Bella's Gelato started as a local food truck but now has a stand-alone shop at 2648 E. Speedway Blvd.
The menu of a dozen gelato and sorbet flavors, plus smoothies, coffee and floats, should cool down anyone in search of a summer treat.
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New Tucson restaurants and bars opened in summer 2021
After a tumultuous year for restaurants and bars caused by the coronavirus pandemic, here are the new spots opened in and around Tucson this summer.
We will be updating this list as more restaurants and bars are welcomed to town later this year. If we missed your favorite new place to eat, let us know at jtellez@tucson.com.
Bella's Gelato Shoppe
Noodleholics
The Taiwan beef soup has fatty chunks of roast in a lighter beef broth with housemade wheat noodles.
Noodleholics' first shop opened on Grant Road back in 2018 and has since opened an Oro Valley location at 7850 N. Oracle Rd.
The new Oro Valley spot has a larger kitchen and a patio dining area for noodle-lovers in the area who might not want to make the trek down to midtown.
Maria Bonita Mexican Kitchen
After its original location closed in 2011, Maria Bonita Mexican Kitchen has returned to Tucson, this time at 2708 E. Fort Lowell Road.
The menu features popular Mexican dishes like quesadillas, chimichangas, tacos and desserts like flan and tres leches cake.
Gallery of Food Bodega
The Gallery of Food Bodega, at 2522 E. Fort Lowell Road, had its grand opening this June, despite technically first opening back in October 2020.
This store, run by Kristine Jensen of the Gallery of Food catering company, sells locally-sourced products and offers grab-and-go meals, all of which can also be bought online.
Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink
Reilly's pizza oven is being seasoned in preparation for the opening of the newest Reilly Pizza on the northwest side.
You may be familiar with Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink's popular downtown location at 101 E. Pennington Street, but now you have the chance to grab a pie and a cocktail up north.
Reilly's second location opened Aug. 1 on Tucson's northwest side at 7262 N. Oracle Road.
La Estrella Bakery
La Estrella Bakery is opening its third location at 901 N. Grande Ave. in the Barrio Hollywood neighborhood.
La Estrella Bakery opens its third Tucson location on July 31 at 901 N. Grande Ave.
The Franco family, who opened their flagship bakery in the '80s, is putting this new location in Barrio Hollywood where their Tucson roots began.
Transplant Pizza
Transplant, a Detroit-inspired pizzeria has opened next door to Craft, A Modern Drinkery taproom on East Speedway.
This new pizzeria "born in Tucson, inspired by Detroit" at 4603 E. Speedway Blvd. comes from the minds of William and Travis Miller, the brothers behind Tucson's Serial Grillers.
The duo opened the doors of Transplant Pizza this summer right next to Craft, A Modern Drinkery, a taproom which they also run.
Salad and Go
Salad and Go has over 30 locations in Arizona and now Tucson's first is open at 5501 E. Speedway Blvd.
Although the name says "salad," you can also grab breakfast burritos and seasonal soup there. Another Tucson location is planned to open later this year at Tucson Marketplace.
Buena Vida
This luchador-themed spot at 919 N. Stone Ave. had its grand opening at the end of August, which featured a car show and live wrestling.
Buena Vida's menu offers a variety of tortas, loaded "Lucha Fries," Sonoran dogs, and salads with a Mexican cuisine-inspired twist. They have indoor and patio seating and offer carry out as well.
Noble Hops
The popular Oro Valley gastropub, Noble Hops, opened up a new location this summer at the DoubleTree by Hilton at Reid Park, 445 S. Alvernon Way.
Noble Hops's new spot offers mostly the same menu items as the original location, in addition to craft beers and cocktails.
This popular downtown Tucson pizzeria is opening a 2nd locationFor Star subscribers: The new Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink spot will have a similar menu, including its popular Brussels sprouts dish.
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Chef-owner Amonwadee “Dee” Buizer opened the restaurant in 2016 to showcase the upscale side of Thai cooking.
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For Star subscribers: A spicy staple in Tucson homes is making a comeback while a near-replica hot sauce has already landed on store shelves.
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A new Tucson club will give local artists a place to gather with other musicians and small audiences for intimate unplugged shows.
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Imagínate que se te antojan unas ricas alitas o unas costillas asadas, pero que vas con alguien que prefiere algo vegano. Problema resuelto: Flaps and Racks y Acai Paradise comparten espacio por la Valencia.
While the Tucson area has welcomed dozens of new bars and restaurants since the start of 2021, several businesses shut down for good this year.
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From burger joints to tea and coffee shops, here are some new spots opened in the Tucson area this autumn.