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‘LoveFood’ Names Tucson the Best Foodie City in Arizona

Roasted Carrots at Tito & Pep (Photo by Jackie Tran)

‘LoveFood’ Names Tucson the Best Foodie City in Arizona

May 2, 20241 min read

LoveFood.com, an online publication based out of the United Kingdom, has chosen 50 of the Best Foodie Cities in Every U.S. State and Tucson has come out on top.

I mean, we all knew this to be true but word continues to spread about the city’s grub.

We’re not talking about Sweet Tomatoes or Raising Cane’s either! Sure, the lines may be wrapped around the building, and cars are piling up in certain drive-thrus, but our local food scene is where Tucson deserves its recognition.

“As one of only two UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in the United States (the other being San Antonio), Tucson has a food scene that packs a punch,” said Jacqui Agate of LoveFood. “The city’s rich food heritage comes from Native American and Sonoran Mexican influences, and there are endless restaurants where you can experience it for yourself.”

Tito & Pep (Photo by Jackie Tran)

“Try Italian-Sonoran fusion food at Zio Peppe (think elote arancini, and mushroom risotto with smoked poblano peppers), or tuck into contemporary Southwestern plates at Tito & Pep — a favorite here is the posole verde (a traditional Mexican stew). Said to be the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant, El Charro Cafe is also not to be missed.

Tucson is on the list with other impressive food cities like San Diego, California, Boston, Massachusetts, Chicago, Illinois, New Orleans, Louisiana, and New York City, New York.

For a list of all 50 cities, visit lovefood.com.

Get out there and support local!

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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@Thedistrict520 has taken over a Tucson address with nearly two decades of history. 

Once home to Pastiche, the space sat dark and gutted for two years after a difficult chapter that left the building severely damaged. Now, longtime Pastiche regulars Gabriel Cordova and Tracy Hien have brought 3025 N. Campbell Ave. back to life.

The result is something entirely new: a sports bar with nine 4K screens, shuffleboard, a pool table, and a scratch-cooking approach to burgers, wings, shrimp, and more.

From rebuilding the space themselves to receiving the blessing of Pastiche owner Pat Connors’ widow, Julie, the story behind The District is about more than opening a restaurant. It is about giving a wounded neighborhood landmark another chapter.

Read @sea_lyon’s full story at Tucsonfoodie.com. 

Photos by @sea_lyon 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz@Thedistrict520 has taken over a Tucson address with nearly two decades of history. Once home to Pastiche, the space sat dark and gutted for two years after a difficult chapter that left the building severely damaged. Now, longtime Pastiche regulars Gabriel Cordova and Tracy Hien have brought 3025 N. Campbell Ave. back to life. The result is something entirely new: a sports bar with nine 4K screens, shuffleboard, a pool table, and a scratch-cooking approach to burgers, wings, shrimp, and more. From rebuilding the space themselves to receiving the blessing of Pastiche owner Pat Connors’ widow, Julie, the story behind The District is about more than opening a restaurant. It is about giving a wounded neighborhood landmark another chapter. Read @sea_lyon’s full story at Tucsonfoodie.com. Photos by @sea_lyon #tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz
New menu at @Basqueriaaz🔥

Some of the Tucson Foodie team stopped by Basqueria to check out the new menu. Here’s some of what we tried on our visit:

Andalusian green beans and beef pintxo
Tinned sardines
Manchego and quince
Niçoise salad
Lobster bisque
Garlic mushrooms
Fried zucchini
Spanish chicken and mushrooms
Salmón coca
Salumi bocadillo
Cold tapas trio
Chocolate crepes
Pastries

To drink:
Marianito
Carajillo
Sangria 

Basqueria’s new menu puts Basque and Spanish flavors front and center, with expanded tapas, pintxos, paella, brunch, and cocktails. Weekend brunch runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with La Hora del Vermut before the midday meal. Happy hour is Monday–Thursday from 4–6 p.m. and Friday–Saturday from 10 p.m. until close.

Read @jackie_tran_’s article/check out his photos on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonNew menu at @Basqueriaaz🔥 Some of the Tucson Foodie team stopped by Basqueria to check out the new menu. Here’s some of what we tried on our visit: Andalusian green beans and beef pintxo Tinned sardines Manchego and quince Niçoise salad Lobster bisque Garlic mushrooms Fried zucchini Spanish chicken and mushrooms Salmón coca Salumi bocadillo Cold tapas trio Chocolate crepes Pastries To drink: Marianito Carajillo Sangria Basqueria’s new menu puts Basque and Spanish flavors front and center, with expanded tapas, pintxos, paella, brunch, and cocktails. Weekend brunch runs 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with La Hora del Vermut before the midday meal. Happy hour is Monday–Thursday from 4–6 p.m. and Friday–Saturday from 10 p.m. until close. Read @jackie_tran_’s article/check out his photos on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucson
@Bravaatborderlands opens Saturday, Sept. 19, at 2500 E. Sixth St. in Tucson’s Sam Hughes neighborhood! 

The new restaurant centers on handmade nixtamal masa, regional Mexican and Paraguayan-influenced cooking, Borderlands Brewing beer, and a cocktail program by Tucson native Arnoldo Celaya. The menu features tacos, huaraches, sopes, quesadillas, alambre, enfrijoladas, burgers, and more. Tacos range from $5-$6, while the Antojitos de Masa section highlights the kitchen’s handmade corn masa program.

The grand opening runs 6-9pm Saturday and requires an RSVP by Thursday, Sept. 17, through the restaurant’s website or Instagram DM.🎉

📍 2500 E. Sixth St.

Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 

Photo courtesy of @bravaatborderlands 
#tucson #tucsonnews@Bravaatborderlands opens Saturday, Sept. 19, at 2500 E. Sixth St. in Tucson’s Sam Hughes neighborhood! The new restaurant centers on handmade nixtamal masa, regional Mexican and Paraguayan-influenced cooking, Borderlands Brewing beer, and a cocktail program by Tucson native Arnoldo Celaya. The menu features tacos, huaraches, sopes, quesadillas, alambre, enfrijoladas, burgers, and more. Tacos range from $5-$6, while the Antojitos de Masa section highlights the kitchen’s handmade corn masa program. The grand opening runs 6-9pm Saturday and requires an RSVP by Thursday, Sept. 17, through the restaurant’s website or Instagram DM.🎉 📍 2500 E. Sixth St. Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photo courtesy of @bravaatborderlands #tucson #tucsonnews
@Coronetrestaurants is teaming up with @Whiskeydelbac, @Barriobread, and @Desertpearlmushrooms for a garden-to-table fundraising dinner benefiting @Communitygardenstucson on Sunday, Sept. 27!🌞

The evening begins with a talk and tour at Pio Decimo Community Garden at 5:30 p.m., followed by cocktails, passed appetizers, and a multi-course dinner at Coronet at 6:15 p.m.

The $125 dinner highlights produce and herbs grown through Tucson Community Gardens, with local spirits paired throughout the meal. A raffle will also feature Whiskey Del Bac, Glencairn glasses, and Coronet gift cards.💝

Tickets are $125 per person plus tax and gratuity. Seating is limited. Reserve via Resy through the link in bio.

Swipe for the menu! 

#tucsonlocal #tucsonevents@Coronetrestaurants is teaming up with @Whiskeydelbac, @Barriobread, and @Desertpearlmushrooms for a garden-to-table fundraising dinner benefiting @Communitygardenstucson on Sunday, Sept. 27!🌞 The evening begins with a talk and tour at Pio Decimo Community Garden at 5:30 p.m., followed by cocktails, passed appetizers, and a multi-course dinner at Coronet at 6:15 p.m. The $125 dinner highlights produce and herbs grown through Tucson Community Gardens, with local spirits paired throughout the meal. A raffle will also feature Whiskey Del Bac, Glencairn glasses, and Coronet gift cards.💝 Tickets are $125 per person plus tax and gratuity. Seating is limited. Reserve via Resy through the link in bio. Swipe for the menu! #tucsonlocal #tucsonevents