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Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in April 2025

Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in April 2025

May 1, 20257 min read

Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during April!

Not only are these reminders of the dishes we ate, but they can also be a guide for your own decisions on what to eat here in Tucson.

Addie Ibarra

Anello

222 E. Sixth St.

The olive oil cake from Anello was perfectly moist, not overly oily, and just a great way to end a fantastic meal there.

Olive oil cake from Anello (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Olive oil cake from Anello (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Loews Ventana Canyon

7000 N. Resort Dr.

I will forever and always be a fan of the Blues, Brews & BBQ Brunch at Loews Ventana Canyon. They featured a special Agave Heritage festival edition this month with agave-inspired drinks and dishes. It’s my favorite way to start off a Sunday.

Blues, Brews, and BBQ brunch at Loews Ventana Canyon (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Blues, Brews, and BBQ brunch at Loews Ventana Canyon (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Queen of Cups

320 Smelter Ave., Patagonia, Arizona

The new Queen of Cups spring releases have been awesome. Get a load of this, they now have a sparkling tempranillo. It’s the perfect porch sipper.

Queen of Cups spring releases (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Queen of Cups spring releases (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Casa Del Rio

1060 S. Pantano Rd.

The unassuming Mexican restaurant a block away from my house, Casa del Rio, has become my favorite watering hole. Kevin, the owner and mixologist extraordinaire, makes a killer tiki cocktail and also happens to make my new favorite negroni.

Casa Del Rio (Photo by Addie Ibarra)
Casa Del Rio (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Colby Elliott

Victoria Cocina Mexicana

7090 N. Oracle Rd. #172

The Chile en Nogada Oaxaqueno at Victoria Cocina Mexicana.

Chile en Nogada Oaxaqueno at Victoria Cocina Mexicana (Photo by Colby Elliott)
Chile en Nogada Oaxaqueno at Victoria Cocina Mexicana (Photo by Colby Elliott)

Chris Koch

BZ’s Bistro

3325 N. Swan Rd. #105A

The wings are marinated, baked, and then fried to order is music to my ears. The meat was so tender, packed with flavor, and the house-made sauces are fantastic. I recommend getting their garlic parm, which is a wet sauce. If you’re looking for some spice, go with their house-made barbecue sauce, which has a sweet honey mustard feel.

See more favorites in this month’s “Wing Wednesday” article

Chrissy Mance

Dao’s Tai Pan’s

446 N. Wilmot Rd.

The Mongolian Tofu from Dao’s Tai Pan’s was crispy and spicy, just the way I like my tofu. And super satisfying!

Mongolian Tofu from Dao’s Tai Pan’s (Photo by Chrissy Mance)
Mongolian Tofu from Dao’s Tai Pan’s (Photo by Chrissy Mance)

Hannah Hernandez

Casa Asada Taqueria y Cerveceria

2502 N. Campbell Ave.

Mushroom taco at Casa Asada.

Mushroom taco at Casa Asada (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)
Mushroom taco at Casa Asada (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Tuk Tuk Thai

2990 N. Campbell Ave. #130

Massaman Curry at Tuk Tuk Thai.

Massaman Curry at Tuk Tuk Thai (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)
Massaman Curry at Tuk Tuk Thai (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Jackie Tran

Guadalajara Original Grill

1220 E. Prince Rd.

Watching someone roll out and griddle some fresh flour tortillas, then eating it seconds later… chef’s kiss. And using them to scoop up the rich pork chile verde at Guadalajara Original Grill, contrasted with the bright tomatillos and grassy jalapeño.

Chili verde and fresh tortillas at Guadalajara Original Grill (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Loews Ventana Canyon

7000 N. Resort Dr.

While Blues, Brews & BBQ Brunch at Loews Ventana Canyon has all the things in the name in spades, I was also impressed with their seafood selection. The variety of sashimi cuts and fresh oysters maintained their pristine glisten with a constant stream of employees keeping everything well-stocked. (The sashimi might have only been there for that particular visit due to their collaboration with the Agave Heritage Festival.)

Brews & BBQ Brunch at Loews Ventana Canyon (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Brews & BBQ Brunch at Loews Ventana Canyon (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Rae’s Burgers

Food Truck

Rae’s Burgers still doesn’t let me down with the abundance of grilled onions and crisp, umami-packed lacy edges on their smash burger.

Rae's Burgers (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Rae’s Burgers (Photo by Jackie Tran)

OnlyWings

Food Truck

OnlyWings was out of my desired wing flavors (mole, al pastor) when I arrived. But I just ordered what was left (ginger, chipotle, habanero, elote) and took it to Vertigo Wines, where Kristel had fun wine pairings for each flavor. The wings stayed crisp and juicy through transport.

Assorted wings from OnlyWings, enjoyed at Vertigo Wines (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Assorted wings from OnlyWings, enjoyed at Vertigo Wines (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Casa Asada Taqueria y Cerveceria

2502 N. Campbell Ave.

The Chile Verde Taco at Casa Asada with the Charred Black Salsa punched my palate with its blend of peppers, soy sauce, and Jugo Maggi.

Campechana and Chile Verde Taco at Casa Asada Taqueria y Cerveceria (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Campechana and Chile Verde Taco at Casa Asada Taqueria y Cerveceria (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Tito & Pep

4122 E. Speedway Blvd.

Hamachi aguachile with strawberry and habanero at Tito & Pep balanced natural sweetness and tartness to complement the fish nicely.

Hamachi aguachile with strawberry and habanero at Tito & Pep (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Hamachi aguachile with strawberry and habanero at Tito & Pep (Photo by Jackie Tran)

El Charro Cafe

311 N. Court Ave.

Chorizo and eggs from El Charro Cafe brunch hit my nostalgia so hard. The scrambled eggs were moist and tender. The chorizo had a pleasant, slight chew and was seasoned boldly without being overpowering.

Brindis Mediterranean Cuisine

180 W. Continental Rd. #178, Green Valley, Arizona

Mixed Appetizer sampler at Brindis Mediterranean cuisine offered a wide range of flavors and vessels to dip their piping hot wood-fired bread into.

Mixed Appetizer Sampler at Brindis Mediterranean Cuisine (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Mixed Appetizer Sampler at Brindis Mediterranean Cuisine (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Agustin Kitchen

100 S. Avenida del Convento #150

Crispy Latke with Poached Egg and Lox from Agustin Kitchen breakfast came with herbed creme fraiche, capers, onion, and dressed greens. Perfect for someone like me who likes potatoes more than bagels.

Crispy Latke w/ Poached Egg and Lox at Agustin Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Crispy Latke w/ Poached Egg and Lox at Agustin Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Rita Connelly

Beyond Bread

3026 N. Campbell Rd.

We order in several times a week, and when we want to go a little lighter, we often opt for Beyond Bread. My latest ‘go-to’ is Khalid’s Kurry. A wheat pita is stuffed with a lightly curried chicken salad along with greens, almonds, and dried fruit. I’ve become addicted.

Khalid’s Kurry at Beyond Bread (Photo by Rita Connelly)
Khalid’s Kurry at Beyond Bread (Photo by Rita Connelly)

Time Market

444 E. University Blvd.

And of course, there’s always a pizza. We had to pick this one up because Time Market doesn’t deliver. That’s fine because I got to pick up six bottles of various wines. They have so many harder-to-find wines! The pizza here is baked in their amazing oven — if you eat in, watch the pies being made.

Cheese pizza at Time Market (Photo by Rita Connelly)
Cheese pizza at Time Market (Photo by Rita Connelly)

Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen

5851 N. Oracle Rd.

We decided to give Amelia’s a try. Sorry, no pics of the great tortilla soup, but here are chicken and bean and cheese mini chimis. Good-sized and tasty! We shall return.

Mini chimis at Amelia's Mexican Kitchen (Photo by Rita Connelly)
Mini chimis at Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen (Photo by Rita Connelly)

Shane Reiser

Victoria Cocina Mexicana

7090 N. Oracle Rd. #172

Finally made it to Victoria Cocina Mexicano, Theresa’s Mosaic Cafe’s sister restaurant. Super good. I got the Chili Relleno Oaxaqueño de Pollo. Roasted poblano pepper filled with shredded chicken and spices, topped with Ranchera Nopalito salsa. Served with black beans, arroz Blanco, and blue corn tortillas.

Chili Relleno Oaxaqueño de Pollo at Victoria Cocina Mexicana (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Chili Relleno Oaxaqueño de Pollo at Victoria Cocina Mexicana (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Lucky Panda

4016 N. First Ave. #100

I’ve tried some version of this at every Chinese restaurant in town, and it’s always good. The Spicy Salty Tofu at Lucky Panda did not disappoint. Paired well with the Oyster Chinese Broccoli and a pot of Jasmine tea.

Spicy Salty Tofu and Oyster Chinese Broccoli at Lucky Panda (Photos by Shane Reiser)
Spicy Salty Tofu and Oyster Chinese Broccoli at Lucky Panda (Photos by Shane Reiser)

Charro Chico

3699 N. Campbell Ave.

Got some tacos at Charro Chico. All were solid (the shrimp was the best), but what really stood out to me was the green salsa. I can’t think of a better salsa I’ve had in Tucson. When you go to the salsa bar, don’t confuse it with the avocado sauce. It’s the darker of the two green salsas. You’ll want to put it on everything.

Tacos at Charro Chico (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Tacos at Charro Chico (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Agustin Kitchen

100 S. Avenida del Convento #150

The Caesar salad at Augustin Kitchen was a go-to, so I was disappointed to see it fall off with the recent menu change, but their Chicories Salad more than makes up for it. So good.

Chickories Salad at Agustin Kitchen (Photo by Shane Reiser)
Chicories Salad at Agustin Kitchen (Photo by Shane Reiser)

PY Steakhouse

5655 W. Valencia Rd.

The house-cultured honey butter at PY Steakhouse.

The house-cultured honey butter at PY Steakhouse (Photo by Shane Reiser)
The house-cultured honey butter at PY Steakhouse (Photo by Shane Reiser)

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Locally owned groceries around Tucson carry an assortment of packaged foods, but how many carry fresh produce? As it turns out, not nearly as many as there are restaurants. Farmers markets, such as @heirloomfm, and other programs, such as @pivotproduce and @tucsoncsa provide access to local produce. However, they are only available certain times of the week. If you need something the same day and just want a small, locally owned groceries near you for some essentials, this guide will come in handy.

• Caravan Mideastern Foods
• @wildwestmeatmarket 
• @foodconspiracy 
• G & L Imports
• @gallery.of.food 
• @nicksarisaristore 
• @rancheroscarniceriagrant 
• Rocking K Market Bar & Restaurant
• Sandyi Oriental Market 
• @timemarket 

More on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazLocally owned groceries around Tucson carry an assortment of packaged foods, but how many carry fresh produce? As it turns out, not nearly as many as there are restaurants. Farmers markets, such as @heirloomfm, and other programs, such as @pivotproduce and @tucsoncsa provide access to local produce. However, they are only available certain times of the week. If you need something the same day and just want a small, locally owned groceries near you for some essentials, this guide will come in handy. • Caravan Mideastern Foods • @wildwestmeatmarket • @foodconspiracy • G & L Imports • @gallery.of.food • @nicksarisaristore • @rancheroscarniceriagrant • Rocking K Market Bar & Restaurant • Sandyi Oriental Market • @timemarket More on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonazThree-peat!🏆🏆🏆

@Chef_antbanks of @obonsushi defended his Iron Chef Tucson title against AJ Mortazavi of The Barnyard Crafthouse & Eatery, with tomatoes from Wholesum Family Farms revealed as this year’s secret ingredient.

Dromgoole’s winning menu included pork with minced olives over a diced tomato salad, a tomato-forward ratatouille with mozzarella, charred corn and whipped ricotta served with tableside tomato soup, and a standout dessert of fried tomato topped with goat cheese ice cream and balsamic glaze.

With the victory, Dromgoole joins Ryan Clark as the only chefs to win @theironcheftucson three years in a row. Here’s hoping OBON brings these dishes back for a special dinner. 🍅

Photos by @jackie_tran_ 

#tucsonnewsThree-peat!🏆🏆🏆 @Chef_antbanks of @obonsushi defended his Iron Chef Tucson title against AJ Mortazavi of The Barnyard Crafthouse & Eatery, with tomatoes from Wholesum Family Farms revealed as this year’s secret ingredient. Dromgoole’s winning menu included pork with minced olives over a diced tomato salad, a tomato-forward ratatouille with mozzarella, charred corn and whipped ricotta served with tableside tomato soup, and a standout dessert of fried tomato topped with goat cheese ice cream and balsamic glaze. With the victory, Dromgoole joins Ryan Clark as the only chefs to win @theironcheftucson three years in a row. Here’s hoping OBON brings these dishes back for a special dinner. 🍅 Photos by @jackie_tran_ #tucsonnewsBreakfast & Brunch Week starts today and runs through July 26 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer! 

🏆🍳☀️❤️🥞THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: 
• Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival 
• (2) $100 Visa gift cards 
• $20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
• 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
• $25 gift card to @beyondbreadbakerycafe 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @lovinspoonfulstucson, @delcielotamal, @hotelcongress, @prepandpastry, @cafealacarttucson, @tooleys_cafe, @localetucson, @teaspoontucson, @theofficialbreadandbutter, @losmilicsvineyards, @cafepassetucson… More suggestions on the website. Link in bio. 

Let’s support local 💝

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazBreakfast & Brunch Week starts today and runs through July 26 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer! 🏆🍳☀️❤️🥞THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • $25 gift card to @beyondbreadbakerycafe ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @lovinspoonfulstucson, @delcielotamal, @hotelcongress, @prepandpastry, @cafealacarttucson, @tooleys_cafe, @localetucson, @teaspoontucson, @theofficialbreadandbutter, @losmilicsvineyards, @cafepassetucson… More suggestions on the website. Link in bio. Let’s support local 💝 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim 

@bellasgelatoshoppetucson 
@bisouburger 
@blueicegelato 
@brooklynpizzaco 
@azbrucha 
@cerestucson 
@chillonsunrise 
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@frostgelato 
@frozendelight520 
@hubdowntown 
@lickscatalina 
@littleanthonysdiner 
@noodiestucson 
@okashi_ice_cream_confections 
@thescreamery 
@treat_byciaodown 
@varietyh2o_icecream 
@zio_peppe_az 

See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim @bellasgelatoshoppetucson @bisouburger @blueicegelato @brooklynpizzaco @azbrucha @cerestucson @chillonsunrise @decibelcoffeeworks @frostgelato @frozendelight520 @hubdowntown @lickscatalina @littleanthonysdiner @noodiestucson @okashi_ice_cream_confections @thescreamery @treat_byciaodown @varietyh2o_icecream @zio_peppe_az See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.🍝

THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• (2) $100 Visa gift cards
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia 
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card 
• 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
• Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival

Let’s support local this summer💞

@anello_pizzeria 
@brooklynpizzaco 
@charredpie 
@ciaodownpizza 
@embersmobilewoodfiredpizza 
@empirepizzatucson 
@falorapizza 
@fentonellispizzeria 
@fiammepizza 
@frescotucson 
@tucsonjaimes 
@localetucson 
@penelope.woodfired 
@reillypizza 
@reneestucson 
@roccoslittlechicago 
@serial_grillers_az 
@timemarket 
@uglybuthonestpizzeria 
@veroamoretucson 
@wholeslvcepizza 
@zio_peppe_az 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.🍝 THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉 • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival Let’s support local this summer💞 @anello_pizzeria @brooklynpizzaco @charredpie @ciaodownpizza @embersmobilewoodfiredpizza @empirepizzatucson @falorapizza @fentonellispizzeria @fiammepizza @frescotucson @tucsonjaimes @localetucson @penelope.woodfired @reillypizza @reneestucson @roccoslittlechicago @serial_grillers_az @timemarket @uglybuthonestpizzeria @veroamoretucson @wholeslvcepizza @zio_peppe_az #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌

Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 

11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌 Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucson

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!