Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Tucson

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Tucson? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Nook - Tucson

4.8

4.8 (315)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Downtown Tucson

About the restaurant

Enjoy exceptional service and a friendly atmosphere at Nook. It's a wonderful spot for enjoying a delicious meal while catching up with old acquaintances over lunch. Nook is located just south of the Prima County Public Library on East Congress Street. It opened in 2015 and has become a trendy eatery that serves up New American cuisine. Owners Nikki and Matt Thompson along with Todd Anderson are fellow Tucsonans who love their community. Local artists have work showcased throughout this contemporary restaurant. Nook also prides itself on serving up locally sourced food. Try the Godfather Benedict with prosciutto, arugula, poached egg hollandaise and balsamic drizzle for breakfast, or come down during lunch for a green corn tamale pie with cabbage salad. It offers take-out service and is open for breakfast and lunch during the week. This restaurant also serves brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Top review

Savanna

Dined on Jun 1, 2025

Great food and service! Perfect place for my birthday brunch!

Truland Burgers & Greens

4.8

4.8 (926)

$30 and under

American

Casas Adobes

About the restaurant

Truland features a wide array of fresh chopped salads and premium burgers made with hormone/antibiotic-free beef.
A modern, fun atmosphere with an outdoor patio and a bar featuring craft beers and wine on tap.

Top review

JaniceVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Truland never disappoints. Great food and service.

The Steak Out Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (343)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Sonoita

About the restaurant

Sonoita’s longest-running restaurant and saloon serving cowboys, wine enthusiasts, locals, and out-of-towners for sixty years.
The Steak Out is a hallmark of any Southern Arizona Trip and a local gathering spot for generations of Santa Cruz County residents. Our signature mesquite-grilled steaks, burgers, barbecue ribs & chicken bring customers from near and far to our rural corner of SE Arizona. We feature a full bar, local wines, and live music in an authentic country western setting. Whether you’re looking for a special dinner for two, a spot to accommodate your large group, or just an appetizer and drink at the bar; we’ve got you covered!

Top review

Robert

Dined 1 day ago

Great food. Friendly staff. Great atmosphere. It was our first time there and we will definitely go back.

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4.8

4.8 (536)

$30 and under

American

Midtown

About the restaurant

Doughbird brings you a crave-worthy menu with an unexpected yet perfect duo: Pizza and Rotisserie. Yep, you heard right...Pizza and Rotisserie. A neighborhood spot where you can get spicy with eclectic combinations like our BBQ Chicken Pizza adorned with melted cheddar, jalapeño pesto and charred corn or try our juicy Red Bird Chicken with an array of comforting sides and flavorful sauces. At Doughbird, you'll discover a new irresistible favorite. So, savor a fun family dinner any night of the week, or grab a bite & sip on a cocktail at happy hour daily, any which way, you will always find your flavor.

Top review

SylvesterVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Thank you for a great experience and the delicious meal.

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4.7

4.7 (2201)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Downtown Tucson

About the restaurant

Recently awarded "Top 100 Neighborhood Gems in America" by OpenTable!

Reservations are highly recommended for dinner due to limited indoor seating and high demand for patio seating.
During breakfast and lunch we do not accept reservations, *EXCEPT* on these holidays: Easter, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

The Cup Café is a downtown Tucson tradition with a reputation for delicious, inspired fare, alive with flavor. A full-service, historic modern bistro, The Cup Café appeals to locals and visitors alike.

Enjoy the variety of The Cup’s all-day menu and the fresh, delectable, and ever-changing daily features. Selections include build-your-own omelets, unique salads, great appetizers, full-course entrees, classic sandwiches, as well as vegan and vegetarian options.

The Cup also proudly features homemade desserts, baked in-house, as well as a comfortable and expansive outdoor patio, full-service bar, unique signature cocktails, and intriguing wine selections.

Thank you!

Top review

FrankVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Food and service were both excellent. Highly recommend at any time.

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Popular dish

Fish 'N' Chips

Popular dish

Stuffed Chicken Gnocchi

Zinburger Wine and Burger Bar – Tucson Grant

4.7

4.7 (665)

$30 and under

American

Midtown

About the restaurant

When it comes to a great meal, there’s nothing better than biting into a perfectly grilled, juicy burger, and sipping on a cold, creamy milkshake between every mouthwatering bite. At Zinburger, we create the perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and high quality ingredients in each of our menu items. Elevate your all-American burger experience with a Samburger and a side of truffle fries or hand-cut zucchini fries. Our vast selection of beer and wine is carefully picked to complement every delicious style of burger on our menu. Come over and treat yourself to a Zinfully indulgent experience at Zinburger.

Top review

SamVIP

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

Great lunch with friends at Zinburger. Food was perfectly prepared and promptly delivered. Very friendly, helpful waiter.

Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar

4.7

4.7 (44)

$30 and under

American

Casas Adobes

About the restaurant

Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar is a lively restaurant in Tucson, Arizona, offering scratch-made comfort food with a modern twist. Using high-quality ingredients, they create dishes that are both familiar and exciting. Their menu includes inventive burgers, tacos, loaded wings, and decadent desserts, along with a selection of craft cocktails, draft beers, and wines. Whether you're after a casual lunch, a fun family dinner, or a lively night out, Redbird has something for everyone. The warm and inviting atmosphere features a stylish design. Highlights of the Redbird experience include scratch-made food prepared in-house, top-notch ingredients like USDA choice beef and pasture-raised eggs, and unique, flavorful dishes you won't find elsewhere. Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails that perfectly complement your meal. Come experience the modern twist on comfort food at Redbird!

Top review

Judith

Dined 7 days ago

Excellent customer service and great food .. very delicious!! Our server was very kind and attentive. We were.Very pleased !! Will be going back 💯

HUB Restaurant & Ice Creamery

4.6

4.6 (757)

$30 and under

American

Downtown Tucson

About the restaurant

Located on historic Congress Street in Tucson, HUB is right in the heart of all the excitement that downtown has to offer. Our dining room gives warm romantic vibes, while our patio comes to life with the greenery, and night life. With our locally sourced ingredients, we’ve created an elevated American cuisine while embracing the taste of the southwest. Make sure you leave room for our famous homemade ice cream with flavors such as Bourbon Almond Brittle and Oatmeal Cookie Dough. We’re also proud to offer our dine-in guests complimentary valet or self parking for 2 hours. This service is offered at The AC Hotel, located directly behind HUB. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Top review

BonnieVIP

Dined today

Thank you so much for treating us to our anniversary meal! Everything was great!

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Popular dish

Shrimp & Grits

Culinary Dropout - Tucson

4.4

4.4 (2874)

$30 and under

American

Midtown

About the restaurant

At Culinary Dropout, raise your glass to friends coming together. A place where food and music are life. Join us at happy hour for ice cold beer and our famous soft pretzels with provolone fondue. At dinner, a signature cocktail and slow braised 36-hour pork ribs are a perfect pair. While you and your crew enjoy damn good food and drinks, a local band plays live for great vibes. Come hang out and stay a while.

Top review

JenniferVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Good food, fun games for the kids, and a spectacular server! Thank you for a fun night out with our family!

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RA Sushi Bar Restaurant - Tucson, AZ

4.2

4.2 (852)

$30 and under

Japanese

Downtown Tucson

About the restaurant

Everyone has an adventurous side and RA Sushi is the place to explore and find yours. At RA, we're all about lively music, an energetic atmosphere, inventive cocktails and out-of-this-world sushi. Where else can you enjoy happy hour every day of the week? You know when you're in the RA because there's no other place like it. Order up the best sushi in town and prepare to be blown away by our signature rolls and amazing Japanese cuisine. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or just looking to explore new flavors, RA is your go-to destination. So bring your friends and grab a table or hit up our patio, either way, you're in for a great time.

Top review

SharonVIP

Dined on Jun 16, 2025

Excellent service and the food was amazing. I would recommend this restaurant.

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Experience

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