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Tucson’s Food Scene Gets a Shout-Out from The New York Times

Gnudi at 5 Points during Tucson Foodie's R&D Dinner (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Tucson’s Food Scene Gets a Shout-Out from The New York Times

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It’s not every day that The New York Times talks about Tucson, and when they do, you know we’re going to zoom in on the part where they mention the food.

In a recent piece about Tucson’s growing appeal to homebuyers, the publication highlighted everything from sunshine and square footage to — you guessed it — the city’s food scene.

Sure, the article is technically about housing prices and walk-in closets, but squeezed in between the talk of mortgage rates and mountain views was a nice little nod to some of our favorite spots here in the desert.

Here’s what Abbie Kozolchyk of the Times suggests doing when you’re “going out and about” in Tucson.

Restaurants:

  • Barista del Barrio for breakfast burritos and coffee
  • 5 Points for pancake brunch
  • El Charro Café for cheese crisps on the patio
  • Tumerico for vegetarian and vegan takes on Latin American classics
  • Barrio Bread for rolls and loaves
  • Rollies Mexican Patio for rolled tacos
  • Tito & Pep for bistro fare
  • For a splurge, the private tasting menu at the studio of Chef Janos Wilder (Studio Janos), one of the driving forces behind the UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation

Bars:

  • The Century Room or Tiger’s Tap Room at Hotel Congress
  • Borderlands Brewing in downtown Tucson
  • Owls Club
  • Batch
  • Crisol Bar
  • REVEL
  • The Moonstone at the Graduate Hotel for rooftop views

Groceries/Shopping:

  • Try Time Market for local specialties and prepared foods
  • The Garden Shop at Mission Garden for the most hyperlocal specialties

For more local grocery stores with fresh produce and more, read our interactive guide.

Also, you can read the full article at nytimes.com.

Hungry for something new but not sure where to start?

Our guides round up the best bites, sips, and hidden gems in Tucson. Think of them as your deliciously curated roadmap to eating and drinking your way through the Old Pueblo.

Explore our interactive guides.

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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Experience the warmth and hospitality of Greece right here in Tucson! Head downtown to Jácome Plaza for delicious Greek food, lively music, folk dancing, shopping, and plenty of cultural celebrations. 

Take the “How Greek are you?” quiz: tucsonfoodie.com/opa 

Gyros, baklava, saganaki, and so much more. 

@Tucsongreekfestival🎉

Jácome Plaza | 101 N. Stone Ave. 
Final day: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026Experience the warmth and hospitality of Greece right here in Tucson! Head downtown to Jácome Plaza for delicious Greek food, lively music, folk dancing, shopping, and plenty of cultural celebrations. Take the “How Greek are you?” quiz: tucsonfoodie.com/opa Gyros, baklava, saganaki, and so much more. @Tucsongreekfestival🎉 Jácome Plaza | 101 N. Stone Ave. Final day: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
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After an October pop-up, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill has decided to keep both former @Cafefrancaistucson locations open.

The decision follows a warm response from the Tucson community, with new customers discovering the bakery and returning week after week.

Both locations are open Wednesday through Sunday, 7 am to 2 pm. 

📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Road, Suite 113
📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd.

More details on Tucsonfoodie.com@Proofbread is staying in Tucson! After an October pop-up, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill has decided to keep both former @Cafefrancaistucson locations open. The decision follows a warm response from the Tucson community, with new customers discovering the bakery and returning week after week. Both locations are open Wednesday through Sunday, 7 am to 2 pm. 📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Road, Suite 113 📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd. More details on Tucsonfoodie.com
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Here’s what’s on the menu:

DRINKS
- Longboi Island
- Tai’d Up
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FOOD
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Penelope is typically closed on Tuesdays, so come out for this special one-night pop-up🏖️

Photo by @addiewankenobiStephen and Toby are BACK Both former @penelope.woodfired bartenders are making their return for a special tiki pop-up next Tuesday from 7–10 pm. Here’s what’s on the menu: DRINKS - Longboi Island - Tai’d Up - Sfumungle Bird - Mammoth Tusk - Banana Bastard - The Witch of November - Miami Vice Jello Shots - Rusted Root Bombs FOOD - Seared mortadella and pineapple skewers brushed with Japanese BBQ sauce - Hawaiian mac salad with house-made pasta and charred scallion cream sauce Penelope is typically closed on Tuesdays, so come out for this special one-night pop-up🏖️ Photo by @addiewankenobi
Tucson’s Greek dining scene offers spanakopita, slow-roasted lamb, and fresh-baked baklava across the city. This guide focuses on kitchens that cook Greek food as their core identity rather than Mediterranean restaurants with Greek dishes.

Whether you want a quick lunch near campus or a long dinner with friends, this guide points you to Greek cooking. 

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More details on Tucsonfoodie.comTucson’s Greek dining scene offers spanakopita, slow-roasted lamb, and fresh-baked baklava across the city. This guide focuses on kitchens that cook Greek food as their core identity rather than Mediterranean restaurants with Greek dishes. Whether you want a quick lunch near campus or a long dinner with friends, this guide points you to Greek cooking. Make sure to stop by the @Tucsongreekfestival at Jácome Plaza this Friday, Nov. 6 – Saturday, Nov. 7! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com