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The Best Restaurants in Tucson According to r/Tucson (Reddit)

Guide

The Best Restaurants in Tucson According to r/Tucson (Reddit)

by Shane ReiserNov 27, 2023Updated Mar 5, 20244 min read
r/Tucson is home to the most active online conversations about Tucson's restaurant scene, with discussions popping up weekly like "Best Latte in Tucson?" to "Where to find Pan de Mujer?" We asked the more than 85,000 members of r/Tucson for their favorite restaurants in Tucson. Some of the results are... surprising. It's Reddit, after all. Others are in alignment with my tastebuds. Either way, the people have spoken. These are just the top 15. Check out the full list here. The cut-off was 50 votes. Many great spots like The Parish, Falora, Chef Alisah's, Rollies Mexican Patio, Aquí Con El Nene, Kingfisher, Tanias 33, Sa-Ing Thai, Feast, Zio Peppe, and so many others just missed the cut-off, but we'll refresh this two times a year because we know just how important this guide is to you.

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14 spots

5 Points

756 S Stone AveDowntown

Votes: 66 User OakTeach nominated 5 Points and said, "5 Points Market served me a vegan Chinese chorizo/masa nian gao stir fry dish that was to this day the most unique and fabulous meal I've had in Tucson. Their small menu is on point." TomatilloPopular9271 chimed in with, "I second 5 points! Locally sourced, carefully crafted, the staff is incredible, and pet-friendly. By far the best salmon benedict I’ve ever had." Meat_Container added, "5 points owners are some of the best people in Tucson. I haven’t known them for years but worked in the kitchen with Brian before they opened up this spot, humble and hard-working people." upupandcrash said, "5 points yes! My body just always feels good after I eat there."

Smoked Brisket Machaca Huevos Rancheros at Baja Cafe (Photo by Isaac Stockton)

Baja Cafe

2970 N Campbell AveMidtown

Votes: 165 User pants_shmants nominated Baja Cafe and said, "Creative Benedicts and the most luxurious pancakes." mydogdoesntcuddle added, "Baja Cafe’s Wyatt Earp is the best breakfast meal I have ever had in my life." zolowashere said, "My favorite breakfast spot in Tucson. Love those snickerdoodle pancakes."

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(Photo by Jackie Tran)

Noodleholics

3502 E Grant RdMidtown

Votes: 110 User TucsonSoupEnthusiast nominated Noodleholics and said, "Their food is great and the service is pretty quick. The broths are flavorful and their wheat noodles are so chewy. I could eat there every day." RLAZ101 added, "I think the Sizzling Garlic is the best dish you can get in Tucson around $10 (prices have probably gone up I know). The crunchy bok choi and the dollop of minced garlic on top... I'm salivating."

Rocco's Little Chicago Pizzeria

2555 E Broadway BlvdUniversity & 4th Ave

Votes: 106 User mhobdog nominated Rocco's and said, "The best god**** pizza in town, exceptional wings, and an authentic vibe that is gradually fading from Tucson." DirkDieGurke added, "Those spicy breadsticks are incredible!" Nerdy-Lime said, "Definitely the best Chicago-style pizza in town (coming from a Chicago transplant)."

Roma Imports

627 S Vine AveMidtown

Votes: 56 User ProfessionalBanana19 nominated Roma Imports and said, "you can shop for your prepared dinners throughout the week and have a meal!" tippytep added, "I keep a lasagna or manicotti in the freezer and if people come over, I defrost and make a salad. Instant dinner party!" Motorboat_Jones enriched the conversation with, "Definitely the best deli in Tucson. The ingredients are super fresh and the portions are enormous."

(Photo by Brielle Farmer)

St. Mary's Mexican Food

1030 West Saint Marys RoadDowntown

Votes: 54 User MacMurka nominated St. Mary's and said, "St Mary’s Mexican Food has very tasty and affordable options." shadrunc added, "My favorite tortillas in town." microwave_waxpen jumped in with a value-added, "YESSS."

Fish Tacos at Taqueria Pico de Gallo (Photo by Taylor Noel Photography)

Taqueria Pico de Gallo

2618 S 6th AveSouth Tucson

Votes: 52 User GoingSom3where nominated Pico de Gallo and said, "Super delicious tacos and spicy salsa!" Tricky_Substance_243 came in hot with, "I also really enjoy their horchata."

Steak Tacos at The Quesadillas (Photo by Jackie Tran)

The Quesadillas

2418 N Craycroft RdMidtown

Votes: 99 User mazer2308 nominated The Quesadillas and said, "Love their carne asada and al pastor tacos. Seriously, they’re my favorite Mexican joint in Tucson." sphynx8888 added, "The Quesadillas is the best! Everything there is spot on. Beef Jalapeno Taco and Quesobrilla quesadilla is my go-to!" SpiffAZ said, "Three al pastor for $10. Mmmmmm." Marvelman88 jumped in with, "Their barbacoa is my favorite!"

Kampachi Aguachile at Tito & Pep (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Tito & Pep

4122 E Speedway BlvdMidtown

Votes: 126 User MisterConbag15 nominated Tito & Pep and said, "Very interesting dishes that always catch me off guard with flavor. Their striped bass is my favorite!" Environmental-Fart said, "I wish I could upvote this more than once lol." Nerdy-Lime added, "I went for the first time a few weeks ago and it is hands down my new favorite place in Tucson. I don’t even like asparagus but theirs is so damn good."

Cauliflower Sandwich at Zayna's Mediterranean (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Zayna Mediterranean Restaurant

1138 N Belvedere AveMidtown

Votes: 131 User Cant_Spel nominated Zayna and said, "I love the food which has a distinctly different flavor. I also enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at their restaurant." OakTeach added, "+100 to Zayna's. Absolutely delicious, tart and spicy, healthy, fast — all perfect" Metboy1970 chimed in with, "Been a regular patron since they occupied the previous location (Now Tito & Pep). A family gathering spot for birthday meals."

Zemam’s Ethiopian Cuisine

2725 E Broadway BlvdUniversity & 4th Ave

Votes: 76 User gottabequick nominated Zemam's and said, "Amazing and inexpensive Ethiopian cuisine served in a unique atmosphere. It's the perfect date spot, haha." Distinct-Scientist-7 added, "Don't forget to get the hot tea there."

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@Heartswellbooks GRAND OPENING PARTY is happening this Friday, October 16, from 10am to 8pm.💐📚🍷

@Yogawaja, @knghtmvs, @slowbodybeer, @lalalinks.tucson, @ensenadastreetfood, and their neighbors at @dilunacandlestore will also be open and joining in on the celebration!

Vegan & gluten-free options🎉@Heartswellbooks GRAND OPENING PARTY is happening this Friday, October 16, from 10am to 8pm.💐📚🍷 @Yogawaja, @knghtmvs, @slowbodybeer, @lalalinks.tucson, @ensenadastreetfood, and their neighbors at @dilunacandlestore will also be open and joining in on the celebration! Vegan & gluten-free options🎉
Foodie mixer at @kindeethaiaz!🌸 Thank you to Kin Dee Thai and everyone who came out to enjoy the evening with us!

Want to explore Tucson’s restaurant scene, eat at exclusive dinners with local chefs, and get $7,500+ in perks at 130 local spots? Tap the Tucson Foodie membership link in bio.Foodie mixer at @kindeethaiaz!🌸 Thank you to Kin Dee Thai and everyone who came out to enjoy the evening with us! Want to explore Tucson’s restaurant scene, eat at exclusive dinners with local chefs, and get $7,500+ in perks at 130 local spots? Tap the Tucson Foodie membership link in bio.
IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. 

Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.
THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 

@Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. 

Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. 

The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. 

WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave.
TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free
 
SPECIAL ADMISSION: 
• Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID 
• Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups
• Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID

ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 @Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave. TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free SPECIAL ADMISSION: • Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID • Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups • Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.