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Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in May 2025

Pancakes at Tabu (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in May 2025

Jun 2, 20256 min read

Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during April!

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.

Addie Ibarra

Four Tails Winery

274 E. Pearce Rd., Pearce, AZ

[Spaghetti and Addie approved] We hit up a new winery in Sonoita called Four Tails Winery. It’s right at the entrance of Sonoita, and not only is it incredibly dog-friendly, but the wines were delightful. One of the standouts was this Tempranillo. They’re open until 8 p.m. this summer and serve food, which makes it a great stop before going home.

Four Tails Winery (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Hacienda Del Sol

5501 N. Hacienda Del Sol Rd.

Tiki Tuesdays at Hacienda del Sol are BACK, baby! The team put together a special preview, R&D menu for our Foodie Club members last week. The drinks were all perfectly balanced and crafted to perfection. I appreciated how all the dishes were simple yet masterfully done, like this chicken satay skewer. I can’t wait to spend many a Tuesday at Hacienda.

Tiki Tuesdays at Hacienda Del Sol (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Flying V Bar and Grill

7000 N. Resort Dr.

Chef Ryan Clark and his team at the Flying V have put together a standout menu. The scallops had a perfect golden brown sear and were deliciously balanced with the corn succotash. The new menu is perfect for date night, special occasions, or a random Tuesday when you want to enjoy a sophisticated meal.

Flying V Bar & Grill (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Forbes Meat Co.

747 S. Sixth Ave.

As a person who doesn’t like breakfast but loves brunch, the menu at Forbes is just right for me. My husband enjoyed Steak and Eggs that I took bites from, and had the tiniest bit of envy. But my burger ruled, so there was no love lost.

Forbes Meat Co. (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Chrissy Mance

Lindy’s on 4th

500 N. Fourth Ave.

Lindy’s on 4th is known for their colossal burgers, but their cheesesteaks are just as massive. This turkey sandwich came loaded with green chiles, bacon, and a super creamy white cheese sauce. Double fist it and get a proper utensil to enjoy all the flavors that fall out!

Lindy’s on 4th (Photo by Chrissy Mance)

Hannah Hernandez

Kung Fu Noodle

3122 N. Campbell Ave .# 100

Mongolian Tofu at Kung Fu Noodle.

Mongolian Tofu at Kung Fu Noodle (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Jackie Tran

Penelope Pizza

800 N. Kolb Rd.

The Tony Bologna Pizza at Penelope Pizza indulged me with pistachio in various forms. Their crust has a pleasant bouncy chew with abundant leopard spotting underneath.

Tony Bologna Pizza at Penelope Pizza (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Kneller’s Delicatessen & Appetizing

2545 E. Speedway Blvd. #115

The vegan Pickled Beet Bagel at Kneller’s Delicatessen & Appetizing satisfied my bagel cravings, balancing the tartness with sweetness without going overboard.

Pickled Beet Bagel at Kneller’s (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Kimchi Time

2900 E. Broadway Blvd.

The Kimchi Balls at Kimchi Time were like a Korean take on arancini. Crunch on the outside, filled with melty gooey cheese on the inside, and drizzled with Asian condiments, it hit the spot alongside a bottle of soju.

Kimchi Balls at Kimchi Time (Photo by Jackie Tran)

5 Points

756 S. Stone Ave.

After I photographed most of the menu for the recent 5 Points update, I came back for dinner craving their Kale Salad. Properly dressed with wispy shavings of preserved egg yolk and pecorino and topped with airy shaved focaccia croutons, it feels lighter and healthier without losing any umami. I also had their Little Gem Salad with a glass of Big Salt, which surprisingly ended up as one of my favorite wine pairings I’ve had in months.

Kale Salad at 5 Points (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Samurai Sombrero

1439 S. Fourth Ave.

At Samurai Sombrero, they’ve been focused on rolls, but they recently added nigiri specials to their menu. The Yuzu Salmon Nigiri ended up being one of my favorite things I’ve had there. The fatty salmon melted on my tongue with the light torching, contrasted by the sharp acidity and funky spicy of yuzu kosho.

Yuzu Salmon Nigiri at Samurai Sombrero (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Rita Connelly

Le Buzz Caffe

2930 N. Swan Rd.

I’ve become a chilaquiles junkie. These are from Le Buzz. They use chicken in the house-made Guajillo sauce. There are all the usual touches (including avocado.) Huge portion. Rich and creamy. They may become my new go-to.

Le Buzz Caffe (Photo by Rita Connelly)

Shane Reiser

5 Points

756 S. Stone Ave.

The “Braised Beet + Endive” popped up on 5 Points’ new brunch menu. What shines in this dish are the heirloom green lentils in a lemon vinaigrette mixed with the mint coconut yogurt and puff wild rice. The flavor combinations are crazy. You could put really any vegetable or protein on top and I’d love it.

5 Points (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Saffron Indian Bistro

7607 N. Oracle Rd.

The chicken flatbread from Saffron Indian Bistro was exactly what I needed after spending a few days at Aravaipa Canyon. There was some kind of cumin lime salt sprinkled on top that was amazing by itself. I kept licking my finger and then touching the top of the flatbread and then licking my finger again so I could taste just the salt.

Saffron Indian Bistro (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Kung Fu Noodle

3122 N. Campbell Ave .# 100

The Spicy Salty Crispy Tofu at Kung Fu Noodle is a big eat even for the meat eaters out there. It’s got a really satisfying flavor that builds as you eat it. I think it also pairs really well with other dishes on the menu, especially the cold Szechuan Noodles.

Kung Fu Noodle (Photo by Shane Reiser)

TABU

128 E. Congress St.

Tabu just launched a new brunch menu, and it features the best chicken chilaquiles I’ve ever had. Instead of the usual crispy chips soaking up the sauce, they use soft, masa-forward cakes that add a richer, more satisfying bite. The green sauce brings a quick hit of heat that fades fast, letting the bold, vibrant flavors shine — and they’re outstanding.

Brunch at Tabu (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Maybe THE best pancakes I’ve had in Tucson. The “Tabu Pan Cakes” at Tabu are made with corn flour, cajeta (goat milk), honey, and condensed milk. They were light, fluffy, and tasted about as perfect as possible.

Brunch at Tabu (Photo by Shane Reiser)

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IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. 

Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.
THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 

@Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. 

Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. 

The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. 

WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave.
TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free
 
SPECIAL ADMISSION: 
• Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID 
• Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups
• Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID

ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 @Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave. TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free SPECIAL ADMISSION: • Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID • Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups • Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.
Anne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. 

Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
Photos by @sea_lyonAnne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photos by @sea_lyon
Scratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜

@ikkyu.tucson 
@jaramencurry 
@kiwamiramenbar 
@kukai___ 
@marujapanesenoodle 
@maruplusaz 
@obonsushi 
@raijinramen 
@theramenbartucson 
@tossfriedchickennramen 

More guides on Tucsonfoodie.comScratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜 @ikkyu.tucson @jaramencurry @kiwamiramenbar @kukai___ @marujapanesenoodle @maruplusaz @obonsushi @raijinramen @theramenbartucson @tossfriedchickennramen More guides on Tucsonfoodie.com