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Guide to Old School Italian Restaurants in Tucson

Guide

Guide to Old School Italian Restaurants in Tucson

by Rita ConnellyJun 19, 2023Updated Aug 4, 20265 min read
Red Sauce Lasagna, ravioli, manicotti; it’s the kind of food that satisfies both body and soul. Tucson has no shortage of Old School Red Sauce Joints and thankfully, they’re located all over town. You’ll find enormous portions, family friendly vibes, and plenty of vino. Whether it’s the Joe’s Special at Mama Louisa’s or the stuffed ravioli at Bazil’s, you won’t be disappointed. These are the best classic Italian restaurants in Tucson.
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7 spots

Bazil’s

4777 East Sunrise DriveFoothills

If you’re looking for a fun atmosphere and great Italian food, then you MUST eat in the bar at this Foothills fave. (Pizza is only served in the bar.) The vibe is right out of the swinging 60’s; the food is right out of Nana’s kitchen. Start with the toasted ravioli, but be forewarned, ALL entrees come with the antipasto salad (YUM!) and pasta fagioli soup.

Patio at Caruso's (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Caruso's Italian Restaurant

434 North 4th AvenueDowntown

The grandfather of old school reds, Caruso’s has been serving the tastes of Italy since 1938. And while pizza is the draw for many people, the lasagna is primo. Folks also rave about the antipasti, with its assortment of meats, cheeses and bites. The best tables are on the patio, which may be one of the most beautiful in town.

Dominick's Real Italian

8330 North Thornydale RoadNorthwest

For those living on the far Northwest side, Dominick’s Real Italian offers plenty of choices to get their Italian fix. Appetizers include fried ravioli and steamed mussels. Pastas are as simple as spaghetti with meatballs to Dominick’s Scampi, that tosses both chicken, shrimp, and veggies in the house’s special scampi sauce. Two kinds of risotto are on the menu. Check out the Monthly Specials menu.

Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria

3011 East Speedway BoulevardUniversity & 4th Ave

Pastaria isn’t in the name just for the hell of it. Chef Mat Cable uses his mom’s recipes in everything from the Caesar salad to the New York style cheesecake. In between, there’s artichoke fonduta, lasagna, linguini Florentine, cannelloni, cannelloni, and other pastas for every craving. Stromboli and calzones with various fillings are served along with subs. The meatballs pass my very finicky test….as good as mine.

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Mama Louisa’s Italian Restaurant

2041 South Craycroft RoadMidtown

Mama Louisa’s can fit in both categories. The Heritage Menu offers fresh pastas and a full menu of Italian dishes. Try the famous, Joe’s Special, which was created by Mama Louisa herself for her son, Joe. Thanks to the creative mind of Chef Michael Elefante’s Third Generation Menu you can savor Roasted Bone Marrow or Cioppino. Lunchtime is popular with the folks from Davis Monthan.

Piazza Gavi

5415 North Kolb RoadFoothills

For over twenty-five years, folks on the Northeast side of Tucson have been enjoying the best of Southern Italian fare at this lively eatery. Chef Gaetano “Gavi” Colaleo has created a full slate of tasty dishes. The pasta menu is mix and match. First you pick a pasta topped with whatever sauce you crave. Choose the simple aglio olio (olive oil and garlic) or a rich carbonara or one of the dozen others. Entrees feature plenty of seafood choices, as well as beef, chicken and pork. The Cioppino is not to be missed.

Rocco's Little Chicago Pizzeria

2555 East Broadway BoulevardUniversity & 4th Ave

Yes, Rocco’s is famous for their pizzas and their award-winning wings, but have you tried the meatball sub? Or the Italian Beef that’s been SOAKED in au jus and topped sweet or hot peppers (just like they do in The Windy City.) Rocco’s also offers a full assortment of Specialty Pies. Finish your meal with a couple of homemade cookies. The recipe is straight out of the Chicago Public School System.
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@Istanbultucson is expanding to MARANA!

The family-run Turkish restaurant is opening a second location, Istanbul Mediterranean Express, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd., Suite 100.

The fast-casual concept will feature about 75% of the original menu, plus two exclusive offerings: build-your-own Kumpir, a Turkish stuffed baked potato, and fresh in-house ground doner. The restaurant is currently working through permits and remodeling, with a grand opening date expected to be announced soon.

Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 

Photo courtesy of Istanbul Mediterranean Express
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews@Istanbultucson is expanding to MARANA! The family-run Turkish restaurant is opening a second location, Istanbul Mediterranean Express, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd., Suite 100. The fast-casual concept will feature about 75% of the original menu, plus two exclusive offerings: build-your-own Kumpir, a Turkish stuffed baked potato, and fresh in-house ground doner. The restaurant is currently working through permits and remodeling, with a grand opening date expected to be announced soon. Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photo courtesy of Istanbul Mediterranean Express #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews
Downtown Tucson’s culinary landscape is ever-evolving, offering a dynamic mix of traditional eateries and modern culinary hotspots. This guide is designed to provide you with up-to-date recommendations and insights into the best dining experiences Tucson’s Downtown has to offer.🌞

Are your favorites on the list?👀

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…and many more on Tucsonfoodie.com
❤️

#downtowntucson 
#tucsonfoodieDowntown Tucson’s culinary landscape is ever-evolving, offering a dynamic mix of traditional eateries and modern culinary hotspots. This guide is designed to provide you with up-to-date recommendations and insights into the best dining experiences Tucson’s Downtown has to offer.🌞 Are your favorites on the list?👀 @5pointstucson @agustinkitchen @bagginsgourmet @barbatatucson @basqueriaaz @batatucson @blockatucson @eatbombole @bosburger__ @brickboxbrewery @cafe54_bistro @cafealacarttucson @barcrisoltucson @cafedesta @caffeluce @casamadretucson @cerestucson @charrosteak.delrey @chef_brian_hill_ @chelaslatincuisine @crudamariscos @hotelcongress @decibelcoffeeworks @elcharro.cafe @elmezquitetucson @elminutocafe @zumitosjuicebar @elliottsoncongress @emerald29tucson @empirepizzatucson @forbes_meat_company @gibsonmarkettucson @heemeebakery …and many more on Tucsonfoodie.com ❤️ #downtowntucson #tucsonfoodie
🌵✨ 2 TICKETS FOR $120 — THIS WEEKEND ONLY ✨🌵

Planning to come with a friend? We’re dropping a special 2-Pack Flash Sale now through Sunday at 11:59PM! Grab yours before Tier 3 pricing kicks in Monday.

An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky. In partnership with @salus.healers, we’re gathering Tucson’s top chefs and wellness practitioners to celebrate the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert.

Join us Sat, Aug 29 at @tohonochul for Desert Magic—a one-night experience to stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and explore chef & wellness stations along the way.

🍽️ FOOD (a-z) @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate)

🌿 WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS @alicen.grey | @awakenedwombs | @readingsbybethw | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sonoranrosieherbal | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound | @frank.ramos1
(Offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more!)

🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev

Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks.

Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨

Limited time only. Must buy 2 tickets for promo price (Max 1 pack/order; purchase separately for multiple pairs). Additional session add-ons at practitioner discretion.🌵✨ 2 TICKETS FOR $120 — THIS WEEKEND ONLY ✨🌵 Planning to come with a friend? We’re dropping a special 2-Pack Flash Sale now through Sunday at 11:59PM! Grab yours before Tier 3 pricing kicks in Monday. An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky. In partnership with @salus.healers, we’re gathering Tucson’s top chefs and wellness practitioners to celebrate the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Join us Sat, Aug 29 at @tohonochul for Desert Magic—a one-night experience to stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and explore chef & wellness stations along the way. 🍽️ FOOD (a-z) @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) 🌿 WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS @alicen.grey | @awakenedwombs | @readingsbybethw | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sonoranrosieherbal | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound | @frank.ramos1 (Offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more!) 🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks. Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ Limited time only. Must buy 2 tickets for promo price (Max 1 pack/order; purchase separately for multiple pairs). Additional session add-ons at practitioner discretion.
Sonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year and OVER 100 restaurants are participating!🌵

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. 

Link in bio❤️

#sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizonaSonoran Restaurant Week is back for its 8th year and OVER 100 restaurants are participating!🌵 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. Link in bio❤️ #sonoranrestaurantweek #srw2026 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonarizona