Once a year, Tucson Weekly gives the public a chance to vote on their favorite local businesses.
First, we at Tucson Foodie want to thank you all for choosing us for “Best Instagram” and “Best Blog.” It’s an honor! Second, we want to give a shoutout to this year’s “Best Restaurants.”
Each of the following restaurants won the top spot in each of Tucson Weekly’s restaurant categories, such as “Best Vegetarian/Vegan” and “Best Korean Restaurant,” to name a couple. Some of these restaurants, like Kingfisher and Baja Cafe, are on the list more than once for multiple categories.
“This vegetarian-vegan Latin American restaurant has racked up quite the accolades: On Yelp’s 2024 Top 100 Places to Eat, it ranked No. 1 both nationally and on the Southwest list for vegan Mexican cuisine. Guy Fieri has raved about its vegan tacos, and Kelly Clarkson cooked tacos with owner-chef Wendy Garcia, who was a James Beard Best Chef semifinalist for 2023 and 2024.”
“Chef-owner Qais Papoutsis and his brother, chef Nawid Esar, focus on delicious food and family-friendly service at this traditional Greek restaurant. Fan favorites include the housemade baklava, slow-roasted lamb, souvlaki, and grilled burgers.”
“New owners since 2022, Jacqueline Kuder and Ted Burhans are continuing the legacy of Jim ‘Murph’ Murphy and assuring that only the freshest seafood is plated at Kingfisher Bar & Grill. One recent diner raved, “I can’t say enough good things about this place! I just loved everything from the host to the food to the manager.'”
“‘Frenchness’ is guaranteed at this café and bistro, where every item is made with love daily. Stop by for craft coffees, fresh-baked breads, pastries, and scratch-made brunch and lunch on the cooled and heated pet-friendly patio.”
“Although the cooks recommend soft-poached eggs with a runny yolk, the Eggs Benedict can be ordered in any style. Guests can choose between 13 variations, from classic to Southwest smoked brisket tots to red chile short rib birria.”
“Old Southwest tradition greets customers in every corner of this family-owned steakhouse. A custom steel and brick mesquite wood grill and pit are used to fire up Arizona’s native mesquite wood, which lends an unmatched smoke flavor to the food.”
“In addition to a menu full of favorites like tandoori lamb chops and chicken tikka masala, this beloved bistro also serves killer craft cocktails and caters. The all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is open every day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with more than 15 items. All entrees are gluten-free, and many vegan options are available.”
“Authentic jerk chicken is only minutes away. A happy customer recently stated, ‘I absolutely loved the food. The jerk chicken was a banger along with the rice and plantains. They had great hot sauces and a full bar.'”
“The most popular roll on the menu is the sushi garden roll, with shrimp, crab, avocado, and cucumber (the “deluxe” adds fresh salmon on top). A lunch box is available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and happy hour is weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m.”
“Opened in the 1930s, Caruso’s has remained in the family and practically in the same spot, moving only once after a flood to its current location one block away from the original site. The chefs may have upgraded the equipment, but the techniques for making pasta (ravioli, lasagna, manicotti, cannelloni) and the sauces remain the same. The ‘big copper pot,’ the heart of the place, is visible from the main dining room.”
“Classics, combos, sweet treats, specialties, and benedicts are all on the morning menu. It would take more than a full week to try every type of pancake: buttermilk, chocolate chip, blueberry, snickerdoodle, cinnamon roll, pecan roll, pineapple express, two pan Sam lemon blueberry and strawberry.”
“Chef Noy Sayso learned to cook from the age of seven from the best: her mom, auntie, and grandma. For a more intimate experience, make reservations to dine at Noy’s House, where Noy offers a rotating monthly menu.”
“As if the regular menu did not offer enough deliciousness, the seasonal menu takes ramen to another level with a curry butter miso ramen, plus Curry Soboro Don and fried Japanese scallops. Chase it all down with a Sapporo Nama beer, Japanese craft beer, or hot or cold sake.”
“Benedicts pair perfectly with brunch cocktails and buttermilk pancakes with peach rum punch. The a.m. options are endless, from Nutella French toast to a breakfast banana split (with granola, fruit, yogurt and whipped cream).”
“A staple since 2000, this locally owned chain serves fresh and healthy food, from spring rolls to shrimp skewers, at its three Tucson locations. One regular stated, ‘It’s our favorite pho place in town.'”
“Zayna believes that customers can taste the quality difference in its dishes. The Levantine-Mediterranean eatery uses fresh veggies; high-end beef, lamb, and chicken; and global herbs and spices. Dine-in or take-out specialties such as the Zayna fries lightly dressed in lemon and garlic with special Syrian seasoning, chicken shawarma, or beef kofta plate, or a falafel sandwich.”
“For more than 30 years this Safeway Shopping Center standout at Sunrise and Swan has been cooking up visually pleasing and mouth-watering gourmet fare. Longtime fans favor its refreshing and unconventional twist on regional dishes from all of China.”
“Midtown’s neighborhood bistro claims to encompass the spirit of Tucson and the Southwest with its mesquite-fired cuisine. Chef-owner John Martinez’s distinctive and flavorful dishes include charred summer bean salad, grilled Baja striped bass, and grilled New York strip.”
“Raise your glass to Cup Café. Located inside Hotel Congress, Cup Café boasts a creative menu with brioche French toast, cast iron baked eggs, quiche du jour, vegan breakfast tamales, barrio toast, smoked salmon benedict, omelets, Cubano sandwiches, country fried tofu sandwiches, fish ‘n’ chips, a Tucson dip with brisket, tacos, soups and salads, calamari, lettuce wraps and black bean meatballs. They are especially known for their dessert carousel, which is filled with homemade desserts.”
“The Parish puts a fun twist on traditional dishes. The foods were inspired by the three owners, who hail from Louisiana, Arizona, and Texas. The menu includes noshes such as frog legs, lamb chorizo, hushpuppies, cast iron cornbread, goat cheese relleno, pork rinds, and bacon popcorn. Patrons can also choose from fuller dishes such as beer-battered catfish, gumbo, grilled trout, shrimp and grits, burgers, hot chicken sandwiches, pulled pork pibil, and po’boys. Oh, and don’t forget the homemade bread pudding and pickle berry pie.”
“When another burger or burrito just won’t do, head to Kingfisher’s where you will find some of the Old Pueblo’s best seafood. Whether you like your oysters baked, fried, or naked, Kingfisher’s got them. They have fried fish, fish and chips, smoked fish of the day, yellowfin tuna poke, calamari, and shrimp. Missing New England? Have a warm lobster roll. There are also some non-water proteins to choose from. Plus, the side lounge has an award-winning wine list.”
“One look at Vivace’s menu and you know you are in for a meal to remember. Start with a little something from the full wine list, nosh on grilled asparagus and parma prosciutto, then enjoy a bit of beef tenderloin grilled with marsala wine sauce and paired with garlic potato puree. If there’s room, top it off with a chocolate fondue, spumoni, or the gelato of the day. Or let your server recommend your meal. Either way, this is one great place to dine.”
“Italian American meets the flavors of Southern Arizona at Zio Peppe Pizza. That means that, sure, you can get traditional pepperoni pizza, but why not try something different, like the Figgy Stardust (figs, bacon, fresh mozzarella, honey, and chamomile goat cheese and a pomegranate drizzle) or El Rustico Birria (Chef Juan Almanza’s beef birria, mozzarella, onion, cilantro, and consommé)? There is also an interesting assortment of appetizers and pastas. We can’t stay away from the Elote Arancini. Here’s why: street corn + risotto, lime crema, and queso fresco. You know you want it.”
“Feeling adventurous? Avoid the long flight and visit Zeman’s, one of Tucson’s authentic African food restaurants. The place is small, but the food is exotic. Beginners should start with the sampler plate to get a quick taste of the cuisine. Don’t forget that it’s common to eat with your hands using the spongy Ethiopian bread as a sort of scoop.”
“There’s a reason President Bill Clinton and Julio and Enrique Iglesias, among many other celebs, have eaten here. It’s because the food is so good. Open since 1952, El Nidito has been doling out enchiladas, tamales, carne seca, and chorizo burritos to the waiting public with no small amount of success. Want the real thing? Eat here.”
“A Tucson institution, Chef Maria Mazon has been creating interesting, imaginative, and oh-so-delicious tacos since 2010. Mazon has been nominated twice for a James Beard Award and competed on ‘Chopped’ and ‘Top Chef.’ She creates authentic Sonoran tacos with a twist, lots of twists.”
“Executive Chef Steven Schultz combines the traditional Southwest and French cuisines and methods of cooking, creating very delicious dishes, including his specialty, fresh sea bass straight out of the Sea of Cortez. Eat here and experience exceptional service but also a feeling of welcome and homecoming. The owners want guests to feel at peace while they enjoy the edible art on their plate.”
“The Little One serves authentic Mexican-style dishes that remind customers of home. It’s a family-owned restaurant operated by the Davila family. Its origins are the Café Poca Cosa, which was owned by daughter and father Suzanna and Luis Davila. At the intimate breakfast and lunch spot, guests can eat indoors or on the patio. They offer dishes such as chicken mole, huevos entomatados or huevos con machaca, caldo de pollo chicken broth soup, pollo ranchero and barbacoa. They have vegan and vegetarian options and special dishes such as the lunch surprise and combination plates.”
“A beautiful view of the Catalinas, freshly made on-site tortillas like your mom used to make, and true Oaxacan-Sonoran cuisine: this is what you will find at Teresa’s Mosaic Cafe. The family came back from a devastating fire better than before and they want to show off what they do best. There’s a branch across town if it’s more convenient. Make sure you bring home some of those great tortillas. Enjoy Sunday brunch, lunch, or dinner. Pair it with a cerveza, margarita, or limonada.”
“Not everyone can take gluten, that major ingredient in any wheat product. But one bite of the Gourmet Girls’ gluten-free waffles and you will hear the angels sing. Pair it with a sausage patty or a couple of eggs and possibly a mimosa and you are starting your day off right. Or try the quiche or eggs benedict. If breakfast isn’t for you, get lunch. There’s a tempting assortment of sandwiches, including a double-decker grilled cheese sandwich, a Reuben on ‘rye’ or a grass-fed beef hamburger. Open for breakfast and lunch.”
“Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the Locale is open and waiting for you to dine here. Check out the patio. Sitting outside on a warm fall evening with a soft gentle zephyr blowing in off the desert, caressing your skin, and a plate of French toast or a seven-layer lasagne in front of you, now that’s dining.”
“Sushi, bulgogi, or bibimbap: These are the makings of a great lunch at Takamatsu Restaurant. There are plenty of other choices, too, including Korean lunch boxes and bento lunch boxes enough to sate your hunger and get you through the afternoon. Then there’s the dinner menu. A full selection of Korean barbecue ingredients, Korean soups and stews and even Japanese Teppan Yaki dinners. They have kids’ plates, too.”
“Eating at the Bashful Bandit is like a best friend’s barbecue. That’s how the owners want guests to feel when they eat here. Inside the dining room or outside on the patio, diners can enjoy sliced or chopped prime brisket, green chili pulled pork, or smoked chicken, to name a few. Sides include mac and cheese, borracho beans, or dill potato salad. There’s more, but you get the idea. Get dinner by the pound, the plate, or as a sandwich. There’s a kid’s portion, too.”
“Take a look at the roof of the Court Avenue location of El Charro and you will see a cage housing thin strips of lean beef drying in the Sonoran sun. When it’s brought inside, the strips are spiced and fried. You’ve never had anything like this.”
“Hacienda Del Sol offers amazing views to complement a meal from its acclaimed culinary team at two separate locations: Terraza Garden Patio and Lounge and The Grill. Terraza even allows pets and has a pet menu, so there’s something for everyone.”
“Out-of-town guests will never forget their meal experience at La Chingada, the Downtown restaurant with the naughty name. Nearly any night is a good night to make a reservation for dinner, but on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, live music is on the menu. No need for a passport for this experience. How about street tacos, flan, or churro cheesecake? Brunch and lunch are also served.”
