Where to Eat Near the Fox Theatre in Downtown Tucson

Cruda is your go-to spot for top-notch seafood in downtown Tucson. From fresh oysters to heart-warming seafood pasta, everything's prepared with care. Don't leave without trying their excellent Arroz Marinero or Lobster Toritos!

Elliott’s is an American restaurant that provides a relaxing ambiance and great food to match. The eatery features a fully stocked bar with house-infused specialty vodkas, sporting flavors from basil to key lime. There is even Chocolate Covered Bacon. It is safe to say Elliot’s is nothing short of an experience.

Craving a slice of New York pizza in Tucson? Empire's got you covered with their hand-tossed, fresh-out-the-oven pizzas. And hey, while you're there, give their Elote Pizza a whirl — it's got foodies all over town raving. They're open late, so don't stress!

JA Ramen brings lively, casual ramen service to downtown Tucson in a bright, streamlined space suited to quick yet satisfying meals. The interior features clean lines, efficient counter seating, and a small patio that invites quick lunches and relaxed dinners.

The wide-ranging menu is centered on ramen, Japanese curry, and hibachi grill plates. The ramen section includes around 10 varieties, from tonkotsu and miso to curry and dumpling ramen. Rounding out the menu are appetizers, udon, yakisoba, and desserts like mochi and taiyaki. Diners often go for the spicy tonkotsu ramen and chicken katsu curry rice.

JoJo’s Restaurant, located at 76 W. Washington St. in Tucson, offers a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere in the heart of the Historic Presidio District. The restaurant features a spacious courtyard adorned with twinkling lights, lush greenery, a game area, and a tranquil pond, creating an inviting outdoor dining experience. Live music performances enhance the lively ambiance, making JoJo's a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

The menu at JoJo’s showcases a fusion of Southwestern and international flavors, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu recently updated with more affordable options too.

You need to check out La Chingada Cocina, a popular spot right in the heart of downtown. They're dishing up some of the best Mexican food in Tucson, made with locally sourced ingredients and real authentic flavors. Plus, they've got live mariachi music on Sunday nights and some pretty amazing margaritas. Definitely worth a visit!​

Penca is a downtown Tucson treasure that serves up authentic Mexico City cuisine with a contemporary twist. With a cozy ambiance and a delightful menu, Penca’s "Tacos al Pastor" and "Chile en Nogada" are standout dishes that showcase the vibrant flavors of central Mexican cuisine. Don't forget to pair them with one of their handcrafted cocktails, such as the "Oaxacan Old Fashioned," for a complete dining experience.

At Perche No (Italian for "why not"), expect to be welcomed into a family atmosphere and served up some amazing Italian dishes. Owners Bruno and Krissy whip up a mix of classic and contemporary Italian dishes, alongside Bruno's mouth-watering homemade desserts. Some must-try dishes include Penne al'Alce and the Asiago Crusted Ling Cod

Reilly's has it all: hot pies, cold drinks, good wines, and great vibes. There is a patio and seating is communal, so it's a great spot for large groups. Oh, and you won't believe the dish everyone's raving about - it's not pizza, but Brussels sprouts! These babies are served with house hot sauce, sherry vinegar, and pecan brittle crumbs.

When it comes to Vietnamese food, Miss Saigon is the place to be. They've been dishing out fresh and flavorful meals since 2000, and their service is top-notch. The pho and chicken broth pho with catfish are crowd-pleasers, and the Shrimp Paste Spring Rolls and Orange Chicken are also worth a try.

The St. Cruz restaurant inside The Leo Kent Hotel is not just a place to grab a meal; it's a tribute to Tucson's history. The menu is a love letter to local ingredients, and the bar doesn't shy away from local beers, wines, and spirits either. The whole vibe here is inspired by the Santa Cruz River – the lifeblood of Tucson for generations.

If you’ve been to any of the other three locations, you can expect the same quick-service menu stacked with build-your-own tacos, burritos, and bowls as well as housemade beverages like horchata and aguas frescas. Taco Tuesday, anyone?

Run by the same folks who brought us El Charro Café, The Monica is a cool restaurant in downtown Tucson. Their menu is a mashup of family recipes whipped up by a team of ace chefs. It ain't just Mexican food—think artisanal pizzas, baguettes, and dishes like Albondigas Béchamel and Short Rib Rustico. Plus the open-air bar and indoor/outdoor seating makes it great for just about any time of day!

Much like the incredibly stylish mullet hairstyle being business in the front and a party in the back, The Neighborhood’s downtown spot is more than one concept. Think of it as a restaurant and bar during the earlier hours of the day and a total party by night.