“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.
Since 2005, Lovin’ Spoonfuls has built a tight-knit community, treating their employees and their patrons like family while they serve a menu full of vegan offerings from the comfort of their warm and welcoming atmosphere.
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.
The concept is simple; classic recipes, fresh ingredients, never frozen and everything made from scratch. Their flavors make it seem as if you are eating at a taco stand in the heart of Mexico!
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.
CRUDA in an seashell: From briny oysters, aguachile molcajetes and ceviche bursting with citrus to warm and creamy seafood pasta — all in a lively and welcoming atmosphere that effortlessly transports you to the coastal bliss you crave.
Fresh pasta and authentic Italian sauces, soft-serve gelato, and espresso are available from a walk-up window with street seating! It’s one of the cutest spots to spend time with friends, family, and strangers (if they’re in the mood for a conversation).
Each of the tables inside Kotu’s dining room comes equipped with a small grill in the center. The team brings out your desired meats and proteins (raw) and you grill away, ordering as much as your stomach can handle.
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.
In 2023, the popular food cart hosted its grand opening for its new brick-and-mortar restaurant at 1108 W. St. Mary’s Rd. The Cemita is a must-try along with the Chalupas Poblanas, Gorditas Rellanas, and the Tacos Ahogados.
With a menu that, while relatively unchanging, brims with beloved dishes for breakfast — the Cast Iron Eggs are exquisite — lunch, and dinner, regulars appreciate the occasional small tweaks, specials, and promotions that add a touch of excitement to the familiar fare.
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.
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.
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 new restaurant opened its doors in early December 2023. With authentic Mexican cuisine, a full bar with craft cocktails and brews, and even the occasional live music or DJ, La Frida is a must-visit spot.
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.
