Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
Tumerico is #1 on Yelp’s list of Top 100 Places to Eat in 2024

Tamale at Tumerico (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Tumerico is #1 on Yelp’s list of Top 100 Places to Eat in 2024

Jan 23, 20242 min read

The Yelpers have spoken and Tumerico has taken the #1 spot on Yelp’s “Top 100 Places to Eat in 2024.” And, we’re not talking about just locally — this list includes 100 restaurants from all over the U.S.

This year, Yelp’s data science team made the list by using the data generated from community submissions. From there, they narrowed down the list with “the expertise of our community managers and Trend Expert to curate a list as quirky, interesting and unique as the Yelp Community itself.”

Tumerico, which is owned by Wendy Garcia, who was also recognized as a semifinalist for a James Beard Award in 2023, is no stranger to Yelp’s recognition — they were listed at #8 last year.

“When I opened Tumerico, I wanted people to try traditional Mexican food, but vegetarian and vegan,” Garcia told Yelp. “It’s all about those recipes I made with mom, dad, and grandma—tamales, chilaquiles, enchiladas, barbacoa — whatever Mexican dish you can think of, we can make [a vegetarian version] at Tumerico.”

Tumerico is located at 2526 E. Sixth St. and 402 E. Fourth Ave. For more information, visit tumerico.com.

Other Tucson Restaurants on the Top 100 List

Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Cafe

Ranked #39 out of 100
Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Cafe (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Oh, and that’s not all! Other Tucson restaurants are in the spotlight on this year’s list as well like Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Cafe. The local spot on First Avenue was also recognized last year and in 2024 they came in at #39 out of 100.

“Tucson has found a new star! Love their little touch of a sprinkle of alegria on every dish they bring out. No detail is ignored here. Unreal. Everything is made from scratch and it shows,” said Yelp user, Russell B.

Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Cafe is located at 2530 N. First Ave. For more information, follow Buendia on Facebook. 

Baja Cafe

Ranked #50 out of 100
Shelby Benedict at Baja Cafe (Photo credit: Isaac Stockton)

Baja Cafe is also getting some love this year, coming in hot at #50 on the list. Baja’s casual yet creative flair has been recognized before on a national level. They’ve been featured on Canada Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here!, and the restaurant made an appearance on the Travel Channel’s Man vs. Food.

For more information, visit bajacafetucson.com.

La Chaiteria

Ranked #68 out of 100
Tacos at La Chaiteria (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Wendy Garcia is on a roll in 2024! This is Garcia’s other restaurant concept found on the west side, serving popular dishes like Al Pastor Tacos, Huevos Rancheros, Cuban Tacos (with jackfruit carnitas), and Vegan Ropa Vieja.

La Chaiteria is located at 1002 W. Congress St. For more information, visit lachaiteria.com.

To check out the full “Top 100 Restaurants” list, visit yelp.com.

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

Get our free Tucson Foodie weekly newsletter

New openings, events, dish recommendations, and guides — every Wednesday. 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.

Advertisement

Follow @TucsonFoodie136.1K followers
IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. 

Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.IOU Sushi III has closed. The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant on North Oracle Road announced the news on Facebook after about 10 years in Tucson. “This is the hardest post I’ve had to write,” the owners said. The post continued, “we have met some great friends who have become family to us.” Tucson Foodie first visited the restaurant in 2017, when it operated as IOU Sushi IV. Read the full story on tucsonfoodie.com.
THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 

@Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. 

Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. 

The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. 

WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave.
TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free
 
SPECIAL ADMISSION: 
• Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID 
• Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups
• Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID

ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.THE FALL SOUTHERN AZ HOME SHOW RETURNS OCT. 16-18 WITH TWO BIG CULINARY HEADLINERS🔥 @Tcctucson welcomes award-winning pitmaster @Sloanrinaldi for an “All Things Brisket” demo at 2:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, followed by a meet-and-greet. Three-time Iron Chef Tucson champion @Chef_antbanks of @Obonsushi takes the Culinary Showcase Stage Saturday at noon. The show will also feature 200+ vendors, food trucks, pet-friendly attractions, adoptable animals, HGTV’s Matt Blashaw, the Kids Market, and more. WHEN: Oct. 16-18 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. WHERE: TCC 📍260 S. Church Ave. TICKETS: $8 | $4 with discount coupon | Kids 12 & under free SPECIAL ADMISSION: • Friday: Seniors 65+ free; half-price for military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers with ID • Saturday: Half-price for seniors and the same groups • Sunday (Heroes Day): Seniors half-price; military, veterans, first responders, police, firefighters & teachers free with ID ALL DAYS: $2 admission from 3-5 p.m. Free parking in Convention Center Lot B.
Anne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. 

Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com 
Photos by @sea_lyonAnne Rysdale built @sheltercocktaillounge in 1961 with concrete walls, lava rock, and Cold War nerves. Today, owners Pam Santangelo and Kevin Breutzmann keep the Tucson bar exactly as regulars remember it. Inside, martinis share space with JFK memorabilia, a vintage atomic chandelier, and a suit of armor named Charlie. “Tucson is changing so much, but this has stayed the same. It’s a time capsule,” Santangelo said. Read @sea_lyon’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photos by @sea_lyon
Scratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜

@ikkyu.tucson 
@jaramencurry 
@kiwamiramenbar 
@kukai___ 
@marujapanesenoodle 
@maruplusaz 
@obonsushi 
@raijinramen 
@theramenbartucson 
@tossfriedchickennramen 

More guides on Tucsonfoodie.comScratch-made Japanese ramen goes far beyond instant noodles, with rich broths like tonkotsu, miso, and shoyu. Tucson has more specialty ramen shops than you might expect. Here’s where to find them around town.🍜 @ikkyu.tucson @jaramencurry @kiwamiramenbar @kukai___ @marujapanesenoodle @maruplusaz @obonsushi @raijinramen @theramenbartucson @tossfriedchickennramen More guides on Tucsonfoodie.com