Tucson was named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015 due to its unique focus on Sonoran food, sustainable food production, and encouraging healthy eating.
While Tucson naturally excels in creative Mexican food options, it also features French, Italian, Neo-American, Ethiopian and Southern cuisines. In addition, this town has an inspired and authentic Asian food scene that includes Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese restaurants. From upscale dining to exquisitely delicious and affordable food trucks, there is a lot to explore in this foodie’s delight of a city. In addition, Tucson has many local bakeries and ice cream parlors for sweet treats, as well as a robust vegan and vegetarian restaurant scene. In fact, most places include plant-based options for herbivores.
Downtown, 4th Avenue, Main Gate Square, and the Mercado District each have a concentration of restaurants and are good places to start if you’re new to the city and in search of a variety of dining options.
Keep abreast of the food scene at Tucson Foodie, a local online publication that showcases the gloriously delicious vittles you can enjoy in and around town. Be sure to review the Tucson Originals website to discover delectable, locally-owned restaurants.