront on South Sixth Ave.
You can also find him at farmers markets and order tortillas online. The tortilleria may also sell tacos and host pop-up dinners down the line; stay tuned for a full article.
Keep up with Che West on Instagram.
Trident Grill IV features the same menu and sports bar vibe as the other Trident Grill locations.
For more information, visit tridentgrill.com.
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In June, Tumerico quietly opened a second location at 402 E. Fourth St. However, it isn’t a carbon copy; the location features a smaller menu and only 12 seats inside.
Additionally, the new location serves as more of a community space with free yoga every Saturday and Sunday starting at 9 a.m.
For more information, visit tumerico.com.
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The main draw to Whiskey Roads is the live music and dancing, but they’re also a restaurant.
Menu options include appetizers such as wings and sliders along with steaks, chicken, salmon, and build-your-own salads.
For more information, visit whiskeyroadstucson.com.
Wings on Fire opened in February 2019 serving made-to-order dishes with fresh ingredients. The menu features regular wings with classic wing flavors such as lemon pepper, teriyaki, honey mustard, BBQ, and original Buffalo.
Stand-out item Buffalo Shrimp is available as either panko-fried or coconut with a sauce of your choice.
For more information, visit wingsonfire.business.site.
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