Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
Author Profile

Valerie Vinyard

Valerie Vinyard has written for newspapers and magazines for over 20 years, including a stint as a food writer and critic for the Arizona Daily Star. The Cleveland native has lived in Tucson more than 15 years, and still dines out daily.

Work by Valerie

Los Olivos Pizzeria is a charming hidden gem on Tucson’s west side
Article

Los Olivos Pizzeria is a charming hidden gem on Tucson’s west side

Tucked away in a tiny building at 937 W. Congress St. is a quaint Italian café that is big on flavor. With just three tables inside and a small takeout […]

Jan 25, 20183 min read
All-You-Can-Eat “Sushi Cortaro on River” Now Open at River & Stone
Article

All-You-Can-Eat “Sushi Cortaro on River” Now Open at River & Stone

[10/20/2025 update: this restaurant has permanently closed] An increasing number of all-you-can-eat sushi places around Tucson have many fish lovers rejoicing. Some people harbor skepticism of how an endless supply […]

Jan 3, 20183 min read
IOU Sushi IV: Polynesian Flavors, All-You-Can-Eat Indulgence
Article

IOU Sushi IV: Polynesian Flavors, All-You-Can-Eat Indulgence

In the sea of all-you-can-eat sushi, IOU Sushi IV is a tasty island. Situated in a shopping center on Oracle Road near Limberlost Drive, IOU Sushi IV will never be […]

Oct 18, 20174 min read
Tucson’s Grimaldi’s Pizzeria to Close After Thanksgiving
Article

Tucson’s Grimaldi’s Pizzeria to Close After Thanksgiving

After 10 years, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria will be bidding adieu to Tucsonans – for now. Come November 25, the iconic pizza restaurant will shutter its doors at 446 N. Campbell Ave. […]

Oct 9, 20172 min read
“Ha Long Bay”: 15 Years of Vietnamese Cuisine in Tucson
Article

“Ha Long Bay”: 15 Years of Vietnamese Cuisine in Tucson

Ha Long Bay had us at “salty lemonade.” The $3 icy drink was full of pulp and was reminiscent of a sweeter, but just as refreshing, Gatorade. Helpful server, Ninh, […]

Sep 13, 20173 min read
Curry Leaf Indian Restaurant Offers a Taste of Southern India
Article

Curry Leaf Indian Restaurant Offers a Taste of Southern India

Tucked away in an East Grant Road shopping plaza near Tucson Boulevard, Curry Leaf Indian Restaurant has finally come into its own. Prasad Kakarala first opened Bombay Grill in 2005, […]

Aug 2, 20172 min read
Café Santa Rosa fries up chile popovers you’ll want again
Article

Café Santa Rosa fries up chile popovers you’ll want again

In the sea of Mexican food restaurants in South Tucson, finding an eatery with another focus is refreshing — and delicious. As a child, Sylvia Gonzales learned how to make fry […]

Jul 12, 20173 min read
Amigos Burgers and Beer: South Side’s Hidden Burger Bar
Article

Amigos Burgers and Beer: South Side’s Hidden Burger Bar

Juicy burgers at Amigos Burgers and Beer are a dozen-napkin undertaking for the average diner, making the paper towel roll at each table a necessity. The five-year-old restaurant and bar […]

Jul 5, 20172 min read
Fast-Casual Japanese Rice Bowls, Sushi & More at Samurai
Article

Fast-Casual Japanese Rice Bowls, Sushi & More at Samurai

Joe Matsuyama was hanging outside of Samurai, inhaling the last puffs of a Marlboro Light before meeting a friend inside for lunch. The 20-year-old student said he likes eating Samurai’s […]

Jun 7, 20173 min read
Happy Rooster Owner to Open Richie’s Café in Former Todd’s Restaurant at Ryan Airfield
Article

Happy Rooster Owner to Open Richie’s Café in Former Todd’s Restaurant at Ryan Airfield

In less than a month, another restaurant is slated to be part of Richard Flory’s coop. The 48-year-old owner of the Happy Rooster on South Sarnoff Road plans to open […]

May 23, 20174 min read
‘A Great Location Cafe’ now ‘Sarnoff Cafe,’ Still a Homey Diner
Article

‘A Great Location Cafe’ now ‘Sarnoff Cafe,’ Still a Homey Diner

Sarnoff Cafe is everything a family-style diner should be. From the homespun menu to the friendly, no-nonsense waitresses, the restaurant delivers a true diner experience. The cozy cafe has a […]

May 22, 20173 min read
Kung Fu Noodle: Delectable Blow to the Taste Buds
Article

Kung Fu Noodle: Delectable Blow to the Taste Buds

After experiencing the house lo mein at Kung Fu Noodle, you’ll be ruined. Once you take the first bite, you’ll regret all of those unremarkable times you ordered a noodle […]

May 10, 20173 min read

Get our free Tucson Foodie weekly newsletter

Join 25,000+ local subscribers

New openings, events, dish recommendations, and guides — every Wednesday. No spam.

Follow @TucsonFoodie on Instagram

Follow along for daily food inspiration, event updates, and behind-the-scenes looks at Tucson's culinary scene.

4.5K

posts

133.1K

followers

See More On Instagram
José Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57.

The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.

Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonnewsJosé Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57. The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org. Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉 Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonnewsItalian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her.

Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her. Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝

Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bio!Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝 Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio!The Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️

Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. 

MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN:
@agustinkitchen 
@seiskitchen 
@prestacoffee 
@laestrella_tucson 
@dolcepastellocakes 
@zumitosjuicebar 
@santacruzriverfm 

MSA ANNEX:
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@kukai___ 
@bosburger__ 
@hidden_hearth 
@rolliestucson 
@westbound_tapandbottle 

THE MONIER:
@wholeslvcepizza 
@81barbersofficial 

Share your favorite stops with us!
More details on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucson #tucsonfoodieThe Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️ Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN: @agustinkitchen @seiskitchen @prestacoffee @laestrella_tucson @dolcepastellocakes @zumitosjuicebar @santacruzriverfm MSA ANNEX: @decibelcoffeeworks @kukai___ @bosburger__ @hidden_hearth @rolliestucson @westbound_tapandbottle THE MONIER: @wholeslvcepizza @81barbersofficial Share your favorite stops with us! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucson #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. 

The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. 

Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛

From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. 

WEEK 6 WINNERS
Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week:
* Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia
* Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival
* arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
* donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe
* Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card
* Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card 

PRIZES
This week’s prize pool includes:
* Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets
* $100 Visa gift card
* @eljefecatcafe pass
* $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
* @desertmuseum passes

Presenting sponsor: @visittucson
Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollectiveHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛 From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. WEEK 6 WINNERS Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week: * Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia * Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival * arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum * donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe * Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card * Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card PRIZES This week’s prize pool includes: * Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets * $100 Visa gift card * @eljefecatcafe pass * $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe * @desertmuseum passes Presenting sponsor: @visittucson Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollective

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!