Dinner at 5 Points (Photo by Jackie Tran)
5 Points
756 South Stone AvenueDowntown
Very pleasant spot for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The Smoked Beet Sandwich is to die for.
Guide
Andrew Weil’s Favorite Restaurants in Tucson
I’m often asked where I like to eat in Tucson. The honest answer is: in my home. I’m a good cook, and the food I prepare at home is usually better than what I get in most restaurants. That said, I like to eat out as much as anyone, but I’m very selective about where. What I mostly look for is really good food. While Tucson is known for a rich food heritage, I’ve found it harder to have great restaurant experiences here than in other cities I know.
These are places that I think get it right or have dishes that I particularly enjoy. I return to them frequently and recommend them often.
15 spots
Crispy Latke w/ Poached Egg and Lox at Agustin Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Agustin Kitchen
100 South Avenida del ConventoDowntown
Fine dining in an agreeable setting with innovative dishes.
Photo Courtesy of AJ's Fine Foods
AJ’s Fine Foods Sushi Bar
2805 East Skyline DriveFoothills
A regular lunch spot for me. I often get the Hand Rolls (Spicy Tuna, Snow Crab, Salmon Skin). High quality fish. Go at off times to avoid the crowds.
Anello (Photo by Anna Smirnova)
ANELLO
By far the best pizza in Tucson. Enough said.
Bubbe's Fine Bagels
Really good bagels (try the za’atar ones when available), great schmears and sandwiches, whitefish salad.
Casa Madre
A hidden gem. Owner-chef Doma uses the best local ingredients to make original, delicious meals. I like to eat in the outdoor patio. Don’t miss the homemade ice creams.
Sushi, onigiri, and more at Kukai (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Kukai
267 South Avenida del ConventoDowntown
Tiny spot, outdoor seating. Excellent Onigiri (rice balls – Grilled Salmon and Tuna Mayo), Hand Rolls, Tempura, and Don (rice bowls).
Lo mein and wontons at Kung Fu Noodle (Credit: Taylor Noel Photography)
Kung Fu Noodle
3122 North Campbell Avenue #100Midtown
Authentic Chinese, lovely staff. I like their Moo Shu Vegetables, Mongolian Tofu, Sichuan Green Beans, and Cucumber Salad.
Miss Saigon
1072 North Campbell AvenueUniversity & 4th Ave
Fast, fresh Vietnamese. My standbys are the #1 (Shrimp Paste Spring Rolls) and #46 (Bun Tom Nuong – Grilled Shrimp with Vermicelli).
(Photo by Jackie Tran)
Noodleholics
Fast, fresh, filling. I go for the Sizzling Garlic with Fried Tofu – spicy and satisfying.
Curry Lamb at Sher-E-Punjab (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)
Sher-e-Punjab
Best Indian food in town. I love the Matar Paneer, Baingan Bharta, Mushroom Chilli, Garlic Naan, Mango Lassi. Pleasant space, great service.
Pastries at Time Market (Photo by Taylor Noel Photography)
Time Market
444 East University BoulevardDowntown
Good lunch spot with excellent bread, decent pizza, and sandwiches, The grocery section is terrific, with fine produce and a wide selection of cheeses.
(Photo courtesy of Uptown Burger)
Uptown Burger
6370 North Campbell AvenueFoothills
Good space and service with great burgers. (I go for the Ahi Tuna and Impossible Burgers), Sweet Potato Fries, French Fries, and salads.
Daniel Scordato of Vivace (Photo by Taylor Noel Photography)
Vivace Restaurant
6440 North Campbell AvenueFoothills
Italian-themed fine dining, totally consistent, outstanding service, great views. Best Caesar salad in town, excellent Seafood Soup, Salmon with Linguine, made-in-house gelato.
Sushi and nigiri at Yamato Japanese Restaurant (photo credit: Jackie Tran)
Yamato Japanese Restaurant
My favorite Japanese. Feels just like a neighborhood restaurant in Japan.
Dr. Andrew Weil’s relationship with Tucson runs deep; the Harvard-trained physician, bestselling author, and internationally recognized leader in integrative medicine has called the Sonoran Desert home for decades, building much of his life and work here. At the University of Arizona, he founded what is now the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, helping make Tucson a global hub for a more holistic, food-conscious approach to health.
Food has always played a central role in Weil’s work, from his cookbooks, including “True Food,” “The Healthy Kitchen,” and “Fast Food, Good Food,” to his anti-inflammatory food philosophy, which helped inspire True Food Kitchen, the restaurant concept he co-founded with Fox Restaurant Concepts. He also founded Matcha.com, another extension of his lifelong interest in plants, wellness, and everyday rituals. Weil shares his favorite Tucson restaurants as a longtime local whose perspective connects medicine, flavor, and the city’s evolving food culture.
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