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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

Jul 27, 20264 min read

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

Char's Thai Restaurant

5039 E. Fifth St.
Massaman curry at 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 Mexican Kitchen

5851 N. Oracle Rd.
Oaxacan Mole Madre at Amelia's Mexican Kitchen (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)
Oaxacan Mole Madre at Amelia's Mexican Kitchen — (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

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

Sawmill Run

12976 N. Sabino Canyon Pkwy, Mt. Lemmon, AZ 85619
Beet Salad at Sawmill Run (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Beet Salad at Sawmill Run — (Photo by 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.

Sunshine Wine

15 N. Santa Rita Ave.
Pork at Sunshine Wine (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Pork at 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.

Okashi

732 N. Stone Ave.
Kakigori at Okashi (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Kakigori at Okashi — (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.

Noodleholics

3502 E. Grant Rd.
Málà Peanut Noodles at Noodleholics (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Málà Peanut Noodles at Noodleholics — (Photo by Jackie Tran)

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.

Kintoki Sushi House & Bar

2960 N. First Ave.
Tiradito at Kintoki Sushi House & Bar (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Tiradito at 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.

OBON Sushi Bar Ramen

350 E. Congress St. #120
Crispy Rice at OBON Sushi Bar Ramen (Photo by Jackie Tran)
Crispy Rice at OBON Sushi Bar Ramen — (Photo by Jackie Tran)

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 Anderson

Lovin' Spoonfuls Vegan Restaurant

2990 N. Campbell Ave. #120
Death Free Foodie Breakfast at Lovin' Spoonfuls Vegan Restaurant (Photo by Ben Andersen)
Death Free Foodie Breakfast at Lovin' Spoonfuls Vegan Restaurant — (Photo by 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 at Lovin' Spoonfuls Vegan Restaurant (Photo by Ben Andersen)
Wildcat Burger at Lovin' Spoonfuls Vegan Restaurant — (Photo by Ben Andersen)

Brooklyn Pizza Company

534 N. Fourth Ave.
White pizza at Brooklyn Pizza Company (Photo by Ben Andersen)
White pizza at 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.

CORBETT'S

340 N. Sixth Ave.
Roasted Pastrami Sandwich at CORBETT'S (Photo by Ben Andersen)
Roasted Pastrami Sandwich at CORBETT'S — (Photo by Ben Andersen)

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.

Sonoran House Sam Hughes

2513 E. Sixth St.
Carne at Sonoran House Sam Hughes (Photo by Ben Andersen)
Carne at Sonoran House Sam Hughes — (Photo by Ben Andersen)

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.

Rita Connelly

Shooter's Steak House & Saloon

3115 E. Prince Rd.
Classic burger at Shooter's Steak House & Saloon (Photo by Rita Connelly)
Classic burger at Shooter's Steak House & 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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GIVEAWAY! We’re giving away 3 pairs of VIP tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival on Saturday, August 8!🎉

Experience an unforgettable evening featuring tasting experiences from 30+ celebrated Southwest chefs, showcasing the rich flavors and traditions of Mexican cuisine. Enjoy everything from heritage moles and handmade tortillas to fresh ceviches, carne asada, cochinita pibil, live music, art, and more at @Westinlapaloma. VIP tickets include early entry at 5 PM plus exclusive access to the VIP Lounge.

How to enter:
• Follow @artstateaz, @westinlapaloma & @tucsonfoodie
• Like this post
• Tag the friend you’d bring (unlimited entries!)

Winners will be randomly selected on August 3.

Looking to buy tickets instead? Head to the link in @artstateaz’s bio and use code 15FOODIE26 for 15% off your tickets!

21+ event.

#tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventsGIVEAWAY! We’re giving away 3 pairs of VIP tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival on Saturday, August 8!🎉 Experience an unforgettable evening featuring tasting experiences from 30+ celebrated Southwest chefs, showcasing the rich flavors and traditions of Mexican cuisine. Enjoy everything from heritage moles and handmade tortillas to fresh ceviches, carne asada, cochinita pibil, live music, art, and more at @Westinlapaloma. VIP tickets include early entry at 5 PM plus exclusive access to the VIP Lounge. How to enter: • Follow @artstateaz, @westinlapaloma & @tucsonfoodie • Like this post • Tag the friend you’d bring (unlimited entries!) Winners will be randomly selected on August 3. Looking to buy tickets instead? Head to the link in @artstateaz’s bio and use code 15FOODIE26 for 15% off your tickets! 21+ event. #tucsonfoodie #tucsoneventsIT’S WEEK 11! 

Steak & Carne Asada Week starts today and runs through Aug 2 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🥩🔥

🏆THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: 
•Tickets to Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge
•(2) $50 @asadataqueria gift cards
•(2) $100 Visa gift cards
•$20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
•4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
•(1) gift card to @redbird_scratchkitchen 
•(1) $50 gift card to Charro Concepts

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @ameliastucson, @pinnaclepeaktucson, @casadelrioaz, @elcorraltucson, @agavehousetucson, @calletepa, @asadataqueria, @cielostucson 

Let’s support local ❤️

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazIT’S WEEK 11! Steak & Carne Asada Week starts today and runs through Aug 2 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🥩🔥 🏆THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: •Tickets to Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge •(2) $50 @asadataqueria gift cards •(2) $100 Visa gift cards •$20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe •4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum •(1) gift card to @redbird_scratchkitchen •(1) $50 gift card to Charro Concepts ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @ameliastucson, @pinnaclepeaktucson, @casadelrioaz, @elcorraltucson, @agavehousetucson, @calletepa, @asadataqueria, @cielostucson Let’s support local ❤️ #tucsonfoodie #tucsonazFor nearly 20 years, Diana and Jun Arai have helped shape Tucson’s Japanese dining scene.

When @ginzatucson opened in 2008, it became the first restaurant in Tucson to feature an izakaya style menu, bringing Japan’s popular shareable dining experience to the city. Today, it’s still the only restaurant in town with a dedicated izakaya menu, along with one of Tucson’s largest curated selections of sake, Japanese beer, and shochu.

In 2018, the couple expanded again with @raijinramen, Tucson’s first restaurant dedicated entirely to ramen. Known for its rich tonkotsu broths and seasonal specialties, Raijin helped pave the way for the city’s growing ramen scene.

From fresh fish flown in daily from Japan and California to chef’s choice omakase experiences, Ginza continues to showcase authentic Japanese cuisine while Jun and Diana regularly travel to Japan to bring back the latest culinary trends.

📍 Ginza Sushi & Izakaya: 5425 N. Kolb Rd.
📍 Raijin Ramen: 2955 E. Speedway Blvd.

Read @ediebjarolim’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com.

Photos by @sea_lyon 
#tucsonlocal #tucsonazFor nearly 20 years, Diana and Jun Arai have helped shape Tucson’s Japanese dining scene. When @ginzatucson opened in 2008, it became the first restaurant in Tucson to feature an izakaya style menu, bringing Japan’s popular shareable dining experience to the city. Today, it’s still the only restaurant in town with a dedicated izakaya menu, along with one of Tucson’s largest curated selections of sake, Japanese beer, and shochu. In 2018, the couple expanded again with @raijinramen, Tucson’s first restaurant dedicated entirely to ramen. Known for its rich tonkotsu broths and seasonal specialties, Raijin helped pave the way for the city’s growing ramen scene. From fresh fish flown in daily from Japan and California to chef’s choice omakase experiences, Ginza continues to showcase authentic Japanese cuisine while Jun and Diana regularly travel to Japan to bring back the latest culinary trends. 📍 Ginza Sushi & Izakaya: 5425 N. Kolb Rd. 📍 Raijin Ramen: 2955 E. Speedway Blvd. Read @ediebjarolim’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com. Photos by @sea_lyon #tucsonlocal #tucsonazBreakfast & Brunch Week 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: 

@5pointstucson 
@ajocafetucson 
@bajacafetucson 
@barista_del_barrio 
@bluewillow.tucson 
@bobos_az 
@theofficialbreadandbutter 
@buendia.breakfast.lunch 
@cafealacarttucson 
@cafepassetucson 
@cappysbreakfastcafe 
@hotelcongress 
@delcielotamal 
Frank’s Restaurant 
@ghinisfrenchcaffe 
@gourmetgirlsglutenfree 
Gus Balon’s Restaurant 
@knellersdelicatessen 
@lachaiteria 
@lebuzzcaffe 
@lebuzzcaffeplaza 
@localetucson 
@lovinspoonfulstucson 
@nookdowntown 
@prepandpastry 
@raptorcanyoncafe 
@rencoffeehouse 
@sunny_daze_cafe 
@teaspoontucson 
@coronetrestaurants 
@thehungryfoxrestaurant 
@themonicatucson 
@tohonochulgardenbistro 
@tumerico 
@urbanfreshaz 

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazBreakfast & Brunch Week 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: @5pointstucson @ajocafetucson @bajacafetucson @barista_del_barrio @bluewillow.tucson @bobos_az @theofficialbreadandbutter @buendia.breakfast.lunch @cafealacarttucson @cafepassetucson @cappysbreakfastcafe @hotelcongress @delcielotamal Frank’s Restaurant @ghinisfrenchcaffe @gourmetgirlsglutenfree Gus Balon’s Restaurant @knellersdelicatessen @lachaiteria @lebuzzcaffe @lebuzzcaffeplaza @localetucson @lovinspoonfulstucson @nookdowntown @prepandpastry @raptorcanyoncafe @rencoffeehouse @sunny_daze_cafe @teaspoontucson @coronetrestaurants @thehungryfoxrestaurant @themonicatucson @tohonochulgardenbistro @tumerico @urbanfreshaz #tucsonfoodie #tucsonazMassaman tofu curry at Char’s Thai. Stop by and show them some love.❤️ 

5039 East 5th Street, Tucson, AZ

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz #localtucsonMassaman tofu curry at Char’s Thai. Stop by and show them some love.❤️ 5039 East 5th Street, Tucson, AZ #tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz #localtucsonA sunset gathering featuring chef-made plates, plant medicine experiences, live music, and a deep connection to the Sonoran Desert.🌵✨

Join us Saturday, August 29 after sundown at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a celebration of the Sonoran Desert’s edible and medicinal plants through food, herbalism, music, and story.

Stroll through the gardens while enjoying chef-prepared plates inspired by native desert ingredients, a botanical welcome cocktail, and hands-on experiences like sound healing, acupuncture, massage therapy, tarot, astrology, cacao ceremony, herbal workshops, and more.

Chef lineup + dishes will be announced shortly.

Your $75 ticket includes all food, workshops, experiences, and a welcome cocktail. Space is limited, and we expect to sell out in advance. 

❤️Tucson Foodie members get 50% off
🎟️ Ticket link in bio

Photos by @jackie_tran_ 
#tucsonfoodie #tucsonnewsA sunset gathering featuring chef-made plates, plant medicine experiences, live music, and a deep connection to the Sonoran Desert.🌵✨ Join us Saturday, August 29 after sundown at @tohonochul for Desert Magic, a celebration of the Sonoran Desert’s edible and medicinal plants through food, herbalism, music, and story. Stroll through the gardens while enjoying chef-prepared plates inspired by native desert ingredients, a botanical welcome cocktail, and hands-on experiences like sound healing, acupuncture, massage therapy, tarot, astrology, cacao ceremony, herbal workshops, and more. Chef lineup + dishes will be announced shortly. Your $75 ticket includes all food, workshops, experiences, and a welcome cocktail. Space is limited, and we expect to sell out in advance. ❤️Tucson Foodie members get 50% off 🎟️ Ticket link in bio Photos by @jackie_tran_ #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!