The trendy Hotel Congress has a happening little cafe that serves what many consider to be the best breakfast around. All the familiar favorites are offered, along with some more creative options such as the Boom Boom (scrambled eggs, cheese and roasted red potatoes piled on a toasted baguette), Eggs and Gunpowder (a bowl of roasted red potatoes topped with eggs, turkey chorizo and jack cheese), and Bennie's Burrito (a tortilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, spicy black beans, sprouts, jack cheese, diced green chiles, black olives, sour cream and fresh salsa). Lunch and dinner tend to be more international in scope, but the food is equally wonderful.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Cup Cafe in downtown Tucson is unpretentious and fun with a large menu suitable for gluten-free diners.
Patricia's expert tip: Don't miss the build your-own Bloody Mary bar.
When it comes to fresh, artful vegetarian cuisine, sisters Keanne and Sigret Thompson--owners of Tucson's The Tasteful Kitchen--know their stuff. The Tasteful Kitchen, which is located in the city's historic West University neighborhood, brings to life the sister's vision for fresh food crafted from the best ingredients around. For starters, try the hot vegan soup of the day, which comes with a homemade crouton. The entree menu blends traditional continental technique spun with a southwestern flavors and ingredients. Try the Black Bean Croquettes with Rajas of Nopales. The croquettes are served with pan-fried brown rice, cocoa-roasted sweet potatoes, mushrooms, nopales (cactus) and organic greens saute.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: The seasonally-inspired menu at Tasteful Kitchen is always changing, but it nearly always includes many gluten-free options.
Patricia's expert tip: Not sure what to order? Sample the vegetarian canape menu, which is filled with sweet and savory bites.
This hybrid bar, restaurant and live music venue has one of the best locations in town. Located in Old Town Artisans's, La Cocina features a sprawling outdoor patio shaded by old cottonwood trees. Even better, the menu is chock-full of seasonal dishes and Southwestern specialties. For starters, try the quesadilla with green chiles, with comes with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. Salads, entrees and sandwiches round out the menu. Try the Presidio Reuben, a Tucson version of the deli classic. It comes with your choice of corned beef, house roasted turkey breast, or eggplant, served with grilled sauerkraut, green chiles, provolone, thousand island dressing and spicy mustard on rye. Check out the bar too, where you'll find a good selection of local beers and handmade cocktails.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: La Cocina offers several craveable gluten-free options, which are clearly denoted on the menu.
Patricia's expert tip: Great drink specials are served at happy hour, which happens Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 7 pm.
Tucson Tamale Company's slogan is "unwrap happiness." Well said. With more than 30 different types of tamales, from meaty and spicy to hearty vegan treats, Tucson Tamale Company is your source for authentic and creative tamales in the Old Pueblo. The menu is eclectic and fun. Try the green corn tamales, a house favorite, or the Arizona, which is stuffed with chipotle beef. The Tucson Tamale Company has something to please every palate, including a large selection of vegetarian and vegan tamales. There are also delicious breakfast and dessert tamales so you can start your morning--and finish your meal--just right.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Tucson Tamale Company is an award-winning cafe with an incredibly eclectic menu of tamales.
Patricia's expert tip: Take a dozen--or two dozen--tamales home with you. The Tucson Tamale Company specializes in special orders too.
It's not always easy to find healthy Chinese food, but Tucson's Golden House makes it easy to have your egg roll and eat it, too. The menu at this eastside restaurant, which bills itself as "healthy fast food," cuts out the extra calories, sugar and sodium, without cutting out flavors. Diners can also request low sodium dishes, meat substitutes, and brown rice options. The menu contains more than 100 items, including chef specials like the Thai Fish, Mogolian Three Delight, and Thai Shrimp. Vegetarian and vegan foods will find many options. Many items on the menu are also available gluten-free upon request.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Golden House is your source for healthy and gluten-free Chinese food in Tucson.
Patricia's expert tip: If you're not sure what to order, the restaurant staff will help you order a gluten-free meal.
"Outstanding vegetarian options" is not just a slogan here--Lovin' Spoonfuls offers an array of delicious, freshly-prepared vegetarian dishes that even die-hard meat-eaters can love. Whether you're an omnivore or vegan, almost everyone will find something to love on the eclectic, which features meatless takes on American comfort food classic, along with Southwestern, Asian, and Greek-inspired dishes. If you're idea of vegetarian cuisine consists of bland salads and rice dishes, it's time to pay a visit to Lovin' Spoonfuls. Don't leave without picking out a freshly baked treat from the dessert counter. For those with dietary restrictions, there are also gluten-free options.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Lovin' Spoonfuls offers delicious, hearty vegetarian fare, with a dedicated gluten-free menu.
Patricia's expert tip: Try the Route 66 BLT burger!
Recently voted the best pizza in Tucson by Tucson Lifestyle Magazine, Renee's Organic Oven has made a splash in the local scene with its commitment to using only the highest-quality organic ingredients and extensive selection of toppings. The restaurant features both a classic pizza menu and specialty pizzas. No matter which side of the menu you order from, you can't go wrong with the quality and taste of the pizza here. Renee's Organic Oven also offers a full range of healthy lunch and dinner options, including specialty salads, subs, calzones and sandwiches. Pasta dishes and pizza, of course, round out the menu.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Renne's Organic Oven offers a gluten-free pizza crust option, and uses Udi's gluten-free bread for sandwiches upon request.
Patricia's expert tip: Try the Sip and Slice weekly special, the slice of the week paired with a glass of organic Pure Red or Pure White wine.
People don't simply talk about Feast, they enthuse. The concept seems simple enough: excellent gourmet food (but nothing too experimental), reasonable prices, and the option to dine in or take out. The menu changes every month — call ahead or check their website to see what's available — but virtually every dish is a knockout. You might encounter a savory cheesecake with artichoke hearts, zesty sweet potato chilaquiles, perfect parmesan risotto, a fennel and garlic-rubbed pork chop, or chicken masala over basmati rice and fresh sauteed spinach. Desserts are all exceptional and prepared in-house, including the ice cream, but the chocolate truffle cookies are sublime. If you're going for take out, you can also select a bottle of wine to go.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Feast is a Tucson original, with an expansive menu that includes gluten-free dishes.
Patricia's expert tip: Feast offers vegetarian dishes and a number of gluten-free options as well as diabetic-friendly choices.
Gourmet Girls Go Gluten Free is Tucson's premier gluten-free cafe and bakery. This is the perfect place to enjoy pasta, bread, sandwich or a big slice of freshly baked pizza, without fear of allergy-producing food products or ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, but the staff is happy to accommodate special requests. Stop by early to sample the excellent breakfast menu. The pancake sandwich should please breakfast food lovers, while the raisin challah French toast with fresh fruit is hearty without being too heavy. Gourmet Girls products also make regular appearances at Tucson's best farmer's markets, so watch out for their fresh baked breads around town.
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Gourmet Girls Go Gluten Free in Tucson is the perfect place to find your favorite dishes, without all the gluten.
Patricia's expert tip: Don't miss the Sonoran sandwich, turkey, tomato, lettuce, bacon, and avocado on rosemary flatbread.
Dedicated Gluten Free (formerly Got2b Gluten Free) is a small, local eatery and bakery specializing in all things delicious and gluten free. The bakery creates handmade breads, muffins, scones, cookies and other treats fresh daily - all of which are gluten free and made from fresh, wholesome ingredients. The eatery also has a lunch menu with a wide assortment of gourmet sandwiches, paninis, and cold sandwiches. Craving dessert? The eatery carries a wide selection of popular dessert treats, including donuts, cupcakes, eclairs and cream puffs, and a popular New York-style cheesecake. Who says you can't have your gluten free cake and eat it too?
Recommended for Restaurants with Gluten-Free Menus because: Dedicated Gluten Free is not the place to find dry, crumbly baked goods, but it is the place for moist, delicious gluten-free goodies.
Patricia's expert tip: Try a slice of the popular New York-style cheesecake.