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

‘LoveFood’ Names Tucson the Best Foodie City in Arizona


May 2, 2024
By Matt Sterner

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.

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