Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in September 2023

Oct 1, 20234 min read

Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed the most in September. Also, 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

Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine

6878 E. Sunrise Dr. #130

I really enjoy a place that feels like home and that’s what I felt at Inca’s. The service was out of this world. The portions were generous and it really did feel like I was back in Lima, Peru enjoying a leisurely lunch. I think I drank my body weight in chicha morada and pisco sours.

a plate of food on a table — Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Zio Peppe

6502 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

I haven’t met a meal I don’t like at Zio Peppe. Their pan-seared salmon with tamale cake was chef’s kiss.

a close up of a plate of food and a glass of wine — Pan-seared salmon at Zio Peppe (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Vino Stache Winery

6 Lone Mesquite Ct., Elgin, AZ

Vino Stache is a new-ish winery in the Sonoita area. It’s definitely off the beaten path, but it’s absolutely worthwhile. This isn’t a photo of it, but their skin-contact rosé (not pictured) alone is worth the trip.

a person standing in front of a store — Vino Stache Winery (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Chrissy Mance

The Parish

6453 N. Oracle Rd.

Happy hour at Parish cannot be beaten. My sister Jessie Mance and I ordered a “mini buffet” with one (or more!) of everything on their happy hour menu (bacon popcorn, hush puppies, fries, southern edamame, two cups of gumbo). We also ordered the Brussels sprouts and they’re crunchy, nutty, crispy, and delicious.

a bowl of food on a table — Happy Hour at The Parish (Photo by Chrissy Mance)

Dante’s Fire

2526 E. Grant Rd.

This Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding from Dante’s Fire was one of the best treats I’ve had in a long time! Moist and dense, topped with chantilly cream. The curved plate made it easy to soak up every drop of the strawberry Grand Marnier sauce.

Hannah Hernandez

Espressoul Cafe

Multiple Locations (it’s a food truck)

Run to Espressoul and order a creamy baklava iced coffee. It’ll come topped with a dreamy vegan cold foam and pistachio combo.

Matt Sterner

Polish Cottage

4520 E. Broadway Blvd.

Did you know Polish Cottage has at least five Polish beers on the menu? This was my first time coming to the restaurant. I was wandering down Broadway Boulevard on foot, my throat was dry, I was craving a beer, and the Zywiec IPA hit the spot. I also had the Beef Stew & Fries appetizer (not pictured) and had enough energy to keep strollin’ down Broadway.

a close up of a bottle and a glass of beer on a table — Polish IPA at Polish Cottage (Photo by Matt Sterner)

Casa Marana

8225 N. Courtney Page Way #191

Dang, they weren’t kidding when they made this meat-lovin’ pizza pie. The Quattro Carne is loaded with San Marzano mozzarella, pepperoni, Italian sausage, salami, and prosciutto. I took my mom out on a hot date that day and she ordered the Pollo Pesto because tomato sauce makes her feel funky. Her pizza had a basil pesto sauce and olive oil instead of marinara, with the addition of mozzarella and chicken. Casa Marana is a great place to have a local craft beer, too!

a plate of food with a slice of pizza — Quattro Carne pizza at Casa Marana (Photo by Matt Sterner)

Max Wingert

Cafe Desta

758 S. Stone Ave.

“The Works” combo platter at Cafe Desta is top-notch — a colorful sampling of all the various meats and veggies served on one huge tray. Enough for five people and then some. Plus, you get to eat with your hands!