“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
At Coronet Cafe, the driving force remains a deep love for food and creating memorable experiences. Serving up meticulously sourced ingredients and a commitment to sustainability showcase the dedication of their staff, the collaborative genius of this team is evident on the plate and in the environment they create, where everyone is cared for as they savor intentional — and tasty — food and drinks. There are always a few vegan options on the menu, but be sure to ask for specials, and don’t think twice about trying their Shakshuka.
The breakfast and lunch spot is fairly new to the local food scene, opening its doors in December 2021. Browse the menu and you’ll find something to spend time with, much like the Huevos Rancheros, Hummingbird Omelette, or the classic BLT.
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:
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.
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 Quesadilla, Pollo Asado Quesadilla, Veggie Quesadilla, Al Pastor Taco, and Carne Asada Taco.
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.
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 in the parking lot of adult store Fascinations.
Favorites include the tacos, birria, and homemade horchata, jamaica, and flan.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
