Tucson is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, a designation given by the Creative Cities Network to only 56 locales in 34 countries around the world.
Our city’s culinary scene is known for tacos and Sonoran cuisine, but you can find delicious delights from around the world on lunch menus around town.
So, to help you treat your palate and wow your team or clients at your next lunch get-together, we’ve rounded up 11 of the best lunch spots that are polished enough for business meetings (no plastic trays here) but won’t break the bank.
1. The Parish Tucson
This pub-style restaurant offers Southern favorites gumbo and hush puppies along with casual staples, including burgers, fries, and fish and chips. Come for the experimental weekly specials, or try a wide variety of fiery hot sauces. Sign up for their newsletter to get info on events, secret menus, or special offers.
Lunch served: Starting at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday to Sunday
Address: 6453 N. Oracle Rd.
Phone: 520-797-1233
2. Kingfisher Bar & Grill
A Tucson classic for seafood and perfectly shucked oysters, the Kingfisher has been around for more than 20 years. Visit this spot for regional menus from Hawaii, California, or the Basque country. The lunch menu includes a selection of oysters, small plates, sandwiches, salmon, ribs and desserts.
For large meetings and events, there’s a private dining room for up to 35 people, available for bookings Monday – Thursday.
Lunch served: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
Address: 2564 E Grant Rd.
Phone: 520-323-7739
3. BOCA Tacos Y Tequila
This lunch spot serves up modern Mexican cuisine from 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist Maria Mazon. Chef Mazon is known for her creative salsas, which change daily and are made with unusual ingredients. Raspberry salsa, anyone?
In the heart of Tucson, this restaurant on historic 4th Avenue offers patio seating and a range of vegetarian or gluten-free choices. A dedicated fryer offers gluten-free fried dishes.
Food is made from scratch and in small batches for maximum flavor. Fiery macho tacos or the taco dog with pico de gallo and beans are fan favorites.
Lunch served: Starting at 12:00 p.m. every day
Address: 533 N 4th Ave.
Phone: 520-777-8134
4. Tumerico
Chef Wendy Garcia serves up Mexican food and a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Favorites like jackfruit tacos or cochinita pibil bring a burst of flavorful spices. Tumerico also offers catering for off-site meetings and events.
Open: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday and 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday
Address: 2526 E 6th St.
Phone: 520-240-6947
5. Anello
This Neapolitan-style restaurant has the best bites to satisfy your pizza cravings. Seasonal, local ingredients are prepared in their wood-fired oven for mouth-watering meals. The menu includes pizza, salads, decadent desserts, and special touches like their blackberry liqueur made in-house. This modern spot doesn’t have a sign, so look for the red bar of light above the window. Email for reservations, but walk-ins are also welcome.
Lunch served: Starting at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday
Address: 222 E 6th St.
Email: hello@anello.space
6. The Coronet Cafe
Enjoy classic brunch dishes, soups, salads, and sandwiches at this stylish local spot with an open, airy space and private courtyard patio. The Barrio Baguette is a gourmet sandwich with your choice of seafood toppings, from smoked sardines to octopus in Galician sauce. Reservations are available for 5+ guests, and the cafe offers gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Open: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for breakfast and lunch every day
Address: 198 W Cushing St.
Phone: 520-222-9889
7. Zemam’s Ethiopian Cuisine
This 200-seat restaurant offers Ethiopian flavors like beef simmered in spicy berbere sauce and spiced cauliflower roasted with peppers and garbanzo flour. Enjoy a variety of slow-cooked meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes with traditional injera bread. This family restaurant has been around for three decades and has now expanded for more seating. Outdoor seating is available for large groups.
Lunch served: Starting at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday to Sunday
Address: 2731 E Broadway Blvd.
Phone: 520-323-9928
8. Copal
Newly opened Copal offers “Mexican food to die for” in a colorful space decorated with neon lights and skeleton murals. Main dishes of chicken, salmon, or cauliflower steaks are served with sides of rajas, esquites, rice, salad, or fries. Inventive menu items, including ribeye aguachiles, and elote ice cream, make this place unique.
Lunch served: Starting at 11:00 a.m. every day
Address: 5340 E Broadway Blvd.
Phone: 520-372-2123
9. Desert Shark
Desert Shark has replaced Lemon Shark Poke as the newest, locally-owned poke restaurant. It’s a casual spot with fresh and flavorful island vibes. A simple menu offers build-your-own poke with seafood like ahi and coconut shrimp, plus vegan and gluten-free choices. Try their SharkBite sauce for a surprisingly spicy kick.
Lunch served: Starting at 11:00 a.m. every day
Address: 2501 E. Grant Road #3
10. Forbes Meat Company
This shop is a combination butcher, wine bar, and restaurant with a hearty lunch menu. Chow down on the new sandwich of the week, or sit on the patio during the nice fall weather. Lunchtime favorites include the Forbes burger, lobster rolls, half dozen oysters, and salmon salad.
Lunch served: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. every day
Address: 747 S. 6th Avenue
Phone: 520-474-2714
11. Mojo Cuban Kitchen and Rum Bar
Mojo serves up from-scratch Cuban food on the northeast corner of Campbell and Grant. The bright, open space and outdoor patio feel fresh and inviting, with lots of plant life.
Cuban specialties like fried yuca, the Cubano sandwich, and mojo chicken are top choices. For dessert, guava cheesecake and mango tres leches cake give you a taste of the tropics. Bookings are available for large parties of 12 or more.
Lunch served: Starting at 11:00 a.m., Monday to Friday
Address: 1929 E Grant Road
Phone: 520-650-6656
Whether you’re meeting with a client or planning a monthly catch-up with other local business owners, these local Tucson spots have a tasty selection of lunch options in a casual setting.
For other types of business meetings, The Post Workspaces offers meeting rooms and event spaces for up to 35 people. If you’d like to learn more about our space and the incredible perks we offer our members, get in touch with us today. We’d love to give you a tour!