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10 of the Most Luxurious Dishes in Tucson

10 of the Most Luxurious Dishes in Tucson

Nov 20, 20184 min read

Celebrating or just ballin’? Either way, indulging via food is worth it.

Here’s our list of nine of the most luxurious dishes in Tucson. Steaks are usually among the most expensive option at restaurants, so we’ll exclude them and keep things spicy (figuratively).

7 Ounce Korean Steakhouse

4699 E. Speedway Blvd.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx0uvuGgpoW/

While Korean barbecue isn’t fancy, the bill can add up quickly with a la carte options. Skip the fuss with a combo for two and share from a wider range of dishes.

Combo C ($59.95) features:

  • Hot Stone Steamed Egg
  • Beef Steak Sushi
  • 2 Steamed Rice
  • Seasoned Boneless Short Rib
  • Filet Mignon
  • 4 Fresh Shrimp
  • L.A. Galbi
  • Prime Brisket

For more information, visit 7ounce.com.

Bazil’s

4777 E. Sunrise Dr.
Cioppino at Bazil's
Cioppino at Bazil’s (Credit: Jackie Tran)

The house special Cioppino ($39.99) at Bazil’s features a combination of lobster, shrimp, clams, crab, scallops and fish sauteed in wine and a spicy marinara sauce.

For more information, visit bazilstucson.com.

Charro del Rey

178 E. Broadway Blvd.
Lobster Tamalada at Charro del Rey (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Lobster Tamalada at Charro del Rey (Credit: Jackie Tran)

The tamal-stuffed Lobster Tamalada (market price) is topped with green salsa and red salsa. On the side, a fancy candle tray keeps the drawn butter warm with the scent of garlic and chiltepin wafting through the air.

For top of the line bubbly, pair it with a bottle of Bollinger Special Cuvee ($149)

For more information, visit charrodelrey.com.

Contigo Latin Kitchen

3770 E. Sunrise Dr.
Paella at Contigo Latin Kitchen (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Paella at Contigo Latin Kitchen (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Paella Valencia ($58 for two) is cooked to order and features bomba rice with shrimp, mussels, clams, chicken and Spanish chorizo. It’s also one of the most Instagrammable dishes in Tucson, I mean, just look at that thing ^

Cochinillo Asado (whole $475, half $260, three days advance notice required) features a roasted suckling pig with grilled green onions, patatas bravas, black beans, and the vegetable of the day.

For more information, visit eatatcontigo.com.

Flying V Bar & Grill at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

7000 N. Resort Dr.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjDM7MGn2XX/

If you’re hesitant to add on guacamole at Chipotle, look away.

The Flying V features Tableside Guacamole ($18), made by their “guacamoliere.” It’s not a 100% authentic interpretation, but it’s still fantastic and surely beats an ice cream scoop of guac.

For more information, visit loewshotels.com.

The Grill at Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort

5501 N. Hacienda Del Sol Rd.
Kurobuta Pork Chop at the Grill at Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort (Credit: Jackie Tran)
Kurobuta Pork Chop at the Grill at Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort (Credit: Jackie Tran)

Sometimes called “the Kobe beef of pork,” Kurobuta pork can cost about eight times as much as conventional supermarket pork. You won’t find Kurobuta at most grocery stores, so look to restaurants that are selective with their ingredients. Like Kobe beef, the glistening intramuscular marbling commands the high price.

At the Grill, enjoy the Kurobuta Pork Chop ($42) with white cheddar green chile polenta, apple, roasted baby carrot, leek, and apple brandy demi. (Note: the photo above is from a previous season’s rendition of the chop.)

For more information, visit haciendadelsol.com.

Le Rendez-vous

3844 E. Fort Lowell Rd.
Boeuf Wellington (Credit: Le Rendez-vous)
Boeuf Wellington (Credit: Le Rendez-vous)

Filet mignon, foie gras, and truffles round out three of the most cliché fancy foods.

At Le Rendez-vous, the Beef Wellington ($38) combines all three for an indulgent treat to remember. This version features beef tenderloin, foie gras, and mushroom duxelle wrapped in puff pastry with a truffle demi-glace.

For more information, visit rendezvoustucson.com.

PY Steakhouse at Casino Del Sol

5655 W. Valencia Rd.
Shellfish Sampler at PY Steakhouse at Casino Del Sol (Photo courtesy of PY Steakhouse)
Shellfish Sampler at PY Steakhouse at Casino Del Sol (Photo courtesy of PY Steakhouse)

For a classy appetizer, order a seafood tower with some martinis.

At PY Steakhouse, the tower comes as the Shellfish Sampler ($65) for two with two petite Maine lobster tails, four daily-selected oysters, four jumbo Mexican shrimp, a half-pound of king crab legs, cocktail sauce, horseradish, mignonette, aioli, house-fermented habanero hot sauce, and lemon.

The luxury doesn’t end there — add the PY Steakhouse Special Label Caviar for $74.

For more information, visit casinodelsol.com.

Villa Peru

1745 E. River Rd. Ste. 165

Although Costco’s rotisserie chicken is even cheaper than buying your own raw chicken and roasting it, treat yoself to one of the best versions you can buy. And I’m not talking about the $22.99 meal for three at Boston Market.

At Villa Peru, the Pollo A La Brasa ($31) features a free-range roasted chicken Peruvian style with rustic fries, a seasonal salad, and ají cream.

For more information, visit villaperutucson.com.

Vivace

6440 N. Campbell Ave.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo0Of8UnpZi/

While Osso Buco ($46.95) isn’t presented with any grand garnish, it comes with a tiny fork to scoop out the marrow. The menu description is charmingly concise: “veal shanks in a vegetable – tomato sauce over rice.”

It only takes one bite to see why it’s the priciest dish on Vivace’s dinner menu.
For more information, visit vivacetucson.com.
[This article was originally written on November 20, 2018, and most recently updated on November 27, 2019]

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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.

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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

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