After a long day of sourcing stones on the show floor, enjoying a great meal is an essential part of the Tucson experience. This page introduces our top recommended restaurants strategically located near the major venues.
Tucson’s Culinary Excellence
In December 2015, Tucson became the first city in the United States to be designated as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. The city offers an extraordinary culinary landscape reflecting its rich cultural heritage.
The annual Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase provides a massive economic boost to the local dining scene, with restaurants preparing specialized menus to welcome international buyers.
News Source: Tucson restaurants prepare for Gem Show’s big weekend (KGUN 9)
Thai & Asian Cuisine
Nattha’s Bann Thai Asian
| Location |
6970 E 22nd St #100, Tucson, AZ 85710 A quick 10-15 minute drive from the 22nd Street Show. |
| Hours | Mon-Sat: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm Sun: Closed |
| Phone | (520) 750-9614 |
| Cost | Lunch: $12 – $17 | Dinner: $20 – $30 |
| Website | Official Website | Yelp Reviews |
| Quick Links | Menu | Delivery via DoorDash |
| Information | An excellent option for authentic Thai and Cantonese dishes, perfect for a satisfying dinner after exploring the East side venues. |
Italian Cuisine
Caruso’s
| Location |
434 North 4th Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85705 |
| Hours | Tue-Thu: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm Fri-Sun: 11:30 am – 11:00 pm Mon: Closed |
| Phone | (520) 624-5765 |
| Cost | Lunch: $15 – $20 | Dinner: $20 – $30 |
| Website | Official Website | Yelp Reviews |
| Information | A historic and authentic Italian restaurant serving family recipes passed down for generations. Their lasagna is highly recommended. Parking is street-only on 4th Avenue (free after 5:00 PM). Expect a crowd during the show weekends. |
Anello
| Location |
222 E 6th St, Tucson, AZ 85705 |
| Hours | Tue-Sat: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm Sun & Mon: Closed |
| Cost | Lunch/Dinner: $12 – $25 |
| Website | Official Website | Yelp Reviews |
| Information | If you are craving an authentic, wood-fired pizza accompanied by fine wine, Anello is a must-visit. The minimalist setting and quality ingredients make it a favorite among visiting buyers. |
Mexican Cuisine & Bakeries
La Indita
| Location |
622 N 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705 |
| Hours | Mon-Sat: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm Sun: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm |
| Phone | (520) 792-0523 |
| Cost | Lunch: $10 – $20 | Dinner: $20 – $30 |
| Website | Menu Info | Yelp Reviews |
| Information | A beloved institution serving Tohono O’odham and Mexican cuisine. Expect a cozy, family-style atmosphere. It is extremely popular between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Street parking is available on 4th Avenue. |
Guadalajara Original Grill
| Location |
Prince Location: 1220 E Prince Rd, Tucson, AZ 85719 (15-min drive from downtown shows) Oracle Location: 7360 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704 (Near Westward Look and Miners Co-op) |
| Hours | Sun-Thu: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm Fri-Sat: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| Phone | Prince: (520) 323-1022 | Oracle: (520) 989-0500 |
| Cost | Lunch: $15 – $20 | Dinner: $20 – $30 |
| Website | Official Website | Yelp Reviews |
| Information | Offering an innovative take on traditional Mexican cuisine, complete with fresh table-side salsa and occasional live mariachi music. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. |
La Estrella Bakery
| Location |
5266 S 12th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706 A quick 5-minute walk from the African Art Village. |
| Hours | Mon-Sat: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm Sun: 7:00 am – 2:00 pm |
| Phone | (520) 741-0656 |
| Cost | $3 – $5 |
| Website | Yelp Reviews |
| Information | An essential stop for fresh, highly affordable Mexican pastries, donuts, churros, and handmade tortillas. Perfect for a quick breakfast before hitting the shows. Fresh coffee is available nearby at Stella Java. |
Japanese Cuisine
Ikkyu
| Location |
2040 West Orange Grove Road, Tucson, AZ 85704 A 10-minute drive from Westward Look Mineral Show and Miners Co-op. |
| Hours | Mon-Sat: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm Sun: Closed |
| Phone | (520) 297-9011 |
| Cost | Lunch: $8 – $15 | Dinner: $10 – $20 |
| Website | Official Website | Yelp Reviews |
| Information | A highly regarded Japanese eatery in the Northside. Famous for its authentic flavor profiles and reasonable prices. Note that their highly requested Ramen is typically served only from Thursday through Saturday. |
Kukai
| Location |
267 S Avenida Del Convento, Ste 11, Tucson, AZ 85745 A convenient 5-minute walk from Pueblo Gem & Mineral Show. |
| Hours | Tue-Sun: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm / 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm Mon: Closed |
| Phone | (520) 367-5982 |
| Cost | Lunch: $8 – $15 | Dinner: $10 – $20 |
| Website | Official Website | Yelp Reviews |
| Information | One of the best lunch spots during the show due to its proximity to the Mercado district venues. They serve excellent Ramen, Takoyaki, and convenient rice balls (Onigiri) for buyers on the go. |
American & Steakhouses
4th Avenue Delicatessen
| Location |
425 N 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705 |
| Hours | Mon-Sat: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm Sun: Closed |
| Phone | (520) 624-3354 |
| Cost | $8 – $15 |
| Website | Official Website | Yelp Reviews |
| Information | A locally owned classic deli offering hearty sandwiches, hotdogs, and BLTs. It is an ideal spot for a fast, fulfilling lunch. Takeout, delivery, and outdoor seating are available. |
El Corral
| Location |
2201 E River Rd, Tucson, AZ 85718 An 18-minute drive from central Tucson. |
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm |
| Phone | (520) 299-6092 |
| Cost | $30 – $50 |
| Website | Official Website | Yelp Reviews |
| Information | Established in 1926, El Corral is a historic Tucson steakhouse. If you are looking to celebrate a successful buying trip with exceptional Prime Rib and a great wine selection, this is the destination. |
Chinese Cuisine
Golden Dragon
| Location |
Northwest Location: 6433 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85704 (Near Westward Look) North Location: 4704 E Sunrise Dr, Tucson, AZ 85718 (25-min drive from downtown) |
| Hours | Mon-Fri: 11:00 am – 2:30 pm / 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm Sat-Sun: 12:00 pm – 7:30 pm |
| Phone | Northwest: (520) 297-1862 | North: (520) 299-8088 |
| Cost | Lunch: $15 – $20 | Dinner: $15 – $30 |
| Website | Official Website | Yelp Reviews |
| Information | Serving authentic Cantonese cuisine across two locations in Tucson. Their Orange Chicken is highly recommended by locals and returning buyers. |