Tiradito at Kintoki Sushi House & Bar

Tiradito at Kintoki Sushi House & Bar (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Best Things the Tucson Foodie Team Tasted in July 2026

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

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.

Hannah Hernandez

Massaman Curry
Massaman Curryat Char's Thai Restaurant
Photo by Hannah Hernandez

This Massaman curry is rich and comforting, made with firm tofu, potatoes, onions, and your choice of heat level. I usually go with medium. Char’s Thai is such a special place.

See our visit on Instagram.

Amelia’s 10-year-old Oaxacan Mole Madre is crafted exclusively from dried Mexican chiles, fruits, herbs, and spices. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Read our article Amelia’s chef Jose Contreras to expand with nixtamal-focused Carrizal Molino + Cocina.

Jackie Tran

The natural sweetness of quality beets is accentuated with creamy and crunchy textures for a must-have salad.

Stay tuned for details on an upcoming Tucson Foodie dinner at Sawmill Run.

Pork
Porkat Sunshine Wine
Photo by Jackie Tran

Rich, tender Ibérico pork flank is glazed with slightly spicy fermented peach glaze and served with an assortment of pickled vegetables to cut through the fattiness. I suggest pairing it with cava.

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

Kakigori
Kakigoriat Okashi Ice Cream & Confections
Photo by Jackie Tran

Okashi quietly opened with a small team, but their sweets are still elite. Especially the fresh caramelized and custardy canelés and refreshing matcha kakigori. Get a couple canelés for yourself, but share the generously portioned kakigori with a loved one.

Article coming soon.

I always look forward to a seasonal cold noodle at Noodleholics. This year, they pair noodles with a lush peanut sauce, fragrant with citrusy Sichuan pepper and balanced with cooling cucumber and cilantro. It is vegan and comes with a choice of protein (I kept the vegan momentum going with fried tofu) and also includes an iced black tea.

Tiradito
Tiraditoat Kintoki Sushi House & Bar
Photo by Jackie Tran

Kintoki's take on the Peruvian tiradito features hamachi with soft charred jalapeño, yuzu lime soy, jalapeño oil, and crunchy slivers of fresh jicama.

Read our article Tucson brothers turn former El Berraco into Kintoki Sushi House & Bar.

I tried making crispy rice once at home, but couldn't quite nail the texture. OBON gets it right though, light and airy with a satisfying crunch. I love that they offer the flavors in a trio.

Read our article Photo guide to OBON's new summer drinks & dishes.

Ben Andersen

Lunch meeting with Hannah at Lovin' Spoonfuls had to include the delicious Death Free Foodie Breakfast and Hannah also recommended the Wildcat Burger which was really enhanced by their homemade BBQ sauce. All of the elements in both dishes play really nicely together.

Wildcat Burger
Wildcat Burgerat Lovin' Spoonfuls Vegan Restaurant
Photo by Ben Andersen
White Pizza
White Pizzaat Brooklyn Pizza Company
Photo by Ben Andersen

White Pizza (mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta, garlic, no red sauce) - Brooklyn Pizza Company: So good it’s hard to order anything else.

Roasted Pastrami Sandwich (swiss, coleslaw, 1000 island, toasted rye) - CORBETT'S: house made coleslaw and 1000's island are a perfect cool and summery lift and balance to the amazing hot pastrami on toasted rye during these hot summer days. Simply love their fries as well.

CARNE (Chargrilled smoked tri-tip steak - smashed potatoes - sunset mushrooms - charred scallion chimichurri) - Sonoran House: One of the more uniquely delicious dishes I’ve had recently. The mushrooms on this are out of this world and the chimichurri is the perfect pairing with all of the elements of the dish.

Read our article Sonoran House Sam Hughes marks one year with breakfast & new menus.

Guest picks

Rita Connelly

Classic Burger
Classic Burgerat Shooter's Saloon
Photo by Rita Connelly

Bar food at its finest - The Classic Burger at Shooter’s. And tater tots so hot and crispy!!! And there’s plenty of cold beer or classic cocktails to finish your meal off. Cool spot on a hot summer's day.

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Samurai has closed after 40 years in Tucson. 

The Japanese restaurant at 3912 N. Oracle Rd. announced Oct. 25 as its last day of business. “With mixed emotions, we announce the closing of Samurai after 40 wonderful years serving the Tucson community,” the owners wrote on Facebook. Samurai served noodles, sushi, curry, and donburi in Midtown. 

Full story on Tucsonfoodie.com.Samurai has closed after 40 years in Tucson. The Japanese restaurant at 3912 N. Oracle Rd. announced Oct. 25 as its last day of business. “With mixed emotions, we announce the closing of Samurai after 40 wonderful years serving the Tucson community,” the owners wrote on Facebook. Samurai served noodles, sushi, curry, and donburi in Midtown. Full story on Tucsonfoodie.com.
OPENING TOMORROW! NEW TURKISH RESTAURANT IN TUCSON

@Anatoliatucson celebrates its grand opening Friday, Oct. 30, at 5931 N. Oracle Rd., bringing Turkish cuisine to Tucson’s northwest side. The menu features freshly made pide, lahmacun, kebabs, mezze, seafood, and vegan specialties.

To celebrate opening weekend, enjoy 15% off all menu items Oct. 30 through Nov. 1. Anatolia plans to be open daily from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.comOPENING TOMORROW! NEW TURKISH RESTAURANT IN TUCSON @Anatoliatucson celebrates its grand opening Friday, Oct. 30, at 5931 N. Oracle Rd., bringing Turkish cuisine to Tucson’s northwest side. The menu features freshly made pide, lahmacun, kebabs, mezze, seafood, and vegan specialties. To celebrate opening weekend, enjoy 15% off all menu items Oct. 30 through Nov. 1. Anatolia plans to be open daily from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Keep an eye on these seven young chefs in Tucson. From fermentation at @sunshine_wine_tucson to whole-animal butchery at @forbes_meat_company and smash burgers at @bisouburger, a new generation is shaping local menus. "I try to manipulate foods as little as possible and let the natural flavor of everything shine through," said Forbes Meat Company executive chef Mataya Phillips. Meet Wyatt Carrizosa, Mataya Phillips, Gabby Alba, William Jacobs and Jeff Garland, Mallorie Hart, and Nick Avram. 

Full story on Tucsonfoodie.comKeep an eye on these seven young chefs in Tucson. From fermentation at @sunshine_wine_tucson to whole-animal butchery at @forbes_meat_company and smash burgers at @bisouburger, a new generation is shaping local menus. "I try to manipulate foods as little as possible and let the natural flavor of everything shine through," said Forbes Meat Company executive chef Mataya Phillips. Meet Wyatt Carrizosa, Mataya Phillips, Gabby Alba, William Jacobs and Jeff Garland, Mallorie Hart, and Nick Avram. Full story on Tucsonfoodie.com
From washing dishes at 15 to becoming the owner and executive chef, @Nick_avram’s story is rooted in Mount Lemmon and his family’s legacy at @Sawmillrun.

In this Q&A, he discusses his journey, “Mountain Sonoran” cuisine, local sourcing, and what’s ahead for fall. 

Read the full Q&A at Tucsonfoodie.com🌲From washing dishes at 15 to becoming the owner and executive chef, @Nick_avram’s story is rooted in Mount Lemmon and his family’s legacy at @Sawmillrun. In this Q&A, he discusses his journey, “Mountain Sonoran” cuisine, local sourcing, and what’s ahead for fall. Read the full Q&A at Tucsonfoodie.com🌲