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Restaurant of the Week: Ghini’s French Caffe

Mexican Chocolate French Toast (Photo courtesy of Ghini’s French Caffe)

Restaurant of the Week: Ghini’s French Caffe

Jul 3, 20243 min read

Each week, we want to highlight one of our favorite restaurants in Tucson!

Situated on the corner of Prince Road and Campbell Avenue, Ghini’s French Caffe has been a beacon of resilience since it opened its doors in 1992.

Owned and operated by Chef Coralie Satta (also known as Chef Ghini), the cafe continues to showcase her dedication to her culinary heritage. For example, many of the dishes on the menu are recipes from Satta’s grandmother — bringing a touch of France to Tucson. Also, Ghini’s French Caffe is a certified business by the Tucson City of Gastronomy (TCoG), a non-profit organization celebrating the city’s culinary scene.

La Baguette Bakery at Ghini’s French Caffe (Photo by Isaac Stockton)

Ghini’s made-from-scratch menu doesn’t stop there and spills over into La Baguette Bakery, which is located right next to the dining room — just follow your nose and you’ll find it.

The restaurant has been around for more than 30 years now (its 32nd birthday is on Tuesday, July 16), and Chef Ghini still keeps the menu fresh with summer bites and monthly specials.

New Summer Menu

At the end of June, Ghini’s launched a menu offering lighter bites for less than $10!

The budget-friendly menu includes a handful of salads like the Basil Pesto Pasta Salad, soups, French toast, “Brunchy Stuff” like Biscuits & Gravy, and a “Nice Buns” section filled with handhelds like the Brioche Breakfast Sandwich — two farm eggs scrambled with herbs and creamy cheddar cheese, topped with grilled tomato, French thyme, and melted cheddar cheese on a grilled French baguette.

Keep scrolling to see the full summer menu.

Summer Oasis Menu

Monthly Specials

Every month at Ghini’s French Caffe, you’ll discover a variety of special items! While some months feature more additions than others, there’s always something new to enjoy.

July’s monthly specials include:

  • Red, White, and Blue Burger – Juicy Angus burger topped with confit tomato, balsamic grilled onions, and a garlicky blue cheese sauce with cracked pepper aioli on grilled La Baguette rolls
  • Summer BBQ Mesquite Chicken Sandwich – Grilled chicken breast with mesquite smoked bacon, fresh tomato, onion, and melted cheddar served on a La Baguette roll, drizzled with barbecue sauce
  • Red, White, and Blue Crepes or French Toast – Strawberry sauce and blueberry sauce alternately drizzled with fresh berries, whipped cream, and powdered sugar
Red White and Blue Burger (Photo courtesy of Ghini’s French Caffe)

If you’re reading this article before the Fourth of July, they’re offering two mimosas for $15.

Tucson Foodie Insiders

Ghini’s French Caffe is also a Restaurant Partner, meaning that Tucson Foodie Insiders can score $15 off their meal four times a year (every 90 days).

For $20 a month, Insiders get a stack of cash vouchers to local restaurants worth over $5,000, free tasting events at local restaurants every month, access to members-only monthly dinner series with local chefs, discounts on events, and monthly mixers with other members. Learn more and join!

Ghini’s French Caffe is located at 1803 E Prince Rd. For more information, including hours and the full menu, visit ghiniscafe.com.

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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@Berrygreensacai is closing its original downtown Tucson location at 245 E. Congress St. after seven years.

The University Boulevard location near the University of Arizona will remain open, with the team shifting its full focus there. Berry Greens says it will announce a reopening date for the University location soon.

“After much thought and consideration, we have decided to close down our downtown Congress St location after 7 amazing years. We want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your support, loyalty and for allowing us to be a part of your community for so long.”

Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#downtowntucson #uofa@Berrygreensacai is closing its original downtown Tucson location at 245 E. Congress St. after seven years. The University Boulevard location near the University of Arizona will remain open, with the team shifting its full focus there. Berry Greens says it will announce a reopening date for the University location soon. “After much thought and consideration, we have decided to close down our downtown Congress St location after 7 amazing years. We want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your support, loyalty and for allowing us to be a part of your community for so long.” Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #downtowntucson #uofa
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An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky. In partnership with @salus.healers, we’re gathering Tucson’s top chefs and wellness practitioners to celebrate the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

Join us Sat, Aug 29 at @tohonochul for Desert Magic—a one-night experience to stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and explore chef & wellness stations along the way.

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(Offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more!)

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Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks.

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Limited time only. Must buy 2 tickets for promo price (Max 1 pack/order; purchase separately for multiple pairs). Additional session add-ons at practitioner discretion.🌵✨ 2 TICKETS FOR $120 — THIS WEEKEND ONLY ✨🌵 Planning to come with a friend? We’re dropping a special 2-Pack Flash Sale now through Sunday at 11:59PM! Grab yours before Tier 3 pricing kicks in Monday. An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky. In partnership with @salus.healers, we’re gathering Tucson’s top chefs and wellness practitioners to celebrate the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Join us Sat, Aug 29 at @tohonochul for Desert Magic—a one-night experience to stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and explore chef & wellness stations along the way. 🍽️ FOOD (a-z) @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) 🌿 WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS @alicen.grey | @awakenedwombs | @readingsbybethw | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sonoranrosieherbal | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound | @frank.ramos1 (Offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more!) 🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks. Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ Limited time only. Must buy 2 tickets for promo price (Max 1 pack/order; purchase separately for multiple pairs). Additional session add-ons at practitioner discretion.
@Istanbulmediterraneanexpress is expanding to MARANA!

The family-run Turkish restaurant is opening a second location, Istanbul Mediterranean Express, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd., Suite 100.

The fast-casual concept will feature about 75% of the original menu, plus two exclusive offerings: build-your-own Kumpir, a Turkish stuffed baked potato, and fresh in-house ground doner. The restaurant is currently working through permits and remodeling, with a grand opening date expected to be announced soon.

Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 

Photo courtesy of Istanbul Mediterranean Express
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews@Istanbulmediterraneanexpress is expanding to MARANA! The family-run Turkish restaurant is opening a second location, Istanbul Mediterranean Express, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd., Suite 100. The fast-casual concept will feature about 75% of the original menu, plus two exclusive offerings: build-your-own Kumpir, a Turkish stuffed baked potato, and fresh in-house ground doner. The restaurant is currently working through permits and remodeling, with a grand opening date expected to be announced soon. Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photo courtesy of Istanbul Mediterranean Express #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews
Downtown Tucson’s culinary landscape is ever-evolving, offering a dynamic mix of traditional eateries and modern culinary hotspots. This guide is designed to provide you with up-to-date recommendations and insights into the best dining experiences Tucson’s Downtown has to offer.🌞

Are your favorites on the list?👀

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❤️

#downtowntucson 
#tucsonfoodieDowntown Tucson’s culinary landscape is ever-evolving, offering a dynamic mix of traditional eateries and modern culinary hotspots. This guide is designed to provide you with up-to-date recommendations and insights into the best dining experiences Tucson’s Downtown has to offer.🌞 Are your favorites on the list?👀 @5pointstucson @agustinkitchen @bagginsgourmet @barbatatucson @basqueriaaz @batatucson @blockatucson @eatbombole @bosburger__ @brickboxbrewery @cafe54_bistro @cafealacarttucson @barcrisoltucson @cafedesta @caffeluce @casamadretucson @coronetrestaurants @cerestucson @charrosteak.delrey @chef_brian_hill_ @chelaslatincuisine @crudamariscos @decibelcoffeeworks @elcharro.cafe @elmezquitetucson @elminutocafe @zumitosjuicebar @elliottsoncongress @emerald29tucson @empirepizzatucson @forbes_meat_company @gibsonmarkettucson @heemeebakery …and many more on Tucsonfoodie.com ❤️ #downtowntucson #tucsonfoodie