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Take me anywhere in the southwest and I will be a happy hiker. Will I be a happy foodie? That’s more debatable. The sightseeing and outdoor adventures make up for the lack of great restaurant options in some parts of the southwest. Tucson, Arizona is a completely different story! 

In my guide to the best indoor and outdoor things to do in Tucson you’ll see that the city is a natural and a cultural hub. As the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the US, Tucson is also a foodie’s paradise! You don’t need to wonder where to eat in Tucson! 

Tucson’s history has created the perfect fusion of cuisines. Thousands of years ago indigenous people started planting in the region. Throughout the 16th – 19th centuries the Spanish colonized what is now southern Arizona and tried to convert the indigenous people to Catholicism. When the US acquired Arizona, Chinese came to work on the railroads and cowboys came to ranch. All of those groups of people brought different ways of planting or cooking, ingredients, and foods. Today many of those traditional ingredients and ways of cooking are incorporated into dishes at the best places to eat in Tucson. 

Located within the Sonoran Desert, Tucson’s location also plays a role in its unique cuisine. The southwest dishes take on the flavors of the Sonoran Desert with mesquite pods, cacti, chilis, and berries. Only an hour’s drive from Mexico’s border, Tucson has some of the best Mexican food in the US. 

The following are the best local Tucson restaurants to experience the city’s fantastic food scene! 

The Best Local Tucson Restaurants

Cafe Santa Rosa

This Native American restaurant in South Tucson is definitely one of the best local Tucson restaurants. It’s a great place to try Native American fry bread, also known as popovers. I went all out and ended up ordering enough food to feed a small army! First, the popover sampler was my appetizer. It claimed to have “three mini popovers” but they were quite filling. It included both red chile and green chile popovers, as well as an Indian bean taco.

For my main course I ordered a combination plate with one flat enchilada, one ground beef patty taco, and one chorizo and bean tostada. For my choice of side I picked calabacitas (squash with other vegetables). It was really different than I was expecting and unfortunately too cheesy for me. Everything else was very good.

I would only recommend ordering this much food if you are able to have leftovers. I’m a pretty hearty eater, but it took four meals for me to finish everything! The servers were very friendly and I liked the casual, family friendly neighborhood vibe. 

El Charro Cafe 

Do you want to eat at the oldest continually running Mexican restaurant in the country? Of course you do! Head to Charro Cafe in downtown Tucson. Monica Flin opened the restaurant in its original location in 1922 (it’s in its third location now). When she accidentally dropped a burrito in a fry pan she started to say a Spanish swear word. As the story goes she ended up saying a made up word, “chimichanga”, instead as young children were around. Thanks to that mistake and Monica’s quick language correction we now have what we all know and love as the chimichanga! 

Today the female Flin family tradition carries on with Monica’s great niece Carlotta Flores. You aren’t the only one that wants to dine at this long standing Tucson restaurant, so be prepared for a wait. 

I loved the chips and salsa. I had to restrain myself when the waiter asked if I wanted more. The tamales were really good too. Sometimes Mexican rice can be bland, but I was impressed with the rice as it was quite tasty. Next time I definitely need to order a chimichanga. 

Tito and Pep 

Known as Midtown’s neighborhood bistro, Tito and Pep is one of the best local Tucson restaurants for contemporary dishes with a southwestern flare. I dined here one year on NYE. Not only was the manager great with getting us an earlier reservation, but the service during dining was excellent as well. 

The grilled salmon with roasted spaghetti squash, green chili dashi, and pepitas was delicious. Another flavorful choice is the sea of cortez shrimp with masa dumplings and seafood broth. For a decadent, but very rich dessert choose the chocolate ganache. While the menu has changed since I dined here and the salmon dish is different, whatever you order will be a good choice.

It’s a great option for NYE if you are looking for a nice dinner (or any night of the year), but you don’t want a prix fixe meal. They are open every night for dinner and weekends for brunch. Reservations are recommended. 

The Cork Tucson

Although it’s changed ownership and names several times, The Cork has been one of the best local Tucson restaurants since 1966. It’s a steakhouse with southwestern flavors. The menu is full of different types of meats including beef, lamb, venison, duck, bison, and kangaroo. 

The filet mignon wrapped in jalapeño bacon with an ancho demi-glaze was the perfect combination of my favorite steak cut with a bit of spicy southwest burst of flavor. It looks like the steak now has a classic bordelaise sauce instead of the ancho demi-glaze. I would say this is an unfortunate change, but I can’t dis it until I have tried it! For sides you won’t regret choosing the Mexican street corn. I also really liked the asparagus, especially because the waiter didn’t include the upcharge on the bill! 

It’s another Tucson restaurant that I enjoyed on NYE as it doesn’t have a prix fixe meal. While it isn’t an elegant atmosphere, the historic restaurant with small cozy rooms gives a romantic and unique feel for any special night out. 

Guadalajara Grill 

Guadalajara Original Grill has two locations. I dined at the original Prince Road location. Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, Emma Yoland Vera opened this location in 2002. With her success at her first location she opened the Oracle Road restaurant in 2016. I love that many of the top Tucson restaurants were started by female entrepreneurs! 

Upon entering the Prince Road location the first thing you’ll notice is the giant wall murals. The entire restaurant is bright and colorful. The service is just as warm and inviting. On some nights you will be serenaded by live mariachis. Our waiter was so patient with giving me time to thoroughly read the menu before I could decide. 

It’s really hard to decide what to order. Luckily I could enjoy salsa as I leisurely perused the menu. The complimentary salsa is made fresh table side in the evenings. I could certainly taste the difference and will be forever ruined for anything else. How am I ever going to be able to eat salsa from a jar again? 

The menu consists of specialties from Vera’s upbringing in Guadalajara as well as other inventive Mexican dishes. As I wanted to try a dish that I can’t get at most Mexican restaurants around the US I took the waiter’s recommendation and ordered chile nogada, the national dish of Mexico. I wasn’t a huge fan of the walnut cream based sauce as I don’t like a lot of dairy products, but I’m confident that is more about my personal tastes than the dish itself. All the other components of the dish were delicious. 

Momo’s on 6th 

Some of the places to eat in Tucson that I included above will make a big dent in your wallet. If you’re looking to eat somewhere cheaper, without sacrificing quality, Momo’s is your answer! Conveniently located across the street from the University of Arizona, I can imagine this place is packed when school is in session. Over winter break it was still busy. 

The counter service place serves Mexican classics including tacos, burritos, bowls, and enchiladas. The street tacos have a higher price tag than you’ll find in Mexico, but they taste just like the real deal. Plus on Taco Tuesdays there is a discount! Momo’s is extra budget friendly as you also receive a bag with your order for self-serve chips and salsas. 

The New York dog, Chicago style dog, Kansas City style dog…..there are so many different varieties of hot dogs around the US. When in Tucson, you need to try a Sonoran hot dog. It starts with the bun, a soft bolillo-style bun. Before even putting the dog and toppings in it is already a better hot dog than the other varieties. Then comes the bacon wrapped dog with pinto beans, onions, tomato, salsa verde, mustard, and mayo on top. I don’t even like hot dogs, but if I am going to have one I want it to be a Sonoran dog (minus the mustard and mayo)! 

They also run a food truck on 4th avenue which is open late on Friday and Saturday nights. 

Poco & Mom’s Cantina

Another great southwestern destination for food, culture, and outdoor adventures is New Mexico. While visiting Albuquerque and Santa Fe I loved trying the local cuisine. The staple of New Mexican food is the hatch chile. New Mexican chiles are found in so many different foods. 

You may be in Arizona, but you’re only across the state line from New Mexico. Poco & Mom’s Cantina is the place to get a taste of hatch chile and the state’s speciality dishes. I went with a stuffed sopapilla full of ground beef, green chili sauce, and vegetables. Instead of rice and beans I had calabacitas on the side. These ones were cheese free and right up my alley. 

The outdoor patio is behind the restaurant which makes for a nice dining experience without cars whizzing by. Enjoying a meal at one of the tables centered around the fountain is a lovely dining experience on a nice day or at sunset. 

Choice Greens

Do you need a break from all the heavy southwestern food? I’m a hearty eater, but even I need a healthy veggie packed salad once in a while. The counter serve restaurant has salads, sandwiches, paninis, grain bowls, and soups. 

Choose from pre-designed dishes or create your own. You know I am going with the create your own option. There is no shortage of “choppings” to choose from. My salad was ready on time for pick up, the order was accurate, and everything was fresh and tasty! 

There are two locations. Both offer delivery, pick-up, and dine in. 

Tucson Food Tour

I hope you will trust me with all my local Tucson restaurant recommendations! Although I have been to all of the restaurants above and always do way more research on where to eat than the average traveler, don’t miss out on recommendations straight from a local. Join a walking tour with tastings or a historic 4th avenue food tour for more of the best spots to eat in Tucson! 

More Local Tucson Restaurants 

Why do I always return to places over and over? More places to eat of course! Tucson is no different. These are a few more local places to eat in Tucson that are highly rated, but I haven’t had a chance to try yet. 

• Mi Nidito – a long standing, family run Mexican restaurant founded by a couple from Sonora
• La Indita Restaurant – a restaurant with Mexican – Native American fare 
• La Estrella Bakery – a family owned Mexican bakery with breads, tamales, and sweets. 
• Noodleholics – a Chinese noodle restaurant started by Clair Wang who is originally from China.
• JoJo’s – a downtown restaurant with a great outdoor patio. The menu is a mix of different cuisines. 
• The Parish – serves southern food in an eclectic atmosphere 
• Renee’s – a cozy, yet upscale Italian restaurant 

There are so many local Tucson restaurants you need to try. Let me know in the comments what you think are the best restaurants in Tucson! If I helped you decide where to eat in Tucson please consider supporting me by Buying Me a Coffee.

More About Arizona

• Indoor and Outdoor Things to Do in Tucson
• Things to Do in Downtown Phoenix
• Things to Do in Old Town Scottsdale
• One Week Phoenix to Grand Canyon Road Trip
• Grand Canyon’s South Kaibab Trail to Skeleton Point

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