“Whether you love the spiciness of Thai cuisine or the savoriness of rustic French fare, head to a place Yelp Elites say is the best for it. (It’s a no-brainer!),” Yelp shared. “This Tucson Collection will get you to the top-rated spot according to Elites.”
Methodology: “To determine the Top Places to Eat in Tucson in 2024, according to Yelp Elites, we identified businesses in the restaurants category, then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews given by Yelp Elite Squad members between August 2023 and August 2024. Only businesses in and around the Tucson area were considered. Businesses were marked open on Yelp as of October 2024 and when available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of October 2024.”
Nate’s Italian Kitchen in Tucson is a cozy, family-owned Italian-American restaurant known for its huge portions and delicious, hearty meals like lasagna, pasta dishes, and cheesesteaks. Located in a Fry’s shopping center, it has gained a reputation for its flavorful food and friendly service, making it a hidden gem in the area.
If you enjoy pork, absolutely order the Chaoshou Dumplings. The dish is simple with pork wontons in chili oil with scallions. Also, the Sichuan Spicy Beef noodle soup features house-made wheat noodles in a spicy and numbing beef broth, topped with chunks of beef (probably beef shank), bok choy, green onion, and cilantro.
Steak: If Charro Steak sounds familiar, it is. Owned and operated by El Charro restaurants Flores family, Charro Steak is the family’s interpretation of a Sonoran steakhouse. Del Rey: Downtown restaurant Charro Del Rey, sister restaurant to Charro Steak, opened in 2019 with a focus on seafood and prime rib.
Truland is the place you go when you’re craving a Tru burger experience. A place where you know you’re eating a healthier burger and ingredients. Their cheerful, vibrant atmosphere is always buzzing with the lunch and dinner crowds eager to enjoy a moment away from it all while indulging in the bold flavors of the Truland menu.
Rollies has a nifty amount of goodness spread across its menu, from their own take on the classic dishes to the modernized dishes, they’ve really hit the nail on the head. Birria ramen, rolled tacos (of course), Nana’s Tacos, Birria Cheesecrip Burger, and other local favorites! Which will you eat first?
Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar serves “approachable classics with a focus on executing them with high-quality ingredients,” including Green Chile Bacon Waffle Fries, Quesabirria, salads, burgers and their specialty Crispy Nashville-Arizona Chicken sandwich. Pair all your food with draft beer, wine, or signature cocktails like the Redbird Old Fashioned, and Espresso Martini.
The chalkboard menu unveils an array of Latin-inspired dishes, including signature vegetarian and vegan options by chef and owner, Wendy Garcia, complemented by an expanded latte menu featuring flavors like Mole, Mazapan, Saffron, and more, ensuring a fusion of flavors and a unique cultural experience.
The menu at Zio Peppe offers diners an exploration of handcrafted pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and creations that reflect innovative spins on Italian classics. The selections of ingredients as well as the wines and beers on the menu are hand-picked and never sacrificing of quality and a care that can be felt during each visit.
Regardless of the time of day, Zayna’s crispy Cauliflower, Falafel Sandwiches, Grape Leaves, Salads, and other delectable options hit the spot. It’s also a meat lover’s paradise with dishes like the Grill Sampler Plate, which features hearty servings of lamb kifta, chicken shish tawook, and chicken shawarma.
Barista del Barrio is a family-owned cafe that started as a small coffee cart and has since grown into a permanent kitchen. Founded in 2017 by owner Flavia Briones, the cafe aims to share beloved family recipes and fulfill Flavia’s long-held dream of owning a restaurant. The support from the community has been instrumental in the cafe’s expansion and success.
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.
Mojo captures the vibrant spirit of Havana in its bright and spacious setting, including a shady patio and rum-centric bar. From crispy empanadas to classic Cubanos and traditional dishes like ropa vieja, Mojo’s menu is sure to take you on a journey through Cuban cuisine.
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.
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.
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.
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.
