Alafia serves the authentic, unadulterated cuisine of Benin. You won’t find any dainty garnishes here; just wholesome, well-spiced food. Try a glass of the potent ginger juice.

“There’s something empowering about dining at Cafe Desta. I don’t know if it’s the encouragement to eat with my hands or the nourishing qualities of the food, but I just can’t get enough.” 

Just south of downtown, Cafe Desta serves Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. While they also offer meat, they are one of our favorite places to eat vegan.

Chef Brian Hill recently moved to Tucson from Florida and opened up Chef Brian’s Comfort Kitchen, which is a takeout, delivery, and catering company.  He was on the first season of Top Chef, appeared on other reality TV shows like Master Chef and Beat Bobby Flay, and was once the private chef for celebrities Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, and Eddie Murphy.

While the various fried chicken options star, don’t sleep on the Chesapeake Bay Shallow Fried Salmon Squares and Pork Chops & Friends with fried apples and sweet yellow onions.

“Chez Peachy’s cakes are consistently whimsical and beautifully crafted. I appreciate her readiness to make vegan cakes upon request!”

The local bento cake shop created by Christa Lebron is all-things tasty, bright, and creative. You can catch up with the local bakery as a pop-up at markets or if there’s something specific you’re looking for, send Chez Peachy a direct message on Instagram (which is also where you can keep up with the latest).

CP’s Wings keeps their food truck menu tight with just their sweet and spicy wings, fries, and veggies.

Wander Pérez, a former professional baseball player, moved to Tucson in 2010 and opened his food truck in 2021.

Highlights included their savory empanadas and Chuleta Frita.

“My favorite Jerk Chicken in Tucson!”

Daily dishes include Jerk Chicken, Fried Catfish, and Fried Chicken but the restaurant is also serving daily specials every week. Therefore, there’s always something new to try at Janet & Ray’s! For instance, if you show up on Fridays, there’s a chance they’ll have Lobster Mac n’ Cheese or Whole Snapper on the menu.

Mama Carey’s previously had a brick-and-mortar, but now instead offers catering and food truck services with a deep menu ranging from breakfast and barbecue to Mexican and Italian.

While the menu is wide, make sure to include an order of her fried catfish. She also regularly appears with a stand at events, so check her social media for updates.

Mr. K’s Original BBQ delivers classic Southern barbecue in a casual, counter service setting. Owner Ray Kendrick has been delighting patrons with his no-frills approach to barbecue since 1997. Popular items on the small menu include beef ribs, hot links, and brisket.

Somali brothers Ismail, Mohamed, and Abdul Osman opened Nur Market & Restaurant in 2008 to support the local refugee community. The market specializes in East African, Middle Eastern, and East European foods. The restaurant specialize in Somali food with dishes such as goat curry and rice pilaf.

Off the Hook’s fried fish is some of the best seafood in Tucson. They’re a food truck so they don’t have a physical address but you can keep up with where they’re parked by following them on Facebook. Warning: You’ll likely be “hooked” after you try chef Matt Kearney’s cuisine.

If you are planning a party and Southern food is on the menu, look no further, this is the spot for you. You can also find them doing pop-up dinner events all over Tucson like at Prep & Pastry. So, they don’t have a phsyical address in Tucson but to keep up with where they’re popping up, follow them on Instagram.

Pacaw’s Wings & Things offers wings with a range of both classic flavors and Southwest-influenced flavors, such as Michelada and Scorching Sonoran. They also offer their take on a seafood boil, the wing boil.

Catch their schedule on their Facebook page or contact 520-425-3245.

Local baker, Sydney Adams’ inspiration and love for baking derives from her grandmother and the recipes nestled inside of a cookbook, which carries recipes dating back to the 1940s. Seeing the joy that her grandmother received from baking is something she shares, too.

Formerly known as D’s Island Grill JA, this Jamaican food truck features a hodgepodge of traditional jerk chicken, oxtail, curries, and more.

Although they originally opened as a food truck and then switched over to a brick-and-mortar, they now are back to only operating out of the food truck at 2620 E. 22nd St., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

Toast 101 offers a modern breakfast and lunch concept with toast and French toast starring in various takes.

For a variety, order the French Toast Flight.

Urban Fresh, located downtown, offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere with a focus on 100% plant-based cuisine. The interior features warm lighting, natural wood accents, and a clean, minimalist design that complements the restaurant’s health-conscious ethos. With both indoor and outdoor seating available, patrons can enjoy their meals in a relaxed setting.

The menu at Urban Fresh is entirely vegan, showcasing a variety of dishes made from scratch, including house-baked bread. Popular items include the Green Chile Bacon Burger, featuring a tofu mushroom patty on a sweet potato bun, and the Seitan Reuben Sandwich, served with sauerkraut and thousand island dressing on rye bread. The restaurant also offers a selection of nourishing smoothies, fresh juices, and daily specials that highlight seasonal produce and global flavors.

Zeke’s Pizza & Coffee opens its doors July 19 at 161 N. Sixth Ave., blending three Italian-American favorites in one venue. Founder Ezekiel “Zeke” Gebrekidane brings the concept to the city center with hand-tossed pizza, Italian-style coffee, and locally sourced gelato.

Zeke’s menu keeps it traditional but inclusive. Diners can choose between hand-tossed thin-crust slices. Gluten-free cauliflower crust is also available. Pizzas range from classics like Hawaiian and veggie to the “Hitch,” a spicy Southwestern pie with a New Mexico kick. Other options include calzones, salads, and wings.

In 1993, Amanuel Gebremariam opened Tucson’s first Ethiopian restaurant with the original Zemam’s in a house with five tables. The restaurant has since expanded to accommodate 200, along with Zedamo Ethiopian Coffee Shop and an international bar next at Zerai’s.

Go for a mixed plate for multiple options, such as the gomen wat collard greens with garlic, coriander, and cayenne and yebeg wat spiced simmered lamb strips.