Late last week, I received this e-mail from a loyal reader:

… I am a 22 year old student at the U of A graduating in May. I have lived my whole life in Tucson and love this city for many things, the food and locally owned restaurants being at the top of the list. When I graduate in May I will be leaving this town for the first time in my life to live some place else. First I will be moving to Phoenix (or as I like to call it “Home of the Chain Restaurant”) for a few months, and then I will be off to Japan for a year. With only a few months left before I leave I want to make sure I hit most of the good restaurants this town has to offer. This is where you come in. I love the Weekly and I love your weekly “Chow” feature. I wanted to know, in your opinion, what are the quintessential restaurants every Tucsonan needs to try before they leave?

I answered her (off the top of my head), along with some of our Chow writers. Here’s my list; the other lists will appear on this very blog over the next couple of days.

  • Janos or JBar, at the Westin La Paloma. To be honest, I prefer the more casual (and cheaper J Bar).

  • Terra Cotta. Have the goat cheese shrimp (unless you’re allergic).

  • Cafe Poca Cosa. Be sure to make reservations.

  • Have some Cap’n Crunch or something else at Grill. The service will suck, and the food’s only OK, but it’s Tucson.

  • The Cup at Hotel Congress. As for a table in the lower area, where the newish penny floor is.

  • Have a Barrio Tostada at the Barrio, downtown.

  • Get the red velvet cake at Something Sweet on Speedway.

  • Try Mama Louisa’s on South Craycroft, south of 29th. I get the Joe’s Special with meatballs.

  • Even though it’s new, Zivaz (on Broadway) has the best tortilla soup I’ve had in town (of places that are still open, that is).

  • A sandwich at Bison Witches.

  • A piece of pie at B-Line on Fourth. Sit in the window and people-watch.

  • Eat outside on the patio at the Flying V at Loews Ventana Canyon. It’s not about the food; it’s the beautiful deck and view.

If you have any suggestions, the comments section is all yours. And be sure to check back for the lists of Karyn Zoldan, Rita Connelly and Renee Downing

This article appears in Mar 8-14, 2007.

4 replies on “Must-Visit Tucson Restaurants”

  1. Even though I am on the advertising side of the Tucson Weekly, I take pride in understanding the Tucson culinary scene. I’ve eaten at many different restaurants in Tucson and many were wonderful with extraordinary service and food that would leave you craving more.

    Here’s my picks:

    -The lunch buffet at Gandhi is amazing. The lamb, samosas, and chicken tandoori are always incredible with lots of flavor. The price is as low as you could go for this fabulous meal as well. You’d be a fool not to go at least once.

    -Char’s and Bangkok Cafe have wonderful Thai food. Visit both. Sit at the Marilyn Monroe table at Char’s.

    -How could Jimmy live in Tucson and not mention Beyond Bread? Best sandwiches in town. I personally recommend “Enzo’s Ending.” Fresh ingredients and the desserts are to die for, especially their crème brûlée.

    -The Kingfisher has the best service, seafood, and ambiance in all of Tucson. You want to be treated with respect? Go here.

    -Vin Tabla has become the best high-end restaurant in town with their eloquent settings, small but flavorful portions, and amazing waitstaff. I recommend saving room for their gelato after your dinner.

    Of course, I agree with all of Jimmy’s choices too, especially Zivaz. Hope this helps you out.

  2. Sam: I agree with most these suggestions; thanks for sharing. Gandhi’s lunch is indeed amazing, and I am a fan of Char’s (although their service often is lacking) … but I can’t say Char’s would stand up to be sufficiently above-average in most cities. Bangkok is waaaay to hit-and-miss to make the list. Beyond Bread is rivaled by Bison Witches, but you’re right: They belong on the list. Kingfisher is a Tucson icon and is worthy of the list, and I like what I’ve seen with VinTabla, but they’re too new to make a full judgment. Those are my opinions. Thanks, Sam!

  3. You’ve covered most of my favorites Jimmy (especially Poca Cosa & Barrio), but you forgot El Corral for huge delicious hunks of red meat in a unique, unsophisticated/friendly ambience.

  4. Martin’s – Comida Chingona!!!

    i’m not completely sure, but i’m pretty sure that means fuckin good food.

    or,
    comida casera
    home made food

    vegetables? what? mexican food, vegetables? what?
    juevos rancheros like you’ve never, ever had before? what? with vegetables? what?

    the best? well, the best at what he does, to be sure & what he does is mmmmmmm!

    to my knowledge he won a bot, but has never even been reviewed…..hmmmm.

    & i sorta like places where the guy making your food likes to improve on perfection if he’s seen your face more than once or twice, genuinely gets gratification at plates left licked clean & has taken more than a minute to make the place “different”.

    not that those in the burbs or airport dwellers would notice….

    & they may actually be a bit intimidated, but that’s all for the good……que no?

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