1803 E. Prince Rd
Tucson, AZ 85719
*Disclaimer: We were not paid for this review. All opinions are our own and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Tucson is home to a number of local French cafes, with Ghini's being the most casual of the bunch. Located in a strip mall off of Prince Rd, Ghini's is a very popular brunch destination due to its' convenient location nearby many shopping centers. If you find yourself out this way, you may want to stop by for a light breakfast, just do not expect anything too spectacular and be prepared for large crowds.
Brunch, offered on Saturdays and Sundays, is the best time to plan your visit to Ghini's. The brunch menu is more appropriately priced than dinner and offers more of a selection for diverse diets, including a number of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
From Croque Madame, to Stuffed Crepes, to a vegetarian Eggs Provencal dish, there is a bit of something for everyone. They also offer a full espresso menu. Additionally, an artisan bakery is located right next door. Here you will find all sorts of homemade treats including fresh breads, pastries, savory quiches, and all sorts of tempting desserts.
While the brunch fare at Ghini's is decent, it's far from the best in town and a bit overpriced for the area. The basic breakfast plate and Turkey sandwich we tested were alright, although way overpriced for the quality and quantity served. The side of scalloped potatoes, on the other hand, were quite delicious.
They serve local Arbuckles coffee which is a plus. And, I have not tried them yet, but they do offer recovery drinks which are supposed to help hangovers or help you repair after hard workouts. Basically, these drinks contains a mix of antioxidants, amino acids, and electrolytes.
I do appreciate the many vegetarian and vegan options which is rare for a French restaurant. Sample entrees which can be made vegan include: Florentine Croque, Mushrooms and French Brie Croque, Tomato Provencal Croque, Grilled Avocado Toast, French Toast, and omelets made with Just Eggs.
Service was slow due to the immense traffic. There were way too many people inside such a small place and too many tables cramped together to give any customer personalized service. For the prices they are charging, they really should declutter the place and cut down on the number of tables. Getting here as early as possible or visiting on a weekday will lead to a less stressful experience.
The ambiance of Ghini's is quite charming, however, the restaurant is so cramped, it's hard to enjoy the quaint setting. The packed tables and constant chatter really distract from any sort of elegant dining experience. They do have a nice outdoor patio, although it tends to fill up quickly on weekends. On the bright side, the patio is very pet friendly and one of the better places in Tucson to bring your dog along!
Ghini's is an alright stop for brunch if you happen to be heading out this way. If you are planning on checking out the Rillito River path or St Philip's Farmers market, this restaurant is conveniently located just a short drive away. There really are not a whole lot of local breakfast choices out here, so Ghini's is an option for those seeking a convenient brunch destination in a pleasant setting. The best part of the meal was definitely the scalloped potatoes! I give them bonus points for the many vegan and vegetarian options which are conveniently marked on the menu.
