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Striped Bass at Tito & Pep (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Yelp’s Top 25 Places to Eat in Tucson (2023)

Updated November 9, 2023

“If you’re looking to hit all the high notes of the Tucson dining scene, you’ve come to the right place,” Yelp shared in its latest list of Top 25 Places to Eat in Tucson. “This collection is packed with some of the tastiest, most highly-rated restaurants around.”

Methodology: To determine Yelp’s Top Places to Eat in Tucson in 2023, they identified businesses in the restaurants category, then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews between Summer 2022 and Summer 2023. This list looked at businesses in and around the Tucson area. All businesses were marked open on Yelp as of October 1, 2023. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of October 1, 2023.

The following restaurants are sorted by Yelp’s ranking.

a plate of food on a table
Tamale at Tumerico (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Tumerico

2526 East 6th Street, Tucson, AZ 85716

The food at Tumerico is exclusively vegetarian and vegan; however, truth be told, if you didn’t know that beforehand you would be hard-pressed to taste the difference. Generous portions of flavor-packed beans, rice, and veggies unite to create a lunch that will fill you up with all the good stuff – and you’ll probably have some leftovers for later.

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Shelby Benedict (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Baja Cafe – Broadway

7002 East Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85710

Baja Cafe includes some Tucson favorites on its menu: tortillas from La Mesa Tortilla, prickly pear from Cheri’s Desert Harvest, and at the Campbell location, beer from Dragoon Brewery. The owners also frequent Hatch, New Mexico, where they source their green chilies before roasting them in-house.

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Photo Courtesy of Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Cafe

Buendia Breakfast and Lunch Café

2530 North 1st Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719

If you’re looking for a class breakfast experience, there’s plenty of that on the menu, but if you’re in the mood to try something unique, give the Buendia’s Poblano Pepper Stuffed with Corn Tamale and Cheese. You’ll go home with a smile just as big as the one you were greeted with when you arrived.

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Empanadas at Che Cafe (Photo by Mark Whittaker)

Che Cafe Empanadas Argentinas

1998 East Irvington Road, Tucson, AZ 85714

Che Cafe opened in October of 2022 to almost immediate acceptance and applause. In an area surrounded by plenty of fast-food options, a family-run restaurant that offers up enticing empanadas is a big relief for not just your budget but your belly as well.

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a person holding a burrito on a plate
Breakfast Burrito at Barista del Barrio (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Barista Del Barrio

1002 North Grande Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85745

Known for serving some of the best breakfast burritos in town, Barista de Barrio is also prized for its excellent coffee. Instead of a single massive burro, you get two smaller breakfast burritos in each order — perfect for sharing.  The custom-spiced chorizo is the star here, though be warned: It is on the spicier side, as is the salsa. Vegetarian and vegan options are on offer too, plus a wide range of coffee drinks.

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a close up of a sandwich on a plate
Midtown Vegan Deli & Market (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Midtown Vegan Deli & Market

5071 East 5th Street, Tucson, AZ 85711

If you’re headed to Midtown, don’t forget to bring your appetite and your reusable grocery bags. This spot has everything from vegan burgers and salads to sweet treats, plus a fully-stocked selection of vegan groceries to take home with you.

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Johnny Steak & Frites plus shrimp at the Parish (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Johnny Steak & Frites plus shrimp at the Parish (Photo by Jackie Tran)

The Parish

6453 North Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ 85704
Insiders Get a free app or cocktail

The Parish Southern Fusion Gastropub draws its restaurant inspiration from Southern comfort, hospitality, and community. The Tucson restaurant’s fare and namesake are inspired by the culinary influences of its three owners that span from Louisiana to Texas to Arizona.

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a close up of a plate of food on a table
Cauliflower Sandwich at Zayna's Mediterranean (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Zayna Mediterranean Restaurant

1138 North Belvedere Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85712

Regardless of the time of day, Zayna’s crispy Cauliflower, Falafel Sandwiches, Grape Leaves, Salads, and other delectable options hit the spot.

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a close up of food
Vegan Donuts at Houlden's Rise Above (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Houlden’s Rise Above

5029 East 5th Street, Tucson, AZ 85711

Houlden’s Rise Above is a dedicated vegan bakery known for its warm atmosphere and wide array of vegan treats, The bakery, boasting an array of savory turnovers, flaky bear claws, creamy cheesecakes, and more, serves as a haven for both vegans and non-vegans, offering unique options unlike any others.

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a piece of cake on a plate with a fork
Vegan quiche at Coronet Cafe (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Coronet Cafe

353 South Meyer Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701
Insiders Get $1 off a drink every visit

At Coronet Cafe, the driving force remains a deep love for food and creating memorable experiences. Serving up meticulously sourced ingredients and a commitment to sustainability showcase the dedication of their staff, the collaborative genius of this team is evident on the plate and in the environment they create, where everyone is cared for as they savor intentional — and tasty — food and drinks. There are always a few vegan options on the menu, but be sure to ask for specials, and don’t think twice about trying their Shakshuka.

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Bánh mì sandwich at Banhdicted (Photo by Mark Whittaker)

Banhdicted

1980 West Orange Grove Road, Tucson, AZ 85704

Banhdicted specializes in banh mi, juice, smoothies, and milk tea. In addition the standard varieties, they also offer a Cajun shrimp banh mi and a breakfast banh mi with eggs and pork belly.

They currently have three locations:

  • 1980 W Orange Grove Rd #180, Tucson, AZ 85704
  • 2619 N 1st Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719
  • 6878 E Sunrise Dr Suite 150, Tucson, AZ 85750
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Penelope Pizza (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Penelope Pizza

800 North Kolb Road, Tucson, AZ 85710
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It was a chance meeting with the owner of Cartel Coffee, who ironically had a large wood-fired oven inside the coffee shop, that got things rolling forward with the Penelope Pizza concept. From pizzas to monthly pasta nights, it’s a must-visit in downtown Tucson.

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Kampachi Aguachile at Tito & Pep (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Tito & Pep

4122 East Speedway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85712

The restaurant proudly features a mid-century modern aesthetic with mid-century cookbook-inspired paintings, teal booths, and warm pendant lamps. The space is inviting enough to show up for a casual dinner but nice enough to visit for a special occasion. While the restaurant aims to serve as a neighborhood bistro, the service is high-end restaurant-worthy.

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Steak Tacos at The Quesadillas (Photo by Jackie Tran)

The Quesadillas

2418 North Craycroft Road, Tucson, AZ 85712

Follow the trail of intoxicating mesquite smoke to find The Quesadillas, 2418 N. Craycroft Rd., hidden north of the Circle K at Craycroft Road and Grant Road. It’s easy to dismiss it as just another Mexican fast-food joint but don’t make that mistake. For variety, we recommend Carne Asada Quesadilla, Pollo Asado Quesadilla, Veggie Quesadilla, Al Pastor Taco, and Carne Asada Taco.

 

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(Photo Courtesy of Taqueria Juanitos)

Taqueria Juanitos

708 West Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85705

Juanito’s Al Pastor is packed with flavor from a variety of chiles with pineapple-citrus sweetness and acidity. The Carne Asada and Cabeza are also local favorites.

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La Botana (Photo by Jackie Tran)

La Botana Tacos

565 East Wetmore Road, Tucson, AZ 85705

While chicharrones at the grocery store are the puffy fried pork rinds, the Chicharrones at La Botana are fried bits of pork—think miniature pork belly cubes. The meat is pleasantly chewy, while the fat melts in your mouth with a smokiness more akin to char-grilled meat than to bacon.

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Taco Rico (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Taco Rico (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Taco Rico

4500 West Ina Road, Tucson, AZ 85741

Taco Rico serves street-style Mexican fare with a focus on tacos, burritos, and birria. The eatery occupies a casual layout with counter service and seating outdoors.

Favorites include the tacos, birria, and homemade horchata, jamaica, and flan.

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a picture of bagels
(Photo courtesy of Bubbe's Fine Bagels)

Bubbe’s Fine Bagels

1101 North Wilmot Road, Tucson, AZ 85712
Insiders Get $10 off their bill every 90 days

Back in the Fall of 2020, longtime Pizza Luna employee, Kyle Leuer, along with his partner Becca Groff, approached Marc and Tracy Frankel — owners of Pizza Luna — about the bagel concept and have since helped them move forward with their plans. The idea of opening the shop really took off after making bagels from leftover pizza dough.

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Tacos at El Taco Rustico (Photo by Anna Smirnova)

El Taco Rustico

2281 North Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ 85705

Recommendations: Get the glorious slow-grilled Costilla beef rib, the bacon-and-oniony Bistek Encebollado, and the wonderfully seasoned Calabacitas.

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a plate of food with a slice of pizza
Turkish Grill House (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Turkish Kebab House

810 East University Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85719

Turkish Kebab House features a courtyard patio with umbrella‑shaded tables under trees and string lights. They also stay open until 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

Also, if Turkish Kebab House sounds familiar it’s because it used to be named Turkish Grill House, a restaurant that used to share the same building as Old Times Kafe. Try the Ali Nazik Kebab with roasted beef, eggplant, yogurt, butter, garlic, tomato, and jalapeño.

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Chicken Souvlaki Kabob at Opa's Best (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Opa’s Best Greek American Cuisine

4590 East Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85711

Chef and owner Qais Esar owns and operates the restaurant with his brother and chef Nawid Esar, and both have their share of knowledge in the kitchen. For instance, they grew up with available meats from their uncle provided, who worked at least 40 years as a butcher. Much of what you’ll find on the menu offers the standard fare such as hummus, dolmades, flaming saganaki, pita sandwiches, braised lamb shank, souvlaki, moussaka, pastitsio, and more.

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Beef Ho Fun at Asian Spice (Photo by Jackie Alpers)
Beef Ho Fun at Asian Spice (Photo by Jackie Alpers)

Asian Spice

7850 North Silverbell Road, Tucson, AZ 85743

If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, Asian Spice is your jam. The chef, Phillip Tan, used to cook at a luxury hotel in Hong Kong, so you know he knows his stuff. From Chinese food that feels like home to exotic Singaporean noodles and Vietnamese dishes, this place is a treasure trove of Asian flavors.

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a picture of breakfast food
One Egg Biscuit with Meat and Cheese at Raptor Canyon Cafe (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Raptor Canyon Cafe

75 East Pennington Street, Tucson, AZ 85701

Raptor Canyon Cafe, located downtown, offers a cozy, laid back atmosphere. Husband-and-wife team Dennis and Konni Calello operate the family-owned restaurant along with their sons Ken and Frank Calello. Known for its homemade baked goods and hearty breakfast and lunch options, Raptor Canyon Cafe has become a local favorite for those seeking delicious, made-from-scratch meals with personable, kind service.

Popular dishes include the Southwest Burrito, filled with beef chorizo, bacon, green chiles, pico de gallo, avocado, eggs, cheese, and hash. The breakfast tacos are also a hit. For those with a sweet tooth, check out the display case for a variety of nostalgic house-made cookies.

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a picture of oysters on the half shell
(Photo courtesy of Cruda Mariscos)

CRUDA Mariscos & Oyster Bar

31 North Scott Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701

Owners of The Neighborhood opened up the new concept La Chingada Cocina Mexicana in 2021 and then most recently added CRUDA to the neighborhood, so to speak, in 2022. Let’s talk about their tacos. One, in particular, is the Tacos Gobernador, which involves crispy grilled corn tortillas sandwiched with melted cheese. Then, you’ve got the option to fill it with either marlin, manta, or a combo of shrimp and scallops.

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