Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Tucson

OpenTable

Updated May 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 (313)

$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

DavidVIP

Dined on May 11, 2025

Crowded but staff polite and worked tables quickly Brunch special for Mother’s Day The Mexican street corn avocado toast wonderful

Truland Burgers & Greens

4.8

4.8 (912)

$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

Christie

Dined 2 days ago

Hands down best burger place ever! We are also big fans of your sweet potato tots. My husband tried a salted caramel shake for the first time and said it was great. I loved your Chandler location and was super sad to see it go. Luckily my in laws live in Oro Valley so I try to go whenever visiting them. Hoping to see another location in the Phoenix area again soon.

The Steak Out Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (338)

$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

steve

Dined 4 days ago

Always Great Steak and Atmosphere ever.. Would highly recommend Steak Out.

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4.7

4.7 (2195)

$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

RebeccaVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Really good and unique food in a funky historic setting

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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 (663)

$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

MarshaVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We had a very nice experience. Eddie took great care of us! We want to thank Zinburger for putting Cannonball Cabernet wine back on the happy hour menu too! We always enjoy the experience at Zinburger!

Redbird Scratch Kitchen + Bar

4.7

4.7 (24)

$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

MattVIP

Dined 4 days ago

We love this restaurant. The food and service are excellent!

Culinary Dropout - Tucson

4.4

4.4 (2863)

$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

nicholeVIP

Dined 2 days ago

we had family in town for graduation from kansas and nebraska and they loved it. practically drank the fondue. they wished the prime rib dip had a little more meat on it (kansas/nebraska...) but all was good. thank you for a great lunch for our guests!

OBON + Sushi + Bar + Ramen - Tucson

4.4

4.4 (637)

$31 to $50

Asian

Downtown Tucson

About the restaurant

Nestled in the cross section of Downtown Tucson and Historic 4th Avenue, OBON Tucson is located in the heart of Tucson’s entertainment district on Congress Street. With a polished casual approach, OBON is the spot for an unconventional and memorable dining experience. The menu features an array of starters, steamed buns, ramen and sushi, as well as an expansive list of inventive and thoughtful cocktails.

Top review

Jenna

Dined 3 days ago

The sushi was absolutely amazing!! The hostess was so kind and even congratulated me on my recent promotion. Our waitress also congratulated me and even offered us a complimentary glass of champagne for us to celebrate!!! An absolutely amazing experience as always!!

La Luz Restaurant

4.1

4.1 (52)

$31 to $50

American

Foothills

About the restaurant

Join us at La Luz Restaurant. An upscale, contemporary cocktail and dining experience featuring Southwest Infused Cuisine and bar libations.

Come to La Luz Restaurant where panoramic views of the Catalina Mountains are the perfect backdrop for a casual and relaxing breakfast, lunch, or dinner, for either business or pleasure.

Top review

Anika

Dined on May 17, 2025

Dinner was excellent at La Luz. From the gorgeous mountain views to the excellent meal, we enjoyed every moment of our dining experience. Positioned on the lower level of The Westin, the open concept allows diners to enjoy live music from the lounge above, and invites them to come stay awhile. We certainly went up and enjoyed the cozy post dinner seating.

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant - Tucson, AZ

3.7

3.7 (850)

$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

Bill

Dined on May 19, 2025

Lovely patio with fantastic views and great cocktails! Happy hour is great!

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