Italian restaurants in Tucson feature adobe patios, lovely courtyards, and dishes that feel home-made. Whether you chasing the best fresh focaccia or the perfect plate of penne, Tucson is the place to be. I love eating out under the Sonoran sunset and for me food is almost secondary to the ambiance. These are my favorite places to eat Italian in Tucson.
Best Italian Restaurants in Tucson:
1. Savor Hearty Classics at Bianchi’s Italian
Rating: ★★★★★
I recommend getting started at Bianchi's Italian, a cozy Italian eatery on Silverbell Road. You'll find hearty pasta dishes here, along with wood-fired pizzas, and other Italian fare for dine-in or takeout.
Based in an adobe-style building, Bianchi’s Italian offers a menu of Italian-American cuisine ranging from appetizers, fresh salads, hot and cold subs and sandwiches, and burgers. Then there is the homemade pasta dishes, hand-tossed wood-fired pizzas, and calzones with a variety of toppings and fillings.
There are gluten-free options on the menu as well as delicious desserts. Bianchi’s Italian offers daily specials and catering services for a variety of events and functions.
1110 N Silverbell Road, Tucson, AZ 85745, Phone: 520-882-8500
2. Feel Like Family at Caruso’s Italian Restaurant
If you can get a table at Caruso's Italian Restaurant, you are sure to have a memorable evening out. Caruso's Italian Restaurant is a family-friendly restaurant in the historic 4th Avenue district that offers a casual spot in which to enjoy traditional Italian cuisine and easy-drinking wines.
Opened in 1930 by Nicasio (Caruso) Zagona and remaining in the family ever since, Caruso's has been serving authentic Italian fare with homemade pasta and sauces. I love classic dishes such as eggplant parmigiana, lasagna a forno, and spaghetti marinara (which they've been serving for more than 85 years!).
The centerpiece of the restaurant is a large copper pot in which the Caruso family sauce has been prepared since they opened and which is served with pasta dishes. I loved the deck that offers comfortable outdoor dining with magnificent views.
434 North 4th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85705, Phone: 520-624-5765
3. Go All-In on Flavor at Dominick’s Real Italian
Dominick's Real Italian is an unpretentious family-friendly neighborhood spot in Tucson that serves delectable Italian cuisine and libations.
Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week, Dominick's Real Italian offers a variety of Italian dishes ranging from appetizers and fresh soups and salads, pasta dishes such as fettuccine alfredo and lasagna, specialty pizzas, and calzones as well as hot and cold subs and sandwiches. You'll be happy to know that pizzas are available by the slice for lunch so if you are like me, you can sample many different flavors.
Entrees include breaded chicken dishes like chicken scarpariello and chicken piccata, baked eggplant parmesan and delicious seafood fare such as chili-infused calamari and a tempting seafood risotto. You can enjoy tucking into garlic knots with fresh, homemade marinara sauce over drinks while waiting for their meals.
8330 N Thornydale Rd, Tucson, AZ 85741, Phone: 520-744-2002
4. Taste the Tradition at Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria
Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria is a family-friendly restaurant that serves a delicious menu of casual Italian fare for the whole family.
Open for lunch and dinner, Fresco Pizzeria and Pastaria features specialty pizzas with over 50 toppings, excellent calzones, fresh-tossed salads, oven-baked parmesan-style subs, and made-to-order pasta entrees.
All homemade sauces, salad dressings, pizza dough, and desserts are made from scratch, meatballs are hand-rolled, and pizzas are hand-tossed to perfection.
If you have a gluten intolerance, Fresco Pizzeria and Pastaria also offers vegan and gluten-free options with 100% vegan mozzarella substitutes and gluten-free pizza crusts.
3011 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85716, Phone: 520-881-5555
5. Dine Old-School at Guiseppe’s
Tucked away in a shopping center on Oracle Road, Guiseppe's is a hidden family-owned gem that serves an extensive menu of classic Italian antipasti and pasta dishes as well as house specialties.
All dishes are prepared with fresh, high quality, locally sourced or imported ingredients, cooked to perfection using Old World Italian recipes and modern day techniques and served with passion and flair.
The menu features a wide variety of rustic Italian favorites, including antipasto and bruschetta, penne sausage and chicken Alfredo, meatballs ricotta, lamb osso buco and veal parmigiana. If you want something lighter, look to freshly prepared salads, homemade soups, hearty sides, and garlicky bread. An extensive drinks list includes craft beers, fine wines, grappas, and imported spirits, and martinis and cocktails.
6060 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ, Phone: 520-505-4187
Date Ideas:
6. Slow Down and Savor at Gusto Osteria of Tucson
Located in the Colonia Verde Plaza Shopping Center, Gusto Osteria of Tucson is a casual eatery that offers a menu of classic Italian fare as well as innovative vegetarian options.
Born from the idea of owner/operator-Glenn “Gus” Gerson that authentic, hearty Italian cuisine and excellent wines should be enjoyed at affordable prices, Gusto Osteria features a spacious, inviting dining room with vibrant one-of-a-kind artworks and comfortable tables and chairs, an informal bar, and an open kitchen that produces the delicious food.
A fantastic 1,000-square-foot outdoor patio is the perfect place for alfresco dining in the cool evenings and enjoying sundowners from the bar while soaking up the spectacular views.
7153 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715, Phone: 520-722-9487
7. Indulge in Style at North Italia
North Italia is a trendy, urban eatery in La Encantada that turns a modern lens on traditional Italian cooking.
Defined by exposed brick, dark wood, white leather, and spectacular panoramic views, North Italia takes pride in having perfected the art of handmade pasta and pizza, creating pasta dishes like tagliatelle Bolognese and strozzapreti with Bloomsdale spinach from scratch.
The pizza is nothing less than a revelation, with perfectly crisp crusts and airy centers topped with a variety of fillings and can be enjoyed with a selection of handcrafted cocktails, and craft and imported beers.
North Italia is open 7 days a week for brunch, lunch, and dinner and offers happy hour specials during the week.
North Italia, La Encantada, 2995 E Skyline Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718, Phone: 520-299-1600
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