It’s time to celebrate!
We survived another brutal Tucson summer, and now we can look forward to cooler days and pumpkin spice lattes.
What better way to mark the (hopeful) end of the triple digit weather, than with a delicious meal at a new local restaurant?!
Lots of brand-new food joints have popped up around town over the summer, bringing along some unique and creative dishes to add to Tucson’s impressive food scene.
Whether you’re craving a slice of Detroit style pizza, or an iced matcha latte topped with an earl grey cold foam, you can find whatever your heart desires and more at these latest hotspots.
313 Detroit-Style Pizza & Coneys is a DoorDash exclusive spot where you can place to-go orders for thick, cheesy pieces of rectangular pizza as well as coney dogs.
Courtesy of Renee Kreager
313 Detroit-Style Pizza & Coneys
As Detroit natives, the Kreagers- owners of Renee’s Tucson- decided to bring a literal slice of the Midwest to Southern Arizona. To bring their vision to life, they created 313 Detroit-Style Pizza & Coneys, a DoorDash exclusive spot, where you can place to-go orders for thick, cheesy pieces of rectangular pizza as well as Coney dogs.
Their rectangular slices feature a thick, chewy crust with cheese sprinkled across the edges, and of course, they come topped with stripes of marinara sauce and cupped pepperonis.
Their coney dogs are also perfect for those craving a hot dog smothered in a bean-free chili and full of flavors like clove, paprika and cinnamon.
Location: DoorDash delivery or order for takeout at Renee’s Tucson, 7065 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Visit their website, Instagram page or read our story for more information
A delicious pain au chocolate can be found at Cafe Francais.
Ellice Lueders, This is Tucson
Cafe Francais
For the past three years, Daniel and Noelle Martinez have been crafting flaky, buttery croissants and other French-inspired pastries at Cafe Francais on Tucson’s east side, incorporating sweet and savory flavors into their creations.
Now, their beloved pastries are available in midtown!
Cafe Francais opened up their second location on East Broadway Boulevard in August. You can always count on seeing a variety of classic croissants (including chocolate and almond), kouign-amanns, eclairs, French macarons and sourdough French bread at their store.
They also have a weekly special menus that features unique treats and flavors.
Location: 3855 E. Broadway
Visit their website, Instagram page or read our story for more information
Charro Steak North hosted several friends and family events last week to help staff learn the rhythms of the restaurant, which opens on Monday.
Cathalena E. Burch photos, Arizona Daily Star
Charro Steak North
This iconic Downtown Tucson steakhouse has made its way to the city’s northside!
Charro Steak North, in the Casas Adobe Plaza, took the place of Sí Charro’s health-leaning Charro Vida restaurant after it closed in late May.
Charro Steak North serves the same menu as its downtown sister, including grass-fed, house butchered, mezquite grilled beef, as well as seafood entrees like lobster tamales and surf and turf enchiladas.
Location: 7109 N. Oracle Rd.
Visit their website or read our story for more information
Chef Brian’s Comfort Food
Chef Brian and his esteemed fried chicken have found a new home!
Chef Brian’s Comfort Food has moved to the Five Points area, bringing with him a delicious menu of comfort food. Golden fried chicken and waffles, pork chops, fried shrimp, and collard greens are just a few of the dishes Chef Brian serves. Don’t worry: there’s vegan options too!
Before settling down here in Tucson, Chef Brian was a Top Chef contestant as well as a personal chef for celebrities like Mariah Carey, Eddie Murphy and Mary J. Blige.
Location: 804 S. 6th Ave.
Visit their website for more information
The Legendary Snakebite pizza is a popular choice amongst customers at Ciao Down Pizza Studio, 3230 N Dodge Blvd in Tucson, Ariz. on April 14, 2025.
Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star
Ciao Down
Ciao Down, home of the “Snakebite,” has made its way to Oro Valley!
The popular pizza spot recently opened up a second location in Oro Valley, serving up pizzas with unique toppings, like the “Big Dill”- a pizza that comes with garlic cream sauce, mozzarella, provolone, fresh dill and hand-sliced pickles.
And, of course, they’ll be offering their famous “Snakebite” pizza, which comes loaded with chipotle raspberry jam, mozzarella, provolone, dollops of cream cheese, slices of jalapeños and pieces of hickory bacon.
Don’t let the old Which Wich sign out front fool you, Ciao Down is in there slinging pizza!
Location: 10565 N. Oracle Rd.
Visit their Instagram page, website or read our story for more information
Figs oven + enoteca blends flavors inspired by the region surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, 7301 East Tanque Verde Road, Suite 121, Tucson, Ariz., Sept. 18, 2025.
Grace Trejo
FIGS Oven + Enoteca
For years, Zona 78 served Italian food in their eastside space on Tanque Verde Road. Now, the building houses FIGS Oven + Enoteca, a Mediterranean hotspot, aiming to provide their customers with a unique culinary experience.
“Unlike places that follow trends, FIGS is rooted in a deep respect for ingredients, tradition, and innovation. Focusing on flavors inspired by the region surrounding the Mediterranean Sea,” their website said.
On the menu, you can expect to see dishes like whipped ricotta, al pastor shawarma, harissa glazed chicken and pizza made with classic Mediterranean flavors.
Location: 7301 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
Visit their website or Instagram page for more information
Harley’s Coffee Co.
Amanda Arvizu’s dream was to start a business where she could share her love for coffee.
Harley’s Coffee Co. is not only her place to share her amazing drinks, but also an ode to her late father that helped her throughout her culinary journey.
This new coffee shop is a great space to grab a matcha and get some work done before heading to class. With a menu full of interesting flavors, it’s hard to decide which you want to start your day with.
Right now, they have a carrot cake latte on their fall menu that is absolutely amazing!
Location: 316 E. Sixth St., Ste. 150
Visit their website or Instagram page for more information
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HeeMee Coffee + Bakery
U of A students rejoice! You now get to start your mornings with fresh croissants and cookie butter lattes!
This popular downtown cafe just opened their second location on University Boulevard. You can always count on this aesthetically pleasing bakery to serve beautiful pastries and quality matcha lattes.
If you are hungry for something more, they also have a savory menu, featuring dishes like chicken katsu bowls and Korean ramyeon.
Location: 800 E. University Blvd., Ste. 104
Visit their website or Instagram page for more information
Kin Dee Thai
The owners behind Tuk Tuk Thai have opened a new restaurant, Kin Dee Thai, which specializes in brunch dishes.
Located in the former Iron John’s building, you’ll find all kinds of sweet and savory meals on the menu. For example, they serve Thai French Toast, Pad Thai shrimp, Thai style omelets and a wide variety of teas and lemonades.
They even have gluten-free and vegan options!
Location: 5350 E. Broadway, Ste. 128
Visit their Instagram page for more information
The restaurant features a massive teak bar, adding a vintage mid-century vibe.
Photos by: Giuseppe DeMasi www.demasiphotography.com
Miramonte
Deborah Tenino and Nick Kreutz have transformed the empty building in the Rancho Center into Miramonte, a new restaurant that aims to elevate classic American and comfort food dishes.
Customers can expect to see appetizers such as grilled artichokes and freshly baked cornbread, as well as entrees like Delmonico steak, and crispy fried chicken sandwiches.
Make sure to save room for dessert, and try their rotating selection of pies, including key lime, triple coconut cream and Oreo.
Location: 3352 E. Speedway
Visit their website, Instagram page or read our story for more information
Genaro Cabañas, sous chef at Redbird Scratch Kitchen, tosses a fresh batch of traditional honey hot barbecue chicken wings during lunchtime at the restaurant’s new location, 2513 E. Sixth St.
Grace Trejo,
Arizona Daily Star
Redbird
Earlier this month, Redbird officially opened the doors to it’s new Sam Hughes location in the former Rincon Markey building. It shares the historic space with Sonoran House, a local coffee shop and market.
Right now, it is offering the same classic menu as the north-side Redbird, including favorites like al pastor wings, smash burgers, elote nachos, mac and cheese and so much more. It also has all it’s signature cocktails, made with syrups created fresh in house.
Location: 2515 E. 6th St.
Visit their website, Instagram page or read our story for more information
Sonoran House
Last year, Arianna Wilson and Courtney Bedient- the owners of Cactus Wren Kids- decided to combine their love of coffee and shopping, opening up Sonoran House in the Blenman-Elm Neighborhood.
The delicious drinks and local goodies took the city by storm, and now they’ve opened up a second location!
Sonoran House’s new Sam Hughes spot is in the other half of the former Rincon Market Building, alongside Redbird.
Don’t worry, you can still find all their beloved lattes and goods from local vendors in their new place!
They also now have a bigger food menu, so you can grab a drink and share a plate or charcuterie board with friends.
Location: 2513 E. 6th St.
Visit their website or Instagram page for more information
The owners of Just Kababs, a Middle Eastern restaurant, have opened Taste of Passion market near the University of Arizona where they sell their fresh homemade frozen meals.
Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star
Taste of Passion
Arash Foroozan and his wife, Nooshin Rouhani Foroozan, are not only the team behind Just Kabab up in Oro Valley, but now they have opened their new mini market, focusing on pre-made frozen meals that have quality flavors you won’t find at a grocery store.
Foroozan is responsible for making and creating the recipes for each and every one of the varieties of frozen meals, of which there are over 75. Middle Eastern, Philipino, African and Italian are just a few of the international cuisine styles Foroozan has mastered.
You’ll find everything from lamb yogurt kabobs and butter chicken to seafood paella and Philippine chicken adobo.
Location: 900 E. Second St.
Visit their website, Instagram page or read our story for more information
Teaspoon
This fan-favorite brunch spot has opened a new location!
Teaspoon has made its way to the foothills, bringing a fun, breakfast place to the River Center.
Who doesn’t want to start their mornings with bubble waffles, blueberries and cream French toast, Spanish chorizo omelets and more!
Location: 5605 E. River Rd.
Visit their website or Instagram page for more information
Zeke Gebrekidane stands in the front area of his new downtown restaurant Zeke’s Pizza, Coffee and Gelato. It is set to open later this month in the former home of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, 160 E. Alameda Street and 161 N. Sixth Ave.
Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star
Zeke’s Pizza and Coffee
Longtime Tucson businessman Zeke Gebrekidane opened Zeke’s Pizza & Coffee in Downtown Tucson in July.
The restaurant is actually three concepts under one roof,: Pizza, coffee and gelato. Hand-tossed, thin-crust pizzas and calzones, salads, and wings are all on the menu. The gelato shop will offer seven of Frost’s popular flavors including vanilla, strawberry, Oreo cookie, chocolate and pistachio, and the small coffee shop will serve Ethiopian cappuccinos, macchiatos and espressos.
Location: 161 N. Sixth Ave.
Visit their website, Instagram page or read our story for more information
Coming Soon 👀Cal’s Bakeshop: Caleb Orellana is known for his delicious doughnuts and pastries that he delivers to local spots around town. Now he’s getting ready to open his own brick-and-mortar in the old Rocco’s building at 2707 E. Broadway.Desert Drifter: Oregon transplants, Eddy Yunkherr and his wife, are opening three Desert Drifter coffee shops in Tucson with plans to have 20 throughout Southern Arizona. The flagship at 419 W. Speedway on the corner of North Main Avenue, is expected to open by month’s end, followed in late October by a store at 3955 E. Broadway, and one in Oro Valley at 10335 N. La Cañada Drive in late November.Ursa: Classically trained chef Aaron Lopez is bringing fine dining with indigenous influence to Downtown Tucson, 110 E. Congress St. According to it’s website, Ursa will use indigenous ingredients found in the desert in their dishes, offering guests a modern dining experience with each plate.
Dining and Cooking