Diners' Choice: Neighbourhood gem restaurants in Tucson

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighbourhood gems 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 favourite 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 (290)

$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

LoriVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Food was amazing but the wait time for your food to be served was unexceptable. Had reservations for 11:15am on a Sunday and did not have food on our table until 12:15. We had tickets to the Nutcracker ballet at 1pm and barely made it on time.

Renee's Tucson

4.8

4.8 (1338)

$30 and under

Italian

East Tucson

About the restaurant

IMPORTANT: Due to the nature of the experience here Children under 12 are not permitted to dine in the dining room, we invite you to enjoy a childfree experience here with us. DO NOT REQUEST SEATING CHANGES IN RESERVATION NOTES. ONLY BOOK INDOOR OR OUTDOOR AND KNOW YOU WILL BE SEATED THERE ONLY. We are a tiny restaurant with limited seating. Great food, beverage, and conversation can be enjoyed indoors here with us.
We offer sincere service, alongside a taste for purity and creativity throughout our menu. This has earned our intimate spot support from locals as well as travelers. Our menu and our team cater to the many dietary needs and preferences of our guests. Featuring a small yet solid wine list, we are proud to pour an all Arizona beer list.

Our kitchen prepares everything from comfort food and foodie delights to truly healthy plates. We are looking forward to your visit, it is our pleasure to welcome you through the door and see your smiles.

Top review

LennyVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent dinner with wonderful server. If we live in Tucson we would have dinner here often.

Discover more

4.8

4.8 (2243)

$30 and under

Regional American (Southwestern)

Midtown

About the restaurant

Tito & Pep is a bright venue in midtown Tucson providing exceptional service, quality food and beverage, in a convivial, relaxed atmosphere.

We hope to establish ourselves as a true hub, woven into the fabric of one of Tucson's most vibrant areas. The focus of the experience at Tito and Pep is mesquite-fired cuisine, as well as a full-service beverage menu featuring quality beer, wine, & cocktails.

Applying over 20 years of experience gained across the U.S. and abroad, Chef & Owner John Martinez draws influence from the multi-cultural history of the region and from his travels, to create a cuisine that is vibrant and delicious.

Top review

Kathy

Dined 4 days ago

Dined here for a special occasion, which was acknowledged by our server! She was knowledgeable and attentive, and made some nice recommendations on the menu. We enjoyed our cocktail, wine, the grilled squash salad, pork chop and shrimp-in-broth entrees, and fabulous dark chocolate ganache dessert—if you are a chocolate lover, don’t miss that! Delicious and flavorful meal, quieter atmosphere than expected based on reataurant photos, and great service. And open on Sunday night, which quite a few Tucson restaurants are not.

Discover more

Fentonelli's Pizzeria & Bar

4.8

4.8 (261)

$30 and under

Italian

Oro Valley

About the restaurant

Fentonelli's Pizzeria & Bar offers scratch made Italian-American food in a casual urban setting. Our menu features appetizers, salads, pizzas, fresh house-made pastas, entree plates, desserts, craft cocktails, beer and wine. Gluten free options available. Children's menu available.

Top review

Stacy

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

All the food items here are delicious. Some of the best pizza in town. The interior is small and cute. They take reservations, so just plan ahead and you will have no issues getting a table. A solid 10 in our favorite restaurants rotation.

Discover more

Popular dish

Roasted Mushroom

Zinburger Wine and Burger Bar – Tucson River

4.7

4.7 (800)

$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

DeborahVIP

Dined on Dec 18, 2024

Great Diablo burger and really good meatballs served by a terrific waiter. Nathan or Ethan? Sorry I forgot his name. My husband complained about his milkshake being watery and the waiter and manager had it replaced with a perfect one in 3 minutes. Good food matters, but great service matters more. We will return.

Agustin Kitchen

4.6

4.6 (2429)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downtown Tucson

About the restaurant

New American Cuisine.
Happy Hour Drinks Every Day from 3-5!

Top review

Anika

Dined 5 days ago

We enjoyed everything, the friendly service, delicious dishes, ambience, and the fact that the restrooms were clean as well. It was a very nice family chew & chat. I rated the value “fair” because we ran about $100 for the 3 of us, could have been a little less for brunch, but I get it. It was “fair”. Well done and we’ll be back.

Amelia's Mexican Kitchen - Grant

4.6

4.6 (132)

$30 and under

Mexican

East Tucson

About the restaurant

AWARD WINNER OF THE BEST QUESABIRRIA TACO 2023. BEST SALSAS WINNER 2023 *2 LOCATIONS IN TUCSON VISIT US ON* 5851 N ORACLE RD TUCSON AZ ., street tacos, minichimis, chimichangas, burros, chile relleno, tamales beer micheladas margaritas, wine.
HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY 2PM-5PM

Top review

Susanne

Dined 3 days ago

Amelia's is a local gem. Their food is some of the best in Tucson (even featured in the New York Times!). This little strip mall restaurant is always deservedly busy. Although the space is decorated lovely inside, it's jut not large enough to accommodate the crowd. But, that's okay. The food quality and presentation is worth the wait. Don't miss the birria tacos with caldo ! My husband loves the shrimp tacos. Burros come drenched in amazing sauces that are unique and beautiful. Amelia's is a perfect example of the Tucson Foodie Culture - not to be missed!

Discover more

4.4

4.4 (496)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

South Tucson

About the restaurant

Flora's Market Run, located in the heart of Tucson, AZ, is a hidden gem combining a restaurant and grocery store. Offering Italian cuisine and fresh market produce, it's a perfect spot for both dining and shopping. Enjoy outdoor seating or grab fresh goods from one of the best and most affordable grocery stores in town. Whether you're searching for top Tucson restaurants or a quality market, Flora's Market Run delivers an inviting ambiance and diverse options, making it a must-visit for locals and visitors alike!

Top review

Jodi

Dined on Nov 26, 2024

Ty Floras for taking such good care of our group of 9. The food was good and had offerings for our diverse tastes and diets!

Ermanos Bar

4.3

4.3 (47)

$31 to $50

Gastro Pub

Downtown Tucson

About the restaurant

Are you questing for quality food and beverage in a comfortable and enlivening environment? Search no further. In this reality you may nourish your spirits and mental wellbeing and share human connection. We built this social space for you, so please join us!
Reservations are available online for groups of 8-16. Less than 8? Just walk in and enjoy or join our online waitlist. More than 16? Email info@ermanosbrew.com for event inquiries.

Top review

SingerVIP

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

Great spot for a large group! Very accommodating and friendly service!

Commoner & Co.

4.2

4.2 (1406)

$30 and under

American

Foothills

About the restaurant

Commoner & Co in Tucson, Arizona is a top dining destination known for its diverse culinary offerings and inviting ambiance. As one of the best-kept secrets in Tucson, we serve a wide variety of dishes, from authentic Italian to Mexican delicacies, perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a fancy dinner or a memorable meal with friends and family, Commoner & Co delivers. With outdoor seating, picturesque views, and exceptional service, our restaurant is a must-visit for a truly unforgettable dining experience in Tucson.

Top review

VictorVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent menu. Comfortable seating. Excellent kale salad, mussels. Good scallops ( portion a bit small ). Excellent service.

Discover more

Popular dish

Meatloaf

Explore Diners' Choice best of Tucson