Chef Travis Peters showcases his distinct Tucson flair with Southern specialties and upbeat Mardi Gras energy at the Parish. Although classics such as gumbo and hushpuppies are easy picks, regulars don’t hesitate to try Peters’ experimental weekly specials. Also, check out the evolving line of house-made hot sauces and infused spirits as well.

Don’t mind the inconspicuous location by a gas station. Instead, let the fragrance of the mesquite grill lure you to the exceptional carne asada from this hidden taco shop. Although the namesake quesadillas are the star, make sure to try their thinly sliced crispy ribeye taco. When ordering the al pastor, don’t forget a side of the house chiltepin-pineapple salsa.

Chef John Martinez fully embraces his mesquite grill in his full-service mid-century modern restaurant. While Tito and Pep’s queso fundido is easily one of its most popular dishes, must-haves include the carne asada tartare tostada, grilled octopus, and seasonal pozole.

Kingfisher features several staff members that have been with the restaurant for decades. While the restaurant is also a local’s top pick for traditional seafood and expertly shucked oysters, the menu expands biweekly in the summer with dishes from various American regions such as the Great Plains, California, and Hawaii.

A former swap meet stand, chef Juan Almanza signed the lease to open his restaurant mere weeks before the pandemic. Regardless, the spot is now thriving with regulars enjoying his slow-grilled costillas and crunchy-tender tripas tacos. The trendy quesabirrias have also become a popular must-have.

Zemam’s began as a five-seat restaurant almost 30 years ago. While the original Broadway location is temporarily closed, the secondary Speedway location still offers the icon’s Ethiopian cuisine with dishes such as beef simmered in spicy berbere sauce and spiced cauliflower roasted with peppers and garbanzo flour.

Vegetables steal the show at chef Wendy Garcia’s restaurant. Although cheese and eggs are offered, most of the restaurant’s ever-changing menu is vegan with options such as jackfruit carnitas and cochinita pibil. Garcia isn’t scared of spice, so adventurous palates will never be bored.

A James Beard Award semifinalist and recent contestant on Top Chef, Maria Mazon has earned an honorary title as Tucson’s salsa queen. Diners receive a variety of creative, rotating daily salsas, which can include unconventional ingredients such as raspberries and bananas. Mazon is also working on opening a tortilleria next door.

A downtown staple, Reilly serves Italian favorites in a laid-back yet elegant environment suitable for both business lunches and romantic dates. Share some of the fresh pasta and Brussels sprouts with pecan brittle crumbs. Downtown parking is easily available in the garage across the street.

Although the Flores family is best known for the chimichanga at their iconic El Charro Cafe, their downtown restaurant steps it up with premium steaks and seafood. The restaurant’s signature lobster tamalada features a split lobster stuffed with masa and green and red salsas.

Kukai serves its Japanese comfort classics out of a modified shipping container kitchen. While onigiri was originally the focal point, the menu has since evolved to offer a selection of rice bowls, ramen, and sushi rolls. Diners can enjoy their meal in the courtyard with libations from Westbound next door.

In a town specializing in Sonoran hot dogs, Ruiz stands out with its toasted bun and optimal topping ratio. The slightly sweet bun cradles the toppings for a less messy bite, while the savory and tangy grilled pepper on the side provides a fiery contrast.

One of Tucson’s lesser-known treasures, PY Steakhouse is located the southwestern edge of town at Casino Del Sol. While steak is in the name, the restaurant truly stands out with its sophisticated use of seasonal local ingredients with dishes such as the confit Red Wattle pork shoulder.