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Pizza Throwdown & Dessert Duel Returns on May 17

Pizzas at Zio Peppe (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Pizza Throwdown & Dessert Duel Returns on May 17

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Some of Tucson’s top pizzerias will go slice for slice in a battle for pizza supremacy!

The 2025 Pizza Throwdown and Dessert Duel is happening on Saturday, May 17, from 6 – 8 p.m. Once again, Tucson Originals is hosting the cheesy event at Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria, located at 3011 E. Speedway Blvd.

Tucson Originals 2025 Pizza Throwdown flyer: Saturday, May 17th, 6 to 8 P.M., Fresco Pizzeria, 3011 E. Speedway Blvd

Throughout the event, you’ll be able to sample unlimited slices and desserts, and then vote to crown this year’s “Pizza Throwdown Champion” and “Dessert Duel Winner.”

To complement the food, Barrio Brewing will be on-site, pouring a curated selection of local brews.

2025 Participants

  • Rocco’s Little Chicago
  • Mama’s Pizza
  • Fiamme Pizzeria Napoletano
  • Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria
  • Zio Peppe
  • Bollywood Pizza Co.
  • Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bistro
  • Empire Pizza
  • Dante’s Kitchen + Cocktails
  • More TBA…

Tickets are $65 per person and include three drink tickets and unlimited tastings of pizza and desserts throughout the evening.

Tucson Originals Restaurants is a group of independently owned local restaurants, purveyors, and partners working together to raise awareness of the culinary community in Tucson.

The Pizza Throwdown & Dessert Duel is happening at Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria, 3011 E. Speedway Blvd. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.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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TUCSON GREEK FEST GIVEAWAY!🎉

We’re giving away 2 pairs of (Saturday) VIP tickets to Tucson Greek Fest! 

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

Gyros, baklava, saganaki, and so much more. 

📍Jácome Plaza | 101 N. Stone Ave.
Friday, Nov. 6 – Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026

HOW TO ENTER:
1. Like this post 
2. Follow @tucsongreekfestival and @tucsonfoodie 
3. Tag a friend in the comments (unlimited entries) 

Good luck! 

No purchase necessary. Must be 18+ to enter. Winners will be selected at random and contacted by @tucsonfoodie. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram.TUCSON GREEK FEST GIVEAWAY!🎉 We’re giving away 2 pairs of (Saturday) VIP tickets to Tucson Greek Fest! Experience the warmth and hospitality of Greece right here in Tucson! Head downtown to Jácome Plaza for a weekend filled with delicious Greek food, lively music, folk dancing, shopping, and plenty of cultural celebrations. Gyros, baklava, saganaki, and so much more. 📍Jácome Plaza | 101 N. Stone Ave. Friday, Nov. 6 – Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 HOW TO ENTER: 1. Like this post 2. Follow @tucsongreekfestival and @tucsonfoodie 3. Tag a friend in the comments (unlimited entries) Good luck! No purchase necessary. Must be 18+ to enter. Winners will be selected at random and contacted by @tucsonfoodie. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram.
Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during October! Not only are these reminders of the dishes we ate, but they can also be a guide for your own decisions on what to eat here in Tucson.❤️

🍔@Thebigdaneenergy: Fried Chicken & Pandan Waffle @kindeethaiaz, Green Chile Burger @bosburger__, Corned Beef and Eggs @bajacafetucson 

🥯@Addiewankenobi: Everything Bagel with Heirloom Tomato @batatucson, Branzino @tohonochulgardenbistro, Pad Kee Mao @kindeethaiaz, Appetizing Board with Tuna Salad @knellersdelicatessen 

🍜@Deathfreefoodie: Tofu and Vegetable Chow Fun @jundynasty 

🍣@Jackie_tran_: Heirloom BLT @sawmillrun, Seared Salmon Nigiri @kintokisushihouse, French Toast @sunshine_wine_tucson, Smoked Prime Dip @knellersdelicatessen, Chongqing Noodles @noodleholicstucson, Duck a L’Orange @corktucson 

Tell us about some of your favorite dishes in the comments!Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during October! Not only are these reminders of the dishes we ate, but they can also be a guide for your own decisions on what to eat here in Tucson.❤️ 🍔@Thebigdaneenergy: Fried Chicken & Pandan Waffle @kindeethaiaz, Green Chile Burger @bosburger__, Corned Beef and Eggs @bajacafetucson 🥯@Addiewankenobi: Everything Bagel with Heirloom Tomato @batatucson, Branzino @tohonochulgardenbistro, Pad Kee Mao @kindeethaiaz, Appetizing Board with Tuna Salad @knellersdelicatessen 🍜@Deathfreefoodie: Tofu and Vegetable Chow Fun @jundynasty 🍣@Jackie_tran_: Heirloom BLT @sawmillrun, Seared Salmon Nigiri @kintokisushihouse, French Toast @sunshine_wine_tucson, Smoked Prime Dip @knellersdelicatessen, Chongqing Noodles @noodleholicstucson, Duck a L’Orange @corktucson Tell us about some of your favorite dishes in the comments!
HAPPY WORLD VEGAN DAY

Let’s celebrate by showing some love to a new local vegan business serving up incredible food. 

@Molinoelburro ❤HAPPY WORLD VEGAN DAY Let’s celebrate by showing some love to a new local vegan business serving up incredible food. @Molinoelburro ❤
We’re updating our guide to the best fries in Tucson! Where do you go when you’re craving your favorite fries? 🍟👀We’re updating our guide to the best fries in Tucson! Where do you go when you’re craving your favorite fries? 🍟👀