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🌵 Donuts: La Estrella Bakery
Locations: 5266 S. 12th Ave., 901 N. Grande Ave., 120 S. Avenida del Convento
La Estrella’s donuts are one-of-a-kind, the perfect balance between cake and yeast donuts. I swear by their glazed, combined with a Cochata from Seis Kitchen at the Mercado San Agustin to cure any bad mood.
Patisserie: Le Buzz
Locations: 9121 E. Tanque Verde Road, 2930 N. Swan Road
I have a running list of my favorite pastries in Tucson. While I love Ren Coffeehouse’s almond croissants, AJ's lemon danishes, and Exo Roast Co.’s thumbprint membrillo shortbread cookies, I love everything at Le Buzz, even and especially the things that I don’t expect to, like Nutella tarts.
Cakes: Village Bake House
Location: 7882 N. Oracle Road
Village Bake House got its cake recipes from the legendary Ilsa Bechert, whose konditorei graced Tucson for decades. They’re carrying the torch of her legacy with their popular Oro Valley cafe and bakery, well-loved for its brunch and patio.
Tortillerías: Everyone has their favorite.
When you’re flying out of Tucson airport, you’ll see people with flour tortillas in their carry-ons. TSA officers will ask you where you got them from, and a lively debate might spring up between neighbors in line.
For the longest time, St. Mary’s tortillas were the ones I’d bring when visiting family who have moved away from Tucson. Recently, though, my mind changed. Tortillas Bryan brought a lot of the flavor and stretchiness I loved from St. Mary’s, but accomplished it in a much thinner form.
Sito’s Fresh Market imports their outstanding tortilla selection from Douglas and across the border. Here’s a list so you can find your own.
Bagels: Bubbe’s Fine Bagels
Locations: 1101 N. Wilmot Road, 1865 E. River Road
Bubbe’s answered Tucson’s prayers for east-coast-caliber bagels. They might be the only game in town, but they’re a great game.
Chocolate: Monsoon Chocolate
Location: 234 E. 22nd St.
Monsoon Chocolate is more than just the gorgeous bonbons you can get for your loved ones, nestled like jewels in a box. Their factory occasionally offers tours showing their process of making often single-origin chocolate. Their cafe has branched out to offer baked goods, ice cream (including flavors like blue corn atole), frozen chocolate and more. It's a paradise for chocolate lovers of all ages.
Gelato: Frost
Locations: 7301 E. Tanque Verde Road, 2905 E. Skyline Dr., 7131 N. Oracle Road
While Tucsonans will endlessly debate whether Hub Ice Cream or The Screamery makes superior ice cream, I’ve elected to sidestep the fray and go with Frost as my favorite creamy frozen treat. Their coconut flavor is one of my all-time favorite desserts, and I always wish I ordered it when I deviate from the program. While they have franchises from here to the United Arab Emirates, they got their start here and remain a locally-owned Tucson company.
Honorable mentions: Blondie's and Licks Catalina
