Location: Tucson
Top Restaurants in Tucson
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Where to Eat in Tucson: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Although Tucson's fantastic weather, national parks and forests and desert provide the perfect environment for tons of outdoor recreational activities, this city of half a million people also has its share of history and culture. With a history that goes back much further than many of its southwestern neighbors, Tucson boasts turn-of-the-century architecture, historic neighborhoods, museums and the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a still-functioning 18th-century mission considered one of the most beautiful in the U.S. Mexican and Native American influences are pervasive, and the city has a distinctly Western flavor. There's also a college-town atmosphere, thanks to the University of Arizona, which has its own share of museums and a science center. Whether golfing at a world-class golf resort, horseback riding, hiking in the wilderness, discovering desert flora and fauna at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum or exploring pre-Columbian and other art at the Tucson Art Museum, you'll have a mind-boggling array of things to do.
Things to do in Tucson
1. Baja Cafe of Tucson
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
Reviewed By A2ZREVIEWS
DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE WHEN IN TUCSON! This restaurant could be in the running for best breakfast in America. We had blueberry, snickerdoodle, pecan roll pancakes and the peach french toast along with the mound of hash browns, bacon and eggs. While everything was excellent the pecan roll pancake was out of this world. Our waitress, Beaker, suggested it and she was dead on, providing great service and as cute as she could be. Wish you guys would open another Baja Cafe in Prescott, AZ and bring Beaker with you...
2. Vivace Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Rated number one for food in Tucson, by Zagat Survey, this Foothills restaurant has a Tuscan decor providing northern Italian fare, thoughtfully prepared with reasonable prices and wine list. Choose from a selection of appetizers, salads, pasta and main plates such as crab filled breaded chicken breast or grilled fresh salmon and rock shrimp. Relaxed inside and patio dining.
Reviewed By Dorania M - Scottsdale, Arizona
My friend raved about this place, yes food is good, but I am from Jersey so Italian food has to be outstanding. The portions are large and they will cook anything even when is not in the menu. The service was excellent and the view amazing.
3. 5 Points Market and Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By Lisazona - Phoenix, Arizona
Food and atmosphere are fun but the service is uneven — sometimes, if you’re lucky, you get a waiter or waitress who is friendly and understands good service. But, just as often you’ll be treated to a sort of hipsterish apathy or outright grumpiness and irritability as though they are doing the customers a favor by serving them. So as long as you don’t expect to be treated with curtesy, then you won’t be too disappointed.
4. The Tasteful Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 139 reviews
We're an independently-owned & operated restaurant & caterer. We have a passion for cooking & sharing outstanding gourmet vegetarian cuisine made with love.
Reviewed By An0nyMs - Tucson, Arizona
If your idea of Thanksgiving fare isn't necessarily traditional, try this place. The $35 prix fixe menu was scrumptious. My main course was a portobello mushroom in puff pastry with a delicious sauce and lots of fresh veggies. One of my friends had a pumpkin tamale (served in a corn husk, as it should be). Bring your own wine if you want it (there's a corkage fee).
It was weird that, at this price point, they charge 4% extra for paying with a credit card!? Bring cash or plan to pay a few bucks more. But, overall, what a great restaurant!
5. Flying V Bar & Grill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 749 reviews
Executive Chef Ken Harvey has created a delicious menu for you to savor indoors in our rustic dining room, in front of the cozy fireplace—or outdoors on our patio, surrounded by magnificent views. Indulge in our famous table-side guacamole, made to order by the guacamoliere, our very own guacamole expert who mixes the freshest ingredients just the way you like it.
Reviewed By Vladimir1968 - Calgary, Canada
Really enjoyed our dinner here with the kids. Much better than our first visit. Went all seafood this time, so perhaps that is the better option here. The squid appetizer with southwestern spices was excellent, though would have liked a few more than 5 pieces for $16. ;) My sea bass with lobster risotto was superb and my better half loved her ahi tuna with the horseradish potatoes. Oddly enough, while the adult food came in reasonable portions, the kids menu items were massive.
6. It's Greek to Me
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 288 reviews
Daytime Deli and Dinnertime Dining! Lunch menu Friday and Saturday from 11AM to 3PM. As always, our award winning dinners made from fresh ingredients are available after 4 PM 7 days a week!
Reviewed By SobremesaStudios - Phoenix, Arizona
Azure waters, friendly jovial people, greek food prepared to entice you - that's Greece. We've been several times. What we didn't realize is south Greece is apparently located in Tucson! LOL
And I say that because "It's Greek To Me" is simply magnificent!
We were driving up from a lovely Mexican beach town headed back to Phoenix when we decided that this restaurant was beckoning to us. Rather than a typical highway fast food dinner we decided to try this restaurant which had been recommended by a family member.
It's about 30 minutes off the 10, but it is well worth it. And as it turns out, you can then head right into Phoenix using Route 79 to 60, and then straight up the 101. So it's very doable if you're traveling.
We were able to refresh ourselves for the last leg of our trip but more importantly, we had the best meal! We love Greek food and we've eaten at the best restaurants but Tucson has managed to attract a husband and wife team who've poured their heart and soul, along with their considerable expertise, into offering the most succulent Greek food, short of the Greek Islands.
You are warmly welcomed by the hostess/owner at this small restaurant tucked away in a mall.
And with the iced mint tea and the first forkful of Greek salad, you start realizing that you've stumbled across something quite special.
The moussaka - ahh, it's amazing! The sauce...oh my it's just exquisite. And the Pastitsio is just heavenly!
We couldn't believe our good fortune! Each bite transported us to the Greek Isles. Even Zorba the Greek would be in awe of the entrees that this restaurant whips up.
A lot of thought has clearly gone into the selection of ingredients, the preparation, and the presentation. Diners who'd ordered the braised ribs could be heard exclaiming with delight on this particular evening.
And dessert? Well we decided to try the honey cake to share. You must try this dish. It is whipped perfection!
And to top off our evening we brought home spanokopita for the next day. And oh yes, it was probably the best spinach pie we've ever tasted. The chef prepared it for us to cook the next day and it transported us right back to this wonderful restaurant right in the Oro Valley.
So if visions of Greece dance in your head, or a repast fit for Zorba the Greek sound like your cup of tea, then head straight for "It's Greek To Me" for an evening of Greek favorites and attentive service.
7. Renee's Organic Oven
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 315 reviews
A local restaurant with a focus on casual excellence. Our menu offers something great for everyone. We look forward to having you join us here today~ Great service, a thoughtful wine list featuring Arizona wine, SIP certified and make for great menu pairing. Excellent cocktails, beer served in frosty pints and a great happy hour served daily 4-6 and all day Tuesday's & Sunday's Renee's is not a chain and we are not a affiliated with any other restaurant.
Reviewed By rutika m
Amazing food...great service ...the jammies super salad is a must have ...the pizzas are crisp and super tasty and they do a half n half pizza for the best of two ...the artichoke dip is to die for...great pesto pasta!!!great service !!
8. Bobo's Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
Reviewed By Twinbrook60 - Rockville, Maryland
If you like local diners, this is a good one. We got a table for breakfast luckily but it filled up fast & soon folks were waiting. Efficient but pleasant servers. I had a delicious, large omelet w/ many kinds of veggies & cheese & sourdough toast. My companion had a wonderful Reuben sandwich & fries. You need to free up the table so the next hungry folks can sit down!
9. Biscuits Country Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
We provide an American Breakfast and lunch, both served anytime. If you love Red, White and Blue you will certainly love our place. Join our rewards program and earn free food including birthdays, anniversaries and other special times.
Reviewed By Ted B - Tucson
I ordered a veggie omelet. Arrived with watered down tasteless omelet egg with over cooked veggies and some white paste that was supposed to be Swiss cheese. The hash browns were straight out of McDonald’s-dense oily and tasteless.
My wife got a Reuben sandwich-nearly burnt toast. Flavor-less with an unrecognized cheese. Almost tasteless.
Even the decaf coffee was one of the worst we have ever had.
The decor is all red white and blue-clean & neat.
10. Cafe A La C'art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
Located in the Historic Stevens House, Cafe a la C'Art is open 7 days a week serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. The cafe's catering service, Carte Blanche Catering, offers full service caterering and bakery.
Reviewed By Cooper1941 - Stanfield, Oregon
After exploring the art museum ate an exceptional lunch here. Three different choices all excellent. Took desert home for later also excellent. My choice a pulled pork sandwich, the bistro salad my cousin chose looked very good. My lemon tart I brought home was amazing. Hope we get to return to this wonderful restaurant!!
