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Guide to Old School Italian Restaurants in Tucson

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Guide to Old School Italian Restaurants in Tucson

by Rita ConnellyJun 19, 2023Updated Jul 7, 20265 min read
Red Sauce Lasagna, ravioli, manicotti; it’s the kind of food that satisfies both body and soul. Tucson has no shortage of Old School Red Sauce Joints and thankfully, they’re located all over town. You’ll find enormous portions, family friendly vibes, and plenty of vino. Whether it’s the Joe’s Special at Mama Louisa’s or the stuffed ravioli at Bazil’s, you won’t be disappointed. These are the best classic Italian restaurants in Tucson.
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7 spots

Bazil’s

4777 E Sunrise DrFoothills

ItalianContinental
If you’re looking for a fun atmosphere and great Italian food, then you MUST eat in the bar at this Foothills fave. (Pizza is only served in the bar.) The vibe is right out of the swinging 60’s; the food is right out of Nana’s kitchen. Start with the toasted ravioli, but be forewarned, ALL entrees come with the antipasto salad (YUM!) and pasta fagioli soup.
Website ↗Instagram ↗(520) 577-3322
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Patio at Caruso's (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Caruso's Italian Restaurant

434 N 4th AveDowntown

Italian
The grandfather of old school reds, Caruso’s has been serving the tastes of Italy since 1938. And while pizza is the draw for many people, the lasagna is primo. Folks also rave about the antipasti, with its assortment of meats, cheeses and bites. The best tables are on the patio, which may be one of the most beautiful in town.
Website ↗Instagram ↗(520) 624-5765
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Dominick's Real Italian

8330 N Thornydale Rd #150Northwest

ItalianPizza
For those living on the far Northwest side, Dominick’s Real Italian offers plenty of choices to get their Italian fix. Appetizers include fried ravioli and steamed mussels. Pastas are as simple as spaghetti with meatballs to Dominick’s Scampi, that tosses both chicken, shrimp, and veggies in the house’s special scampi sauce. Two kinds of risotto are on the menu. Check out the Monthly Specials menu.
Website ↗Instagram ↗(520) 744-2002
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Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria

3011 E Speedway BlvdUniversity & 4th Ave

ItalianPizza
Pastaria isn’t in the name just for the hell of it. Chef Mat Cable uses his mom’s recipes in everything from the Caesar salad to the New York style cheesecake. In between, there’s artichoke fonduta, lasagna, linguini Florentine, cannelloni, cannelloni, and other pastas for every craving. Stromboli and calzones with various fillings are served along with subs. The meatballs pass my very finicky test….as good as mine.
Website ↗Instagram ↗(520) 881-5555
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Mama Louisa’s Italian Restaurant

2041 S Craycroft RdMidtown

Italian
Mama Louisa’s can fit in both categories. The Heritage Menu offers fresh pastas and a full menu of Italian dishes. Try the famous, Joe’s Special, which was created by Mama Louisa herself for her son, Joe. Thanks to the creative mind of Chef Michael Elefante’s Third Generation Menu you can savor Roasted Bone Marrow or Cioppino. Lunchtime is popular with the folks from Davis Monthan.
Website ↗Instagram ↗Reserve on OpenTable ↗(520) 790-4702
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Piazza Gavi

5415 N Kolb RdFoothills

Italian
For over twenty-five years, folks on the Northeast side of Tucson have been enjoying the best of Southern Italian fare at this lively eatery. Chef Gaetano “Gavi” Colaleo has created a full slate of tasty dishes. The pasta menu is mix and match. First you pick a pasta topped with whatever sauce you crave. Choose the simple aglio olio (olive oil and garlic) or a rich carbonara or one of the dozen others. Entrees feature plenty of seafood choices, as well as beef, chicken and pork. The Cioppino is not to be missed.
Website ↗Instagram ↗(520) 577-1099
Also featured inThe Ultimate Tucson Restaurant Bucket List

Rocco's Little Chicago Pizzeria

2555 E Broadway BlvdUniversity & 4th Ave

ItalianPizzaWings
Yes, Rocco’s is famous for their pizzas and their award-winning wings, but have you tried the meatball sub? Or the Italian Beef that’s been SOAKED in au jus and topped sweet or hot peppers (just like they do in The Windy City.) Rocco’s also offers a full assortment of Specialty Pies. Finish your meal with a couple of homemade cookies. The recipe is straight out of the Chicago Public School System.
Website ↗Instagram ↗(520) 321-1860
Also featured inWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)Guide to Caesar Salads in TucsonYour Guide to Sonoran Restaurant Week 2025

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