Lots of brand-new food joints popped up around town over the summer, bringing some 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
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.
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.
Their Coney dogs are great for those craving a hot dog smothered in a bean-free chili and full of flavors including clove, paprika and cinnamon.
On 313 Detroit-Style Pizza & Coneys’ Coney Island dog, the chili is a thinner, greasier sauce that is bean-free and full of flavors like clove, paprika and cinnamon.
Location: DoorDash delivery or order for takeout at Renee’s Tucson, 7065 E. Tanque Verde Road.
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 rolls cookie dough and croissant dough together, so you can taste each flavor with every bite.
Cafe Francais opened its second location on East Broadway 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.
It also has weekly special menus that feature new treats and flavors.
Location: 3855 E. Broadway
Charro Steak North
A popular downtown Tucson steakhouse now has a north-side outpost.
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.
Charro Steak North serves the same menu as its downtown sister, including grass-fed, house-butchered, mesquite-grilled beef, as well as seafood entrees, including lobster tamales and surf and turf enchiladas.
Location: 7109 N. Oracle Road.
Chef Brian’s Comfort Food
Chef Brian’s Comfort Food has moved to the Five Points area, bringing 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. 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 including Mariah Carey, Eddie Murphy and Mary J. Blige.
Location: 804 S. Sixth Ave.
Ciao Down Pizza Studio
Ciao Down, home of the “Snakebite Pizza,” has opened a second location, this one in Oro Valley, serving up pizzas with unusual toppings, like the “Big Dill” — a pizza that comes with garlic cream sauce, mozzarella, provolone, fresh dill and hand-sliced pickles.
And, of course, it will be offering its locally 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 Road.
Figs Oven + Enoteca
For years, Zona 78 served Italian food in its east-side space on Tanque Verde Road. Now, the building houses Figs Oven + Enoteca, a Mediterranean hotspot.
“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,” its website says.
An order of whipped ricotta includes bee pollen, blistered tomatoes, pistachio crumble, fig balsamic and noble bread at Figs Oven + Enoteca.
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 Road.
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 drinks, but also an ode to her late father, who 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 or work. With a menu full of interesting flavors, it’s hard to decide which you want to start your day with.
Right now, she has a carrot cake latte on the fall menu that is amazing.
Location: 316 E. Sixth St., Ste. 150
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 its 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, it also has a savory menu, featuring dishes like chicken katsu bowls and Korean ramyeon.
Location: 800 E. University Blvd., Ste. 104
Kin Dee Thai
The owners behind Tuk Tuk Thai have opened a new restaurant, Kin Dee Thai, which specializes in brunch dishes.
It’s located in the former Iron John’s building, where you’ll find 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
Miramonte
ABOVE: Miramonte restaurant, opening Thursday, Sept. 18, features a massive teak bar, adding a vintage mid-century vibe. Jamie Donnelly RIGHT: On 313 Detroit-Style Pizza & Coneys’ Coney Island dog, the chili is a thinner, greasier sauce that is bean-free and full of flavors like clove, paprika and cinnamon.
Deborah Tenino and Nick Kreutz, of Locale and Contigo Latin restaurants, have transformed the empty building in the Rancho Center on Speedway just east of Country Club 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.
Miramonte’s menu features dishes including seafood platters, grilled artichokes and 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
Redbird
Redbird has opened the doors to its new Sam Hughes Neighborhood location in the former Rincon Market building. It shares the historic space with Sonoran House, a local coffee shop and market.
Redbird Scratch Kitchen is open in the former Rincon Market building.
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 much more. It also has all its signature cocktails, made with syrups created fresh in-house.
A server carries two orders of traditional chicken wings and a large order of waffle cut fries during lunchtime at Redbird Scratch Kitchen, 2513 E. Sixth St.
Location: 2515 E. Sixth St.
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 were a hit, and now they’ve opened a second location.
Sonoran House’s new Sam Hughes spot is in the other half of the former Rincon Market building, alongside Redbird. This location has a bigger food menu, so you can grab a drink and share a plate or charcuterie board with friends.
Location: 2513 E. Sixth St.
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 the varieties of frozen meals, of which there are over 75. Middle Eastern, Filipino, African and Italian are just a few of the international cuisine styles Foroozan offers.
You’ll find everything from lamb yogurt kabobs and butter chicken to seafood paella and Philippines chicken adobo.
Location: 900 E. Second St.
Teaspoon
This fan-favorite brunch spot 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 Road.
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.
ABOVE: Charro Steak North. LEFT: Zeke Gebrekidane stands in the front area of his new downtown restaurant Zeke’s Pizza, Coffee and Gelato at 160 E. Alameda Street and 161 N. Sixth Ave. BELOW: Cafe Francais rolls cookie dough and croissant dough together, so you can taste each flavor with every bite.
Location: 161 N. Sixth Ave.
Coming soon
Cal’s Bakeshop: Caleb Orellana is known for his 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 at 110 E. Congress St. According to its website, Ursa will use indigenous ingredients found in the desert, offering guests a modern dining experience with each plate.
The top stories from the Arizona Daily Star’s Caliente section for this week.
