Where to Eat Downtown Tucson: The Best Restaurants in the City

Downtown Tucson: A Foodie’s Paradise

Downtown Tucson is a vibrant and exciting place to live, work, and play. It’s also home to a wide variety of restaurants, serving everything from classic American fare to international cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, you’re sure to find something to your taste in Downtown Tucson.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best restaurants in Downtown Tucson. We’ll cover everything from casual cafes to fine dining establishments, so you can be sure to find the perfect place to satisfy your hunger.

So if you’re planning a trip to Downtown Tucson, be sure to leave some time to explore the city’s culinary scene. You won’t be disappointed!

Restaurant	Cuisine	Price Range
El Charro	Mexican	$$$
Rocco’s Tacos	Mexican	$
The Grilled Cheese Experience	Sandwiches	$$$
The Public House	American	$$$
The Cup Cafe	Coffee & Tea	$

Best Restaurants by Cuisine

American

• The Grill on Broadway is a classic American steakhouse with a modern twist. The menu features USDA Prime steaks, seafood, and chops, all cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is elegant and sophisticated, and the service is impeccable.
• El Charro Cafe is a Tucson institution that has been serving up traditional Mexican food for over 90 years. The menu features enchiladas, burritos, tacos, and more, all made with fresh, local ingredients. The atmosphere is casual and fun, and the service is friendly and attentive.
• The Cocina is a modern Mexican restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients. The menu features tacos, tortas, and quesadillas, all made with fresh, local ingredients. The atmosphere is bright and airy, and the service is friendly and attentive.
• The Parish is a gastropub with a focus on American comfort food. The menu features burgers, pizzas, and sandwiches, all made with high-quality ingredients. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and the service is friendly and knowledgeable.
• The Flying V Pizza Co. is a wood-fired pizza restaurant with a focus on creative and innovative pizzas. The menu features pizzas with toppings like roasted chicken, bacon jam, and goat cheese. The atmosphere is casual and fun, and the service is friendly and attentive.

Mexican

• El Charro Cafe is a Tucson institution that has been serving up traditional Mexican food for over 90 years. The menu features enchiladas, burritos, tacos, and more, all made with fresh, local ingredients. The atmosphere is casual and fun, and the service is friendly and attentive.
• Mi Nidito is another Tucson institution that has been serving up Mexican food for over 50 years. The menu features tacos, tortas, and tamales, all made with fresh, local ingredients. The atmosphere is casual and lively, and the service is friendly and attentive.
• El Guero Canelo is a Tucson favorite that is known for its Sonoran hot dogs. The hot dogs are made with all-beef franks, bacon, tomatoes, onions, and beans, and they are served on a warm, fresh bun. The atmosphere is casual and fun, and the service is friendly and quick.
• Taco Shop is a small, family-owned taco shop that serves up some of the best tacos in town. The tacos are made with fresh, local ingredients and they are cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and the service is friendly and attentive.
• El Comedor is a hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant that serves up some of the most authentic Mexican food in town. The menu features dishes like menudo, birria, and pozole, all made with fresh, local ingredients. The atmosphere is casual and lively, and the service is friendly and attentive.

Italian

• Postino is a wine bar and restaurant that serves up wood-fired pizzas, salads, and small plates. The pizzas are made with fresh, local ingredients and they are cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and the service is friendly and knowledgeable.
• Ristorante Italiano is a classic Italian restaurant with a focus on handmade pasta and fresh seafood. The menu features dishes like spaghetti carbonara, linguine with clam sauce, and grilled salmon. The atmosphere is elegant and sophisticated, and the service is impeccable.
• Pizzeria Bianco is a wood-fired pizza restaurant that is known for its award-winning pizzas. The pizzas are made with fresh, local ingredients and they are cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and the service is friendly and attentive.
• Fresco is a Mediterranean restaurant that serves up fresh, seasonal dishes. The menu features dishes like grilled fish, roasted chicken, and vegetarian pasta dishes. The atmosphere is bright and airy, and the service is friendly and attentive.
• Cucina Mia is a family-owned Italian restaurant that serves up homestyle Italian food. The menu features dishes like lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, and chicken parmesan. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and the service is friendly and attentive.

Chinese

• Joy Luck Place is a Chinese restaurant that has been serving up traditional Chinese food for over 20 years. The menu features dishes like wonton soup, Peking duck, and kung pao chicken. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and the service is friendly and attentive.
• China Star is another Chinese restaurant that has been serving up traditional Chinese food for over 20 years. The menu features dishes like dim sum, chow mein, and fried rice. The atmosphere is casual and lively, and the service is friendly and attentive.
• Panda Express

Best Restaurants by Location

Downtown

Downtown Tucson is home to a wide variety of restaurants, serving everything from casual fare to fine dining. Here are a few of the best restaurants in the area:

• El Charro Cafe is a Tucson institution, serving up traditional Mexican food in a festive atmosphere. The restaurant has been around for over 100 years and is known for its mesquite-grilled meats and signature margaritas.
• The Grill at Ventana Canyon offers stunning views of the city from its rooftop location. The menu features modern American cuisine with a Southwestern twist, and the wine list is extensive.
• Ristorante Gusman Agave is a fine-dining Italian restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients. The menu changes regularly, but you can always expect to find creative dishes like roasted duck breast with foie gras and black truffles.
• The Coronet is a British pub with a modern twist. The menu features classic pub fare like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie, as well as more inventive dishes like pork belly with apple cider-glazed carrots.
• The Parish is a New Orleans-inspired restaurant with a focus on live music. The menu features Creole and Cajun dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish etouffee.

North

The north side of Tucson is home to a variety of restaurants, ranging from casual to upscale. Here are a few of the best options:

• The Flying V is a popular breakfast spot known for its pancakes, waffles, and omelets. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner, with a menu that includes burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
• El Indio is a family-owned Mexican restaurant that has been serving Tucson for over 30 years. The menu features traditional Mexican dishes like enchiladas, burritos, and tacos.
• The Grill on Broadway is a steak house with a wood-fired grill. The menu features USDA Prime steaks, as well as seafood, chicken, and pork dishes.
• The Rokerij is a barbecue restaurant that specializes in smoked meats. The menu features everything from pulled pork to brisket to ribs.
• The Vig is a wine bar and restaurant with a focus on small plates and charcuterie. The wine list is extensive, and the staff is knowledgeable about pairing wines with food.

South

The south side of Tucson is home to a variety of ethnic restaurants, as well as some more traditional American options. Here are a few of the best restaurants in the area:

• El Guero Canelo is a Tucson institution, serving up Sonoran-style hot dogs. The hot dogs are topped with bacon, beans, tomatoes, onions, and cheese, and they’re served with a side of salsa.
• Sabor a Mexico is a family-owned Mexican restaurant that serves traditional Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and tamales. The restaurant also has a bakery that sells fresh-baked bread and pastries.
• Pho Thanh Hoa is a Vietnamese restaurant that serves pho, spring rolls, and other Vietnamese dishes. The restaurant also has a full bar, and it’s a popular spot for happy hour.
• The Avenues Grill is a steak house with a wood-fired grill. The menu features USDA Prime steaks, as well as seafood, chicken, and pork dishes.
• The Little Italy is an Italian restaurant with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu features classic Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, and risotto.

East

The east side of Tucson is home to a variety of restaurants, including some of the city’s best sushi restaurants. Here are a few of the best options:

• Roka Akor is a Japanese restaurant that specializes in sushi and sashimi. The menu also features a variety of other Japanese dishes, like tempura, ramen, and udon.
• Tempura Morimoto is a Japanese restaurant from Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. The menu features Morimoto’s signature dishes, like black cod with miso glaze and yellowtail sashimi with ponzu sauce.
• Sushi Garden is a casual sushi restaurant with a wide variety of rolls and nigiri. The restaurant also has a happy hour, where sushi rolls are half-price.
• Kamado Sushi is a sushi bar with a wood-fired grill. The menu features sushi, sashimi, and grilled dishes like steak and salmon.
• Kiraku Sushi is a Japanese restaurant with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu features classic Japanese dishes like sushi, sashimi, and tempura.

West

The west side of Tucson is home to a variety of restaurants,

Q: What are some of the best restaurants in Downtown Tucson?

A: There are many great restaurants in Downtown Tucson, each with its own unique offerings. Some of the most popular options include:

• El Charro Cafe is a Tucson institution that has been serving up traditional Mexican food since 1922. The restaurant is known for its signature dish, the Sonoran hot dog, as well as its other Mexican classics like carne asada, enchiladas, and tamales.
• The Grilled Cheese Experience is a unique restaurant that specializes in, you guessed it, grilled cheese sandwiches. The sandwiches are made with high-quality ingredients and come in a variety of creative flavors, such as the “Philly Cheesesteak” and the “Mac and Cheese.”
• The Public House is a gastropub that serves up a modern take on American classics. The menu features dishes like burgers, pizzas, and salads, as well as a wide selection of craft beers and cocktails.
• The Cup Cafe is a popular coffee shop and bakery that serves up delicious pastries, sandwiches, and salads. The cafe is also known for its friendly staff and cozy atmosphere.

Q: What are some of the best things to do in Downtown Tucson after dinner?

A: There are many fun things to do in Downtown Tucson after dinner, including:

• Catch a show at the Rialto Theatre. The Rialto Theatre is a historic movie theater that hosts a variety of live music and comedy shows.
• Visit the Tucson Museum of Art. The Tucson Museum of Art is home to a collection of over 40,000 works of art, from ancient to contemporary.
• Take a walk or bike ride along the Rillito River Park. The Rillito River Park is a beautiful green space that runs through Downtown Tucson. The park is perfect for a relaxing stroll or a bike ride.
• Have a drink at one of the many bars and nightclubs in Downtown Tucson. Downtown Tucson is home to a variety of bars and nightclubs, each with its own unique atmosphere.

Q: What are some tips for finding a good restaurant in Downtown Tucson?

A: Here are a few tips for finding a good restaurant in Downtown Tucson:

• Do your research. Before you go out to eat, do some research to find out what restaurants are in the area and what they have to offer. You can read reviews online, ask for recommendations from friends, or check out the menus of different restaurants.
• Consider your budget. When you’re choosing a restaurant, it’s important to consider your budget. There are plenty of affordable options in Downtown Tucson, but there are also some more expensive restaurants.
• Decide what you’re in the mood for. Once you know what your budget is, you can start to narrow down your choices based on what you’re in the mood for. Do you want something casual or more formal? Are you looking for a specific type of cuisine?
• Check the hours of operation. Before you head to a restaurant, make sure you check the hours of operation. Some restaurants are only open for dinner, while others are open for lunch and dinner.

Q: What are some of the best things to know about Downtown Tucson before visiting?

A: Here are a few things to know about Downtown Tucson before visiting:

• Downtown Tucson is a vibrant and diverse community with a lot to offer visitors. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions to explore.
• Downtown Tucson is also home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Tucson Convention Center, the Arizona Historical Society, and the Tucson Museum of Art.
• The weather in Downtown Tucson can be hot and dry, so it’s important to dress accordingly. The best time to visit is during the spring or fall months.
• Downtown Tucson is easily accessible by car, bus, or train. There are also a number of bike-share stations located throughout the area.

Q: What are some of the best places to stay in Downtown Tucson?

A: There are a number of great hotels and other accommodations in Downtown Tucson, including:

• The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa is a luxurious hotel located just minutes from Downtown Tucson. The hotel features a rooftop pool, a spa, and a variety of restaurants and bars.
• The Kimpton Hotel Palomar Tucson is a stylish hotel with a modern design. The hotel

  Downtown Tucson is a vibrant and exciting place to live, work, and play. There are endless things to do and see, from exploring the museums and galleries to dining at the many restaurants. If you’re looking for a great meal, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few of our favorites:

• El Charro Cafe is a Tucson institution that has been serving up classic Mexican food since 1922. The Sonoran hot dog is a must-try, and the margaritas are always flowing.
• The Grilled Cheeserie is a unique and delicious spot that serves up gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. The sandwiches are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and they’re all cooked to perfection.
• The Public House is a gastropub that serves up creative and inventive dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, but you can always expect to find something delicious.
• The Cup Cafe is a cozy coffee shop that serves up delicious coffee, pastries, and sandwiches. It’s the perfect place to relax and people-watch.

No matter what your taste, you’re sure to find a great meal in downtown Tucson. So next time you’re in town, be sure to check out one of these restaurants. You won’t be disappointed!