18 Must-Try Restaurants in “The Old Pueblo”
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Tucson is an emerging foodie destination well known for its’ vibrant Southwestern food scene. Since moving to the city I have really enjoyed exploring the independent restaurant scene. I love supporting local businesses and this city has surprisingly been a great place to enjoy local food. The “Old Pueblo” features “the best 23 miles of Mexican food in the country.”
There are numerous authentic Mexican restaurants, both casual and upscale throughout the metro. I really love this local gem called Seis. And, if tacos and burritos are not your thing, there are plenty of other great ethnic choices to check out. I’ve tried many great Polish and Italian restaurants here. Tucson was the first city declared a Unesco city of Gastronomy. To this day, the city continues to receive ongoing press for its’ expanding food scene.
On any given weekend, you will find a number of farmers markets, eclectic culinary classes, and numerous food related events and fun events like the Gelato Festival, The Tucson 23 Mexican Food Festival, and the Tamal and Heritage Festival. New restaurants, focusing on creative Southwestern cuisine, continue to sprout up all around town.
Here are a few of my top picks after living (and eating) my way through the city for nearly 2 years! I’ve also provided some area activities near each restaurant. The great thing about this city is there there is always something interesting to do within a quick drive.
1. Seis Kitchen
Seis Kitchen would be my number one pick for new tourists visiting the city. If you like breakfast tacos, this is my number 1 pick. The original Seis location at the Mercado San Agustin plaza is the place to go for amazing breakfast tacos and burritos. Featuring a diverse range of cuisine from 6 regions of Mexico, you can sample the best of Mexico’s street food scene right here in Tucson. The delicious Chilli Verde taco, which includes scrambled eggs, potatoes, cheese, and fire roasted chilis, is my taco of choice.
The setting in the beautiful courtyard at Mercado is wonderful being that it is one of the few shaded patios within the city. Another benefit of eating here is access to numerous other shops and restaurants including the very popular La Estrella bakery which specializes in authentic Mexican pastries. Presta Coffee, one of the best local roasters in the city, is conveniently located within the courtyard. Definitely enjoy an expertly made espresso along with your tacos!
What to do nearby: Hike Tumamoc Hill, Drive up A Mountain, Bowen Hidden Canyon trail
2. The Polish Cottage
The Polish Cottage is a wonderful local restaurant specializing in authentic perogies. The colorful, cozy space resembles an old-style Polish cottage and is really charming and worthy of a visit just for this fact alone. I love dining here – the interior is so colorful and old world. This place has so much character in comparison to your standard restaurant chain. The food here will seem a bit overpriced to those coming from big cities known for Polish food like Chicago, however, it is one of the few places to get decent pierogies in the state, so quite warranted.
They offer a combo plate which includes a stuffed cabbage roll, hunter’s stew, smoked polish sausage, pierogi, and a roll. The vegetarian version (my preferred choice) includes your choice of 6 pierogis, 2 potato pancakes, and a traditional Polish salad. It’s seriously good! Pierogi choices include sweet farmer’s cheese, sauerkraut and mushroom, or beef and cheese. It’s nice to see a Polish restaurant offer so many delicious vegetarian options!
This restaurant is a bit out of the way and unfortunately not really located near any of the city’s best attractions. Regardless, it is definitely worth the drive if you are a fan of quality homemade Polish food. I usually stop here before visiting the zoo or adjacent Reid Park.
What to do nearby: Enjoy the shady 18 hole mini golf course at Golf N’ Stuff, Take a stroll around Aqua Caliente Park, Stroll around the Reid Park Zoo.
3. Cafe a la C’Art
The cozy little cafe inside Tucson’s Museum of Art has been rated as one of the best museum restaurants in the country by Food and Wine. The space is beautiful inside and out with an eclectic Southwestern style dining room and a beautiful shady outdoor patio (perfect for cool fall and spring mornings). The menu is comprised of numerous regional dishes and they also offer pastries. It really is a must-try when visiting the city, even more so if you are interested in exploring the diverse art scene, in and around downtown.
Acclaimed Chef Mark Jorbin studied at the Scottsdale Culinary Institute and has incorporated many Southwestern style elements into the menu offerings. This cafe serves up some pretty tasty breakfast fare. Recent selections have included: a delicious market skillet loaded with fresh veggies and rosemary potatoes and served with homemade multigrain bread, house made granola and yogurt, lemon poppy seed waffles, and a southwestern style avocado toast.
The enticing dessert counter will tempt you to indulge in a sweet treat, whether it be the wildly popular wildberry cake, a red velvet cookie, or even a decadent gluten-free brownie. A full espresso bar is also available, so you can save yourself the hassle of an extra coffee run.
What to do nearby: The Tucson Museum of Art’s collection is pretty impressive for a small city. I recommend a stroll around if you are at all interested in the art scene.
4. Cup Cafe
Cup Cafe is a charming local’s favorite inside the historic Hotel Congress. This downtown landmark which was established in 1919, is to this day is a hotspot for the city’s big events. As it is popular with both locals and visitors, this cafe tends to get pretty busy during brunch hours. Despite the often lengthy wait, this gem is worthy of a visit as one of the best breakfast spots within the city.
I really love the historic setting and the Southwest Deco style design. The nostalgic neon sign looks pretty cool at night. Weekend brunch is the best time to plan your visit so you can take advantage of dining outside on the lovely shady patio (outside the hot summer season, of course).
By far, my top choice for breakfast is the Cast Iron Baked Eggs dish. Consisting of 2 poached eggs, ham, leeks, shallots, gruyere cheese, cream, herbs, and potatoes (and served alongside toast), this savory dish is one of the few I have found myself ordering on more than one occasion just because it was so delicious. Other must-trys include the homemade Quiche of the day and the Cinnamon pancakes.
What to do nearby: See a show at the gorgeous historic Fox Theater.
5. Dominick’s Real Italian
I like casual Italian restaurants which are not too stuffy, nor too casual. A great mid end choice is Dominick’s Real Italian, which despite a lackluster strip mall location, is a pretty decent find. The food is so delicious and I love the old-fashioned vibe with the checkered tables. You will be treated to a free order of the most tasty garlic knots as you scan the menu. These are indeed good enough to order a second round.
For a starter, you really cannot beat the toasted ravioli, which rivals the best I’ve ever tasted. The pizza here is definitely near the tops for Tucson, second only to Rocco’s. Another great dish I’ve ordered more than once is the Pesto Pasta, a delicious combo of veggies, sun dried tomatoes in a creamy basil nut sauce.
Pretty much all Italian food does the trick when you are craving some hearty comfort food, and Dominick’s is no exception. The ambiance is charming, the food always on point, and the servers fantastic – you can’t go wrong here!
What to do nearby: Hike the Wild Burro trail in the beautiful Tortolita mountains, located in nearby Marana at the Ritz Carlton at Dove Mountain. This is one of the few trails where you can easily see wildlife because it’s so secluded. We have seen many wild javelina in the area (note – they are dangerous!).
