The question of which restaurant is Tucson’s best is always a hotly contested topic. With the number of exceptional joints to grab a taco, a burner, West Coast pizza, or simply to sip a cup of coffee, everyone has their favorite spot. Often national news outlets come to Tucson and attempt to point out their favorites, but most of these publications don’t have the kind of taste buds for Mexican and Southern Arizona cuisine to make an accurate assessment. The folks at Eater: Phoenix though do. Based out of Phoenix, this division of Eater’s publication arm is very familiar with what the region has to offer, so if any outside Tucson food publication is going to rank the Old Pueblo’s top restaurants, it’s this one.
Writers and food critics from Eater: Phoenix recently got together to try, sample, devour and indulge in all things Tucson restaurants. What did they come up with? This list of the 17 most essential restaurants in Tucson.
The Parish
6453 N. Oracle
Listed as the top joint in all of Tucson, The Parish combines Southern Arizona foods with a Cajun mix. It’s the kind of combo you wouldn’t initially think would work, but once you sample it there’s just nothing else like it in town.
The Quesadillas
2418 N. Craycroft
The publication points out the restaurant’s location near a gas station, but as anyone in the Southwest knows, some of the best quick-bites come from not only near gas stations but inside gas stations (some of the best Tex-Mex in Texas is found in gas stations to be sure).
Tito and Pep
4122 E. Speedway
This Speedway staple uses a classic mesquite grill to sear in some of the best flavors of the Southwest. And there are several unique ingredients on the menu as well, including octopus.
Noodleholics
3502 E. Grant
Noodleholics just opened up a second location in Oro Valley, so folks living up in the Northern Tucson suburb can enjoy this must-visit restaurant. All of the noodles are made in-house and it brings a burst of fresh flavor you’re not going to find in pretty much every other Chinese or noodle restaurant in town.
Kingfisher
2564 E Grant
Not all that far from Noodleholics, Kingfisher is a classic joint here in Tucson. If you’ve lived here for most of your life there’s a good chance you’ve at least ended up at Kingfisher. At night it’s a favorite dive joint, and during the day it has a range of seafood options, including shucked oysters. It’s not always the easiest thing to find in Tucson, so when there’s a location that does it right, it’s worth checking out.
El Taco Rustico
2281 N. Oracle
Sometimes you just want to be elbow deep in glorious tacos. When that sounds like your kind of dinner, El Taco Rustico is the place for you, and Eater: Phoenix highlights it.
Barista Del Barrio
1002 N. Grande
When you find the perfect breakfast joint it’s well worth its weight in food gold. Well, if you haven’t tried Barista Del Barrio, you need to. Because it might become your new favorite breakfast spot (not to mention it has some solid horchata lattes).
Zamam’s Too
119 E. Speedway
This is the second Zemam’s restaurant, but Zemama’s Too is listed as the Broadway location is still closed from the pandemic. There are some hidden gem Ethiopian restaurants in Tucson, and it’s nice to see Eater highlight this spot.
Tumerico
2526 E. 6th St.
Looking for that healthy, vegetable option that still comes loaded with spice and flavor? Yup, Tumerico is the joint you’ve been searching for.
BOCA Tacos Y Tequila
533 N 4th Avenue
There wasn’t going to be a list without this spot included. Maria Mazon, the head chef and owner appeared on Top Chef and is a James Beard Award semifinalist. And, she serves up tacos and tequila. How could you go wrong?
Anello
222 E. 6th Street
Tucson doesn’t have many Sicilian or traditional tomato-sauce pizza joints, but it does have its share of the Neapolitan meets California pizza joints, and Eater recognizes Anello as the best of the bunch.
Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink
101 E. Pennington St
It’s a shame the speakeasy bar under Reilly’s wasn’t mentioned in the Eater write-up, but it’s well worth checking out. As is the list of beer, wine, and Italian offerings.
Charro Steak & Del Rey
188 E. Broadway
Some of the best steaks and seafood in town can be found here. Few locations in Arizona do lobster-like Charro does.
Kukai
267 South Avenida del Convento
Looking to up your ramen game? Kukai takes authentic Japanese ramen very seriously. You’ll never want another freeze-dried packet of noodles or spice pack again.
Five Points Market
756 S. Stone
The part market part restaurant has an exceptional breakfast. The atmosphere also makes it a must-visit.
Ruiz Hot Dogs Los Chipilones
1140 S. 6th Ave
Can you call yourself a Tucson native if you’ve never had a Sonoran hot dog before? You’re not going to find this kind of dog anywhere else in the country, so you should grab one at Ruiz.
PY Steakhouse
5655 W. Valencia
Nestled close to Casino del Sol, this is a spot that has some fantastic salads, in addition to steaks and beautiful pork shoulder. It’s almost more popular with visitors that hit up the casino. Do yourself a favor and check it out.