Tucson’s Food Scene Gets National Spotlight from Forbes & Yelp

Tucson’s rich culinary scene is making waves once again! After six local restaurants landed on Yelp’s Top 100 list for 2025, Tucson is now getting even more love—this time from Forbes, which highlights the city’s unique flavors, historic ingredients, and deep cultural roots.

From Local Favorites to National Recognition

First, Yelp celebrated six Tucson restaurants for their outstanding cuisine:

• Baja Cafe – Creative brunch & famous pancakes 

• Buendia Breakfast & Lunch Cafe – A hidden gem for Mexican breakfast 

• La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood – Modern takes on Mexican seafood 

• Tito & Pep – Mesquite-fired Southwest flavors 

• Penelope Pizza – Artisanal, wood-fired pizzas 

• The Parish – Southern-style comfort food with a twist 

Now, Forbes is taking the recognition even further, highlighting Tucson’s 250-year culinary history and the ingredients that make the city’s food scene so special.

What Makes Tucson’s Food Scene Unique?

Tucson is the first U.S. city designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, thanks to its blend of indigenous, Mexican, and Southwestern flavors. Forbes' feature shines a light on some of the best places embracing these traditions:

Barrio Bread (18 S. Eastbourne Ave.) – James Beard Award winner Don Guerra bakes with heritage grains, honoring the region’s centuries-old traditions.

Maynard’s Kitchen & Bottle Shop (400 N. Toole Ave.) – Using locally sourced ingredients like prickly pear, agave, and squash blossoms to create truly Tucson-inspired dishes.

Juniper (222 E. Congress St.) – A cocktail lounge specializing in gin-based drinks made with house-made prickly pear syrup and other Sonoran flavors.

BarBata (35 E. Toole Ave.) – This speakeasy-style bar beneath Bata offers a cocktail menu focused on agave-based spirits, celebrating one of the desert’s most iconic plants.

More Than Just Restaurants: Tucson’s Food Festivals

The Forbes article also highlights Tucson’s commitment to celebrating its food culture, with events like:

Tucson Agave Heritage Festival (April 10-13, 2025) – A deep dive into agave’s role in Sonoran culture, featuring food, drinks, and educational experiences.

Mission Garden – A living agricultural museum that preserves the heritage crops of the Sonoran Desert, keeping Tucson’s food history alive.

How Tucson’s Food Scene is Boosting Its National Appeal

With national recognition from Yelp and Forbes, Tucson’s reputation as a top food city is stronger than ever. This growing food scene is also making Tucson a hotspot for new residents, food lovers, and investors.

What This Means for Tucson’s Growth:

• Increased tourism & economic development 

• More restaurants, food festivals, & culinary experiences 

• A boost in real estate demand for downtown & historic districts 

With its rich food culture, deep-rooted traditions, and a growing list of award-winning restaurants, Tucson is proving that it’s not just a great place to visit—it’s an amazing place to live!

Want to learn more about Tucson and it's food scene, reach out to us, www.thetjkteam.com!