It’s safe to say the Tucson restaurant industry has been booming and bustling. From restaurants making their first appearance in town to those opening second or even third locations throughout the city, it’s without question that the scene has seen its fair share of growth.
There’s a lot to talk about on the menu, and you’re in luck if you’re a seafood lover here in the dusty desert. There’s a nifty lineup of fish, shrimp, aguachile, etc. and, for those looking for something fun, disassembling the torre de marisco — a piled-high tower of seafood surrounded by tortilla chips — should be on your list.
Operated by husband-and-wife team Tony and Roushan Christofellis, who are also the founders of the Salad and Go drive-thru concept that was recently sold, Angie’s Lobster began in the Phoenix area in 2022.
Angie’s Lobster serves only wild-caught Maine lobster — no langoustine (Norwegian lobster) or warm-water lobster. They also offer other wild-caught seafood: North Atlantic Snow Crab, New England Fried Clam, Mexican colossal shrimp, and a North Atlantic Cod Fried Sandwich.
Stop by the new Mexican street food/snack concept for Sonoran hot dogs, elote, auga frescas, and more.
“We’re overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who came out to experience the vibrant flavors of Mexican street snacks and the lively atmosphere we’re bringing to Tucson,” the team shared. “Your support means the world to us, and we’re so excited to keep the momentum going.”
Aside from enjoying a cold one inside the bar, they have a liquor license that allows them to sell some of their spirits to-go. Also, there’s a tequila flight for $10 — it’s a screamin’ deal. There’s lots to do at the Arnette Creek Watering Hole, too. They have a nice selection of indoor games: pool, cornhole, darts, and other board games. “Every corner of Arnette Creek Watering Hole carries a piece of our family’s history,” the family behind the new bar shared. “From the wood at the ranch turned into bar chairs, to the memories we’ve already built here, this place is more than just a bar — it’s our home.”
You really can’t go wrong with a banh mi sandwich and the ones that emerge from Banhdicted are always smile-inducing. It has to be because Vongtheung exudes that manner of jubilance. If you’re happy while you’re cooking, people can always taste it. Banhdicted is also known for its array of soothing smoothies, raw juices, and tasty teas.
Located next to Rocco’s Little Chicago Pizzeria, The Broadway Beer & Wine Bar exudes a chic, lounge-like atmosphere with modern decor and a moody color palette. Velvet green booths line the walls, accented by mustard yellow chairs and vintage chandeliers. A neon sign reading “The Broadway” anchors the back wall, adding a playful glow to the sophisticated setting. Additional seating is available on an atrium-style covered patio. The bar offers a wide selection of curated wines and craft beers in a relaxed yet upscale environment.
The menu features a variety of craft beer, wines, and wine cocktails.
Brucha describes itself as a high-end cafe/boba tea concept that serves batch-brewed tea and tea-pressos — they’re using espresso machines fine-tuned to brew tea at precise temperatures and pressures. They’re offering more than just tea, too, at Brucha! Aside from tea, you’ll find different coffee drinks, waffle bites, and multiple flavors of gelato — tea gelato, fruit gelato, etc.
BZ’s Bistro, formerly named BZ’s Pizza & Italian Kitchen, was most recently located at 7856 E. Wrightstown Rd., but this year, they opened a brand-new location in midtown at 3225 N. Swan Rd. #105A. Co-owner Chef Brian “BZ” Sorell is still in the kitchen, dishin’ out his beloved pizzas like the BZ Special (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and roasted peppers) and the Hammer — often referred to as the pizza that’s a combination of nearly everything on the menu. The Hammer is loaded with pepperoni, sausage, ham, capicola, onions, and roasted peppers, and then it’s all nailed down with some pesto sauce on top.
On Sunday, December 29, Owners Itzel and Jon popped up for the first time inside the brewery at 831 E. 17th. St., dishin’ out specialty coffees and pastries.
The menu features both hot and cold espresso-based drinks like the Miel Canela, which is made with local honey, Saigon cinnamon, espresso, and your milk of choice. However, ceremonial-grade matcha is on hand as well — they’ve made Matzatli in the past (pineapple in Nahuatl in the form of Tepache, with piloncillo and matcha).
“It’s like a traditional taqueria out of Hermosillo,” said Daniel Thomas of Blueprint Restaurant Concepts. “We’re not going to be doing lengua or anything like that — we’re keeping it very simplistic. We’re using prime beef for our carne asada tacos and the al pastor is straight off the trompo.”
The restaurant is one of the newest local spots to open on Campbell Avenue — 2502 N. Campbell Ave. — and every Tuesday they’re serving any two tacos of your choice paired with any caguama for $18.
[NOTE: Casa Madre is closed from June 1 to July 31]
Casa Madre offers an intimate dining experience within a historic building. The interior features a glowing Himalayan rock salt wall, white tablecloths, vintage tableware, and fine crystal glassware for a cozy yet sophisticated ambiance.
Start with some savory Dirty Turniptinis and crispy loomi style Pork Belly Wings in a brown butter sauce with a bright apple lime slaw. Signature dishes include the Chile Relleno with Cuban black beans and arroz con crema, and the adobo-rubbed Ribeye with cheddar chipotle poblano scalloped potatoes, sautéed veggies, fresh organic chimichurri, Worcestershire & Doma’s turnip pickles.
The new location, which is under new ownership, is open daily from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. They’re located next to the Albertsons grocery store and just a few strides away from Mosaic Cafe Dos. There’s plenty of candy to choose from on the shelves if you’re looking for a sugar rush, but the menu also has coffee drinks, tea, Italian sodas, toasted bagels, breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, and something that’ll perk just about anyone up: the Churro Cheesecake. This treat comes with caramel drizzled on top, too.
Alex Bohon and his father Otto Ramon Bohon — the family/duo behind the beloved south side restaurant, Taqueria La Esquina — debuted the brand-new concept on Broadway Boulevard near Craycroft Road in June of 2024. For those familiar with the dining room, the entire space is at least twice the size of Taqueria La Esquina (4876 S. Sixth Ave.). Copal inherits the large dining area, which will serve some of the staples found at La Esquina like tacos, Sonoran hot dogs, and inventive margaritas.
“At our new location, we want to continue and expand on the things we’ve been doing at our Annex location for years,” said Michael “Gonzo” Gonzales, General Manager at Decibel. “With our new location, we have the opportunity to expand our menu a lot more.”
So, everything you love about the MSA Annex location is here, with some new additions sprinkled in here and there.
What started as LemonShark Poke back in 2019 has officially transformed into Desert Shark, a locally owned and operated restaurant that’s bringing a fresh perspective on poke and more.
You’ll still find your favorite Build-Your-Own-Poke bowls, but Moreno has also introduced new signature items like the Desert Heatwave, featuring sushi rice, crispy wontons, ahi, shrimp, mango, takis, and his signature Shark Bite sauce.
Decked with brightly-colored walls, floral decorations, incredible views on the patio, and an overall warm environment, the family-run restaurant will be open daily.
The menu highlights include a unique take on the Monte Cristo sandwich with five flavor variations.
“Our specialty is the Monte Cristo,” Calye added. “It’s something the whole family enjoys and my favorite is the Berry Delight (fresh fruit and strawberry cream cheese topped with whipped cream).”
Dirty sodas are a combination of classic sodas like Coca-Cola or root beer with cream, fruit, and flavored syrups. There’s actually a lot of drink combinations on the menu! First, you choose a soda as the base (Coke, Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, Sprite, or Root Beer), and then you can “dirty” it up with flavored syrups and cream (the cream is optional).
Forbes Meat Company offers a modern industrial ambiance with exposed piping, white marble high-top tables, and refrigerator and freezers with a variety of local meats, house-made sausages, and high-end seafood on display for purchase to-go.
The restaurant offers steaks ranging from a humble skirt steak all the way to luxurious Japanese A5 wagyu with wasabi cream and spicy microgreens. For an extra-special occasion, indulge in freshly shucked oysters topped with caviar.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, a shop that’s been in business since 1945, opened its very first Tucson location on Oracle Road near Ina Road.
The chain got its start in Youngstown, Ohio, and now has more than 140 locations in 14 states. Over the years, Handel’s has reeled in some awards and nods from publications like National Geographic, which named them the best “Ice Cream on the Planet.” Also, Newsweek included Handel’s in its ‘Best of the Best 2024″ list, naming them one of the best brands in the U.S.
This quaint, brand-new, Mexican restaurant is serving some delicious food and the wings did not disappoint. Their mole wings are served on custom-branded wooden cutting boards.
“The wings had that great mole flavor of a semi-sweet rich and slightly spicy chocolate sauce,” according to the Tucson Wing Expert.
Kotu specializes in all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue with their beef dry-aging fridge proudly on display in the dining room. The classic menu is already extensive with options such as marinated boneless short rib and Louisiana Cajun shrimp, but opt in for the premium menu if you’d like the sliced beef tongue or a one of the larger short rib options.
For the sides, make sure to get the pickled radish wrap to wrap your meats. For carbs, go with the kimchi fried rice, tukppoki spicy rice cake, or bulgogi sot bab hot stone rice bowl.
Solo diners be aware — all-you-can-eat dine-in requires a minimum of two people here.
La Esquina Bar welcomes guests with its warm brick walls, polished concrete floors, and golden lighting that casts a soft glow throughout. Mid-century modern furnishings and artful black-and-white photography give the space a stylish, minimalist feel. Large, spherical chandeliers draw the eye upward, while greenery and emerald tile behind the bar softens the industrial edges.
The menu features a combination of beer, wine, and light Spanish-inspired bites.
Tucson’s latest dim sum destination is Lucky Panda, a venture by Danyan “Dawn” Lew, the beloved owner of Guilin Chinese Restaurant in midtown. Dawn’s dream of bringing authentic dim sum to Tucson has come true with Lucky Panda. The restaurant features a convenient walk-up counter and offers a delightful Cantonese-inspired dim sum experience. From tender chicken feet to mouthwatering BBQ pork buns and shu mai, Lucky Panda’s menu boasts a variety of traditional dim sum dishes alongside popular Americanized Chinese items, making it a must-visit culinary gem in the city.
Owner Leo Garcia, who’s a big fan of Neapolitan-style pies, got his start in the pizza business while working at Fiamme Pizza. Eventually, he opened his own business, the Family Joint Pizza food truck in Green Valley, which also became popular in Tucson. Then, in early 2024, he debuted the Lumbre Pizza A La Leña — a food truck that can stay put here in Tucson while the other fed folks in Green Valley.
The space, which used to be a Cycle Gear store, is part bar, part gathering place for the city’s moto community, and part workshop.
“I first got the idea to open the taproom while on a motorcycle trip out to the Mojave desert — a motorcycle race called the Biltwell 100. It is a 100-mile race through the desert,” said London. “I was thinking about how many people rode motorcycles here in Tucson, but the groups were fragmented and there wasn’t a direct community space for riders. There are some amazing places like MotoSonora Brewing and Gear Shifters, which do a lot for the moto community here in town. I wanted to do my part as well.”
The National in downtown Tucson offers a bright, modern space with high ceilings, minimalist decor, and natural wood accents. Housed in a historic National Shirt Shop building at 98 E. Congress St., the restaurant features large windows that flood the interior with natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere. The adjacent mercantile shop adds a unique touch, offering a curated selection of books, candles, and other locally inspired goods. Known for its all-day café vibe, The National serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, complemented by a full bar with craft cocktails, natural wines, and local beers.
Popular dishes include the “Two Up Two Down” breakfast plate, featuring two farm eggs, thick-cut applewood smoked bacon or vegan chorizo, toast with jam, and a choice of roasted potatoes or a simple salad. The lemon vanilla bean pancakes, topped with blueberries and candied lemon, are a sweet favorite among brunch-goers. For lunch and dinner, patrons often opt for the National Burger, made with grass-fed Arizona-raised beef, applewood smoked bacon, roasted poblano, arugula, seared onion, cilantro lime aioli, and melted cheddar on a brioche bun. The menu also offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options, such as the 520 Burrito with jackfruit chorizo and turmeric tofu scramble, and the Hemp & Kale Salad with avocado, cannellini beans, and a dijon vinaigrette.
The menu features small plates like BBQ Pork and Veggie Egg Rolls, rice plates featuring crispy pork, beef shank, and more, iced matches, milk teas, and noodle soups, of course. A popular soup is the Sichuan Spicy Beef with wheat noodles, spicy beef broth, peppercorn oil, beef shank, bok choy, green onions, and cilantro — the perfect meal when it’s a bit chilly outside.
NYPD New York Pizza Department is bringing a slice of the Big Apple to the desert with its classic New York-style pies. Known for its thin, foldable crust and generous toppings, this pizzeria serves everything from traditional cheese and pepperoni to loaded specialty pizzas.
Signature dishes include glazed chicken boxes, the Oh My Chicken Rice Bowl with scrambled egg and seaweed, and MJ’s Chicken Sandwich. Sides like sweet potato fries, rice cake fries, and pickled red cabbage add texture and variety, while drinks like sikhye and flavored Korean milk round out the menu.
Raspaderia El Sahuaro is much more than raspados. Corn Cocktails (corn, mayo, white cheese, butter, and lime), milkshakes, sundaes, and a full-on Tostitos menu (chips layered with goodies). The shop even offers sandwiches and wraps! All are $12 each or less including a classic BLT, a Club, Tuna Sandwich, and a Torta with ham, pepper jack, lettuce, tomato, onion, and jalapeño on the sandwich menu. There are three chicken-themed wraps (which are subject to change at any time) — Buffalo Chicken Wrap, Chicken Chipotle Wrap, and Caesar Chicken Wrap.
RealGood’s menu has breakfast classics reimagined with “fresh, clean, high-quality ingredients” while using “innovative techniques to create a truly unique and delicious experience.” The team behind RealGood Brunch Co. is the same family behind The Neighborhood, La Chingada Cocina, and CRUDA Mariscos & Oyster Bar.
Otero has a nifty amount of goodness spread across his menu, from his own take on the classic dishes to the modernized dishes, he’s really hit the nail on the head — making you wish you had more than one stomach to engulf. Birria ramen, rolled tacos (of course), Nana’s Tacos, Birria Cheesecrip Burger, and other local favorites! Which will you eat first?
In the historic 5 Points neighborhood, Rosebud Bakery has quickly become a popular destination for its artisanal baked goods and belly-warming coffee on Sixth Ave. The menu at Rosebud Bakery comes complete with handmade treats, sourdough bread, and pastries — all crafted with locally sourced ingredients and heritage grains. There are also dairy-free and vegan options available.
“This is a space for the community and has been for a long time,” said Shane Barela, co-owner of The Scented Leaf. “We want to continue to bring people together around delicious tea, food, and great music like we’re known for, not to mention stellar service because these are the little things that matter.”
Many hearts were broken back in December 2022 when 4 Seasons Restaurant permanently closed at 1423 W. Miracle Mile. Now, with a fresh name and new location, 4 Seasons is back in action as Seasons Eats at 1710 E. Speedway Blvd.
Many of the fan favorites have landed back on the menu, much like the top of siam — curry chicken and shrimp mixed with carrots, onions, pineapple, basil, and bell peppers. You can check out their full menu here.
In 2016, Buizer opened Senae Thai Bistro in downtown Tucson and decided to close the restaurant in July 2021. Last year, she began popping up with one-night-only experiences at other local businesses like MotoSorona Brewing and Saffron Indian Bistro, where she hosted a special R&D Dinner.
Nowadways, she has a food truck behind Crooked Tooth Brewing with a smaller menu of rice bowls and noodle bowls.
Slow Body Beer Co. features mid-century furnishings, lush greenery, and a collection of VHS tapes, creating a nostalgic vibe. Guests can enjoy various seating options, including couches, communal tables, and outdoor areas shaded by desert willows and mesquite trees. The brewery also hosts live music and other events such as anti-trivia and bingo on its outdoor stage
Known for its focus on lagers and sessionable beers, Slow Body Beer Co. offers a rotating selection of brews. Popular choices include the flagship Kind Beer, a 5% ABV pale ale with dank and fruity notes; Pillow Pils, a crisp German-style pilsner; and Body Double, a 6% ABV porter.
Founders Arianna Wilson and Courtney Bedient are excited about opening a new community hub. They’re also the brains behind Cactus Wren Kids — an online store for parents that offers clothing for kids. The new 1,000-square-foot space near the corner of Tucson Boulevard and Elm Street serves coffee, tea, and locally baked pastries. They’re actually roasting their own coffee, too! When it comes to their tea selection, the hot options include Cream Earl Grey, Orange Spice, Masala Chai, Japanese Sencha Green, and Japanese Matcha.
This is the space right next to The Kava Bar on Speedway Boulevard between Columbus Boulevard and Swan Road. In the words of local foodie Mark Whittaker, Sushi-Kito’s menu is “as big as a Tolstoy novel.” Expect to find a heap of Mexican sushi, traditional sushi, fish dishes, soups, seafood cocktails, and pasta on the menu. The restaurant also offers a variety of options for the kiddos, burgers and fries, tortas and sandwiches, a few basic desserts, and Mexican soft drinks.
Tinajas Wine & Beer boasts a sleek, contemporary interior with plush white barstools, dramatic lighting, and lush greenery tucked into wall niches. Bold accents like a glowing purple logo add modern flair. A vertical wine rack and glass chandeliers enhance the space’s upscale, curated feel.
The menu offers an extensive wine list, beers, and a range of small bites such as charcuterie and cheeses.
Back in 2020, the owner of Toss Fried Chicken & Ramen said that “ramen and chicken is a really good combination,” and that’s proven to be true here in Tucson because the concept is expanding. Four years later, the fast-food ramen and fried chicken opened a second location at 1800 E. Fort Lowell Rd., Suite 116, which is in the same plaza as Rosa’s Mexican Food, China Szechwan, and Taqueria El Pueblito.
A lot has been happening lately with the Serial Grillers/Transplant Pizza folks. In early 2025, the masterminds behind Serial Grillers welcomed Chef Travis Peters (formerly of The Parish) as an equity partner. Some of the newbies on the menu are chopped cheese sandwiches and fried chicken sandwiches — hand-breaded in-house — with fun flavors like a kimchi fried chicken and their version of a Detroit hot chicken.
Taco Tuesday alert! The new restaurant near the corner of Grant Road and Swan Road (right next to Trader Joe’s) is serving both breakfast and lunch. It’s already becoming a local favorite with its menu featuring classic cheese quesadillas, carnitas, and chorizo, which is made in-house.
This is the newest addition to the nifty Five Points neighborhood. The new pizzeria/beer garden, located at 733 S. Stone Ave., joins Cafe Desta, Forbes Meat Co., and 5 Points Maret & Restaurant at the intersection decorated with large arches at each of its points.
Here’s some neat history: Over the years, the “Ugly But Honest” has become a landmark, and has even appeared in a couple of movies: 1982’s “Hanky Panky” and 1991’s “Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man.”
The dark and moody space also features a few bright magenta faux croc leather booths.
Executive chef Noah Tellez recently worked at Mountain Oyster Club, where he earned a reputation as a “palate wizard.”
Enjoy a range of playful takes on pub staples with spot-on execution and superb triple-cooked fries.
Owners Sandy and Lourens du Plessis, both of who are originally from Cape Town in South Africa, have lived in Tucson for at least five years. The duo has been working for a while now to get Unicorn Zebra up and running (zoning, permits, etc.) and the time has finally come. Aside from cocktails, the bar has wine and beer. A handful of the cocktails are gin-focused concoctions due to its presence in South Africa but will not be the only spirit used.
Vertigo Wines blends elegance with whimsy in a softly lit space featuring plush velvet barstools, floral wallpaper, and crystal chandeliers. Wine barrels double as decor and functional storage, adding rustic charm to the refined setting. A dramatic granite bar fronted by a mosaic of glass bottles anchors the room. The bar is known for its in-house barrel-aged wines and boutique tasting experience.
Guests can enjoy pours straight from the barrel, offering a unique glimpse into wine aging and flavor evolution. Longtime Tucsonans may recognize owners Kristel and Dominic Johnson from their previous business, Isabella’s Ice Cream. Kristel also spent time as general manager for HUB Ice Cream Factory and business development manager for Sand-Reckoner Vineyard before opening Vertigo Wines.
David Matias of Teresa’s Mosaic Cafe has expanded his family’s reach, bringing new flavors to the north side of Tucson. Victoria Cocina Mexicana is his “translation to bringing more of his Oaxacan dishes forefront and featuring ingredients such as mole, nopales, flor de calabaza, and native chiles to his menu. Plus, there’s a full bar at the restaurant, featuring a lineup of mezcal and tequila cocktails like the Ponte la Verde — a tasty avocado margarita.
Owners and chefs Gabby Delgadillo and Jesus Oleta of Samurai Sombrero — the beloved food truck that fuses Mexican and Japanese cuisine in every sushi roll — once again expanded their reach here in Tucson.
The menu is different from Samurai Sombrero, offering dishes like Spicy Tofu, ramen, Asian-inspired classics, beef bowls, and even more vegan options on the horizon. They also have smaller bites like gyozas, crab puffs, takoyaki balls, and spring rolls.
The shop is set up like one of the walk-up spots seen in New York City, serving deck-oven slices and large pies. The menu is split into two sections: ClassiC (CC) and Vegan Version (VV). There are six options to choose from but in reality, it’s 12 because each of them can be made “ClassiC” or vegan. It’s a double whammy pizza-lovin’ experience goin’ down at Whole Slvce Pizza!
