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Guest Guide: Colby Elliott's Favorites

Guide

Guest Guide: Colby Elliott's Favorites

by Colby ElliottAug 7, 2023Updated Aug 4, 20264 min read
When I first moved to town, I asked anyone I met, “What is your favorite Tucson restaurant? And you can only pick ONE.” “Impossible!” “No way!” “It totally depends on the kind of food!” And every respondent was absolutely correct. Tucsonans live in Restaurant Disneyland, where if there isn’t a dish or style of food that’s being cooked passionately and well…you probably don’t need to eat it.But I was trying to get at something deeper. When you get the ONE place from a person, it’s a few things. It’s what they like. It’s what’s special to them. And it’s probably their go-to. I go to that place, try the food and I think about meeting them. And if I love it too, well, that is a kindred foodie. So here is a list of discoveries and gathered spots from my own exploration and those other adventurous eaters…who had to choose just…one…place. But don’t get me wrong, for every one of these recommendations there are at least three backups. There are many, many wonderful attractions in Restaurant Disneyland. These are a few of my favorite things...er...places!
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9 spots

Exo Roast Co.

403 North 6th AvenueDowntown

I’m gonna stay with coffee for just a moment longer because…do we really need a reason? Sometimes I want coffee cold and when that’s the case, I desperately crave the Chiltepin Cold Brew from EXO. The mix of chocolate, the coolness of the brew and the slight burn on the back of the throat from the pepper is the best.

(Photo Courtesy of Maico Restaurant Mexican Food)

Maico Restaurant Mexican Food

835 East 22nd StreetDowntown

If you need something simple and perfect, it’s hard to do better than the breakfast burrito at Maico. You know you’ve found something dependable, affordable and seriously good when every time I’ve been there there’ve also been folks from the air force base in groups of 4 or more. Big enough to eat half and save the rest for lunch, but who has that much restraint?

Bun Bo Hue from Pho Can Tho (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Pho Can Tho

2746 North Campbell AvenueMidtown

Somedays you just need a nice warm bowl of soup. And noodles, and flank steak, and tripe and bean sprouts and oh my gosh all the good things! If I’m feelin’ rundown and think my immune system needs a little boost, a bowl of Pho recharges the batteries to 100 percent. It all starts with a great broth, and they absolutely have that.

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Jalapeno Jelly Scone from Raging Sage (Photo credit: Dana Sullivan)

Raging Sage Coffee Roasters

2458 North Campbell AvenueUniversity & 4th Ave

Any day I’m low on energy I can stop in at Ragin’ Sage and get the ultimate treat/pick me up…the Double Cubano. And if you want to take it from treat to decadence, grab a slice of the Chocolate Midnight Cake to go with it.

Curry Lamb at Sher-E-Punjab (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Sher-e-Punjab

853 East Grant RoadMidtown

When I was an exchange student, I lived in England for a year. But fish and chips weren’t the revelation, Indian cuisine was! Everywhere I’ve lived since, I have find my favorite. In Tucson, it’s Shere-e Punjab. And my perfect dish the Lamb Vindaloo. Get it spicy, just be sure to get the raita with it so you don’t have regrets the next day.

Teas & Treats at Transit Tea (Photo credit: Adam Lehrman)

Transit Tea

2645 East Speedway BoulevardUniversity & 4th Ave

I love mixing and matching strange combinations of flavors (and even cuisines…see below) and Transit Tea is a veritable laboratory of experimentation. Types of teas (Black, green hibiscus,) in different styles (iced, hot, snow, even soda) fruit, and flavors make for fun mad science. My go to is a Hibiscus Tea Snow with Wanderer flavor and Focus Upgrade. The Wanderer Flavor is Elderflower, Pomegranate, and Anise. Yes, just a hint of black licorice! It’s a whole lotta flavor.

Tumerico

2526 East 6th StreetUniversity & 4th Ave

When people ask me for my “one place” this is what I say: Tumerico. Ropa Viejo, Frida Khalho Tostadas, Al Pastor Burrito. I think we’ve ordered everything on the menu. Although I’ve never set foot in the physical space, this is THE most popular restaurant at my house. I’m by no means a vegan, but some of my family are. And the ones that aren’t, never miss the meat at this vegan/vegetarian treasure.

Pizzas at Zio Peppe (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Zio Peppe

6502 East Tanque Verde RoadEastside

"What can I say about this place except that it is where poetry and food meet. I’ve been there for themed multi-course dinners and quick pop ins for a glass of wine with appetizers. Always good and always interesting. Start with the Elote Arancini, it has a lime crema that bursts with brightness. And for a main course the Beef Short Rib Peposo matched with the Mision 20 Baja red is perfect. Need the trifecta? The Chocotaconoli nails the landing and you‘ll know you’ve been to heaven. Want to keep it one-course simple? The Figgy Stardust is a wonderful pizza as is the El Rustico Birria.
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SONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍸

Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party.

Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. 

The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues.

The Treasury 1929
Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m.
$46 • 21+ with valid ID

Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last!

🎟️ LINK IN BIO 

Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnewsSONORAN RESTAURANT WEEK KICKOFF PARTY🍸 Tucson’s biggest culinary week of the year starts with a celebration at @Thetreasury1929! Join Tucson Foodie on Monday, August 31, from 5–8 pm for the official @Sonoranrestaurantweek Kickoff Party. Enjoy tasting stations from participating Sonoran Restaurant Week restaurants, plus a dedicated station from The Treasury’s culinary team. Sip on two signature cocktails featuring @donjuliotequila and @rombauervineyards, with beverage service by @breakthrubevaz. The night also includes live music from a DJ, photo booths, and access to all three floors of one of downtown Tucson’s most historic venues. The Treasury 1929 Monday, August 31, 5–8 p.m. $46 • 21+ with valid ID Tickets are extremely limited to keep the tasting experience intimate. Grab yours while they last! 🎟️ LINK IN BIO Photos courtesy of @thetreasury1929 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews
@Casaveratucson opens Aug. 12 at 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd., bringing regional Mexican cuisine to the former Tamarind space.

The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill.

Casa Vera will be open daily from 3-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com.

More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson@Casaveratucson opens Aug. 12 at 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd., bringing regional Mexican cuisine to the former Tamarind space. The 7,000-square-foot restaurant seats 200 guests with a large patio, and the design draws inspiration from a warm, old-world hacienda. The family behind Casa Vera is also known locally for Guadalajara Original Grill. Casa Vera will be open daily from 3-9 p.m. Reservations are available through @opentable or by emailing reservations@casaveratucson.com. More in @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photo courtesy of @casaveratucson #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews #tucson
NEW: @tokyosushitucson opens this Saturday🎉🍣

Tokyo Sushi has taken over the former Izumi space on Speedway, serving up an all-you-can-eat experience with an extensive selection of classic and specialty sushi rolls. The restaurant also features a build-your-own ramen bar, fresh salad bar, dessert bar, and ice cream station.

3655 E Speedway Blvd.
Grand opening: Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m.

#tucsonazNEW: @tokyosushitucson opens this Saturday🎉🍣 Tokyo Sushi has taken over the former Izumi space on Speedway, serving up an all-you-can-eat experience with an extensive selection of classic and specialty sushi rolls. The restaurant also features a build-your-own ramen bar, fresh salad bar, dessert bar, and ice cream station. 3655 E Speedway Blvd. Grand opening: Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m. #tucsonaz
Sonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year!🎉

From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. 

‼️❤️Restaurant owners: Applications are now open and close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more.

You don’t need your Restaurant Week menu ready to apply. Just submit one application per restaurant brand, even if you have multiple locations. 

Apply at the link in our bio or visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw/apply. 

#sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizonaSonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year!🎉 From September 4 to 13, local restaurants across Southern Arizona will come together for 10 days of incredible fixed-price menus, giving diners the perfect excuse to explore Tucson’s amazing food scene. ‼️❤️Restaurant owners: Applications are now open and close August 14. There is no cost to participate, and you’ll be included in Tucson Foodie’s biggest marketing campaign of the year, featuring print, online, social, radio, TV, menu previews, chef interviews, and more. You don’t need your Restaurant Week menu ready to apply. Just submit one application per restaurant brand, even if you have multiple locations. Apply at the link in our bio or visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw/apply. #sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizona