10 More Must-Try Tucson Restaurants (Volume 3): A Local’s Guide to the Best Eats in the Old Pueblo
Tucson’s food scene is one of the richest and most diverse in the United States — and as one of UNESCO’s only Cities of Gastronomy, we take that honor seriously. Today, we’re diving into 10 more incredible Tucson restaurants you absolutely need to try, from iconic pho, to fusion sushi, artisan pizza, poke bowls, donuts, ramen, and classic breakfast favorites.
Hi everyone! I’m Kimberly, your Tucson real estate expert and lifelong local. If you love exploring Tucson’s hidden gems, restaurant hotspots, and lifestyle favorites, make sure to like, subscribe, and explore the 1,000+ videos on my YouTube channel Welcome to Tucson, Arizona.
Now — let’s eat!
1. Ha Long Bay – Tucson’s Eastside Pho Favorite
Volcano Appetizer Sampler-Ha Long Bay
There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of pho, and Ha Long Bay on Tucson’s east side serves some of the best in town. Their rich, fragrant bone broth pairs perfectly with rice noodles, meats, shrimp, or chicken — whatever flavor profile you’re craving.
Start your meal with the Volcano Appetizer Sampler, packed with something for everyone. Whether you’re warming up on a cool desert morning or craving fresh Vietnamese flavors, Ha Long Bay never disappoints.
2. Falora – Tucson’s Artisan Pizza & Pasta Experience
El Farrizo-Falora
Falora is a Tucson staple, known for its artisan wood-fired pizzas baked using locally sourced mesquite. Inspired by Naples, Italy, their Neapolitan-style pizza features a thin crust, beautifully blistered edges, and impossibly fresh ingredients.
Must-try dishes:
El Farrizo — plant-based chorizo, vegan mozzarella, and veggies
La Cura — cured Italian salami, olives, garlic, and bold Italian flavor
Any of their house-made pastas, crafted fresh daily
Perfect for date nights, gathering with friends, or indulging in stunning food photography.
3. Toss Fried Chicken and Ramen – Flavor-Packed Fusion Bowls
Toss Ramen and Fried Chicken
Located on Alvernon Way, Toss Ramen and Fried Chicken blends traditional ramen comfort with bold, modern flavors.
Imagine a steaming bowl of broth layered with spices and toppings, paired with crispy fried chicken or tender noodles. The vibrant atmosphere, murals, and unique bowl art elevate the entire experience.
If you're craving a ramen spot with big flavor and bigger personality, Toss is where it’s at.
4. Samurai Sombrero – Tucson’s Best Fusion Sushi
Samurai Sombrero
A longtime Tucson food truck favorite, Samurai Sombrero now has a permanent home inside American Eat Co. on 4th Ave. This husband-and-wife team continues to serve some of the most creative — and addictive — fusion sushi rolls in the city.
Fan favorites include:
Lobster Popcorn Roll
Deep-Fried Cali Roll
Their warm hospitality keeps fans returning again and again. If your family loves sushi, this one becomes an instant go-to.
5. Amy’s Donuts – 120+ Handmade Donut Flavors
Amy’s Donuts
For the sweet tooth in your life (or for yourself — no judgment), Amy’s Donuts is a candy-colored paradise where the smell of fresh dough hits you before you even walk inside.
With over 120 rotating flavors, from traditional glazed to cereal-topped creations, there's something new to try on every visit. Whether you want whimsy or classic perfection, Amy’s delivers the freshest donuts in Tucson. You’ll come for one — and leave with a dozen.
6. Ginza Sushi – Northeast Tucson’s Sushi Gem
Nestled in northeast Tucson, Ginza Sushi is a favorite among locals craving authentic Japanese flavors, fresh fish, and izakaya-style dining.
A few standouts:
Salmon, tuna, and eel nigiri
Creative specialty rolls
The famous Heart Attack — jalapeño stuffed with spicy tuna and cream cheese
Ginza offers quality, value, and unforgettable flavor every single time.
7. Fresco – One of Tucson’s Best Classic Pizzerias
Fresco-The Crowd Pleaser
Owned by Tucson culinary pros Mat and Britnee Cable, Fresco brings traditional, hearty pizza to life with smoky meats, fresh bread, and house-made sausage.
Menu favorites:
Crowd Pleaser Pizza
Pepperoni
Mushrooms
Onions
Bell peppers
House Italian sausage
Olives
Extra mozzarella (the secret weapon!)
One large Fresco pizza easily feeds a family of four — with leftovers. Incredible flavor, incredible value.
8. Pure Poke & Prep – Hawaiian Bowls in the Desert
Pure Poke & Prep
Transport your taste buds straight to the islands at Pure Poke & Prep, where fresh-cut fish and build-your-own bowls let you craft your perfect poke experience.
Start with:
Rice, noodles, or greens
Add your protein:
Tuna
Salmon
Tofu
Then topple on:
Avocado
Seaweed salad
Cucumber
Edamame
Signature sauces
Light, refreshing, energizing — a tropical escape in every bite.
9. Bailey’s Artisan Pizza Truck – Tucson’s Mobile Pizza Heaven
Sonoran-Style Hawaiian Pizza-Bailey’s
Serving out of a 24-foot gourmet truck, Bailey’s Artisan Pizza Truck dishes up wood-fired pies with creative toppings and unforgettable flavor.
Top picks include:
Sonoran-style Hawaiian Pizza
Mama Mia Pie — ricotta lovers, this one’s for you
The Calzone — one of the best calzones in Tucson, hands down
If you spot this truck around town, run — don’t walk.
10. Egg Connection – Tucson’s Classic Diner Breakfast
Eggs Benedict and Grits-The Egg Connection
A Tucson staple for decades, Egg Connection delivers old-school, no-frills diner comfort — the kind of breakfast your grandparents loved and your dad probably still swears by.
Popular dishes:
Waffles & pancakes
Eggs Benedict
Hash browns & omelets
Grits (Kimberly’s favorite!)
Decorated with Old West charm and classic diner energy, it’s everything breakfast should be.
Tucson: A UNESCO City of Gastronomy
From eastside pho to downtown sushi to mountain-view poke bowls, Tucson’s culinary culture is unlike anywhere else. These restaurants represent just a slice of what makes our food scene so special — rich history, local creativity, and flavors influenced by cultures around the world.
If you try any of these places, let me know your favorite! Drop a comment or reach out — I love hearing from fellow Tucson foodies.
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I’m Kimberly Mihalka, your go-to Tucson real estate expert and lifelong Tucsonan. Whether you’re relocating, upsizing, downsizing, or investing, I’d love to help you navigate the market with confidence.
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