Tucson is home to fantastic restaurants serving an array of mouthwatering delights. You will find a range of available options, from famous restaurants to undiscovered spots. There are dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world, including American, Ethiopian, Mexican, Southwestern and European flavors, as well as incredible cakes, pies, and other desserts. Here are the best romantic restaurants in Tucson, Arizona.
El Charro Cafe
El Charro Cafe is the oldest family-owned Mexican restaurant in the United States. The eatery is equally famous for its carne asada and other Mexican delights. The restaurant, originally established in 1922 by Tia Monica Flin, is run by the grandniece of its founder. Carlotta Flores is El Charro Café’s chef and the artist behind of all those delectable specials. The menu showcases traditional Northern Mexico-Sonoran cuisine with a twist, including vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.
El Charro now has several locations in Tucson. You will find the original one in the heart of Tucson's historic El Presidio district. The restaurant is cozy and family oriented, where diners are surrounded by beautiful Mexican art and family memorabilia. The restaurant is very popular and can get crowded, but the food with its authentic flavors, make a visit to El Charro Café worth your time.
311 N. Court Ave. 520-622-1922; 6910 E. Sunrise, Tucson, Arizona, Phone: 520-514-1922
The Coronet
The Coronet restaurant is a charming brasserie-style eatery which received an award from the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation after being meticulously restored. Chef Erika Bostick-Esham and head bartender Jesse Van Rijn Shaefer have collaborated to produce a tempting and original menu of traditional European cuisine.
The Coronet serves only sustainable meats and Monterey Aquarium approved fish. Organic produce is used whenever possible. The restaurant even has its own beehive. The large shady patio is a delight; add a well-stocked bar and music playing quietly in the background, and you’ve got the perfect atmosphere. The menu includes great options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-sensitive customers as well.
198 W Cushing St, Tucson, AZ 85701, Phone: 520-222-9889
Vivace
Vivace means lively or vivid in Italian, which is exactly what you can expect from the Northern Italian cuisine you will be enjoying in this beautiful and romantic restaurant. The restaurant is set in a beautiful Tuscan-style manor featuring a huge fireplace for cold winter nights and an elegant terrace for good-weather days. Memorable appetizers include their Escargot and Artichokes, Grilled Asparagus with Parma Ham and a mouth-watering antipasti platter for two. These are followed by a selection of pasta and risotto dishes before you get to the hearty entrees – you can try a traditional Osso Bucco, a Crab-filled breaded Chicken Breast or a gluten-free Eggplant Lasagna.
Vivace, 6440 N. Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85718, 520 795 7221
Cafe a la C'Art
Cafe a la C'Art is a family owned café and bakery located just off the patio at the Tucson Museum of Art. The glass display is filled with absolutely mouth-watering pies, cookies, layered cakes, and other delights. And that’s just the dessert!
The Café menu features hearty Southwestern fare that is imaginative, delicious, and surprisingly affordable. Café a la C’Art is open for breakfast and frequently offers live music concerts on the patio.
150 N Main Ave, Tucson, AZ, Phone: 520-628-8533
Flying-V Bar & Grill
The Flying-V Bar & Grill serves a fresh and exciting take on traditional Southwestern dishes as well as 70 different tequilas. This rustic but luxurious restaurant is located in the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. Sit by the romantic fireplace or on the patio with a magnificent view of the gardens.
Executive Chef Ken Harvey prepares delicious classics, including Baby Back Ribs with Chili and Charred BBQ Sauce or Veal Porterhouse. His methods will turn your meal into a unique and memorable dining experience. The Flying-V Bar & Grill has their own guacamolierre, who uses the freshest ingredients to make the perfect tableside guacamole. In addition to Tequila, the extensive wine list provides numerous options for you to enjoy with your meal.
7000 N. Resort Drive, Tucson, Arizona, Phone: 520-299-2020
Feast
Feast is a great option for a romantic dinner, particularly if you enjoy inventive dishes prepared from the freshest local ingredients. The atmosphere is fun and you can pair your delicious food with the perfect wine from their choice of over 20 labels served by the glass. The menu changes every month so that everything that makes its way to your plate has been picked and prepared at the height of its season for freshness and superlative flavor. There are always a few good vegetarian choices which have been thoughtfully created to appeal to vegetarian foodies. Current hero dishes include Miso-glazed Mackerel with Picked Ginger to start and a Red Curry Tart or Caramel-glazed Sablefish for your mains.
Feast, 3719 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85716, 520 326 9363
Renee's Organic Oven
Renee's Organic Oven is a very unique pizza place. Everything here is organic, from olive oil and beans to the flour and eggs. Even drinks like coffee and wine are organic. The beef is grain-fed and the chicken is free range. Unique pizza options include gluten-free and vegan.
For the more adventurous, there is a pizza with cashews and Thai sauce. Chef Renee Kreager offers a selection of tasty salads and desserts as well. The philosophy of the restaurant is summarized on the wall: “Eat well, feel good.” It is easy to feel good at Renee's Organic Oven, a cozy, cool place with adobe-colored walls and a lot of dark wood, where the most delicious smells of garlic, cheese, and tomatoes greet you when you walk in.
7065 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, Arizona, Phone: 520-886-0484
Beyond Bread
Beyond Bread is a must-try for bread lovers, offering 30 different types of artisanal breads, 30 kinds of pies, pastries and sandwiches. This popular bakery first opened its doors in 1998 and has three locations in Tucson. Everything is made from scratch using the freshest ingredients possible. In addition to great bread, they now also make sandwiches, salads, soups and pastries.
3026 N. Campbell Ave., 520-322-9965; 421 W. Ina Rd., 520-461-1111; 6260 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson, Arizona, Phone: 520-747-7477
Maynards
Maynards Restaurant is set in the historic Tucson Train Depot, which lends it an authentic and romantic ambiance. The food changes with the seasons and you will always find interesting, contemporary dishes which perfectly combine global cooking techniques with great local produce. The menu could change from one day to the next, depending on what is fresh and delicious on the day. The current menu, at the start of summer, features the following tasty small plates – heirloom tomato salad with fresh cheese and olives, a salmon tostada with avocado and baked brie with desert honey. Entrees include chicken, pork, beef and fish options with imaginative sides. Vegetarians will always find something tasty to feast on.
400 N. Toole Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701, P 520 545 0577
Epazote Kitchen and Cocktails
Enjoying wonderful views of the Pusch Ridge from its location within the El Conquistador Resort, Epazote is a great choice for a romantic dinner either indoors or under the starry skies. The restaurant derives its name from a pungent fresh or dried leaf used to impart a distinctive flavor to Mexican dishes and serves a contemporary mix of Modern American and Southwestern flavors. Just a few of the innovative dishes you can look forwards to trying include their Charred Vegetable Quesadila, Avocado and Crab Stack or Chile Con Carne Fundido – just for starters. Entrees include Baby Back Ribs and Grilled Flat Iron Steak for meat lovers and Crispy Cauliflower Tacos with Yucca Fries for vegetarians.
10000 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ 85704, 520 544 1705
Wildflower
Inspired (but not enslaved) by cuisines from all over the world, Wildflower restaurant strives to be true to their American heritage, serving classic American favorites, sometimes with a twist. This is a light and bright eatery with a large terrace and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for date night dining. Delicious appetizers include Grilled Artichokes, Crispy Calamari or Hamachi with Charred Avo. These tasty morsels are followed by salads (there is plenty for vegetarian diners to enjoy here) and pasta dishes. Entrees include a grilled shrimp and avo bowl, lemongrass scallops, braised beef short rib and Oak Fired New York Strip Steak.
7037 N. Oracle Rd, Tucson, AX 85704, Ph. 520 219 4230
Tohono Chul Garden Bistro
For something completely different, you can take your partner to enjoy a feast of gardens, art and food at the Tohono Chul Garden Bistro. Surrounded by the beauty of the Sonora Desert and 49 acres of themed gardens, Brunch at the Bistro has to be one of the most romantic outings you could plan. You can start by walking around the various themed gardens and visiting the gallery to see what art is currently exhibited before you settle in to enjoy a great brunch at the Bistro. The seasonal menu changes all the time but a few Sonorazona specialties that could tempt you include Blue Corn Vegan Tostadas, Confit Mole Duck, Mahi Mahi Tacos and Prickly Pear Chicken Salad Croissant.
7366 N. Paseo Del Norte, Tucson, AZ 85704, 520 742 6455
Tavolino Ristorante Italiano
Bringing the authentic flavors, aromas and wines of his native Italy to the heart of Tucson, Chef Massimo Tenino brings you honest Italian cuisine, (which he learnt from his Nonna), served in an elegant setting which is perfect for a romantic dinner. All the ingredients in his dishes have been locally sourced or imported from Italy and all the pasta is made in-house. There is a wide selection of appetizers and mains which are suitable for vegetarians and vegans so that everyone can find something delicious to enjoy. House specialties include Char-grilled Octopus, Carpaccio di Manzo, Parma Ham and Melon, Antipasti platters, Pasta with Squid Ink and Shrimp, Mixed Mushroom Pasta, filled raviolis, Veal Saltimbocca and Veal Milanese.
Tavolino Ristorante Italiano, 2890 East Skyline Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718, 520 531 1913
Contigo Latin Kitchen
Located in the Catalina Foothills overlooking Tucson, Contigo Latin Kitchen will tantalize your taste buds with vintage Spanish and Latin dishes from the Old Country. The indoor terracotta-tiled dining area has large windows to let in the views and there is also a large outdoor terrace for alfresco dining and two bars where you can enjoy sangria, wine and other beverages. The menu starts off with delicious appetizers like Ceviche Lima, Patatas Bravas and Pulpo Feria (marinated sautéed octopus). The “small plates” are followed by soups and salads, 4 versions of Paella, steaks, Spanish stews, tacos and a fabulous mixed meat platter for dedicated carnivores.
3770 E. Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718, 520 299 1540
The Preserve at SaddleBrooke
Located at the heart of The Preserve at SaddleBrooke, a prestigious residential and golf estate which overlooks the Santa Catalina Mountains of north Tucson, this restaurant offers the perfect setting for a romantic dinner. Floor to ceiling glass panels invite the outdoors in and set the scene for your fine-dining experience. The menu changes regularly in order to feature whatever is fresh, seasonal and local. Lunch is a relaxed and casual affair featuring several salads, burgers and sandwiches. The dinner menu is more comprehensive and offers a choice of favorite American appetizers followed by beautifully prepared entrees including several meat and fish choices as well as pasta and an interesting vegetarian option.
66567 Catalina Hills Drive, Tucson, AZ 85739, 520 825 3028
The Kingfisher Bar and Grill
Located in mid-town Tucson, The Kingfisher Bar and Grill has been a popular eatery since 1993. The restaurant has a warm and welcoming interior and has always been a great choice for a romantic night out. The menu features a good selection of regional American cuisine with a distinct Southwestern twist. You can rely on freshly-caught fish and sea food to play a leading role on the menu – their raw bar offers a selection of fresh oysters, gulf shrimp, scallops and Ahi Poke. Other hot and cold appetizers include steamed littleneck clams, fried calamari and New England Clam Chowder. If that sounds good, just wait until you see the entrees. There are a few delicious meat dishes from those who don’t enjoy sea food.
2564 E. Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85716, P520 323 7729
