Best Places to Eat and Drink Near the University of Arizona

Acai & Juice Bar offering a wide variety of healthy food and beverage options ranging from Acai bowls, Smoothies, Fresh Cold-Pressed Juices, Avocado Toast and much more (Vegan, Gluten-Free, etc).  A great place for any time and any occasion.

Cheba Hut features a distinct cannabis-themed atmosphere. Playful murals and counter-culture decor create a relaxed, casual vibe. The space offers a comfortable and quirky setting for a quick meal. This restaurant is well-known for its “toasted” subs and late-night munchies.

Favorites include the White Widow sub, featuring chicken, bacon, ranch, mushrooms, and provolone.

China Pasta House offers a humble and unassuming interior with some of the most affordable food in Tucson. This restaurant is best known for its authentic Northern Chinese “pasta,” specifically dumplings and hand-pulled noodles.

While China Pasta House offers several varieties of dumplings, shrimp or leeks & pork are safe bets. Shrimp has a sweet, snappy bite, while the leeks & pork offer a simple oniony flavor with a touch of ginger.

The Pork Steamed Buns are not actually buns — they’re soup dumplings. Let them cool down just a bit, then pop the whole thing in your mouth for an explosion of gelatinous porky broth.

Espresso Art Cafe’s front room provides an environment for casual coffee drinking and hookah. Behind a pair of double doors, a dimly lit speakeasy bar displays first‑edition books, antique sculptures, and 1920s carpentry. Art‑covered walls, cozy nooks and an inclusive events calendar (e.g. jazz nights, karaoke, trivia, and drag shows) provide a community feel.

Kababeque Indian Grill features high-top tables, and emerald green accents for a contemporary, casual feel. The quick-service setup helps offer Indian street food on the go, ranging from grilled kebabs and chicken tikka masala wraps to the paneer curry bowl and samosa chaat.

Hidden and tucked away upstairs at Main Gate Square, Oriental Express Restaurant has a no-frills casual interior.

They serve Chinese-American classics prepared quickly and in generous portions. Regulars also recommend the orange chicken, sesame chicken, beef and broccoli, and lo mein.

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.

The Graduate Tucson, which opened back in October 2020, brings and blends a mix of modern, upscale, and casual to the University area. The rooftop restaurant and bar, The Moonstone, offers an unrivaled sweeping view of urban  Tucson.

Turkish Kebab House features a courtyard patio with umbrella‑shaded tables under trees and string lights. They also stay open until 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

Also, if Turkish Kebab House sounds familiar it’s because it used to be named Turkish Grill House, a restaurant that used to share the same building as Old Times Kafe. Try the Ali Nazik Kebab with roasted beef, eggplant, yogurt, butter, garlic, tomato, and jalapeño.

Zing Zing’s specializes in the fiery cuisine of Hunan — Sichuan and unAmericanized Cantonese cuisine are also available. While you can be adventurous on the menu with Cold Chicken Gizzards and Pickled Chitterlings, the combo plate is a deal difficult to pass up.

Go with the Fast Food Combo with One Meat and One Vegetable and choose from the Panda Express-like heat lamp trays. Instead of super-sugary Orange Chicken and generic vegetables, Zing Zing’s offers options such as braised pork belly and stir-fried eggplant and peppers.