Top 10 Local Restaurants in Tucson You Will Love

Looking for a new restaurant to try with your friends and family? Tucson has dozens of great restaurants and bars that will set the scene for an unforgettable night out. Whether you’re in the mood for a bacon cheeseburger or a plate of lasagna, you can easily find a top-rated locally-owned restaurant that offers everything you need. Looking to shop local? We’ve got you covered. We’ve assembled a list of the top 10 locally-owned restaurants in Tucson. Check out the full guide now!

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1. The Parish

Contemporary restaurant that serves savory Southern-style dishes in a rustic dining space

6453 N Oracle Rd | Tucson | theparishtucson.com

First on the list is The Parish. The Parish is Tucson’s only Southern Fusion Gastropub. Many of the restaurant’s dishes are inspired by the local cuisines of Louisiana, Texas, and Arizona. You can stop by for lunch, dinner, or happy hour. 

The menu boasts savory Southern dishes like Housemade Pork Rinds, Shrimp & Grits, Beer Battered Catfish, and Carolina Pulled Pork Pibil. These dishes pair well with the restaurant’s extensive selection of craft beers and cocktails. Before you leave, make sure you treat yourself to The Parish’s signature Housemade Bread Pudding. Yum!

“Best Cajun/Creole dishes I've tasted, and I've been to NoLa. I think this high praise *could* be due to the cheese in my drunken angel dish, but everything I tried a bite of (shrimp and grits, trout, cornbread, fries) was soooo good! Definitely a must try if you're in the area.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for The Parish. 

2. Kukai

Popular ramen spot in Menlo Park that also has an extensive selection of vegan dishes

267 S Avenida Del Convento, Suite 11 | Menlo Park | eatkukai.com

Kukai is Tucson’s top spot for delicious ramen and fresh sushi. Located in Menlo Park, Kukai has garnered a large fan following for its savory dishes and cozy atmosphere. 

Kukai offers numerous ramen dishes like the Spicy Miso, Vegan Ramen, Hakata, and Mentai. Premium sushi platters including the Spicy Crab Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, and Salmon Avocado Roll are also served. Appetizers, onigiri, and rice bowls are also served. Thirsty? Kukai also offers green tea, calpico, soda, and milk tea. Check out the full menu now!

“The food here is wonderful and I will never turn down a trip to Kukai as any restaurant that sells takoyaki is a winner in my book. Kukai serves a lot of my favorite comfort foods in a way similar to the "plate lunch" style I'm used to from back home in Hawai'i. My personal favorites are the Gyu Don and the Katsu.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Kukai.

3. Feast

Laidback bistro that is known for its eclectic menu and extensive wine list

3719 E Speedway Blvd | Palo Verde | eatatfeast.com

Looking for a relaxing spot where you can just hang out with friends and enjoy good food? Try out Feast! Feast serves fun gourmet food inside a warm, rustic atmosphere. The menu changes every month, so if you’re someone who always likes to try something new, you’ll love Feast! By changing their menu regularly, they’re able to keep it seasonally-appropriate and offer the freshest ingredients available. 

You may find Slow-Cooked Pork Loin, Chicken Agnolotti, or Pan-Roasted Barramundi when you go. But, again, new options may be available depending on when you come in. Feast also serves an extensive wine list and cocktail menu to complement your meal. If you’re looking for a great deal, make sure you stop in during happy hour to try some great drinks. 

“Ambience is low-lit/ romantic/rustic-elegant.  Service is outstanding.  At one point the head chef strolled around visiting with tables and asked us how our meal was... a nice touch that doesn't happen very often.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Feast.

4. Cielos

Cozy and intimate restaurant that serves Southwestern-inspired cuisine and craft cocktails

306 N Alvernon Way | Peter Howell | lodgeonthedesert.com

Cielos at Lodge on the Desert is known for its contemporary seasonal dishes and inventive craft cocktails. Whether you’re looking for a new date night spot or a casual hangout space for your friends, Cielos is worth the visit. 

If you’re a guest at Lodge on the Desert, you can stop by for some complimentary breakfast. They’re also open for lunch, dinner, and happy hour. On the menu, you’ll find mouthwatering dishes like the Mesquite Plank Salmon, Pan-Seared Barramundi, and Green Chile Tamales. Call up the restaurant and reserve a table today!

“I'd seen reviews saying that the service was fantastic and I can confirm that the service at Cielos is indeed fantastic. So is the food. I recommend the house guacamole, Chili crab relleno fundido and lodge fajitas. A little goes a long way and the food is so fantastic.” - Yelp Review

5. Seis Kitchen

Upscale restaurant that is known for its Mexican dishes

1765 E River | Tucson | seiskitchen.com

If you’re in the mood for authentic and mouth watering Mexican food, you need to swing by Seis Kitchen. Seis Kitchen offers an award-winning menu inspired by six distinctive culinary regions of Mexico. 

Whether you come by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can expect some of the best Mexican food you’ve ever tasted. On the menu, you’ll find savory creations like the Nachos Grande, Chicken Tinga Tacos, Birria Quesadilla, and Poc Chuc Burrito. Coming with the kids? Seis Kitchen offers a small kids menu featuring street tacos, cheese quesadilla, and bean burritos. Check it out today! 

“There will probably be a line, for good reason, but they are very efficient and everything moves super fast. I would have waited a whole lot longer for this food anyway, it is amazing. Love the little old lady pressing tortillas and frying them on a griddle, she's awesome!“ - Yelp Review

6. Nook

Hip cafe that serves savory New American dishes for breakfast and lunch

1 E Congress, Suite 102 | Tucson | nookdowntown.com

The Nook offers a friendly and cozy atmosphere that is perfect for anyone looking to kick back and relax with friends. It’s a popular brunch spot around Tucson for its savory New American fare and charming outdoor patio. 

On the menu, you’ll find mouthwatering dishes like the B.L.T. Salad with Chicken, Breakfast Smash Burger, Carnitas Breakfast Fries, and Godfather Benedict. Looking for something sweet? The Nook also serves fun breakfast plates like the Chocolate Chip Griddlecakes and Banana Griddlecakes. Cocktails, beer, and wine are also available to enjoy alongside your meal. Enjoy!

“I absolutely love this place. The food is fantastic - the outdoor patio is one of the best - the vibe is awesome - and the service is excellent. I'm glad we had a reservation because there were so many people trying to get a table which speaks to the quality of this restaurant.” - Yelp Review

7. Bisbee Breakfast Club

Cozy breakfast spot in Broadmoor-Broadway Village that will fill you up

2936 E Broadway Blvd | Broadmoor-Broadway Village | bisbeebreakfastclub.com

If you’re as big of a breakfast fan as Leslie Knope, you need to visit Bisbee Breakfast Club. As the name implies, Bisbee Breakfast Club serves all of your favorite breakfast dishes, and then some. 

Hot from the griddle, you can get delicious plates like the Chicken Fried Steak, Corned Beef Hash, and Eggs Popeye. Bisbee is also open for lunch, offering mouth watering dishes like the Sonoran Burger and Chicken Salad Sandwich. Thirsty? Order a Bloody Mary or Mimosa to go along with your breakfast!

“Quick, and delicious! Simple breakfast cooking done right. Quick to seat us, and after we ordered the food was out within 15 minutes. So fast. Great flavors in the sausage gravy, the biscuits tasted homemade, the omelette was perfect portion of meat, egg and cheese.” - Yelp Review

8. Tito & Pep

Contemporary neighborhood bistro in Midtown Tucson that is known for its Southwestern bistro fare

4122 E Speedway Blvd | Peter Howell | titoandpep.com

Tito Pep is a contemporary bistro that serves Southwestern bistro fare inside a chic dining space. It’s one of the newer restaurants on the list, but it’s already gained a large fanbase since opening.

The menu features savory creations like Crispy Calamari, Charred & Chilled Broccoli, and Grilled Octopus. Have a bit of a sweet tooth? You’re in luck. Tito Pep also serves sweet desserts like the Buttermilk Panna Cotta and Dark Chocolate Ganache. 

“Always outstanding. Chef John Martinez hits it out of the park every time I've eaten here. Tonight was no exception. There was no availability online yesterday, and when I phoned in the middle of the day, Chef answered the phone and got me in for my evening at the theater. Appreciative as always!” - Yelp Review

9. Silver Saddle Steakhouse

Family-owned and operated steakhouse that has been serving Tucson for over 35 years

310 E Benson Hwy | Tucson | thesilversaddlesteakhouse.com

If you’re looking for the best steak in Tucson, look no further than Silver Saddle Steakhouse. For over 35 years, thousands of locals and visitors alike have dined at this family-owned steakhouse for its delicious food and great service. In fact, readers of The Arizona Daily Star voted Silver Saddle as Tucson’s Best Steakhouse. 

Porter House, T-Bone, Top Sirloin, and more sizzling steak cuts await you. Silver Saddle also offers an extensive wine list that will pair well with whatever dish you order. Eat up!

“The BBQ ribs, steaks, sauces and fresh salads, warm fresh bread..great service and unforgettable precious times with family. Silver Saddle is 10/10 for me. You gotta order the BBQ sauce on the side of whatever dish.” - Yelp Review

10. 47 Scott

Stylish New American restaurant located in Downtown Tucson

47 N Scott Ave | Tucson | 47scott.com

Last, but certainly not least, on the list is 47 Scott. This Downtown Tucson restaurant is located in a row of 1930s Historic District buildings, cultivating a classic and sophisticated ambiance for guests. 

The menu features savory dishes like the Goat Cheese Croquettes, Seafood Scampi, and Bistro Steak. Handcrafted cocktails, wine, and local beers are available next door at Scott & Co Bar. Looking for a great deal? Happy Hour is held there 4pm-6pm. Check out 47 Scott’s full menu and hours now

“I just heard about this place yesterday and had a chance to go there last night. Talk about a little hidden gem. Doesn’t look like much from the outside and the place is a little cramped, but it definitely makes up for all that with simply awesome food and top-notch service.” - Yelp Review

Tucson has lots of great locally-owned restaurants that are worth visiting. Which ones on our list do you plan on visiting? Let us know! We love hearing about your foodie adventures.