Discover the 13 Trendiest New Restaurants in Tucson, Arizona

The latest venture from the emerging local restaurant group Fukushu Concepts offers inventive takes on Southern classics like deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes, and rich grits, all served in a stunning, bright, glass-enclosed dining area. The cocktail and bar selection, featuring timeless drinks such as mint juleps and Sazeracs, is equally noteworthy.

While downtown Tucson often steals the spotlight, there are fantastic new dining spots elsewhere, like Teaspoon on Tucson’s north side. This Mytoury offers classic dishes with a twist, making every meal unique. Although it might seem like a breakfast joint, Teaspoon's menu goes far beyond morning fare. Be sure to try the cast-iron Dutch Baby pancake and the Hong Kong street food-inspired bubble waffle.

Scott Volpe, a pizzaiolo trained in Italy, began his journey with a mobile pizza oven at local farmers markets before establishing a permanent location. Whether he's operating on wheels or from a fixed spot, Volpe—who recently triumphed at the 2017 World Pizza Championship for his pizza acrobatics—serves some of the finest Neapolitan pizza around, featuring a perfectly charred crust and traditional toppings. Additionally, his restaurant offers Tucson's exclusive fried calzone, available only on Wednesdays.

While Island Plate may not boast an elaborate ambiance, it compensates with a menu brimming with fresh, Hawaii-inspired fare. Enjoy generous servings of traditional plate lunches like loco moco and kalua pork, along with unique offerings such as poke bowls topped with crab salad and ahi-brushed bruschetta. They also offer a selection of imported Hawaiian snacks and beverages.

Though this popular former food truck delayed its brick-and-mortar debut by six months, the wait has proven worthwhile. Twisted Tandoor serves an unmatched creamy, spicy chicken tikka masala, and the new modern space offers a glimpse into the kitchen. The cocktail menu, inspired by Indian flavors, features standout creations like the Indian Vesper, made with saffron-infused gin.

Located in a strip mall on the far northeast side of Tucson, Jackson Bar + Dinogoy takes pride in making everything from scratch, including flatbreads and ranch dressing. Although the area attracts a mix of golfers and luxury cars, you don’t need to splurge to enjoy expertly crafted dishes like the black truffle burger and dry-rubbed hanger steak. With a touch of elegance from its tiled ceiling, Jackson remains relaxed enough to be a neighborhood favorite.

The Dutch’s new location on University Boulevard might be one of Tucson’s most stunning settings, offering excellent people-watching and a spacious interior. Its wooden floors and substantial wooden tables ground the restaurant’s soaring ceilings, making it a haven for Instagram food photographers. Chef and co-owner Marcus van Winden enhances this impressive space with a thoughtfully crafted menu that seamlessly blends American and traditional Dutch dishes.

Claiming to be “breakfast AF,” Tallboys offers breakfast sandwiches and huevos rancheros from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day, complemented by an extensive collection of tallboy cans. The space, featuring exposed brick, string lights, and delicate white curtains, exudes a relaxed atmosphere. For a hangover cure like no other, try the signature Tallboy tots, loaded with two over-medium eggs, cheese, green chile, bacon, chipotle crema, pesto, pickled veggies, and avocado.

While wine bars in Tucson might come and go, Sand Reckoner has firmly established itself. Housed in a repurposed loft that also serves as an art gallery, the space boasts high ceilings, a sleek minimalist design, and an expansive layout that feels like a big-city venue. Note that this tasting room exclusively features Sand Reckoner’s own wines, which are widely recognized as some of the finest in the state.

At this unpretentious breakfast and lunch spot, owner and chef Wendy Garcia delivers bold vegetarian dishes that transcend typical Mexican cuisine. The menu, which frequently changes, features generous portions of vibrant, innovative items like butternut squash tamales and sweet potato pancakes.

Named for its unique offerings, the Drunken Chicken is a new gem on Fourth Avenue that pairs a variety of craft beers with inventive chicken and waffle dishes. Despite a concise menu, it dazzles with creative options like fried deviled eggs and the 'Beast,' a bacon-wrapped chicken strip dipped in waffle batter. Enhanced by a selection of top-notch dipping sauces, including bourbon maple syrup and ancho ranch, the flavors are elevated. The space is long and narrow, with ambient lighting that creates a relaxed atmosphere ideal for a meal or a casual drink.

Don Guerra’s journey from baking bread in his garage to running a popular bakery has turned Barrio Bread into a beloved local institution. While some loaves are available daily, special varieties like cranberry walnut and heritage grain make limited appearances, with olive bread being a must-have on Wednesdays. The bakery’s growing fan base, which once sought out his bread at farmers markets and other local spots, now eagerly lines up for fresh loaves at his storefront.

Owls Club, a moody and atmospheric cocktail lounge set in a former historic funeral home, is a haven for aficionados of fine whiskeys and craft cocktails. Patricia Schwabe, who also owns Penca Restaurant, enlisted her top bartender Bryan Eichorst to curate an exceptional cocktail menu. The lounge’s unique setting features repurposed pews as booth seating and cozy nooks designed for intimate conversations, making it the perfect downtown retreat for those seeking something off the beaten path.