Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during December!

Not only are these reminders of the dishes we ate, but they can also be a guide for your own decisions on what to eat here in Tucson.

Addie Ibarra

Sunshine Wine

15 N. Santa Rita Ave.

The Tuesday and Wednesday wine deal at Sunshine Wine is the best deal in town.

You can choose 2 snacks – I chose the bread and butter & hummus.

Then choose a tartine – I got frisky and went for the mushroom gilda.

And it also comes with a bottle of wine – I opted for a white. Mind you, this is all $29 for TWO people.

This is one of my favorite restaurants that opened in 2025, so I was stoked to close out 2025 with them.

Read our June 2025 article Inside Sunshine Wine: Tucson’s Newest Wine Bar & Outdoor Patio Hangout.

Charro Steak North

7109 N. Oracle Rd.

Lobster Tamalada and Oysters at Charro Steak North are always a hit. Not pictured here is the ahi ceviche that was devoured in seconds. Oh and the gin martini. What can I say, I like to eat well.

Read our article Charro Steak Expands with Second Location at Casas Adobes.

Chef Matt Love Pop-Up

I attended a dinner by Matt Love this month and it was Sonoran heritage inspired, One of the dishes included nopales and chorizo, it was an absolute standout in my opinion and showed a spotlight on chef’s talent and creativity. Check him out at the Los Milics Vineyards tasting room downtown when he’s not busy putting together amazing dinners.

Read our article on that dinner.

Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

7000 N. Resort Dr.

The assorted desserts at Lowe’s Ventana during their holiday tea were fantastic. I especially love a really well done chocolate covered strawberry and cream puff.

Read our article Tucson’s Flying V Honors Ranch Heritage with Summer Menu.

Casa Del Rio

1060 S. Pantano Rd.

I know you all probably want me to shut up about Casa del Rio, and I promise this will be the last time I mention them in 2025, but they did launch a new brunch menu in December and it was some of the best Chilaquiles and Huevos Divorciados and pancakes (which I never eat and) that I’ve had in a very long time. Everything tastes authentically Mexican and the brunch cocktails are a good way to seal the deal.

Read our article Casa Del Rio unveils new menu items, brunch (PHOTOS).

Hannah Hernandez

Copal

5340 E. Broadway Blvd. #100

I’ve discovered a new favorite at Copal: a jackfruit birria and roasted mushroom burrito covered in enfrijolada sauce. I also recommend ordering the elote ribs (ask for the vegan version if you’d like to avoid cheese).

Read our article Monday Munchies: Eats, Sweets & Drinks at Copal.

Brucha

3435 E. Speedway Blvd.

The strawberry matcha latte at Brucha is easily my new favorite matcha drink. The strawberries are refreshing, and the matcha gives just the right pick-me-up without the anxiety. It’s one of those drinks you try to sip slowly because you never want it to end. I always add brown sugar boba, but they have endless options.

Read our article Brucha to Open Soon, Offering Tea, Gelato & More in Midtown Tucson.

Jackie Tran

El Antojo Poblano

1108 W. St Marys Rd.

While the classic drive-thru breakfast burrito heals my hangover, the thick, luscious Mole con Pollo gives me a comforting food hug. Their mole has that kiss of chocolate without being too sweet, offering a warming blend of spices to enrobe tender chunks of chicken thighs.

Read our article from 2019 when they were still a food truck.

KOTU Korean BBQ

4545 N. Oracle Rd.

KOTU continues to be my favorite Korean barbecue in town. If I wasn’t so dedicated to ordering a variety, I would probably hyperfixate on an upsetting volume of the marinated boneless short rib.

Their kimchi stew also hits extra hard during colder nights.

Read our article All-You-Can-Eat Barbecue Joint ‘Kotu Korean BBQ’ is Now Open.

Le Buzz Plaza Coffee Co.

2930 N. Swan Rd., Suite 130

What really helped this dish shine for me was their choice in sourcing fresh flour tortillas from Doña Esperanza, my personal favorite in town.

Read our article Tamale Benedict stars among Le Buzz Plaza Dec. Specials (PHOTOS).

Shane Reiser

Twisted Union Wine Company

The Joy Rider from Twisted Union Wine Company is my kind of wine. On the heavier side of red, but not too heavy. Smooth and tart. Not spicy. Easy drinking.

Read our article Foodie 15: Best Spots to Sip Wine in Sonoita-Elgin Wine Country.

China Szechwan

1800 E. Fort Lowell Rd.

On my second visit to China Szechwan I found a dish that will bring me back again and again. The Szechwan Tofu. I wasn’t feeling sick, but as I ate this, it felt like it was healing me. And it had all the Szechuan flavors you’d expect, including those spicy and slightly-numbing peppercorns, doubanjiang, chili oil, Chinkiang vinegar, garlic, ginger, etc.

Read our article EAT THIS: Mongolian Tofu & other dishes at China Szechwan.