10 More Must-Try Restaurants in Tucson, Arizona (From a Local!)
Tucson may not be the biggest city in the country, but our food scene is second to none.
If you're hungry in the Old Pueblo, you're in for a real treat. As someone who was born and raised here—and as a real estate agent constantly showing off our neighborhoods—I’ve had the delicious responsibility of trying out nearly every eatery in town. And yes, I’ve got opinions.
This is my second roundup of local favorites, and I promise there’s something for everyone on this list. From quick street tacos to James Beard-nominated cuisine, Tucson serves up flavor, culture, and creativity in every bite.
Let’s dive into another round of Tucson’s tastiest.
Street Taco & Beer Co.
Street Taco & Beer Co.
There’s a reason this place is always packed. Street Taco & Beer Co. is a go-to spot for authentic Mexican street food served up with flair. You’ll watch your tacos grilled right in front of you while the aroma of sizzling carne asada fills the air.
Be sure to try their signature carne asada fries, a local legend. They also make a killer Street Dog, their version of the Sonoran hot dog. Wash it all down with a refreshing horchata and don’t forget to grab a warm churro on your way out. This is casual Tucson flavor at its absolute best.
Raijin Ramen
Raijin Ramen
When you're craving comfort in a bowl, few places hit the spot like Raijin Ramen. Located in midtown, Raijin brings authentic Japanese ramen to the Sonoran Desert. The broths are slow-simmered and rich, the noodles are chewy and satisfying, and every bowl is filled to the brim with delicious toppings.
Start with the Gyoza dumplings, and then pick your favorite ramen base—from tonkotsu to miso. It’s one of the most satisfying meals you’ll find in town, especially on one of Tucson’s rare chilly days.
Jerry Bob’s
Jerry Bob’s
A classic Tucson diner experience, Jerry Bob’s is where you go when you want hearty, no-fuss, home-style cooking. With locations across the city, it's beloved by locals for breakfast and brunch—and it’s the kind of place where the coffee keeps coming and the portions are generous.
You’ll find all the diner staples here—fluffy omelets, breakfast burritos, hash browns, and grits—plus Southern favorites like chicken fried steak and fried okra. If you want comfort food with a side of friendly smiles, Jerry Bob’s is your spot.
Graze
Graze Premium Burgers
Graze is where fast food meets foodie values. Their burgers are made with 100% grass-fed beef from local ranches—no hormones, no antibiotics, just seriously good flavor. The brioche buns are pillowy perfection, and they’ve got a full menu of handcrafted sauces to take things up a notch.
Don't skip the sweet potato tots and be sure to try one of their organic house-made sodas—the prickly pear iced tea is my personal favorite. With locations on Speedway and Broadway, this is a quick lunch that tastes like something you'd sit down for.
Locale Neighborhood Italian
From the moment you step inside Locale, you feel transported. This charming trattoria tucked into midtown Tucson is one of the city’s most romantic and relaxing dinner spots. With both indoor and patio dining, it’s ideal for date night or an upscale group gathering.
The food? Bellissimo. Classic Italian dishes are given a fresh, local twist using seasonal Arizona ingredients. The pasta is handmade, the cocktails are vibrant, and the house-baked bread from their on-site bakery is almost too beautiful to eat (but you absolutely should). If you’re celebrating something—or just love really good pasta—this is the place.
Tito & Pep
Midtown’s Tito & Pep is a culinary treasure. Chef John Martinez brings together global technique and Sonoran soul, delivering dishes that are visually stunning and bursting with bold, Southwest-inspired flavors. This bistro earned a James Beard Award semifinalist nod in 2022 and is certified as part of Tucson’s City of Gastronomy network.
Seafood lovers, rejoice—try the grilled octopus, Sea of Cortez shrimp, or Baja striped bass. And whatever you do, save room for dessert. The dark chocolate ganache with dulce de leche and whipped cream is a dream. Whether you're impressing a date or just treating yourself, this is a can't-miss dining experience.
Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen
Tucked away and wildly creative, Amelia’s is redefining what Mexican food can be in Tucson. Known for their award-winning salsas and quesabirria tacos, this restaurant also serves up some of the most unexpected fusion dishes around—birria ramen, anyone?
My family loves their chile rellenos and half-and-half sauced chimichangas, and the flan layered with chocolate cake is the perfect sweet surprise. It’s deliciously inventive comfort food that honors tradition while pushing the boundaries.
Beyond Bread
A local legend for nearly 30 years, Beyond Bread has been feeding Tucsonans scratch-made sandwiches, soups, and pastries since the '90s. Their freshly baked bread, made in-house daily, forms the foundation of every sandwich.
They recently opened a location at Mount Lemmon Lodge, perfect for a cozy bite before a mountain hike. Want a secret tip? Check out the “Back Dough” window behind the Speedway location for a rotating selection of pies and pastries. It’s a hidden gem within a local gem.
Salsa Verde Restaurant
For fast-casual Sonoran fare with serious flavor, Salsa Verde hits the mark. It’s the perfect place to meet up with friends, grab a margarita, and dig into plates of enchiladas, mole, burritos, and traditional beans.
When Tucson’s temps drop (yes, that happens!), their tortilla soup is a go-to comfort food in our house. The flavors are warm and rich, and the setting is bright and family-friendly. A fantastic spot for a casual lunch or relaxed dinner.
Gentle Ben’s Brewing Co.
An icon since 1971, Gentle Ben’s sits right on the University of Arizona campus and is packed with character—and students. But don’t let the college hangout vibe fool you. This place is serving some of the best burgers in town, along with hearty American favorites and craft brews made in-house.
Whether you’re pre-gaming before a Wildcats event or grabbing lunch with friends, this is a classic spot for Tucson nostalgia. Try the artichoke dip in a bread bowl, and then dig into a juicy burger—you might need to share!
Ready to Explore More Than Food?
Tucson’s culinary scene is just one of the many reasons people fall in love with this city—and I’d love to help you fall in love with a home here, too.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Tucson, I’d be honored to help. You can find my contact info below every video on my YouTube channel, or you can reach out directly right here.
