Discover a curated lineup of Tucson’s international eats—from communal Ethiopian feasts and vibrant Mexican street fare to elegant French bistros, hearty Peruvian dishes, and homestyle Hawaiian comfort. Each stop offers a taste of its culture, making this foodie journey unforgettable.
🍽 Zemam’s Ethiopian Cuisine
2731 E Broadway Blvd • (520) 323‑9928 • zemamsrestaurants.com
Open Tue–Sun 11 AM–9 PM; Fri–Sat extended to 10 PM; Closed Mon
Savor traditional Ethiopian cuisine served communally atop injera bread—ideal for sharing and tasting a variety of spiced stews. Offering vegan and gluten-free options since 1993, this Z-Street gem is cozy, flavorful, and a cornerstone of Tucson’s global food scene. The experience is interactive, encouraging diners to tear off pieces of injera and scoop up richly flavored lentils, meats, and vegetables. The warm, attentive staff are always ready to introduce new guests to classic dishes like doro wat or shiro.
Tip: Combine your meal with drinks next door at Zerai’s Bar—enjoy global sports broadcasts, craft cocktails, and Friday–Saturday live music.
🥙 Shish Kebab House
5855 E Broadway Blvd • (520) 745‑5308 • shishkebabhouseoftucson.com
This Mediterranean favorite offers tender kebabs, grilled vegetables, fresh pita, signature dips, and baklava. Lauded for friendly service and authentic flavors, it’s a go-to for delicious global comfort food. The generous portions are perfect for sharing and traveling in groups, and the warm, casual ambience feels welcoming to all. Their savory rice pilaf and crisp, flavorful salads make for a well-balanced, satisfying meal.
Tip: Ask for their house-made baklava—it’s flaky, sweet, and a memorable way to finish your meal.
🍕 Vero Amore Neapolitan Pizzeria
2920 N Swan Rd & 12130 N Dove Mountain Blvd • (520) 325‑4122 • veroamorepizza.com
Crafting certified Neapolitan-style pies with imported Italian flour, tomatoes, ovens, and house-made mozzarella, Vero Amore delivers authentic Italian flavors in every bite. Expect artisan pizzas, fresh salads, and a waiting list worth joining. The dough is fermented slowly for depth of flavor and a soft, airy crust with perfect leopard spotting. Their rotating specials often feature seasonal toppings and inventive flavor combinations that highlight true Italian craftsmanship.
Tip: Don’t rush—each pie is patiently cooked to perfection in blistering-hot wood-fired ovens.
🇲🇽 Café Poca Cosa
110 E Pennington St • (520) 622‑6400 • cafepocacosatucson.com
Chef Suzana Davila crafts rotating dishes inspired by Mexico’s diverse regions using fresh, local ingredients. Efficient service, standout margaritas, and unique regional plates make this a culinary jewel. Known for exquisitely plated entrees, this upscale environment balances refinement with vibrant cultural expression. The monthly menu refresh keeps regulars coming back to savor new interpretations of Mexican cuisine each time.
Tip: Sip on the specialty margarita—it’s as legendary as the rotating menu.
🌮 Calle Tepa
6151 E Broadway Blvd • (520) 777‑5962 • same website as Café Poca Cosa
A fresh, street-style spin on Mexican classics: hand-pressed tortillas, vibrant salsas, and perfectly seasoned tacos. Enjoy affordable meals and refreshing margaritas during daily 3–6 PM happy hour. The walk-up counter style makes for a casual, bustling atmosphere that’s both fast and friendly. Perfect for lunch or early dinner, it’s a great place to sample bold flavors without overwhelming the wallet.
Tip: Outdoor seating is sunny and pleasant—ideal for casual gatherings.
🍜 Senae Thai Bistro
63 E Congress St #121 • (520) 373‑5335 • senaethai.com
Chef Dee Bulzer combines Thai tradition with local produce from UA partnerships. Known for vivid flavors and beautiful presentation, Senae was voted best Thai in Tucson in 2017–18. The meticulous preparation brings harmony to each dish, from bright curries to authentic stir-fries. Guests praise the balanced spice levels and aromatic herbs, which capture the essence of Thailand elegantly.
Tip: Pair dishes with their curated wine and cocktail list for a full sensory journey.
🍻 The Parish
6453 N Oracle Rd • (520) 797‑1233 • theparishtucson.com
Southern-fusion gastropub meets upscale pub cuisine: think sweet tea cocktails, fried chicken sliders, shrimp and grits, and hushpuppies. Great atmosphere for casual gatherings, live music, and creative mixology. The kitchen often experiments with fusion flavors, blending Southern staples with Southwestern ingredients. The cozy, communal seating encourages lingering conversations over craft beers and signature spirits.
Tip: Try a house-infused spirit or local craft beer—refreshing and soul-warming.
🥟 Polish Cottage
4520 E Broadway Blvd • (520) 777‑5407 • polishcottageaz.com
Satisfy your craving for Eastern European comfort food: crispy potato pancakes, hearty pierogis, sausage, stews, and Polish apple cake. A warm, family-run spot beloved for its authenticity. Recipes are generously poured from generations of Polish tradition, offering taste that feels like home. Loyal patrons appreciate the balance of rich flavors and light, comforting desserts.
Tip: Don’t skip dessert—the apple cake with strawberry sauce is a sweet finale.
🥘 Indian Twist
4660 E Camp Lowell Dr • (520) 495‑5499 • indiantwistaz.com
Homestyle Indian classics made fresh in a tandoor oven: naan, biryani, curries, pakoras, and daily buffet at lunch. A family-friendly, aromatic experience. The buffet showcases vegetarian and meat options alike, with fresh, flavorful spice blends. Tandoori dishes come served with fragrant basmati rice and fresh naan baked to order—perfect for scooping up sauces.
Tip: Lunch buffet is great for sampling multiple dishes—but get there early!
🇵🇪 Villa Perú
1745 E River Rd • (520) 900‑7310 • villaperutucson.com
This family-run restaurant serves authentic Peruvian plates like ceviche, lomo saltado, and aji de gallina. Whether you’re after a quick lunch or a full dinner, this spot delivers true Latin comfort with heart. Their fresh-caught seafood and imported Peruvian peppers deliver bold yet balanced flavors. Guests enjoy generous portions and friendly table-side explanations of regional dishes.
Tip: Try the ceviche—bright, citrus-forward, and packed with freshness.
🍍 Mama’s Hawaiian BBQ
4016 N 1st Ave • (520) 792‑6290 • mamasbbqtucson.com
Feast on Hawaiian comfort food—kalua pork sliders, teriyaki beef plates, BBQ chicken, and sweet potato mac salad. Daily specials, family packages, dine-in, takeout, delivery—and regular charity nights. The generous portions are ideal for sharing in family-style platters or for a solo comfort meal. Homemade desserts like haupia (coconut pudding) and malasadas complete the island experience.
Tip: Host a fundraiser here—20 % of sales can support your group or cause!
🇻🇳 Ha Long Bay Vietnamese
7245 E Tanque Verde Rd • (520) 571‑1338 • halongbaymenu.com
Serving traditional Vietnamese fare in Colonial Plaza, Ha Long Bay offers pho, vermicelli bowls, summer rolls, bun cha, and more—alongside vegetarian and seafood-friendly dishes. Open daily with consistent quality. The soups simmer for hours to ensure rich, fragrant broth, and fresh herbs arrive daily for crisp texture. Portions are hearty and garnished with fresh cilantro, basil, and lime for authentic flavor.
Tip: Sit outside to enjoy people-watching while sipping a bowl of pho or a cold Vietnamese iced coffee.
🍣 Sushi Garden
3048 E Broadway Blvd & 7401 N La Cholla Blvd •
(520) 326‑4700 & (520) 877‑8744 • sushigarden.com
All-you-can-eat sushi, sashimi, rolls, tempura, and teriyaki—plus fresh lunch and dinner menus. Bring appetite—it’s about quantity and variety, with a small fee for uneaten leftovers. The rotating daily specials showcase seasonal fish and chef creativity, delighting repeat customers. The friendly staff offer suggestions and quick reorders to keep your table full and satisfied.
Tip: Ask servers for daily sushi specials—they often showcase seasonal fish.
🇫🇷 Le Rendezvous
3844 Fort Lowell Rd • (520) 323‑7373 • rendezvoustucson.com
French elegance meets Tucson hospitality in this relaxed bistro. Think duck confit, quiche, steak frites, cheese plates, and petit desserts in a charming atmosphere—perfect for a date night or Sunday brunch. The warm interior with soft lighting transports you to a Parisian neighborhood café. Whether enjoying a prix-fixe dinner or sharing a glass of Bordeaux outside, the experience feels both special and comfortably familiar.
Tip: Reserve early for their weekend brunch—it fills up fast.