Italian Restaurants in Tucson Arizona
A Local Guide to the Best Pasta, Pizza & More

If you’re searching for Italian restaurants in Tucson Arizona, you’re probably hungry right now!

You want to know exactly where to go, not read a generic list pulled from a map app. Visitors have a wide range of Italian dining options across the city. Since we love Italian food, we’ve put together recommendations in this practical guide to help you quickly find:

• The best Italian restaurants in Tucson with top ratings.
• Recommendations for different budgets, vibes & fun discovery.
• Where to go for romantic date nights, family dinners, or to have a pizza.

Use this page as if checking with your local friend! Click the section that matches your plans tonight, and you’ll have solid choices.

Best Italian Restaurants in Tucson -
Top Picks for Visitors

As local Tucsonans who love Italian food (Bill's favorite), we can help. Check our list of standout restaurants that offer quality, consistency, and hospitable experiences. For Anywhere You Stay in Tucson>

Authentic Sit-Down Italian Restaurants

These excellent, classical Italian restaurants have been around a while. 

With these, you’ll want to reserve ahead, especially on weekends. Dress is usually smart casual or business casual: sundress or button‑down, nice jeans are fine.

Vivace Restaurant - Known for Northern Italian dishes served in elegant surroundings since 1993. Closed Sundays.

• They have an impressive wine list, refined atmosphere, prompt service and quality experiences.
• Open Mon-Thurs, 11:30am-8pm. | Fri-Sat, 11:30am-8:30pm.
• Reservations suggested. 520-795-7221. 6440 N.Campbell, north of Skyline.

Tavolino Ristorante Italiano - Upscale, Northern Italian classic dishes, since 2003. At Skyline & Campbell.

• Often noted as "best Tucson Italian" restaurant lists for their homemade pasta. Expect the white tablecloth atmosphere, with Tuscan decor.
• Opens 11:30am; Mon-Thurs to 8pm, Fri-Sat to 8:30pm. Closed Sundays.
• Very popular, we advise Booking Your Spot in Advance.

Piazza Gavi - Fabulous food, service, and top experiences say their excellent reviews.

• High-quality ingredients with generous portions created by  Gaetano “Gavi” Colaleo.
• Hours: 11:30am-9pm. Happy Hour from 2-6pm.
  
• Location: East side, at 5415 N.Kolb Rd. 520-577-1099.

Modern & Trendy Italian Spots

These Italian Places to Eat in Tucson are on the East Side - Convenient for an East Side Stay

Zio Peppe - A delightfully different fusion of Italian-American classics and Southwest/Sonoran flavors.

• Reviewers rave about their creative pizzas, like "Figgy Stardust" and "El Rustico Birria?"
• Hours: Sun, Mon, Wed, Thurs 11am-8pm | Fri-Sat 11am-9pm | Tues 5-8pm
• East side, at 6502 E.Tanque Verde Rd., east of Grant/Kolb intersection. 520-888-4242

Renee's Tucson - Highly recommended by reviewers. Fusion of American comfort food, Italian influenced creations, and some southwest flavors.

• Some recommend the lasagna, Detroit-style pizza, and especially the spinach artichoke calzone.
• Open Wed-Sun, 11a-8pm. Note: indoor dining room is for adults, while outdoor patio seating includes the kids & family.
• East side, 7065 E.Tanque Verde, NW corner of Sabino Canyon Rd. 520-886-0484.

Casual, Family & Budget-Friendly Italian

If you’re traveling with kids or a mixed‑age group, you’ll want comfortable seating and a relaxed atmosphere.

• After all, kids like their familiar dishes: spaghetti (plain pasta option - Whoa! I did that as a kid!), pizza and simple deserts.
• As parents you want booster seats or high chairs, reasonable prices, and friendly staff who interact well with kids.

These casual pizzerias are perfect for families. Pick one of these: Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria | Upper Crust Pizza | Rocco's Little Chicago.

Olive Garden - Of course Tucson has this family-friendly chain. My mom likes it for the gluten-free menu. 

Three of these well-known Italian Restaurants in Tucson Arizona:

1. 300 W.Wetmore Rd, Tucson Mall, corner of Oracle Rd. 520-292-1077.
2. 1213 W.Irvington Rd., south side. 520-434-0789.
3. 5410 E.Broadway Blvd, east side, sw corner of Craycroft. 520-790-5787.

Best Italian for Romantic Evenings

Tucson's Romantic Italian dining highlights seasonal menus, offer reservations, and have strong reviews for both ambiance and food.

These spots feature dim lighting, intimate atmosphere with dark corners, and excellent wine lists. All great for visiting couples wanting a date night or observing an anniversary.

Bazil’s - Long‑running, family‑owned spot on Sunrise.

• Chicago‑Italian feel, pasta, and pizza, with a full bar. Reasonable prices.
• Has a cozy, traditional dining‑room setting with tables & booths. 
• At 477 Sunrise in Plaza Bel Air. 520-577-3322.

Dolce Vita Italian Bistro - Favored neighborhood style Italian food. To reserve: 520-298-3700.

• At 1800 East Fort Lowell Fort Road, opens Tuesday-Saturday at 4pm.
• Full variety of pasta and wine in a casual, romantic atmosphere.
• Known for ravioli, classic red‑sauce dishes, and reasonable prices.

Scordato's Pizzeria - Romantic atmosphere with dim lighting reflecting on the warmth of wood floors.

• An amazing place for date-night dinner, without being overly formal. Great variety of starters, plus light entrees.
• Known for their artisanal pizza. Guests praise the friendly staff, and delicious Italian meals.
• Location: 4911 N.Stone Ave, SW corner of River Rd. 520-529-2700.

What Type of Italian Are You Craving?

• Caffe Torino at 10325 N.La Cañada Dr, south of Lambert Ln in Oro Valley. 520-297-3777. Closed Mondays.
• Tratoria Pina, on 5541 N Swan, SW of Sunrise. Here since 1993, your mouth will water over their gnocchi, gourmet pizza and especially the deserts. Closed Sun. & Mon. 520-577-6992.
• Passaggio at JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa - Featuring their Italian trattoria style with stunning mountain views. Seasonal dishes, pizzas, and pastas. Location: 3800 W.Starr Pass Blvd. Dinner served Tues-Sat 5-9PM.
• And of course the fun and/or classic places like: Vivace | North Italia | Tavolino Ristorante.

Do you check wine lists before menus? 

• Tucson has Italian restaurants that put real thought into Italian and international wines. 
• Like Locale Neighborhood Italian, Casa Madre Restaurant, Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink, Vivace Restaurant, Dolce Vita Italian Bistro, and Tavolino Ristorante Italiano.

LOCAL TIP: At the more wine‑centric Italian spots, staff happily suggest pairings if you ask. With a sample taste before committing to a glass or bottle.

Best Pasta Dishes in Tucson

Best Italian Pizza Styles by Tradition

All of these pizza restaurants emphasize high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques related to their respective styles! Some styles overlap, but they're all worth your visit!

New York Style

Slices are heartier, a bit greasier in a good way. Styled to be eaten on the go, folded in half while you walk down the street!

Whole Slvce - Mercado District, just west of downtown, at 160 S.Avenida del Convento.

• A walk-up window shop with signature pizzas & huge slices (we've maneuvered them!). The owner, Travis Evans, trained at Sullivan Street Bakery in NYC for 10 years.
• Open daily at 11am. Weekdays closes at 9pm, Fri/Sat at 10pm.
• Order ahead for pick-up: 520-339-1245.

OV Pizza and Pints - North of Town In Oro Valley, SW corner of La Cañada & Naranja.

• Rob Curcio uses his father's recipes from Rocky's Pizza, in New York. Using locally-sourced fresh ingredients.
• Open 11am-9pm each day, except Sunday closing 8pm. 520-329-8851.

Upper Crust Pizza - Casual vibe with blackboard menu. Craft beers to go with your NY Style pizza. Try a calzone, wings, lasagna, salad or sub. Desserts, too - like cannoli!

• NE corner of Campbell, at 1909 E.Grant Rd. 520-881-7000. Open Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri/Sat 11am-10pm.

Neapolitan Style Pizza

Neapolitan is all about simplicity, tradition, and that soft, almost delicate bite.

Vero Amore - The real deal, certified: Authentic Neapolitan Pizzeria #250 by Italy. Great happy hour specials, and a kids' menu. Pasta, salads & lots more.

• Location: Swan & Fort Lowell, 2920 N.Swan Rd.
• Open every day 11am-9pm. Reservations: only by phone: 520-325-4122.

Penelope Pizza - Ranks in National list of 50 Top Pizza, uses flour imported from Italy, 24-hour fermented dough, wood-fired.

• Open Wed-Sun, 3-9pm. 800 N.Kolb Rd, south of Speedway. 520-633-5571.

Bacio Italiano - Hybrid Neapolitan-New York style using high gluten flour, cooked Neapolitan style.

• Located in Main Gate Square, 943 E.University Blvd, west of N.Park.
• 520-365-4501. Open daily 11am-10pm

Brick Oven Charred Crust Style

Casa Marana Beer · Wine · Spirits • Pizza - North in Tucson's Suburb, Marana.

• Neapolitan-style brick oven pizza, giving it some char. Plus sandwiches, starters & deserts. And wine, craft beers & cocktails.
• It's a regular stop for locals, who bring their families, too. With games for the kids. Indoor & outdoor seating.
• Location: 8225 N Courtney Page Way, take I-10 Exit 246, head west on Cortaro to the 2nd right turn, Arizona Pavilions Dr., take 2nd left.

Proof Artisanal Pizza & Pasta - A Gourmet Pizza provider! Corner of River & Campbell in St. Phillip's Plaza.

• The setting is wonderful, with the popular outdoor patio, plus indoor seating.
• I especially love their Blood Orange Margarita, along with their sausage pizza. (While Bill has the draft beer.)
• 520-789-7447. Open: Mon-Thurs Noon-pm, Fri Noon-10pm, Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-pm.

Fiamme Pizza Napoletana - Scott Volpe, head pizzaiolo, is phenomenal performing tricks in dough prep!

• Using authentic Neapolitan flour, fused with neo-Brooklyn styling. Topped with sauced San Marzano tomatoes. Vegan & gluten-free options.
• Tons of menu choices, even a charcuterie.
• Open every day, 11:30am-9pm. 520-529-5777. 4706 E.Sunrise Dr, SE corner of Swan.

Chicago & Detroit Italian Style

Gourmet Artisanal Style Pizza

Falora Pizza - Napoli brick oven fueled with local pecan wood to create charred pies.

• Imported Italian Caputo 00 flour for a thin artisan crust, while holding authentic Neapolitan characteristics.
• Midtown at 3000 E.Broadway Blvd, SW corner of Country Club Rd.
• Open 4-9pm, closed Mon/Tues. 520-325-9988

Frog & Firkin isn't strictly pizza - with an all-round eclectic menu.

• Their attraction: Red sauce, pepperoni, sausage, green pepper, garlic, black olive, mushroom, red onion, and extra cheese. Whole pie, or by the slice.
• 874 E.University Blvd,  520-623-7507.

Top Spots for Italian Desserts

Locale - Traditional cuisine with a wine bar & local beers on tap.

• This bustling venue presents classics, all fresh local ingredients. With their in-house bakery, desserts are more than an afterthought
• Indoor and outdoor seating. Your pooch can come too, at outdoor tables.
• At 60 N.Alvernon, North of Broadway, open Tues-Sun 11am-9pm. Also Brunch Sat-Sun 8am-2pm.
• Bakery has its own hours: Wed-Sun, 8am-3pm & serves breakfast up to 11am.

Viro's Real Italian Bakery - Creating traditional Italian baked goods for nearly 40 years.

• Specializing in Italian and Sicilian breads, pastries, and homestyle Italian meals based on their Sicilian family recipes.
• Their cannolis & Sicilian pastries are raved about. Try the Italian gelato and tiramisu. Yet the pizza & pasta are delicious, too. 
• Location: 8301 E.22nd St. Hours: Tues-Thurs & Sat, 9am-3pm; Fri 9am-6pm. Closed Sun-Mon.

Italian Restaurants Near Popular Tucson Attractions

Sometimes you want Italian without making an evening of it. Especially after Seeing the Tucson Sights.

Or you want to focus your search for Italian restaurants in Tucson Arizona areas near where you're staying. That way you can...

• Walk From Your Hotel.
• Take the Tucson streetcar, Sun Link.
• Enjoy a drink without worrying about driving.
• Combine dinner with an evening stroll through historic downtown or along quirky Fourth Avenue.

Near Downtown Tucson & Historic Districts

<BEST LODGING IN DOWNTOWN>

Ceres Cafe / Noodies - Fresh handmade pasta made daily. 77 W.Washington St. 

• 20+ pounds of fresh pasta made with imported Italian tipo 00 flour each morning.
• Rotating delish selections each day. Headlining creative options like tagliolini with black sesame seeds in creamy lemon zest sauce.
• Only open Wed-Sat, 11am-3pm. Great for lunch or early dinner.

Perché No Italian Bistro - 46 W Congress Street, downtown. Outdoor seating for people-watching, and a modern/retro interior, it's the newest place to be.

• Weekly specials. Extensive menu with craft beer, large wine selection and cocktails.
• Open Tues-Sat: 11:30am-2pm & 5-9pm. 520-838-0422.
• Reservations essential, at least one day in advance, because of limited seating.

Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink is a special place, loved by many.

Empire Pizza - Downtown in Hotel Congress, 137 E.Congress St.

• Presenting New York Style pizza since 2009. Plus salads, wings, and delicious desserts.
• Happy Hour: 4-7pm Daily, All Day Sunday. 520-882-7499 

Near the University of Arizona

Great places for lunch or dinner before or after U of A campus visits or Wildcat sporting events. Or if you're Staying Near the University.

Pizza at Time Market, 444 East University Blvd Tucson is open daily, 7am-10pm.

• All made using local produce, free-range ranched meats, and cage-free eggs.
• They're more than pizza, as you may have guessed. After a game, it's the best for getting together friends or relations with multiple food preferences.

Brooklyn Pizza Company, here since 1996. Short walk or streetcar ride from the UofA,  534 N.4th Ave, off 6th St. Open 11am-11pm every day, til 2:30am weekends

• Hand tossed pizza from the owner's family recipe, baked in a solar-powered over.
• Friendly place, often filled with students.

Frog & Firkin has been there for years. On University, corner of N.Tyndale Ave., 520-623-7507.

Others in the University area are:

lBacio Italiano, 943 E.University. Open daily 11am-10pm. 520-365-4501.

No Anchovies, 870 E.University. Open daily 11am-2am, Sundays closes at midnight. 520-623-3333.

Trident Pizza Pub, 446 N.Campbell Ave., south of 6th St. Open every day 10:30am. 520-274-7068.

East and West Side Italian for Park‑Trip Days

After a day filled with the Best Places to Visit in Town, or in any Local Tucson Parks, find a place close to the area where you're staying. like the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Saguaro National Park, or Sabino Canyon.

These types of neighborhood area Italian restaurants in Tucson

• Are often more community‑oriented, with a local crowd
• Offer easy, free parking
• Have that relaxed, “we know our regulars by name” feel

EAST SIDE ITALIAN RESTAURANTS IN TUCSON ARIZONA

If you're Staying on the East Side of Tucson, try these:

Gusto Osteria - 7153 E.Tanque Verde Road. Open Mon-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri/Sat 11am-10pm, closed Sun. 520-722-9487

FIGS oven + enoteca - 7301 E.Tanque Verde Rd. Open Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri/Sat 11am-10pm.

Zio Peppe - 6502 E.Tanque Verde Rd. Open daily 11am-9pm. 520-888-4242.

WEST SIDE ITALIAN RESTAURANTS IN TUCSON ARIZONA & AREA

If you're Staying on the West Side of Tucson, Including Downtown

Twin Peaks Pizza - 7575 W Twin Peaks Rd, corner of Coachline in Marana. I-10 Exit 244.

• 520-744-0411. Open Sun & Tues-Thurs 11am-7pm; Fri/Sat 11am-8pm. Closed Mondays.
• Small dining room, with patio options, too. 
• Choose regular or thin crust. Wings & a variety of salads and subs.

Los Olivos - Hidden gem. Family-owned pizzeria with crispy, thin crust options. 937 W.Congress, west of I-10.

• 520-624-0155. Open Mon 11am-7:30pm; Tue-Sat 11am-8:45pm; Closed Sundays
  

Barro's Pizza - 5825 Arizona Pavilions Dr, Marana. Off I-10 Exit 246. Good pizza with loaded toppings (gluten-free available). Plus wings, sandwiches & more.

• 520-682-3969. Open Sun-Thurs 10:30am-10pm, Fri/Sat 10:30am-11pm. 

Bianchis Italian - Corner of Silverbell & Speedway. SEE MORE>

Practical Tips for Enjoying Italian Restaurants in Tucson

Tucson's local dining culture includes seasonal ingredients and southwestern influences like mesquite and local herbs.

What to Expect When Dining Italian in Tucson

Italian restaurants in Tucson, Arizona offer everything from authentic handmade pasta to wood-fired pizzas and modern Italian dishes.

Some of the top places visitors love include classic trattorias, upscale date-night spots, and family-friendly eateries across downtown, midtown, and the Foothills. Locals love those suitable for date-nights.

Traditional recipes or creative, Tucson has an Italian restaurant for every taste and budget.

When to Eat - Beat the Crowds

We prefer dining when Italian restaurants in Tucson Arizona aren't packed with wait lines. Here are some tips if you feel the same.

• Peak times: Friday & Saturday evenings from about 6:30–8pm.
• Avoid waits by aiming for an early dinner, 4 or 5 til 6pm.
• Consider weekday nights, Monday-Thursdays. Staff have more time for recommendations and giving their best service.

More Tips:

• Call ahead to check closing times if you've been out & about; some neighborhood places close earlier than you'd expect.
• Bring a light extra layer in winter, for the after sunset dinner. Tucson evenings cool down quickly.
• Bring a sweater in the summer, too! Some restaurants overcompensate for the outside temperatures.

FAQ for Italian restaurants in tucson arizona

Final Thoughts: Enjoying Italian Restaurants in Tucson

Tucson has more Italian options than most visitors expect!

From neighborhood pizza joints to special‑occasion brasseries. The key is matching:

• Your occasion: date, family, quick bite
• Your location in Tucson: after sight-seeing or near your hotel.
• Your need for any dietary variations or preferences

Keep those three in mind to quickly narrow down the best Italian restaurants in Tucson, Arizona for your trip. Plus trying places locals love, while you’re here.

On Tucson Up Close, we always aim to share what we’d tell visiting friend or relatives. Use this guide as your starting point, then check recent reviews and menus. You’ll be sitting down to a great plate of pasta or pizza in no time.

There are a great many Places to eat in Tucson AZ - a vast assortment. We hope you enjoy any you try out, including our suggestions for Italian style meals.

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