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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 Aug 4, 20264 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, AquĂ­ 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 South Stone AvenueDowntown

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."
Website ↗Instagram ↗Reserve on Resy ↗
Also featured inWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)Guide to Caesar Salads in TucsonGuide to Steaks in Tucson

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

Baja Cafe

2970 North Campbell AvenueMidtown

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."
Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inGuide to Breakfast in TucsonThe Best Brunch In TucsonPhoenix Magazine's Top 12 Dishes in Tucson (2025)

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(Photo by Jackie Tran)

Noodleholics

3502 East Grant RoadMidtown

Ramen
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."
Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inAndrew Weil’s Favorite Restaurants in TucsonYelp’s Top 25 Places to Eat in Tucson (2024)Your Guide to Vegan Tucson Restaurant Week (MENUS)

Rocco's Little Chicago Pizzeria

2555 East Broadway BoulevardUniversity & 4th Ave

ItalianPizzaWings
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)."
Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)Guide to Caesar Salads in TucsonFoodie 15: A Vegan’s Guide to Pizza Pies in Tucson

Roma Imports

627 South Vine AvenueMidtown

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."
Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)The Ultimate Tucson Restaurant Bucket ListWhat I Order and Eat in Tucson as Editor

(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."
Website ↗
Also featured inGuide to Food Along Tucson's Chuck Huckleberry Loop (Foodie 15)The Ultimate Tucson Restaurant Bucket ListGuide to Tucson Mexican Restaurants with House-Made Tortillas

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

Taqueria Pico de Gallo

2618 South 6th AvenueSouth 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."
Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inWhere to Eat Tacos in TucsonGuide to Food Along Tucson's Chuck Huckleberry Loop (Foodie 15)Best Mexican Restaurants in Southern Tucson

Steak Tacos at The Quesadillas (Photo by Jackie Tran)

The Quesadillas

2418 North Craycroft RoadMidtown

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!"
Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inWhere to Eat Tacos in TucsonYour Guide to Sonoran Restaurant Week 2023Guide to Tucson Mexican Restaurants with House-Made Tortillas

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

Tito & Pep

4122 East Speedway BoulevardMidtown

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."
Website ↗Instagram ↗Reserve on OpenTable ↗
Also featured inWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)Guide to Steaks in TucsonThe Best Upscale Restaurants in Tucson

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

Zayna Mediterranean Restaurant

1138 North Belvedere AvenueMidtown

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."
Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inYelp’s Top 25 Places to Eat in Tucson (2024)Yelp's Top 25 Places to Eat in Tucson (2023)Guide to Tucson Weekly's 'Best Restaurants' of 2024

Zemam’s Ethiopian Cuisine

2725 East Broadway BoulevardUniversity & 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."
Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inThe Ultimate Tucson Restaurant Bucket ListGuide to Tucson Weekly's 'Best Restaurants' of 202415+ Black-Owned Restaurants, Bars, & Makers in Tucson
Follow @TucsonFoodie134.1K followers
Located at 5526 E. Grant Rd., @Casapitatucson serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern favorites alongside American breakfast and burritos. Owner Amna Al-Qaisi, known as Mama Amna, has spent more than two decades feeding Tucson. Originally from Iraq, she lived across eight countries throughout the Middle East, bringing those culinary traditions with her to Tucson. Her family has operated several beloved Tucson restaurants over the years, including Sinbad’s, Geronimo’s, Gyro King, Arabic Express, and Golden Falafel. In this video: Hummus, bulgur dip, fattoush salad, vegan falafel samoon, chicken shawarma, mixed grill + Dubai drink.❤️ Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.comLocated at 5526 E. Grant Rd., @Casapitatucson serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern favorites alongside American breakfast and burritos. Owner Amna Al-Qaisi, known as Mama Amna, has spent more than two decades feeding Tucson. Originally from Iraq, she lived across eight countries throughout the Middle East, bringing those culinary traditions with her to Tucson. Her family has operated several beloved Tucson restaurants over the years, including Sinbad’s, Geronimo’s, Gyro King, Arabic Express, and Golden Falafel. In this video: Hummus, bulgur dip, fattoush salad, vegan falafel samoon, chicken shawarma, mixed grill + Dubai drink.❤️ Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Join the Tucson Foodie team for a very special dinner at @sawmillrun. A culinary journey from the Sonoran Desert to the summit of Mount Lemmon. TOMORROW! Aug 15, 6-8pm.❤️ Tickets in bio. MENU👇🌲 AMUSE: Forest Floor Hazelnut Soil • Whipped Goat Cheese • Black Garlic • Pickled Mushroom • Crispy Mushroom • Mountain Herbs FIRST COURSE: Desert Oasis Compressed Melon • Whipped Feta • Chiltepin Vinaigrette • Pickled Cucumber • Toasted Pepitas • Mint SECOND COURSE: Campfire Embers Roasted Bone Marrow • House Chorizo • Pickled Shallot • Cilantro • House-Made Blue Corn Tortilla THIRD COURSE: Juniper Ridge Juniper-Smoked Pork Belly • Charred Corn Succotash • Prickly Pear Gastrique • Dehydrated Jalapeños PALATE CLEANSER: Aspen Breeze House-Made Lemon Sorbet • Candied Lemon • Fresh Mint FOURTH COURSE: Granite Peak Mesquite-Grilled Vera Earl Beef • Smoked Tomato Chimichurri • Charred Heirloom Tomato • Crispy Shallot DESSERT: Summer on Mount Lemmon Arizona Honeycomb Ice Cream • Roasted Willcox Peaches • Huckleberry Compote • Almond Streusel • Honey Tuile #tucsonevents #tucsonfoodie #mtlemmonJoin the Tucson Foodie team for a very special dinner at @sawmillrun. A culinary journey from the Sonoran Desert to the summit of Mount Lemmon. TOMORROW! Aug 15, 6-8pm.❤️ Tickets in bio. MENU👇🌲 AMUSE: Forest Floor Hazelnut Soil • Whipped Goat Cheese • Black Garlic • Pickled Mushroom • Crispy Mushroom • Mountain Herbs FIRST COURSE: Desert Oasis Compressed Melon • Whipped Feta • Chiltepin Vinaigrette • Pickled Cucumber • Toasted Pepitas • Mint SECOND COURSE: Campfire Embers Roasted Bone Marrow • House Chorizo • Pickled Shallot • Cilantro • House-Made Blue Corn Tortilla THIRD COURSE: Juniper Ridge Juniper-Smoked Pork Belly • Charred Corn Succotash • Prickly Pear Gastrique • Dehydrated Jalapeños PALATE CLEANSER: Aspen Breeze House-Made Lemon Sorbet • Candied Lemon • Fresh Mint FOURTH COURSE: Granite Peak Mesquite-Grilled Vera Earl Beef • Smoked Tomato Chimichurri • Charred Heirloom Tomato • Crispy Shallot DESSERT: Summer on Mount Lemmon Arizona Honeycomb Ice Cream • Roasted Willcox Peaches • Huckleberry Compote • Almond Streusel • Honey Tuile #tucsonevents #tucsonfoodie #mtlemmon
LE BUZZ IS CELEBRATING 30 YEARS!🎉☕️ Tucson staple @lebuzzcaffeplaza celebrates 30 years of business on August 22, and we stopped by their Plaza Palomino location to try some of the August specials created just for this location. 🍒Tiki Cold Brew Cherry-infused cold brew topped with cream of coconut cold foam 🥣Oatmeal Creme Pie Latte Espresso, milk of choice, house-made oatmeal syrup and oatmeal creme pie cold foam 🎂Birthday Cake Latte Espresso, milk of choice, house-made birthday cake syrup and birthday cake cold foam And the food specials are just as tempting: • Flan French Toast with flan caramel, house-made flan cream, whipped cream and fresh berries • Croissant Croque Madame with Black Forest ham, Gruyère, mornay, chives and a sunny-side-up egg Plus, we got to try some favorites from the main menu, including the quiche and soup, Summer Cobb Salad, LeVeggie Burger and Blueberry Brisket Burger. 2930 N. Swan Rd., Suite 130 Don’t wait too long to try the August specials!❤️ Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonfoodLE BUZZ IS CELEBRATING 30 YEARS!🎉☕️ Tucson staple @lebuzzcaffeplaza celebrates 30 years of business on August 22, and we stopped by their Plaza Palomino location to try some of the August specials created just for this location. 🍒Tiki Cold Brew Cherry-infused cold brew topped with cream of coconut cold foam 🥣Oatmeal Creme Pie Latte Espresso, milk of choice, house-made oatmeal syrup and oatmeal creme pie cold foam 🎂Birthday Cake Latte Espresso, milk of choice, house-made birthday cake syrup and birthday cake cold foam And the food specials are just as tempting: • Flan French Toast with flan caramel, house-made flan cream, whipped cream and fresh berries • Croissant Croque Madame with Black Forest ham, Gruyère, mornay, chives and a sunny-side-up egg Plus, we got to try some favorites from the main menu, including the quiche and soup, Summer Cobb Salad, LeVeggie Burger and Blueberry Brisket Burger. 2930 N. Swan Rd., Suite 130 Don’t wait too long to try the August specials!❤️ Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonfood
Sonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year!🎉 ❤️Restaurant owners: Applications 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. 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. #sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizonaSonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year!🎉 ❤️Restaurant owners: Applications 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. 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. #sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizona