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Tucson Foodie’s 10 Most Popular Guides of 2023

Tucson Foodie’s 10 Most Popular Guides of 2023

Jan 3, 20244 min read

From uncovering hidden gems to tackling the art of taco-tasting, these guides are more than just lists — they’re experiences created to elevate your journey here in Tucson’s culinary scene. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious explorer of local flavors, think of these guides as your passport to supporting local and eating great food.

Keep scrolling to check out the top 10 guides of 2023.

New Restaurants in Tucson 2023

a pizza sitting on top of a wooden table
Jaime’s Pizza Kitchen (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

It’s safe to say the Tucson restaurant industry has been booming and bustling now. From restaurants making their first appearance in town to those opening second or even third locations throughout the city, it’s without question that the scene has seen its fair share of growth. Explore the Guide...

The Tucson Foodie Passport

a traffic light on a city street
The Tucson Foodie Passport

The Tucson Foodie Passport spotlights the lively mix of restaurants proudly participating in our Restaurant Partner Program. From celebrated eateries to off-the-beaten-path gems, our partners contribute to the rich tapestry that defines Tucson’s culinary ecosystem. Sign up for your Tucson Foodie Passport by visiting our membership page, and brace yourself for a journey through Tucson’s dynamic food landscape with Passport in hand! Explore the Guide...

Ultimate Tucson Restaurant Bucket List

a large building with a mountain in the background
(Photo courtesy of Visit Tucson)

To help you navigate through this culinary adventure, we’ve poured our hearts, souls, and appetites into compiling this extensive guide. Every member of the Tucson Foodie team has pitched in, adding their top picks and must-try places. This isn’t just a list—it’s a labor of love, born out of countless meals, passionate discussions, and a shared commitment to promoting the amazing culinary scene that Tucson has to offer. Explore the Guide...

The Downtown Tucson Restaurant Guide

(Photo by Kieran MacAuliffe)

Downtown Tucson’s culinary landscape is ever-evolving, offering a dynamic mix of traditional eateries and modern culinary hotspots. This guide is designed to provide you with up-to-date recommendations and insights into the best dining experiences Tucson’s Downtown has to offer. Explore the Guide...

The Best Restaurants in Tucson According to r/Tucson (Reddit)

Cafe Desta (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

We asked the more than 85,000 members of r/Tucson for their favorite restaurants in Tucson. Some of the results are… surprising. It’s Reddit, after all. Others are in alignment with my tastebuds. Either way, the people have spoken. Explore the Guide...

The Best Breakfast Burritos in Tucson

a person holding a burrito on a plate
Breakfast Burrito at Barista del Barrio (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Breakfast burritos are a hearty way to power you through the day. They’re also great as a hangover cure. Whatever you need a breakfast burrito for, Tucson is there for you. Local tortillas? House-made chorizo? A variety of salsas?  Check, check, and check — and much more. Explore the Guide...

The Best Pizza in Tucson

Pizzas from Zio Peppe (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

From sourdough perfection at Anello to solar-powered slices at Brooklyn Pizza Company, this guide is your ticket to the tastiest slices in town. Take a tour through the best pizza in Tucson digitally — and then, of course, physically. Explore the Guide...

The Best Sonoran Dogs in Tucson

Sonoran Hot Dogs from El Guero Canelo (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

The Sonoran hot dog originates from Hermosillo, Mexico, and features a slightly sweet bun, bacon-wrapped wiener, pinto beans, onions, tomato, salsa verde, mustard, and mayonnaise. Some connoisseurs claim a special finesse is required for toasting the bun, while others claim the ratio of ingredients is what makes or breaks a dog. While we can’t say which is the most important, here’s a list of joints that deliver the whole package. Explore the Guide...

The Best Barbecue in Tucson

Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Tucson may not have a distinctive barbecue style like those in several southern, midwest, or Texas cities, but we’ve got plenty of talented transplants and home-grown chefs who give grilling a local spin — not to mention abundant desert-hardy mesquite trees that provide wood for them to practice their techniques. From slow-cooked ribs that fall off the bone to tangy pulled pork sandwiches and everything in between, journey with us as we explore the sizzling best of Tucson’s barbecue joints. Explore the Guide...

Guide to Sonoran Restaurant Week 2023

In September 2023, several restaurants offered a prix fixe menu at either a $25, $35, or $45 price point. Some restaurants went above and beyond, creating super special menus for you to enjoy at multiple price points. Stay tuned for Sonoran Restaurant Week 2024! In the meantime, reminisce about last year’s 10-day event. Explore the Guide...

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Three-peat!🏆🏆🏆

@Chef_antbanks of @obonsushi defended his Iron Chef Tucson title against AJ Mortazavi of The Barnyard Crafthouse & Eatery, with tomatoes from Wholesum Family Farms revealed as this year’s secret ingredient.

Dromgoole’s winning menu included pork with minced olives over a diced tomato salad, a tomato-forward ratatouille with mozzarella, charred corn and whipped ricotta served with tableside tomato soup, and a standout dessert of fried tomato topped with goat cheese ice cream and balsamic glaze.

With the victory, Dromgoole joins Ryan Clark as the only chefs to win @theironcheftucson three years in a row. Here’s hoping OBON brings these dishes back for a special dinner. 🍅

Photos by @jackie_tran_ 

#tucsonnewsThree-peat!🏆🏆🏆 @Chef_antbanks of @obonsushi defended his Iron Chef Tucson title against AJ Mortazavi of The Barnyard Crafthouse & Eatery, with tomatoes from Wholesum Family Farms revealed as this year’s secret ingredient. Dromgoole’s winning menu included pork with minced olives over a diced tomato salad, a tomato-forward ratatouille with mozzarella, charred corn and whipped ricotta served with tableside tomato soup, and a standout dessert of fried tomato topped with goat cheese ice cream and balsamic glaze. With the victory, Dromgoole joins Ryan Clark as the only chefs to win @theironcheftucson three years in a row. Here’s hoping OBON brings these dishes back for a special dinner. 🍅 Photos by @jackie_tran_ #tucsonnewsBreakfast & Brunch Week starts today and 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: @lovinspoonfulstucson, @delcielotamal, @hotelcongress, @prepandpastry, @cafealacarttucson, @tooleys_cafe, @localetucson, @teaspoontucson, @theofficialbreadandbutter, @losmilicsvineyards, @cafepassetucson… More suggestions on the website. Link in bio. 

Let’s support local 💝

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazBreakfast & Brunch Week starts today and 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: @lovinspoonfulstucson, @delcielotamal, @hotelcongress, @prepandpastry, @cafealacarttucson, @tooleys_cafe, @localetucson, @teaspoontucson, @theofficialbreadandbutter, @losmilicsvineyards, @cafepassetucson… More suggestions on the website. Link in bio. Let’s support local 💝 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim 

@bellasgelatoshoppetucson 
@bisouburger 
@blueicegelato 
@brooklynpizzaco 
@azbrucha 
@cerestucson 
@chillonsunrise 
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@frostgelato 
@frozendelight520 
@hubdowntown 
@lickscatalina 
@littleanthonysdiner 
@noodiestucson 
@okashi_ice_cream_confections 
@thescreamery 
@treat_byciaodown 
@varietyh2o_icecream 
@zio_peppe_az 

See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim @bellasgelatoshoppetucson @bisouburger @blueicegelato @brooklynpizzaco @azbrucha @cerestucson @chillonsunrise @decibelcoffeeworks @frostgelato @frozendelight520 @hubdowntown @lickscatalina @littleanthonysdiner @noodiestucson @okashi_ice_cream_confections @thescreamery @treat_byciaodown @varietyh2o_icecream @zio_peppe_az See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore 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.🍝

THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• (2) $100 Visa gift cards
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia 
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card 
• 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
• Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival

Let’s support local this summer💞

@anello_pizzeria 
@brooklynpizzaco 
@charredpie 
@ciaodownpizza 
@embersmobilewoodfiredpizza 
@empirepizzatucson 
@falorapizza 
@fentonellispizzeria 
@fiammepizza 
@frescotucson 
@tucsonjaimes 
@localetucson 
@penelope.woodfired 
@reillypizza 
@reneestucson 
@roccoslittlechicago 
@serial_grillers_az 
@timemarket 
@uglybuthonestpizzeria 
@veroamoretucson 
@wholeslvcepizza 
@zio_peppe_az 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore 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.🍝 THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉 • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival Let’s support local this summer💞 @anello_pizzeria @brooklynpizzaco @charredpie @ciaodownpizza @embersmobilewoodfiredpizza @empirepizzatucson @falorapizza @fentonellispizzeria @fiammepizza @frescotucson @tucsonjaimes @localetucson @penelope.woodfired @reillypizza @reneestucson @roccoslittlechicago @serial_grillers_az @timemarket @uglybuthonestpizzeria @veroamoretucson @wholeslvcepizza @zio_peppe_az #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌

Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 

11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌 Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonFoodie Dinner at @Sonoranhouse_samhughes! 

Executive Chef @Culinarycowboy86d showcased delicious new dishes while guests enjoyed tastings and shared feedback. Thank you to Chef Gabby, @sonoranhouse_samhughes, and everyone who joined us!🥂

Want in on more foodie experiences? 
Here’s what Tucson Foodie Members get:

• $6,000+ in gift cards & perks
• Free monthly Foodie Hours
• Exclusive R&D dinners
• Festival discounts
• Help keep Tucson Foodie free

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieFoodie Dinner at @Sonoranhouse_samhughes! Executive Chef @Culinarycowboy86d showcased delicious new dishes while guests enjoyed tastings and shared feedback. Thank you to Chef Gabby, @sonoranhouse_samhughes, and everyone who joined us!🥂 Want in on more foodie experiences? Here’s what Tucson Foodie Members get: • $6,000+ in gift cards & perks • Free monthly Foodie Hours • Exclusive R&D dinners • Festival discounts • Help keep Tucson Foodie free #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!