🍻🥨 Oktober Foodie Fest — Saturday 9/26 @ Corbett'sGrab Tickets
Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
Here’s what to eat at the restaurants Guy Fieri visited

Here’s what to eat at the restaurants Guy Fieri visited

Jan 20, 20184 min read

While we’re happy for the restaurants that Guy Fieri recently visited, we fear the lines will be crazy once the show airs. Here’s what we recommend eating at each restaurant ASAP before you have to deal with crowds.

Chef Alisah’s Restaurant

5931 N. Oracle Rd. # 117
Cevapi and Cockta at Chef Alisah's Restaurant (Credit: Taylor Noel Photography)
Cevapi and Cockta at Chef Alisah’s Restaurant (Credit: Taylor Noel Photography)

Know much about Bosnian food? Considering there are only a handful in all of the U.S., probably not. Chef Alisah can work magic with meats, transforming beef into little sausages called cevapi. Order the cevapi on their own or get them in a massive mixed grill feast, the Mješano Meso, which also includes steak, chicken breast, pljeskavica (a ground beef patty), rice, veggies, avjar sauce, tzatziki, cabbage salad, and fresh homemade bread. Although the plates aren’t elaborate with garnishes and spices, Chef Alisah’s decades of experience are immediately apparent within the first bite. Also, the portions are gargantuan — you won’t leave hungry.

For more information, call (520) 887-5305 or visit alisahrestaurant.com.

Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine

6878 E. Sunrise Dr.
Tiraditos Clasicos at Inca's Peruvian Cuisine (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Tiraditos Clasicos at Inca’s Peruvian Cuisine (Credit: Jackie Tran)

With such a wide range of cultures and biodiversity, Peru puts out world-class food. Their cuisine hasn’t caught fire in Tucson yet, but Guy Fieri knows what’s up. To start, order the Tiraditos Clasicos, which features red snapper marinated in a sauce of lime and ají amarillo, a fruity Peruvian yellow pepper. For a signature dish, get the Lomo Saltado, beef tenderloin stir-fried with tomatoes, onions, fries, and a peppery sauce. Wash it all down with a cocktail that features Peru’s brandy, the pisco sour.

For more information, visit incasperuviancuisine.com.

Renee’s Organic Oven

7065 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Papas con Queso Pizza at Renee's Organic Oven (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Papas con Queso Pizza at Renee’s Organic Oven (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Renee’s features simple, wholesome, fun food for both picky eaters and discerning gourmands to appreciate. For an addictive starter, try the Meatballs in jalapeño cream sauce. The signature Thai Curry pizza features red curry sauce, spicy Mary’s chicken, mozzarella, red pepper, zucchini, onion, basil, and parmesan. If you have any leftovers from the Papas Con Queso pizza — which features organic potatoes, Sonoran cream, house roasted green chilies, broccoli, and chives — eat it for breakfast with an over-easy egg on top. Bonus: they have a great happy hour.

For more information, call (520) 886-0484 or visit reneesorganicoven.com.

Rocco’s Little Chicago Pizzeria

2707 E. Broadway Blvd.
Deep Dish Slice at Rocco's Little Chicago (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Deep Dish Slice at Rocco’s Little Chicago (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Naturally, a Chicago-style stuffed pizza or deep-dish pizza is a must at Rocco’s. But people also make a trip for their crispy wings and fresh-baked cookies. Even the simple Caesar Salad is outstanding. Rocco’s recipes make these simple dishes one of a kind. Also, don’t forget to order a side of the Spicy Hot Sticks, which are twirls of bread intertwined with hot sauce. And some Savory Fried Ravioli while you’re at it.

For more information, call (520) 321-1860 or visit roccoslittlechicago.com.

Tumerico

2526 E. 6th St.
Spinach Salad at Tumerico (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Spinach Salad at Tumerico (Credit: Jackie Tran)

With no permanent menu and only a chalkboard menu that changes daily, we can’t recommend a specific dish at Tumerico. And even though the menu is vegetarian and mostly vegan, you will leave extremely full and satisfied. The soup and cup of coffee included with each meal certainly helps. Favorite meal from the past include the Coconut Curry, Mushroom Enchiladas, Crispy Nopalitos TacosSweet Potato Pancakes, and Mole French Toast with Mexican Hot Chocolate Syrup.

For more information, call (520) 270-2055 or visit tumerico.com.

Zemam’s

2731 E. Broadway Blvd.
Doro Wat with Hard Boiled Egg at Zemam's (Credit: Mark Navarro)
Doro Wat with Hard Boiled Egg at Zemam’s (Credit: Mark Navarro)

Ethiopian cuisine is rich with spices, making it a popular favorite for both vegetarians and carnivores. With so many choices on the menu, we recommend the Mixed Veggie and Meat Sampler. While most of the vegetable dishes are stewed or simmered, the Cauliflower is roasted with a blend of peppers and garbanzo flour for a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. The original Zemam’s also has a BYOB policy, so bring a bottle of wine, beer, or tej, an Ethiopian honey wine.

For more information, call (520) 323-9928 or visit zemams.com.

Article written by:

Jackie Tran

Jackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.

An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.

Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.

If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.

Advertisement

Weekly digest of new openings, events, and guides. No spam.

Take us with you.

Discover the best local spots, browse the dish database, build and share your to-visit lists, support local, and join the Foodie Club when you're ready.

Follow @TucsonFoodie135.1K followers
@Sonoranrestaurantweek runs through September 13, 2026, offering a variety of prix fixe menus across Tucson.🍝🍕

Where to get pizza & Italian durning Sonoran Restaurant Week:

@anello_pizzeria 
@dominicksrealitalian 
@doscabezas
@fentonellispizzeria 
@fiammepizza 
@reillypizza 
@frescotucson 
@zio_peppe_az 

For more details, visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw

#tucsonfoodie #sonoranrestaurantweek@Sonoranrestaurantweek runs through September 13, 2026, offering a variety of prix fixe menus across Tucson.🍝🍕 Where to get pizza & Italian durning Sonoran Restaurant Week: @anello_pizzeria @dominicksrealitalian @doscabezas @fentonellispizzeria @fiammepizza @reillypizza @frescotucson @zio_peppe_az For more details, visit tucsonfoodie.com/srw #tucsonfoodie #sonoranrestaurantweek
@Asaditoszulmyta started with a tent and a grill on Tucson’s south side. Now, a year later, the Salvadoran food stand has grown into a food truck, a Central American market, and a gathering place for Tucson’s Latin American community.

Stop by Asaditos Zulmyta for their grand opening and Central American Independence Day celebration on Sept 12th from 7-10pm! Enjoy free aguas frescas, specials, a DJ, and more. 

Don’t forget to walk over and grab a coffee at @Redcaptaincoffee! 

4004 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 

Thanks for having us, @Asaditoszulmyta!@Asaditoszulmyta started with a tent and a grill on Tucson’s south side. Now, a year later, the Salvadoran food stand has grown into a food truck, a Central American market, and a gathering place for Tucson’s Latin American community. Stop by Asaditos Zulmyta for their grand opening and Central American Independence Day celebration on Sept 12th from 7-10pm! Enjoy free aguas frescas, specials, a DJ, and more. Don’t forget to walk over and grab a coffee at @Redcaptaincoffee! 4004 N Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ Thanks for having us, @Asaditoszulmyta!
This year, 18 Mexican restaurants are participating in @sonoranrestaurantweek from September 4-13. Also, National Hispanic Heritage Month begins immediately afterwards on Sunday, September 15.❤️

Here’s the full list, in alphabetical order. 

@agavehousetucson 
@ameliastucson 
@bktacos 
@bocatucson 
@buendia.breakfast.lunch 
@asadataqueria 
@casadelrioaz 
@elcharro.cafe 
@crudamariscos 
@elmezquitetucson 
@humo.tucson
@lachingadacocina 
@lafridamexicangrill 
@laollamexicancafe 
@nanas_kitchen_2008 
@reformatucson 
@seiskitchen 
@sonoramoonshine 

Don’t forget to upload your receipts to enter our giveaway🎉

More on Tucsonfoodie.com/srw
Presented by @Visittucson 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieThis year, 18 Mexican restaurants are participating in @sonoranrestaurantweek from September 4-13. Also, National Hispanic Heritage Month begins immediately afterwards on Sunday, September 15.❤️ Here’s the full list, in alphabetical order. @agavehousetucson @ameliastucson @bktacos @bocatucson @buendia.breakfast.lunch @asadataqueria @casadelrioaz @elcharro.cafe @crudamariscos @elmezquitetucson @humo.tucson @lachingadacocina @lafridamexicangrill @laollamexicancafe @nanas_kitchen_2008 @reformatucson @seiskitchen @sonoramoonshine Don’t forget to upload your receipts to enter our giveaway🎉 More on Tucsonfoodie.com/srw Presented by @Visittucson #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie
TONIGHT

@vegantucsonnightmarket❤️🐖🐄
9/5 from 6–10pm 

Come support our amazing local makers, small businesses, and restaurants while eating an absolutely ridiculous amount of vegan food. 

📸Glamour shots by @viguerrafoto 
🪩Music by @visionaryhousecollective 

🌙FREE ENTRY | FREE PARKING | DOG-FRIENDLY
📍RILLITO PARK • 4502 N 1ST AVE, TUCSON, AZ

🐶
@oldsoulsanimalrescue 
@paws_without_borders 
@rescuemetucson 

HOT/SAVORY 
@substancediner 
@hotsaucenpepper 
@huhushouseofdumplings 
Eatgypt
Bereisheet 129
@bobbyskitchen__ 
@delcielotamal 
@lovinspoonfulstucson 
@ensenadastreetfood 
@mayascajunkitchen 
@therealnaughtyvegan 
@patricias_cuban_kitchen 
@scratchingtheplate 
@themakanbowl 
@theveganjointaz 
@youslydogtucson 
@yumyumpocha_ 

DESSERTS
@atekei_treats 
@thirddaysourdough 
@treats_by_gabby 
@donutblitz 
@abstractaquariums 
@sweetrollsandmore 
@tucsonchocolatefactory 
@uniquelymadecookies 
@coolkidssnackcakes 
@dirty_t_tamarindo 
@duckys_pineapplebananabread 
@tiasourdough 
@eatbliss.az 
@flourpotvegan 
@maxa_oats 
@sahteinpatisserie 
Counter Crispies 

BEVERAGES
@espressoul_cafe 
@transit.tea 
@yourcoffeestopaz 
@barlapachanga 
@scentedleaf 
@konaiceofmarana 
@littlebearlemonade 
Wrapido
@bardownfitnessandnutrition 
@brewingcupofculture 
@lemonpoptucson 

SHOP LOCAL
@barknberryaz 
@cosmicfoundry 
@desierto_designs 
@enjoycrochetandknit 
@greenexpressiontucson 
@harvestedcreations 
@purpleskyincense 
@ricos_threads 
@snackabeesaz 
@sparkle_sparrow_az 
@spunkykind 
@yellowbirdfarm 
@wisteriacreekcottage 
@wisdombodyandsoul 
@tacosysalsa_tucson 
@thedrecreations 

#tucsonevents #vegantucson 
#tucsonsmallbusiness #tucsonlocalTONIGHT @vegantucsonnightmarket❤️🐖🐄 9/5 from 6–10pm Come support our amazing local makers, small businesses, and restaurants while eating an absolutely ridiculous amount of vegan food. 📸Glamour shots by @viguerrafoto 🪩Music by @visionaryhousecollective 🌙FREE ENTRY | FREE PARKING | DOG-FRIENDLY 📍RILLITO PARK • 4502 N 1ST AVE, TUCSON, AZ 🐶 @oldsoulsanimalrescue @paws_without_borders @rescuemetucson HOT/SAVORY @substancediner @hotsaucenpepper @huhushouseofdumplings Eatgypt Bereisheet 129 @bobbyskitchen__ @delcielotamal @lovinspoonfulstucson @ensenadastreetfood @mayascajunkitchen @therealnaughtyvegan @patricias_cuban_kitchen @scratchingtheplate @themakanbowl @theveganjointaz @youslydogtucson @yumyumpocha_ DESSERTS @atekei_treats @thirddaysourdough @treats_by_gabby @donutblitz @abstractaquariums @sweetrollsandmore @tucsonchocolatefactory @uniquelymadecookies @coolkidssnackcakes @dirty_t_tamarindo @duckys_pineapplebananabread @tiasourdough @eatbliss.az @flourpotvegan @maxa_oats @sahteinpatisserie Counter Crispies BEVERAGES @espressoul_cafe @transit.tea @yourcoffeestopaz @barlapachanga @scentedleaf @konaiceofmarana @littlebearlemonade Wrapido @bardownfitnessandnutrition @brewingcupofculture @lemonpoptucson SHOP LOCAL @barknberryaz @cosmicfoundry @desierto_designs @enjoycrochetandknit @greenexpressiontucson @harvestedcreations @purpleskyincense @ricos_threads @snackabeesaz @sparkle_sparrow_az @spunkykind @yellowbirdfarm @wisteriacreekcottage @wisdombodyandsoul @tacosysalsa_tucson @thedrecreations #tucsonevents #vegantucson #tucsonsmallbusiness #tucsonlocal