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Where to Eat in Tucson, According to a Local

Updated May 7, 2026
Betty Hurd
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The author (Betty Hurd) holding a pastry in a local restaurant

I’m a Tucson native and in this guide, I share my favorite restaurants for every budget and craving. Over the past 27 years, I’ve spent countless dollars trying new cuisines throughout my hometown and am thrilled to share this list of my top places to eat.  Dining out is one of the best things to do in Tucson. It’s one of two U.S. cities recognized as a UNESCO city of gastronomy, so you can bet you’re going to have some great food in the Old Pueblo.  Put on your stretchy pants because we’re about to explore 34 delicious eateries — several of which are holes-in-the-wall you’d never expect.

My Favorite Tucson Restaurants Sher-e-Punjab 🍽️ Indian | $$ | Website | 📍 Google Maps | 📞 (520) 624-9393 Chicken tikka masala, chicken curry, c...

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Betty Hurd is a flight attendant from Tucson, AZ with a degree in Journalism from the University of Arizona. Her love for travel led her to exciting careers in aviation and writing. She's visited 37 countries and hopes to inspire others to see the world by chronicling her adventures in her blog, Have You Hurd.