8 Top Fancy Restaurants in Tucson

Surrounded by deserts, mountains, and the beautiful Saguaro National Park named after its picturesque cacti, Tucson is definitely worth a visit if you live in the Arizona area. Even if you don’t, it’s still a city worth making the trip to see.

Whatever brought you to Tucson, you’re going to want some great places to eat while you’re in town. If you’re in the mood for a meal at a sit-down, fine-dining restaurant, then you’re in luck. Here are some of the nicest places for dinner in Tucson.

You’re in even more luck, though, because all of these restaurants also happen to be supported by GiftYa, a virtual gift card company. 

With the GiftYa app, you can send someone you know money for them to spend at a specific participating location. They can set that balance up with an existing card, so they don’t have to fit anything extra into their wallet!

If you’re looking for a fancy restaurant in Tucson, consider visiting one of these places. And if you’re looking for a great gift for a loved one, consider GiftYa!

Union Public House

High-quality dining in both food and atmosphere.

Union Public House is a beautiful place to dine in Tucson, whether you choose to sit indoors or outdoors. Image courtesy of Instagram.

4340 N Campbell Ave Ste 100 | Tucson | uniontucson.com 

This restaurant takes pride in providing customers with great setting and scenery in addition to great food. Located in St. Philip's Plaza, a central location in Tucson, Union Public House only makes use of high-quality ingredients that are sourced locally and sustainable.

The all-day menu features appetizers, boards, soups, entrees, flatbreads, sandwiches, sides, and desserts. There are separate menus for social hour and brunch, and if that weren’t enough, Union Public House also offers Tucson’s largest selection of whiskey, signature cocktails, and over 30 different beers on tap.

On weekdays, this restaurant is open from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. the following morning, and on weekends hours are from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. the next day.

“All staff are courteous both inside and outdoors on the patio. One feels very safe with the excellent security.  The variety in their menu and the on stage live music events they post are an added bonus!” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Union Public House

Kingfisher

A popular bar and grill with all the fancy dishes you’ve been craving.

This restaurant understands the meaning of presentation when it comes to plating their food, and it tastes just as good as it looks! Image courtesy of Instagram.

2564 E Grant Rd | Tucson | kingfishertucson.com 

This restaurant takes inspiration from many different areas of the United States to serve delicious and fresh seafood and grilled dishes. Kingfisher has been open since 1993, and in that time has built up a passionate staff and a beautiful collection of art that will certainly take your dining experience to the next level.

The food at Kingfisher, however, is of course the star of the show. Soups, salads, sandwiches, and an oyster bar make up the majority of the lunch menu, while the main menu offers appetizers and entrees in addition to the aforementioned oyster bar. There are also plenty of drinks and desserts for you to choose from at Kingfisher, as well as the option to order for takeout or catering.

Kingfisher may be closed on Sundays and Mondays, but hours every other day of the week are from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.

“Tonight was our first time to enjoy this way above average fresh seafood. We shared the oyster bar sampler, little neck clams and mussels for appetizer. Hard to say which was our favorite… Everything was fabulous.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Kingfisher

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

A great steakhouse in the Tucson Foothills serving much more than just steak.

6360 N Campbell Ave Suite 180 | Tucson | flemingssteakhouse.com

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse has many locations, all serving delicious steak and many other dishes that you’ll want to try, but this one located in the Tucson Foothills is one of the best. In addition to being a great, nice restaurant, it also happens to be situated in a great area of this Arizona city. 

Whether you want to sit in the dining room or outdoor patio, Fleming’s is the place to go for a great dining experience. You can also order takeout or have it delivered, if you prefer a fancy meal in your own home.

The menu at Fleming’s has starters, salads, soups, signature steaks, beyond steaks, sides, desserts and coffee service, as well as a children’s 3-course meal option. They also have a gluten-free section to choose from!

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is open from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays and from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sundays.

“As predicted, this was a great experience. Excellent service, excellent food. Went there for my dad's birthday. Walked in and saw a card on the table and left with four melt in your mouth chocolate truffles on the house.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Jonathan’s Cork

Exotic and game meats on the menu at this fancy Tucson restaurant!

There are countless dishes you may never have tried before on the menu at Jonathan’s Cork, all delicious! Image courtesy of Instagram.

6320 E Tanque Verde Rd | Tucson | jonathanscork.com

Jonathan’s Cork has become a favorite among Tucson residences due to the rarities on its menu! They serve buffalo, ostrich, game meats, fresh seafood, and Angus Beef— though that’s far from all.

With starters, soups, salads, entrees, and desserts all on the menu, you’ll be able to have a full meal and then some at Jonathan’s Cork, and the reviews say you won't be disappointed by any of it!

This restaurant serves dinner from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and is closed on Sundays. 

“Jonathan's Cork is known for their exotic meats. They offer a nice variety of exotic game, steaks and seafood as well. My husband and I ordered the venison three ways for an appetizer - delicious all three ways.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Jonathan’s Cork

Vivace Restaurant

Spectacular service and the perfect private dining experience.

The dessert selection at Vivace is just as good as it is for dinner, so make sure you save some room after your meal! Image courtesy of Instagram.

6440 N Campbell Ave | Tucson | vivacetucson.com

Vivace has been bringing consistently good food and good service to the North Catalina Mountains of Tucson since 1993 with its authentic North Italian cuisine. Enjoy dishes made from high-quality ingredients for dine-in as well as curbside pick-up. 

They also provide private dining for groups of up to 30 people, so it’s the perfect place for a large dinner party or other important event! The dinner menu offers up first courses, salads, pasta, and main plates, but you’ll also want to check out the lunch and dessert menus, as well as Vivace’s wide selection of wine.

Hours are from 11:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, and from 11:30 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Vivace is closed on Sundays.

“My family chose Vivace as our first in-dining experience since the pandemic started... The waitress we had was attentive and friendly. The staff came by frequently to clear dishes, refill the waters, and ensure that everyone was satisfied with their meals.” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Vivace Restaurant

Le Rendez-Vous

An award-winning, French dining restaurant in Tucson.

The drinks are just as good as the food at Le Rendez-Vous— and the food is very good indeed! Image courtesy of Instagram.

3844 E Fort Lowell Rd | Tucson | rendezvoustucson.com 

Le Rendez-Vous has been serving Tucson delicious, authentic French dishes for almost 40 years. The staff pride themselves on providing exceptional service and attention to detail in both areas of the restaurant— Bistro and Fine Dining. 

The former offers smaller plates, perfect for trying the food and sharing, while the latter gives customers a more traditional, table-dining experience. Both are worth a try!

Also worth a try are the delicious cocktails that Le Rendez-Vous has on the menu that will pair perfectly with your meal. Whether you’re ordering a starter, specialty dish, small plate, or a dessert, you’re going to want one of these delicious drinks to go with it.

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, this restaurant is open from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. every other day of the week.

“Our waiter suggested an amazing bottle of wine we enjoy(ed) throughout the meal. Our standard escargot appetizer was excellent as always, as was the veal special. The meal was also a delight.” - Yelp Review​

Buy a GiftYa for Le Rendez-Vous

Bob’s Steak & Chop House

High quality dishes whether you’re dining in or picking up.

If you’re looking for great views to accompany your great food, Bob’s Steak & Chop House is the place to go. Image courtesy of Instagram.

2727 W Club Dr | Tucson | bobs-steakandchop.com

After having to close dine-in services for a time due to COVID, Bob’s is back and better than ever, so don’t miss this chance to try the sit-down dining experience here! Customers should feel encouraged to call and make reservations and ask any questions they may have, and of course curbside takeout orders are still available if that’s what you’re more comfortable with.

Regardless, at Bob’s Steak & Chop House you’re sure to be getting a delicious meal. In addition to fine prime steaks, the menu includes chops, seafood, and sides as well as award-winning wine and signature cocktails.

Hours are from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

“Bob's doesn't disappoint! The service is excellent. Very attentive staff… The prime NY strip had a light crust on the top and bottom and the inside was melt in your mouth tender and cooked to perfection!” - Yelp Review

Buy a GiftYa for Bob’s Steak & Chop House

Tavolino Ristorante Italiano

Authentic Italian dining in a scenic area of Tucson.

The gorgeous interior of Tavolino Ristorante Italiano will be the perfect start to a perfect meal, and it’ll only get better once you have an authentic Italian dish in front of you! Image courtesy of Instagram.

2890 E Skyline Dr | Tucson | tavolinoristorante.com

This restaurant’s location at the base of the Catalina Mountains ensures beautiful views outside, but the inside is just as atmospheric. The traditional North Italian cuisine has been incredibly popular in Tucson since 2003.

On the menu, you’ll find antipasti, bruschette, insalata, wood fire pizza, rotisserie entrees, sides, and dishes to choose from for your first and second courses.

Tavolino Ristorante Italiano may be closed on Mondays, but they’re open for dinner every other day of the week and lunch on Thursdays through Sundays. On Tuesday and Wednesdays, hours are from 3 p.m. until 8:45 p.m. Hours on Thursdays through Sundays are from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and from 4 p.m. until 8:45 p.m.

“The ambiance is nice inside and there is a nice patio as well. Inside it was reasonably quiet and tables were not too close together. We were greeted right away and seated fairly quickly (had a reservation). The waiter was great— attentive and helpful.” - Yelp Review 

Buy a GiftYa for Tavolino Ristorante Italiano

Consider visiting one of these fancy restaurants in Tucson, and consider purchasing a GiftYa for one of them while you’re at it.