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Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in February 2026

Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in February 2026

Mar 25, 20268 min read

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

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

Slow Body Beer Co.

831 E. 17th St.
Hard Shrub at Slow Body Beer Co. (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

The Hard Shrub from Slowbody. If Slowbody makes it, it’s going into my belly.

Read our article Cheers! Slow Body Beer Co. is Now Open on 17th Street.

Taco Royale at the Royal Room

450 N. 6th Ave.
Tacos at El Taco Royale (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Tacos from Royal Room i.e. the Taco Royale. The tacos were on delicious flour tortillas which makes a huge difference. They had veggie and meat options and I was a fan of all of them. The beans were excellent, not soupy but not refried – just right. Goldilocks approved!  Pair yours with a beer or margarita.

View our visit here.

Sunshine Wine

15 N. Santa Rita Ave.
Sunshine Wine (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

The gnocchi is officially off the menu at Sunshine Wine, but they’ve got their killer $29 Tuesday and Wednesday special which is absolutely worth going for (bottle of wine + your choice of 2 snacks and 1 tartine). I’m sure they’ll add some new specials from Chef Wyatt that’ll knock your socks off.

Read our article Q&A with Sunshine Wine Chef de Cuisine Wyatt Carrizosa.

Ginza Sushi & Izakaya

5425 S. Kolb Rd.
Ginza Sushi & Izakaya (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

Stephen and I enjoyed Ginza sushi together for the first time and it was everything we wanted.

Everything was fresh, flavorful – no soy sauce needed. I can see why their reservations book out so far in advance. The toro special was buttery. They also have fried ice cream!

Read sushi guide.

Flying V Bar & Grill

7000 N. Resort Dr.
Flying V Bar & Grill (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

The caviar cones from Flying V are a perfectly sized indulgence (pictured is the salmon cone). I could’ve made that my entire meal, but I wanted to try more of Chef Ryan’s featured menu items. If you haven’t checked out the Flying V yet, it’s absolutely stunning after their remodel. Check ’em out!

Read our article Tucson’s Flying V Honors Ranch Heritage with Summer Menu.

Baked by Edyn

Cottage bakery
Baked by Edyn (Photo by Addie Ibarra)

The best cake pops from Baked by Edyn. These were her Superbowl Bad Bunny inspired treats..

Hannah Hernandez

Seis Kitchen

Multiple locations
Chimichanga con Frijoles Negros at Seis Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)

One of the newest dishes at Seis Kitchen: the Chimichanga con Frijoles Negros. Hearty and full of flavor.

Read our article Seis Kitchen launches several new items + our picks [PHOTOS].

Kaiju Burger at Brick Box Brewery

220 E. Broadway Blvd.
Vegan Kaiju Burger at Kaiju Burger (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

One of my new favorite burgers. To make it vegan, ask for the vegan Kaiju Smashburger with vegan Kaiju Fries. A gluten free bun is available, or you can make it low carb with a lettuce wrap.

The Beyond Meat patty is crisp and seasoned perfectly.

Read our article Kaiju Burger brings Japanese-inspired smash burgers to downtown Tucson.

Rita Connelly

The Cuban Corner by TAPAS

919 N. Stone Ave.
Empanada at the Cuban Corner by TAPAS (Photo by Rita Connelly)

I love discovering great new restaurants, and when I needed to do research for my latest article, I ‘found’ The Cuban Corner.

For research we ordered their Cubano, but then we also tried their empanadas.

We ordered the cheese and spinach. These were good sized pies. The crust was golden brown and had a fabulous crunch. Inside was a mass of gooey cheese and finely chopped spinach. I couldn’t identify the seasonings but they really added an intriguing flavor to the whole mix.

They were so good we took two orders to take home. Next time I’m going to order the chicken and the spiced ground beef.

Read our article From Food Truck to Brick-and-Mortar: The Cuban Corner by TAPAS.

Jackie Tran

Kaiju Burger at Brick Box Brewery

220 E. Broadway Blvd.
Garlic Panko Crusted Caesar Salad at Kaiju Burger (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Something about this caesar made it craveable enough for me to revisit for just that. Maybe it was just the seasoning or how they cut their lettuce.

Read our article Kaiju Burger brings Japanese-inspired smash burgers to downtown Tucson.

Ghini’s French Cafe

1803 E. Prince Rd.

Ghini’s hosted the Tucson Foodie team to try a few of their French-Sonoran-inspired dishes. I’m normally not a French toast person, but this dulce de leche variation was not too sweet and something I devoured in 15 seconds without thinking too much about.

Creosote Sonoran Kitchen and Cocktails

3645 W. Starr Pass Blvd.

Creosote hosted the Tucson Foodie team and presented a variety of Mexican dishes with a modern take. I gravitated towards the mesquite-smoked wings, tuna tostada, and old-fashioned cocktail.

Article coming soon.

Seis Kitchen

Multiple locations
Tacos Camarón al Pastor at Seis Kitchen (Photo by Jackie Tran)

While al pastor normally uses rich pork instead of shrimp, Seis knocked it out of the park with their shrimp version. The natural sweetness of the shrimp complemented the pineapple and chile marinade.

Read our article Seis Kitchen launches several new items + our picks [PHOTOS].

Holy Focaccia

831 E. 17th St.
Quiche au Citron at Holy Focaccia (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Such vibes. I particularly liked the quiche au citron with the briny, umami olives and preserved lemon paired together.

Check out the vibes here.

Dany Hot Dog

5050 E. Broadway Blvd.
Dany Hot Dogs (Photo by Jackie Tran)

This east-ish side staple finally made a return after their cart was in an accident. Their bun of choice: Alejandro’s Tortilla Factory. Toasted.

Read our article Dany Hot Dogs Returns After Vehicle Crash Prompts Shutdown.

Kin Dee Thai

5350 E. Broadway Blvd.
Khao Soi at Kin Dee Thai (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Their fried chicken dishes are sold out every time I visit, dang it. But thankfully, their khao soi satiated me with the exceptionally tender hunks of beef in a complex yellow curry with crunchy noodles. It also made for delightful leftovers.

Read our article Photo Tour: Soft Opening at Kin Dee Thai.

Ciao Down Pizza Studio

3230 N. Dodge Blvd. Ste E
My Lil’ Crab Puff Pizza at Ciao Down Pizza Studio (Photo by Jackie Tran)

I sent Ciao Down a message requesting a crab rangoon twist on a pizza, and they happily went with it as a pizza of the week. It was everything I hoped for, plus a pile of crispy onions. If you’ve had their Snake Bite pizza, then you know how well their crust goes with cream cheese; this is no exception.

They brought it back as the pizza of the month for March, so try it while you can.

Watch them make the pizza here.

Shane Reiser

Pronghorn Pizza at Doz Cabezas WineWorks

3248 AZ-82, Sonoita, AZ 85637
Pronghorn Pizza at Doz Cabezas WineWorks (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Beets are coming out of season, so you might have to wait till next harvest, but the beet salad at Pronghorn Pizza (inside Dos Cabezas tasting room in Sonoita) is super tasty and very good for you, with roasted beets, arugula, fennel, scallion, and a big pile of herbs from their garden.

Read our article Dos Cabezas WineWorks Celebrates 30 Years in Sonoita Wine Country.

Hidden Hearth

267 South Avenida del Convento Building #13
Hidden Hearth (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Everything at Hidden Hearth is delicious and feels wholesome and healing, but their Lemon Olive Fugasse is my favorite. Great for sharing with a few people and it’s just $7.

Zerai’s Intl Bar

2725 E. Broadway Blvd.
Zerai’s International Bar (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Zerai’s is my new favorite hangout, mostly thanks to their Passport nights with DJ Herm. But they sell these Ethiopian tacos that are fantastic. They line a hardshell taco with injera and fill it with the various meat or vegetarian options from Zemam’s menu. I recommend the red lentil filling.

Bamboo Noodle House

2920 N. Oracle Rd.
Bamboo Noodle House (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Bamboo Noodle House’s stand out dish is their dumplings appetizer, which are handmade in-house.

Read our article Bamboo Noodle House Brings Family Noodle Recipes to Tucson.

Locale Neighborhood Italian Restaurant

60 N. Alvernon Way
Breakfast pizza at Locale Neighborhood Italian Restaurant (Photo by Shane Reiser)

The breakfast pizza at Locale’s cafe might be just what you need if you wake up starving after a night of drinking too much and you need a serene environment in which to feast and regain your strength.

Read our article Locale Bakery & Café: An Ode to Pastries (PHOTOS).

Taco Royale at the Royal Room

450 N. 6th Ave.
Tacos at El Taco Royale (Photo by Shane Reiser)

The Royal Room is apparently not just for cool people who like to drink nice cocktails and local beers. It’s also for cool people who like tacos. Owner Ian Stupar helped create the food program at La Rosa and Sisters recently, and his new lunch-time taco offering at Royal Room is legit. They immediately rose to my top 10 tacos in Tucson, which is something to be proud of. Go try ’em.

View our visit here.

Kaiju Burger at Brick Box Brewery

220 E. Broadway Blvd.
Kaiju Fries at Kaiju Burger (Photo by Shane Reiser)

Kaiju Burger (inside Brick Box) has killer smashburgers. but it’s their fries – covered in seasoning and the same Kaiju sauce on their burgers – that keeps bringing me back.

Read our article Kaiju Burger brings Japanese-inspired smash burgers to downtown Tucson.

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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!