If you’re looking for the best Mexican food in Arizona, you need not look any further than our second-largest city. Tucson is often called the “Mexican Food Capital of the World” because it’s absolutely brimming with incredible restaurants serving authentic cuisine from all over Mexico (with particular emphasis on the state of Sonora).
Best known for being home to the world-famous Saguaro National Park, Tucson is a city deeply devoted to its desert roots. This vibrant culture and rich heritage spills into every aspect of city life – including the food. In fact, Tucson was the first city in America to receive a “City of Gastronomy” dedication from UNESCO.
It should come as no surprise, then, to learn that Tucson is often called the “Mexican Food Capital of the World.”
Landmark restaurants such as El Charro Café – the oldest Mexican restaurant in the U.S. – proudly hold up that claim to fame. The original owner of this century-old eatery is said to have invented the chimichanga!
El Charro Café, 311 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701, USA
7725 N Oracle Rd, Oro Valley, AZ 85704, USA
6910 E Sunrise Dr, Tucson, AZ 85750, USA
El Charro Cafe, 7250 S Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85756, USA
Mi Nidito is another longstanding Tucson restaurant that locals (and celebrities) can’t get enough of.
Having served the likes of President Bill Clinton, Enrique Iglesias, William Shatner, and other famous folks, Mi Nidito serves up traditional Sonoran cooking that warms the heart and soul.
Mi Nidito Restaurant, 1813 S 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85713, USA
Of course, we have to mention El Güero Canelo, which won a James Beard Award in 2018 for its famous Sonoran dogs.
Sonoran dogs have been a Tucson tradition for ages, but nobody does them quite like this place.
El Güero Canelo Restaurant, 2480 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705, USA
El Güero Canelo Restaurant, 5802 E 22nd St, Tucson, AZ 85711, USA
El Guero Canelo Restaurant, 5201 S 12th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706, USA
Using traditional ingredients and preparation methods, this local favorite offers a variety of delicious tamale flavors – even pumpkin!
Tucson Tamale Company, 7286 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704, USA
Tucson Tamale Company, 7159 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715, USA
Tucson Tamale Company, 102 W 29th St, Tucson, AZ 85713, USA
Tania’s 33 has been a staple in Tucson’s Barrio Hollywood for over three decades, and people come from all over the city for their incredible, Sonoran-style eats.
If you’re really hungry, their supersized burritos do not disappoint. They also have tons of vegan and vegetarian options!
Tanias 33, 614 N Grande Ave, Tucson, AZ 85745, USA
Seis Kitchen is another Tucson mainstay, with three area locations.
The restaurant’s name alludes to the six different culinary regions of Mexico – all of which are represented on the menu.
Seis Kitchen, 130 South Avenida del Convento #100, Tucson, AZ 85745, USA
Seis Kitchen, 1765 E River Rd #131, Tucson, AZ 85718, USA
Seis Kitchen Oro Valley, 9740 N Oracle Rd #110, Oro Valley, AZ 85704, USA
It’s also worth noting that four of the above restaurants – El Charro Café, Mi Nidito, El Güero Canelo, and Tucson Tamale Company – are Tucson City of Gastronomy certified businesses.
Have you ever eaten at any of these restaurants? Do you think Tucson has the best Mexican food in Arizona? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn about one of the best zoos in America right here in Tucson.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Kim Chi’s TikTok is @kimchieats. Not “Kim Chi does make-up,” not “Kim Chi from RuPaul’s Drag Race,” but Kim Chi, the drag queen and entrepreneur, eats. She eats Chipotle and cooks Korean beef radish stew. She sums up her having adventures while touring the globe, and even partnered with Imodium […]
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.