Join me as I eat and drink my way through Tucson, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. The food scene wows with everything from hole in the wall joints to hip, vibrant eateries. I explored historic barrios, downtown Tucson, upscale resorts, and ventured further afield to discover Arizona wine.
- Best for Foodies: Perfect culinary getaway for a girls’ trip or couples
- Why Go: 1 of only 2 UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the US
- Best Time to Go: Spring and fall for the best weather, summer for lowest prices
- Foodie Tip: Choose an eating companion wisely. No picky eaters and they must be willing to share plates so you get to try a wider variety of food.
I curated these restaurants by starting with those certified by the Tucson City of Gastronomy, then used menus to select those with the heritage ingredients I hungered to try. Here are my chosen few of the so many options!
Visit Tucson hosted me for a press trip and covered the lodging and food expenses.
What makes Tucson a UNESCO City of Gastronomy?
UNESCO grants the title “City of Gastronomy” to cities with a special food culture and rich culinary history. Tucson, the first U.S. city to receive this title, earned it for its rich:
- Cultural mix: Native American, Southwestern and Mexican flavors
- Culinary scene: farmers markets and food events year round
- Long agricultural history
- Locally sourced, sustainable ingredients:
- Anything with Chiltepin peppers, the genetic mother of all peppers
- White Sonoran Wheat
- Mesquite: flour made from Mesquite pods and wood for cooking
- The Three Sisters: beans, corn, and squash
- Tepary Beans: drought resistant
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Where To Dine in Tucson
Barrio Bread
You can’t go to Tucson without trying Barrio Bread. Chefs LOVE this bread: every restaurant where I ate served it. These naturally-fermented and naturally-leavened sourdough loaves use freshly milled Heritage grains from the Sonoran desert.
- The Accolades:
- Tucson City of Gastronomy (TCoG) Certified Artisan
- James Beard award winning baker Don Guerra (also the founder)
- Vibe: Mouth-watering smells in the bakery…Bread, bread and more bread
- Fun Facts:
- Guerra worked with local farmers to reintroduce heirloom grains originally found in the Sonoran desert environment, creating the resilient and diverse local grain chain that is the basis for all Barrio Breads
- Look for the stenciled Saguarro cactus stamped on Barrio’s signature oblong Heritage loaf
Signature Grill at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa
I stayed at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa during my trip and opted to dine at the Signature Grill for my first meal in Tucson, eating some classic Native American and Mexican dishes. Since the Marriott is a chain, the Signature Grill is not a Tucson City of Gastronomy (TCoG) Certified Restaurant but it follows the same principles.
- The Accolades:
- Chef uses locally sourced fresh produce and custom blended spices
- Al fresco dining with stunning views of the Sonoran Desert
- Vibe: Relaxed casual with peaceful views
- Must Try Dishes:
- Elote Fritters filled with roasted corn and served with a smoked jalapeno cream and lime aioli
- Queso, the biggest bowl I’ve ever seen; the overs made a great post pool snack
- Chiltepin Prickly Pear Duck Wing, with heritage ingredients
La Chaiteria
I pulled into a dirt parking lot with an unassuming building which did not prepare me for the culinary delights that awaited me inside La Chaiteria. I felt like I was eating at someone’s home, the food prepared with so much love.
- The Accolades:
- TCoG Certified Restaurant
- Renowned as one of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Tucson
- Fresh, fresh, fresh with lots of grab and go options
- Vibe: Latin Inspired home cooking (vegan, vegetarian and carnivore options for all)
- Must Try Dishes:
- One of the best tamales I’ve ever eaten
- Vegan Mesquite Latte – Mesquite flour, cinnamon, vanilla, oat milk
Coronet Cafe
The Coronet Cafe, a hidden gem in Tucson’s historic Barrio Viejo district, has two dining options and a market for grab-and-go items and gifts. Order at the counter and enjoy dining in a secluded flower-filled courtyard, or for an upscale experience, dine in the Coronet Restaurant.
- The Accolades:
- TCoG Certified Restaurant
- Uses sustainable, organic and local ingredients
- Vibe: Trendy, fun, tasty for every omnivore
- Must Try Cafe Dishes (served with Barrio Bread):
- Curried Carrot Soup
- Tuna Salad
Tito and Pep
Charming and vibrant Tito and Pep’s hums with vitality. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal here. Chef and Owner John Martinez creates a distinctive cuisine influenced by his travels and the cultural heritage of Tucson. Well worth a visit for some of the best local cuisine in Tucson.
- The Accolades:
- Innovative specials each night
- Plates great for sharing
- TCoG Certified Restaurant
- Vibe: Mid-century modern with a retro flair and lively atmosphere
- Must Try Dishes:
- The Dark Chocolate Ganache and the Rosemary and Orange Olive Oil Cake are showstoppers
- Try a non-alcoholic cocktail
Seis Kitchen
I say yes to tacos for breakfast at Seis Kitchen. Inspired by the six (Seis) culinary regions of Mexico, Seis reflects its cultural heritage with a fresh take on street food. The restaurant began as a food truck and now has three restaurant locations with a fourth on the way. I dined at the Mercado San Agustin location, a public market with an interior courtyard perfect. Guests order at the counter and then sit in the courtyard.
- The Accolades:
- TCoG Certified Restaurant
- Scratch kitchen committed to being green and supporting local businesses
- Vibe: Street food with a courtyard – casual Mexican
- Must Try Dishes:
- Known for warm handmade tortillas
- Try a Horchata, a flavorful Mexican coffee
- Guacamole ranks as some of the best I’ve tried
Zio Peppe
Owner and Chef Matthew Cable created a unique Italian-American restaurant infused with the heritage flavors of Tucson. When dining at Zio Peppe, think of a fun and creative fusion menu: Italian favorites with a southwest twist. Zio Peppe means Uncle Joe in Italian and is named after Cable’s Uncle Joe who opened the first Sicilian pizza joint in Tucson.
- The Accolades:
- TCoG Certified Restaurant
- Scratch kitchen with ingredients sourced from local purveyors
- House made fresh pasta
- Vibe: Italian-Southwest fusion
- Must Try Dishes:
- Fettuccine Alfredorado with a red chili puree added to the traditional sauce
- Arancini jazzed up with street corn, lime crema and queso fresco
- Tiramisu Tres Leches combining Mexican tres leches cake and Italian tiramisu(I loved this!)
- Taconnoli, taco shaped cannoli filled with ricotta mascarpone cream
Cup Cafe at Hotel Congress
Cup Cafe in the north lobby of Hotel Congress delights locals and visitors alike with an eclectic menu and unique ingredient combinations. With both cozy indoor dining or outdoor seating, go for brunch or drop in for sweets and treats to start or finish your day in downtown Tucson.
- The Accolades:
- TCoG Certified Restaurant
- Named a “Best Neighborhood Gem” by Opentable
- House made desserts and sweets
- Vibe: Cozy, funky and historic
- Must Try Dishes:
- Lemon Honey Pie (my fav)
- Barrio Heartbreaker with a Barrio Bread baguette, warm brie, and yummy accompaniments
5 Points Market and Restaurant
Five historic barrios come together in the Five Points intersection in Tucson. This cultural melting pot influenced the menu at the 5 Points Market and Restaurant where you can nosh on pastries and coffee to-go or sit down for table service. The vibrant market offers local produce and kitchen basics and a variety of local products, fresh flowers and treats.
- The Accolades:
- TCoG Certified Restaurant
- The company sources locally, pays a living wage and offers benefits to its employees
- Seasonal menus with gorgeous salads and appetizer veggies
- Vibe: Cultural melting pot of food, aromas and people-watching
- Must Try Dishes:
- French Kouign Amann made with a complicated sugar laminated dough and filled with a Rosemary chevre cream cheese – I am still thinking about it…it was that good
The Biscuit at Los Milics Vineyards
For food worth driving for, take a gorgeous scenic road trip south to the Elgin area and visit The Biscuit at Los Milics Vineyards. On entry, you’ll be awed by the floor-to-ceiling tasting and dining room windows overlooking Mt. Bruce, which dominates the scenery. Mt. Bruce, aka “The Biscuit” for its distinct shape, is the restaurant’s namesake. Under that big view, order small plates, so you can taste all that Chef Ana Borrajo creates. Elgin falls outside of the TCoG but CHef Ana uses many heritage ingredients and cultural influences in her cooking.
- The Accolades:
- Expansive views of Mt Bruce
- Stunning sunsets (must see!)
- Seasonal menus designed to complement Los Milics wines
- Vibe: Awe-inspiring views complemented by awe-inspiring food and wine
- Must Try Dishes:
- Chiltepin peppers in the chocolate olive oil cake – unique spicy-sweet flavor
- Barrio Bread with burrata and seasonal accompaniments, complimented by a crisp, white wine
- Any seasonal vegetarian entree for the freshest ingredients
SheBuysTravel Tip: Order the Tasting Flight to go with your meal. It includes five wines, two white, two red, and a rose. Each pour is two ounces. This allows you to try a variety of wines.
Where to Stay
Plan to stay at one of the luxury resorts on the outskirts of Tucson for incredible views and amenities. Then head out and spend the night at an Arizona winery.
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa
Surrounded by Saguaro cacti the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort and Spa almost feels like it is located in Saguaro National Park. The resort serves as the perfect base for exploring Tucson.
HIghlights
- 7 dining options
- 27 Holes of Championship Desert Golf
- Pools, lazy river, and waterslide
- Electric bikes for the Tucson Bike Path
- Desert hikes right from the resort
The Casitas at Los Milics Vineyards
The Casitas at Los Milics Vineyards stun with the breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and Mustang Mountains. The unique design provides tons of space with beds either folded away or hidden in the ceiling. During the day enjoy a living room, kitchen, dining room, and even an office. At night, press a button and convert the living room into a bedroom with a bed that lowers from the ceiling. A desk in the office is a murphy bed and easily folds down to create a second bedroom.
Highlights
- Wine tasting with no driving
- Stunning views
- Dinner at The Biscuit
- In the heart of Arizona wine country
- Continental breakfast provided in the casita
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