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Yelp's Top 25 Places to Eat in Tucson (2023)

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Yelp's Top 25 Places to Eat in Tucson (2023)

by Tucson FoodieNov 9, 2023Updated Aug 4, 20267 min read
"If you’re looking to hit all the high notes of the Tucson dining scene, you’ve come to the right place," Yelp shared in its latest list of Top 25 Places to Eat in Tucson. "This collection is packed with some of the tastiest, most highly-rated restaurants around." Methodology: To determine Yelp’s Top Places to Eat in Tucson in 2023, they identified businesses in the restaurants category, then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews between Summer 2022 and Summer 2023. This list looked at businesses in and around the Tucson area. All businesses were marked open on Yelp as of October 1, 2023. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of October 1, 2023. The following restaurants are sorted by Yelp's ranking.
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23 spots

Beef Ho Fun at Asian Spice (Photo by Jackie Alpers)

Asian Spice

7850 North Silverbell RoadMarana

If you’re a fan of Asian cuisine, Asian Spice is your jam. The chef, Phillip Tan, used to cook at a luxury hotel in Hong Kong, so you know he knows his stuff. From Chinese food that feels like home to exotic Singaporean noodles and Vietnamese dishes, this place is a treasure trove of Asian flavors​.

Baja Cafe

7002 East Broadway BoulevardEastside

Baja Cafe includes some Tucson favorites on its menu: tortillas from La Mesa Tortilla, prickly pear from Cheri’s Desert Harvest, and at the Campbell location, beer from Dragoon Brewery. The owners also frequent Hatch, New Mexico, where they source their green chilies before roasting them in-house.

Bánh mì sandwich at Banhdicted (Photo by Mark Whittaker)

Banhdicted

1980 West Orange Grove Road #180Northwest

Banhdicted specializes in banh mi, juice, smoothies, and milk tea. In addition the standard varieties, they also offer a Cajun shrimp banh mi and a breakfast banh mi with eggs and pork belly.

They currently have three locations:

  • 1980 W Orange Grove Rd #180, Tucson, AZ 85704
  • 2619 N 1st Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719
  • 6878 E Sunrise Dr Suite 150, Tucson, AZ 85750

Breakfast Burrito at Barista del Barrio (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Barista Del Barrio

1002 North Grande AvenueDowntown

Known for serving some of the best breakfast burritos in town, Barista de Barrio is also prized for its excellent coffee. Instead of a single massive burro, you get two smaller breakfast burritos in each order — perfect for sharing.  The custom-spiced chorizo is the star here, though be warned: It is on the spicier side, as is the salsa. Vegetarian and vegan options are on offer too, plus a wide range of coffee drinks.

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Bubbe's Fine Bagels

1101 North Wilmot RoadMidtown

Back in the Fall of 2020, longtime Pizza Luna employee, Kyle Leuer, along with his partner Becca Groff, approached Marc and Tracy Frankel — owners of Pizza Luna — about the bagel concept and have since helped them move forward with their plans. The idea of opening the shop really took off after making bagels from leftover pizza dough.

Photo Courtesy of Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Cafe

Buendia Breakfast and Lunch Café

2530 North 1st AvenueMidtown

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, give the Buendia’s Poblano Pepper Stuffed with Corn Tamale and Cheese. You’ll go home with a smile just as big as the one you were greeted with when you arrived.

Vegan quiche at Coronet Cafe (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Coronet Cafe

353 South Meyer AvenueDowntown

Coronet Cafe sits in the heart of Barrio Viejo as a counter-service cafe focused on fresh local produce and sustainable proteins. The compact space pairs a warmly appointed interior with a shaded outdoor patio, giving it a quiet, unhurried atmosphere. It shares a property with the Coronet Restaurant and the Nightjar cocktail bar, and a small market sells house-made goods, local beer and wine, Caffe Luce coffee, and curated gifts.

In the morning, go for the Çilbir Turkish egg breakfast. After 2 p.m., check out the evening menu for the Coronet Burger with prime black Angus, Welsh cheddar, red onion jam, dijonnaise, and pickles with fries and ají amarillo aioli. At any of their hours, snack on Barrio Bread with gourmet tinned seafood.

(Photo courtesy of Cruda Mariscos)

CRUDA Mariscos & Oyster Bar

31 North Scott AvenueDowntown

Owners of The Neighborhood opened up the new concept La Chingada Cocina Mexicana in 2021 and then most recently added CRUDA to the neighborhood, so to speak, in 2022. Let’s talk about their tacos. One, in particular, is the Tacos Gobernador, which involves crispy grilled corn tortillas sandwiched with melted cheese. Then, you’ve got the option to fill it with either marlin, manta, or a combo of shrimp and scallops.

Vegan Donuts at Houlden's Rise Above (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Houlden's Rise Above

5029 East 5th StreetMidtown

Houlden's Rise Above is a dedicated vegan bakery known for its warm atmosphere and wide array of vegan treats, The bakery, boasting an array of savory turnovers, flaky bear claws, creamy cheesecakes, and more, serves as a haven for both vegans and non-vegans, offering unique options unlike any others.

La Botana (Photo by Jackie Tran)

La Botana Tacos

565 East Wetmore Road #155Northwest

While chicharrones at the grocery store are the puffy fried pork rinds, the Chicharrones at La Botana are fried bits of pork—think miniature pork belly cubes. The meat is pleasantly chewy, while the fat melts in your mouth with a smokiness more akin to char-grilled meat than to bacon.

Midtown Vegan Deli & Market (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Midtown Vegan Deli & Market

5071 East 5th StreetMidtown

If you’re headed to Midtown, don’t forget to bring your appetite and your reusable grocery bags. This spot has everything from vegan burgers and salads to sweet treats, plus a fully-stocked selection of vegan groceries to take home with you.

Chicken Souvlaki Kabob at Opa's Best (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Opa's Best Greek American Cuisine

4590 East Broadway BoulevardMidtown

Chef and owner Qais Esar owns and operates the restaurant with his brother and chef Nawid Esar, and both have their share of knowledge in the kitchen. For instance, they grew up with available meats from their uncle provided, who worked at least 40 years as a butcher. Much of what you’ll find on the menu offers the standard fare such as hummus, dolmades, flaming saganaki, pita sandwiches, braised lamb shank, souvlaki, moussaka, pastitsio, and more.

Penelope Pizza (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Penelope Pizza

800 North Kolb RoadEastside

It was a chance meeting with the owner of Cartel Coffee, who ironically had a large wood-fired oven inside the coffee shop, that got things rolling forward with the Penelope Pizza concept. From pizzas to monthly pasta nights, it's a must-visit in downtown Tucson.

One Egg Biscuit with Meat and Cheese at Raptor Canyon Cafe (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Raptor Canyon Cafe

75 East Pennington StreetDowntown

Raptor Canyon Cafe, located downtown, offers a cozy, laid back atmosphere. Husband-and-wife team Dennis and Konni Calello operate the family-owned restaurant along with their sons Ken and Frank Calello. Known for its homemade baked goods and hearty breakfast and lunch options, Raptor Canyon Cafe has become a local favorite for those seeking delicious, made-from-scratch meals with personable, kind service.

Popular dishes include the Southwest Burrito, filled with beef chorizo, bacon, green chiles, pico de gallo, avocado, eggs, cheese, and hash. The breakfast tacos are also a hit. For those with a sweet tooth, check out the display case for a variety of nostalgic house-made cookies.

Taco Rico (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Taco Rico

4499 West Ina RoadMarana

Taco Rico serves street-style Mexican fare with a focus on tacos, burritos, and birria. The eatery occupies a casual layout with counter service and seating outdoors.

Favorites include the tacos, birria, and homemade horchata, jamaica, and flan.

Johnny Steak & Frites plus shrimp at the Parish (Photo by Jackie Tran)

The Parish

6453 North Oracle RoadNorthwest

The Parish Southern Fusion Gastropub draws its restaurant inspiration from Southern comfort, hospitality, and community. The Tucson restaurant’s fare and namesake are inspired by the culinary influences of its three owners that span from Louisiana to Texas to Arizona.

Steak Tacos at The Quesadillas (Photo by Jackie Tran)

The Quesadillas

2418 North Craycroft RoadMidtown

Follow the trail of intoxicating mesquite smoke to find The Quesadillas, 2418 N. Craycroft Rd., hidden north of the Circle K at Craycroft Road and Grant Road. It’s easy to dismiss it as just another Mexican fast-food joint but don’t make that mistake. For variety, we recommend Carne Asada QuesadillaPollo Asado QuesadillaVeggie QuesadillaAl Pastor Taco, and Carne Asada Taco.

Kampachi Aguachile at Tito & Pep (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Tito & Pep

4122 East Speedway BoulevardMidtown

The restaurant proudly features a mid-century modern aesthetic with mid-century cookbook-inspired paintings, teal booths, and warm pendant lamps. The space is inviting enough to show up for a casual dinner but nice enough to visit for a special occasion. While the restaurant aims to serve as a neighborhood bistro, the service is high-end restaurant-worthy.

Tamale at Tumerico (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Tumerico

2526 East 6th StreetUniversity & 4th Ave

The food at Tumerico is exclusively vegetarian and vegan; however, truth be told, if you didn’t know that beforehand you would be hard-pressed to taste the difference. Generous portions of flavor-packed beans, rice, and veggies unite to create a lunch that will fill you up with all the good stuff – and you’ll probably have some leftovers for later.

Turkish Grill House (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Turkish Kebab House

810 East University BoulevardDowntown

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.

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@Coronetrestaurants is teaming up with @Whiskeydelbac, @Barriobread, and @Desertpearlmushrooms for a garden-to-table fundraising dinner benefiting @Communitygardenstucson on Sunday, Sept. 27!🌞

The evening begins with a talk and tour at Pio Decimo Community Garden at 5:30 p.m., followed by cocktails, passed appetizers, and a multi-course dinner at Coronet at 6:15 p.m.

The $125 dinner highlights produce and herbs grown through Tucson Community Gardens, with local spirits paired throughout the meal. A raffle will also feature Whiskey Del Bac, Glencairn glasses, and Coronet gift cards.💝

Tickets are $125 per person plus tax and gratuity. Seating is limited. Reserve via Resy through the link in bio.

Swipe for the menu! 

#tucsonlocal #tucsonevents@Coronetrestaurants is teaming up with @Whiskeydelbac, @Barriobread, and @Desertpearlmushrooms for a garden-to-table fundraising dinner benefiting @Communitygardenstucson on Sunday, Sept. 27!🌞 The evening begins with a talk and tour at Pio Decimo Community Garden at 5:30 p.m., followed by cocktails, passed appetizers, and a multi-course dinner at Coronet at 6:15 p.m. The $125 dinner highlights produce and herbs grown through Tucson Community Gardens, with local spirits paired throughout the meal. A raffle will also feature Whiskey Del Bac, Glencairn glasses, and Coronet gift cards.💝 Tickets are $125 per person plus tax and gratuity. Seating is limited. Reserve via Resy through the link in bio. Swipe for the menu! #tucsonlocal #tucsonevents
Cafe Francais, the French bakery known for its scratch-made croissants and kouign-amann, is closing for good. Owners Noelle and Daniel Martinez announced the closure on Instagram Wednesday afternoon, ending a seven-year run that began on Tucson’s east side.

“Thank you, Tucson, for one hell of a crazy, amazing, and sometimes terrible 7-year ride. We’ve truly loved it all, the good, the bad, and the difficult.” 

Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.comCafe Francais, the French bakery known for its scratch-made croissants and kouign-amann, is closing for good. Owners Noelle and Daniel Martinez announced the closure on Instagram Wednesday afternoon, ending a seven-year run that began on Tucson’s east side. “Thank you, Tucson, for one hell of a crazy, amazing, and sometimes terrible 7-year ride. We’ve truly loved it all, the good, the bad, and the difficult.” Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com
What makes a great taco? For many, it comes down to personal preference, from the salsa to the fillings. But the tortilla is the foundation of every taco.

This guide highlights Tucson restaurants serving tacos made with homemade tortillas, along with their stories and what makes each one special.❤️🌮

@anita_st_market 
@bocatucson 
@calletepa 
@carnitaslayoca 
El Chivo de Oro
@ensenadastreetfood 
@guadalajaraoriginalgrills 
@lainditazapatista 
@lamesatortillas 
@salsaverdetucson 
St. Mary’s Mexican Food
@taniasongrande 
@taqueria_pico_de_gallo 
@teresasmosaic 
@the_quesadillas 

See the complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonWhat makes a great taco? For many, it comes down to personal preference, from the salsa to the fillings. But the tortilla is the foundation of every taco. This guide highlights Tucson restaurants serving tacos made with homemade tortillas, along with their stories and what makes each one special.❤️🌮 @anita_st_market @bocatucson @calletepa @carnitaslayoca El Chivo de Oro @ensenadastreetfood @guadalajaraoriginalgrills @lainditazapatista @lamesatortillas @salsaverdetucson St. Mary’s Mexican Food @taniasongrande @taqueria_pico_de_gallo @teresasmosaic @the_quesadillas See the complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucson
@Tucsoncityofgastronomy opens the fifth annual @Pueblosdelmaiz Festival with Sabores del Pueblo on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 6–9 p.m. at Tucson GastroPark.

Five local chefs will serve creative Tucson-inspired dishes alongside craft beer, wine, and bacanora tastings:❤️

• @chefjosetucson
• @vindiola.claudia
• @nick_avram 
• @dcsanner 
• @travisgarypeters 

🎶 Hey Bucko! will provide live music

Tickets are available in @tucsoncityofgastronomy’s bio. Tucson Foodie Insiders save 15% with code INSIDERS.

Proceeds support free programming throughout the Pueblos del Maíz Festival.@Tucsoncityofgastronomy opens the fifth annual @Pueblosdelmaiz Festival with Sabores del Pueblo on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 6–9 p.m. at Tucson GastroPark. Five local chefs will serve creative Tucson-inspired dishes alongside craft beer, wine, and bacanora tastings:❤️ • @chefjosetucson • @vindiola.claudia • @nick_avram • @dcsanner • @travisgarypeters 🎶 Hey Bucko! will provide live music Tickets are available in @tucsoncityofgastronomy’s bio. Tucson Foodie Insiders save 15% with code INSIDERS. Proceeds support free programming throughout the Pueblos del Maíz Festival.