Whether you want a plate of authentic cacio e pepe or a bowl of something to remind you of nonna’s Sunday gravy, Tucson has you covered.
Although much of Tucson’s fame comes from Mexican cuisine, Tucson’s Italian history reaches back several decades. As a result, we also have dozens of Italian restaurants to choose from.
For the sake of brevity, we’ve excluded pizzerias unless their menu includes a significant amount of non-pizza Italian dishes. For the pizzeria guide, read our November 2019 article Guide to 34 pizzerias in Tucson: grab yourself a slice.
Alloro is tucked away, hidden in the Hilton Tucson East. However, it offers exceptional fresh-made pasta and modern Italian cuisine. Don’t miss out on the short rib Pappardelle.
For more information, visit hilton.com/dining.
One of the southeastern-most restaurants in Tucson, Argenziano’s offers pizzas, calzones, and classic Italian-American dishes. Go for the Seafood Soup with angel hair pasta, or the signature Green Chili Carbonara.
Keep up with Argenziano’s on Facebook.
A new Main Gate Square staple, Bacio features what they call “Neapolitan-New York” Italian cuisine. Start your meal with the generous Antipasto Plate, then move onto a bowl of pasta or a calzone.
Read our October 2019 article Bacio Italiano brings “Neapolitan-New York” cuisine to Main Gate Square.
Keep up with Bacio Italiano on Facebook.
A longtime neighborhood staple, Bazil’s features cushy booths and an intimate environment. While they carry a wide range of Italian dishes, their veal and seafood are the standouts.
Read our September 2019 article After 40 years, Northeast Tucson’s Bazil’s still delights.
For more information, visit bazilstucson.com.
Bianchi’s serves up homestyle comforting cuisine at both of their Tucson locations.
For more information, visit bianchisitalian.com.
Bottega Michelangelo has all the shiny polish of a new restaurant thanks to their recent renovations. However, taste the food and the years of experience become clear. Don’t miss out on their brunch and happy hour too.
Read our May 2019 article 10 fun facts to celebrate Bottega Michelangelo’s 30th anniversary.
For more information, visit bottegamichelangelo.com.
Caffe Milano’s cuisine is more Italian rather than Italian-American; the chef has only been in America for a few years. Try the handmade gnocchi and sign up for one of their cooking classes.
Read our November 2019 article At Caffé Milano, Chef Fulvia Steffenone Brings a Taste of Italy to Tucson.
For more information, visit lafuficaffemilano.com.
Caffe Torino specializes in Northern Italian cuisine in a fine dining atmosphere. They also feature an extensive wine and whiskey collection.
Read our April 2019 article Experience Fine Northern Italian Cuisine at Caffe Torino in the Foothills.
For more information, visit caffetorinotucson.com.
A Fourth Avenue staple for over seven decades, Caruso’s features a gorgeous patio. The Meat Lasagna has a loyal following.
For more information, visit carusositalian.com.
One of our favorite new restaurants of 2019, CERES features a tiny menu of fresh pasta made daily along with intriguing specials. They also offer fresh to-go pasta to cook at home.
Read our October 2019 article Cafe “CERES” brings fresh hand-made pasta & bread to El Presidio.
For more information, visit cerestucson.com.
While pizza is the star, Charred Pie also offers an assortment of Italian cocktails, pastas, sandwiches, and salads. If you’re there during happy hour, make sure to get some Meatballs.
For more information, visit charredpie.com.
Strangely enough, the Bowtie Pasta Salad is one of the best features at Dolce Vita.
Keep up with Dolce Vita on Facebook.
Dominick’s serves family-style dishes and pizzas. Their Chicken Marsala is one of their most popular dishes.
For more information, visit dominicksrealitalian.com.
While Fresco is best known for their pizza, you’d be a fool to miss out on their Stuffed Shells. Their from-scratch quality shines the brightest with their house-made sausages and smoked meats.
For more information, visit frescopizzeria.com.
Guiseppe’s features a casual environment with hearty portions. The Stuffed Mushrooms are the house specialty to look out for.
For more information, visit guiseppesristorante.com.
A northeast side favorite, make sure to order a Manicotti per person at the table. Like Guiseppe’s, the Stuffed Mushrooms are also a specialty.
For more information, visit gustotucson.com
Hidden just west of downtown, Los Olivos is easily one of the most affordable Italian restaurants in Tucson. While the pizza is the popular favorite, customers also love the lasagna.
Read our January 2018 article Los Olivos Pizzeria is a charming hidden gem on Tucson’s west side.
Keep up with Los Olivos Pizzeria en Menlo Park on Facebook.
Proud home of the driest salad bar (just kidding, watch this video to get the joke), Mama Louisa’s offers the classic red-checkered tablecloth experience. As a Tucsonan, it’s an obligation to try Joe’s Special at least once.
Read our April 2019 article Your Guide to 31 of Tucson’s Most Iconic Dishes.
For more information, visit mamalouisas.com.
Gavi serves upscale Italian cuisine with highly accommodating service. The classic Bolognese is where the chef’s talent shines.
For more information, visit gavicucina.com.
Although Primo is not a Tucson-exclusive restaurant, its led by James Beard award-winning chef Melissa Kelly. As a result, the quality of the local ingredients comes to the forefront.
For more information, visit marriott.com/hotel-restaurants.
The from-scratch attitude helps the simplest dishes stand out. Whether it be served with spaghetti, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer, don’t miss out on the outstanding Meatballs.
For more information, visit prooftucson.com.
Reilly provides a complete experience with its exceptional cocktails, outdoor beer garden, and superb scratch-made dishes. While they’re arguably one of the hippest Italian restaurants in town, they also rock with timeless pasta dishes such as Rigatoni in vodka sauce.
For more information, visit reillypizza.com.
Will their deli and refrigerated goods are enough to make any foodie squeal with joy, come and try their exceptional Italian sandwiches. The Ultimate Roma is a favorite, but it’s hard to go wrong here.
Read our August 2015 article Roma Imports: Italian Charm Just South of Broadway.
For more information, visit romaimports.com.
Tavolino features modern elegant vibes with a patio primo for happy hour. For a showstopper, order the Tajarin al Nero di Seppia, which features squid ink pasta with shrimp, cherry tomato, and garlic in a saffron white wine sauce.
For more information, visit tavolinoristorante.com.
Tony’s naturally features all the deli classics; order one of the combo packages with their meaty Lasagna to take home and bake.
For more information, visit tonysdeliaz.com.
The handmade Gnocchi is available with arrabbiata sauce, pesto, and marinara. Save room for homemade dessert as well.
For more information, visit trattoriapina.com.
While Vero Amore earned its fame with Neapolitan pizza, they also offer a wide assortment of pastas. For a grand experience at the Swan location, order the Fettuccine Alfredo prepared in a flaming wheel of parmesan tableside.
For more information, visit veroamorepizza.com.
If you recently had a great Tucson sandwich, there’s a good chance it was served on Viro’s bread. They also sell their own sandwiches worth venturing for, especially the Meatball Sub.
Read our January 2020 article Viro’s cranks out thousands of loaves baked for the bakery-cafe & local restaurants daily.
For more information, visit virosbakery.com.
One of Tucson’s highest-ranked Italian restaurants on review websites, Vivace has earned a longtime loyal following thanks to chef Danny Scordato. The Crab Filled Breaded Chicken Breast is legendary.
For more information, visit vivacetucson.com.
A local happy hour favorite, Zona 78 proudly sources locally and makes their own charcuterie. Go wild with both the Antipasti Platter and the Chef’s Bruschetta Board.
For more information, visit zona78.com.
