Yelp’s annual list of the best U.S. restaurants is out and not one, not two, but six local businesses made the cut in 2025! The list features fast-casual eateries, fine dining establishments, and then everything in between.
“This year, you’ll find it in some of the most unexpected places. Across the U.S., chefs are crafting extraordinary dishes from fast-casual counters, food trucks, and crowded food halls.”
As mentioned earlier, Tucson has six spots on the list — here they are in ranking order. To gather the following, Yelp analyzed submissions, ratings, review volume, and community input.
Baja Cafe’s menu has a heap of unique and hearty breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes. The restaurant first opened in 2014 and has become known for its fun and creative take on Southwestern flavors, as well as for dishes like the mac daddy and the black widow.
The cafe, which sources many ingredients locally, has also been featured on Canada Food Network’s “You Gotta Eat Here!” and the Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food.”
The original Baja Cafe location is at 7002 E. Broadway Blvd.
With all of the warm smiles, brightly-colored dining room, and incredible food that makes you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside, it’s no surprise that the cafe is a favorite here in Tucson.
At Buendia, nestled between the salt and pepper shakers on each table, you’ll find a third shaker labeled “alegría”— Spanish for “joy.” For owners Julio and Jael Garcia, this simple touch represents their mission and the lasting legacy they aim to create. If you’re looking for a class breakfast experience, there’s plenty of that on the menu, but if you’re in the mood to try something unique like their poblano pepper stuffed with corn tamale and cheese.
The restaurant is the newest on Yelp’s list this year — they opened in early December 2023. With its full bar with craft cocktails and brews, and even the occasional live music or DJ, La Frida is a must-visit spot.
Also, their food menu is top-notch with dishes that are both inventive and rooted in Mexican culinary traditions. It’s a great addition to the east side of Tucson.
Since its opening in late 2018, Tito & Pep has become a popular spot in midtown Tucson. The restaurant, with its cozy environment for intimate dinners and date nights, has been featured in The New York Times, and chef and owner, John Martinez, earned his first James Beard nomination in 2o22.
The menu evolves with the seasons, too! They introduce new dishes now and again, showcasing the region’s flavors. For instance, fall menu items in the past have included a kampachi aguachile with grapefruit and avocado and a roasted squash salad with queso fresco and pepitas.
So, in other words, get in there pronto and eat something new!
The pizza shop got its start as Over The Counter Pizza — a mobile pizzeria nestled in the back of a vintage truck bed — and then blossomed into Penelope Pizza inside Cartel Roasting Co. Just last year, Jared Schwartz, owner of the wood-fired pizza joint, opened his brand-new east side location on Kolb Road.
The Italian website 50 Top Pizza listed Penelope Pizza as a Top Pizza in the USA for 2024. Penelope Pizza ranked #46 out of all pizza shops in the country!
The Parish successfully packs lots of flavors, options, and entertainment into its dark and moody Southern-inspired gastropub. You’ll thank us when you try their hushpuppies and cornbread starters, and their decadent trout entree and fun events also keep us going back for more.
Behind the bar, the menu changes often with the seasons like it’s belly-warming, hot beverages — spiked hot cocoa, hot toddies, and more. Also, there’s a poppin’ Mardi Gras event each and every year.
