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Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in May 2025

Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in May 2025

Jun 2, 20256 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

Four Tails Winery

274 E. Pearce Rd., Pearce, AZ

[Spaghetti and Addie approved] We hit up a new winery in Sonoita called Four Tails Winery. It’s right at the entrance of Sonoita, and not only is it incredibly dog-friendly, but the wines were delightful. One of the standouts was this Tempranillo. They’re open until 8 p.m. this summer and serve food, which makes it a great stop before going home.

Four Tails Winery (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Hacienda Del Sol

5501 N. Hacienda Del Sol Rd.

Tiki Tuesdays at Hacienda del Sol are BACK, baby! The team put together a special preview, R&D menu for our Insiders last week. The drinks were all perfectly balanced and crafted to perfection. I appreciated how all the dishes were simple yet masterfully done, like this chicken satay skewer. I can’t wait to spend many a Tuesday at Hacienda.

Tiki Tuesdays at Hacienda Del Sol (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Flying V Bar and Grill

7000 N. Resort Dr.

Chef Ryan Clark and his team at the Flying V have put together a standout menu. The scallops had a perfect golden brown sear and were deliciously balanced with the corn succotash. The new menu is perfect for date night, special occasions, or a random Tuesday when you want to enjoy a sophisticated meal.

Flying V Bar & Grill (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Forbes Meat Co.

747 S. Sixth Ave.

As a person who doesn’t like breakfast but loves brunch, the menu at Forbes is just right for me. My husband enjoyed Steak and Eggs that I took bites from, and had the tiniest bit of envy. But my burger ruled, so there was no love lost.

Forbes Meat Co. (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Chrissy Mance

Lindy’s on 4th

500 N. Fourth Ave.

Lindy’s on 4th is known for their colossal burgers, but their cheesesteaks are just as massive. This turkey sandwich came loaded with green chiles, bacon, and a super creamy white cheese sauce. Double fist it and get a proper utensil to enjoy all the flavors that fall out!

Lindy’s on 4th (Photo by Chrissy Mance)

Hannah Hernandez

Kung Fu Noodle

3122 N. Campbell Ave .# 100

Mongolian Tofu at Kung Fu Noodle.

Mongolian Tofu at Kung Fu Noodle (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Jackie Tran

Penelope Pizza

800 N. Kolb Rd.

The Tony Bologna Pizza at Penelope Pizza indulged me with pistachio in various forms. Their crust has a pleasant bouncy chew with abundant leopard spotting underneath.

Tony Bologna Pizza at Penelope Pizza (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Kneller’s Delicatessen & Appetizing

2545 E. Speedway Blvd. #115

The vegan Pickled Beet Bagel at Kneller’s Delicatessen & Appetizing satisfied my bagel cravings, balancing the tartness with sweetness without going overboard.

Pickled Beet Bagel at Kneller’s (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Kimchi Time

2900 E. Broadway Blvd.

The Kimchi Balls at Kimchi Time were like a Korean take on arancini. Crunch on the outside, filled with melty gooey cheese on the inside, and drizzled with Asian condiments, it hit the spot alongside a bottle of soju.

Kimchi Balls at Kimchi Time (Photo by Jackie Tran)

5 Points

756 S. Stone Ave.

After I photographed most of the menu for the recent 5 Points update, I came back for dinner craving their Kale Salad. Properly dressed with wispy shavings of preserved egg yolk and pecorino and topped with airy shaved focaccia croutons, it feels lighter and healthier without losing any umami. I also had their Little Gem Salad with a glass of Big Salt, which surprisingly ended up as one of my favorite wine pairings I’ve had in months.

Kale Salad at 5 Points (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Samurai Sombrero

1439 S. Fourth Ave.

At Samurai Sombrero, they’ve been focused on rolls, but they recently added nigiri specials to their menu. The Yuzu Salmon Nigiri ended up being one of my favorite things I’ve had there. The fatty salmon melted on my tongue with the light torching, contrasted by the sharp acidity and funky spicy of yuzu kosho.

Yuzu Salmon Nigiri at Samurai Sombrero (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Rita Connelly

Le Buzz Caffe

2930 N. Swan Rd.

I’ve become a chilaquiles junkie. These are from Le Buzz. They use chicken in the house-made Guajillo sauce. There are all the usual touches (including avocado.) Huge portion. Rich and creamy. They may become my new go-to.

Le Buzz Caffe (Photo by Rita Connelly)

Shane Reiser

5 Points

756 S. Stone Ave.

The “Braised Beet + Endive” popped up on 5 Points’ new brunch menu. What shines in this dish are the heirloom green lentils in a lemon vinaigrette mixed with the mint coconut yogurt and puff wild rice. The flavor combinations are crazy. You could put really any vegetable or protein on top and I’d love it.

5 Points (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Saffron Indian Bistro

7607 N. Oracle Rd.

The chicken flatbread from Saffron Indian Bistro was exactly what I needed after spending a few days at Aravaipa Canyon. There was some kind of cumin lime salt sprinkled on top that was amazing by itself. I kept licking my finger and then touching the top of the flatbread and then licking my finger again so I could taste just the salt.

Saffron Indian Bistro (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Kung Fu Noodle

3122 N. Campbell Ave .# 100

The Spicy Salty Crispy Tofu at Kung Fu Noodle is a big eat even for the meat eaters out there. It’s got a really satisfying flavor that builds as you eat it. I think it also pairs really well with other dishes on the menu, especially the cold Szechuan Noodles.

Kung Fu Noodle (Photo by Shane Reiser)

TABU

128 E. Congress St.

Tabu just launched a new brunch menu, and it features the best chicken chilaquiles I’ve ever had. Instead of the usual crispy chips soaking up the sauce, they use soft, masa-forward cakes that add a richer, more satisfying bite. The green sauce brings a quick hit of heat that fades fast, letting the bold, vibrant flavors shine — and they’re outstanding.

Brunch at Tabu (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Maybe THE best pancakes I’ve had in Tucson. The “Tabu Pan Cakes” at Tabu are made with corn flour, cajeta (goat milk), honey, and condensed milk. They were light, fluffy, and tasted about as perfect as possible.

Brunch at Tabu (Photo by Shane Reiser)

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José Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57.

The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.

Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonnewsJosé Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57. The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org. Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉 Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonnewsItalian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her.

Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her. Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝

Support 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.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bio!Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝 Support 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. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio!The Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️

Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. 

MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN:
@agustinkitchen 
@seiskitchen 
@prestacoffee 
@laestrella_tucson 
@dolcepastellocakes 
@zumitosjuicebar 
@santacruzriverfm 

MSA ANNEX:
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@kukai___ 
@bosburger__ 
@hidden_hearth 
@rolliestucson 
@westbound_tapandbottle 

THE MONIER:
@wholeslvcepizza 
@81barbersofficial 

Share your favorite stops with us!
More details on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucson #tucsonfoodieThe Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️ Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN: @agustinkitchen @seiskitchen @prestacoffee @laestrella_tucson @dolcepastellocakes @zumitosjuicebar @santacruzriverfm MSA ANNEX: @decibelcoffeeworks @kukai___ @bosburger__ @hidden_hearth @rolliestucson @westbound_tapandbottle THE MONIER: @wholeslvcepizza @81barbersofficial Share your favorite stops with us! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucson #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. 

The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. 

Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛

From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. 

WEEK 6 WINNERS
Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week:
* Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia
* Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival
* arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
* donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe
* Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card
* Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card 

PRIZES
This week’s prize pool includes:
* Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets
* $100 Visa gift card
* @eljefecatcafe pass
* $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
* @desertmuseum passes

Presenting sponsor: @visittucson
Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollectiveHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛 From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. WEEK 6 WINNERS Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week: * Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia * Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival * arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum * donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe * Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card * Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card PRIZES This week’s prize pool includes: * Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets * $100 Visa gift card * @eljefecatcafe pass * $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe * @desertmuseum passes Presenting sponsor: @visittucson Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollective

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!