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Salad and pasta spots in Tucson

A satisfying meal requires both a fresh salad and a substantial portion of pasta.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated May 2026
01
Los Olivos image 1
Los Olivos image 2
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Pizza restaurant

Small mom-and-pop pizza spot with cozy indoor and outdoor seating and a homemade atmosphere. The vibe is relaxed and simple, with Italian music setting a classic tone. Tables sit close together, creating an intimate but casual dining experience.

Salads come with great dressing and include vegetarian options like the Los Olives salad. The Beet Salad features sweet beets, vinaigrette, onions, candied pepita seeds, and feta cheese.

Sauces and meatballs come from scratch, with pasta cooked al dente and served with four large meatballs or seafood like shrimp. Dishes like Meat Lasagna and Pasta Primavera offer flavorful, well-portioned meals.

People are saying

"You have to try their homemade Italian food; it's amazing."

"I've been thinking about the pesto pasta since I left."

"I found the antipasto salad to be excellent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but seating is limited.

2

Parking is available but can be confusing due to nearby establishments.

3

Prices are reasonable, with meals averaging around $50 for two.

02
Noodies image 1
Restaurant

Casual restaurant with cute decor and paintings of pasta regions creates a cozy, friendly atmosphere. Small kids play area and patio seating offer comfortable options for families and groups. The vibe stays relaxed and welcoming, making it a nice spot for casual dining.

Caesar salad features a perfect dressing and the salads stand out with crunchy croutons.

Homemade pasta stands out with its quality and freshness. The vodka sauce adds an incredible touch that elevates the dishes beyond typical Italian fare.

People are saying

"I loved their handmade pasta, especially with the vodka sauce."

"I loved that the gelato flavor changed weekly."

"I liked the arugula salad with tomato and basil sauce."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant can get packed.

2

Noodies offers weekly gelato specials that change regularly.

3

The restaurant is kid-friendly with a play area for children.

03
L&L Hawaiian BBQ - Tucson image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Open, clean interior with warm lighting and island music creates a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Friendly staff and a welcoming dog add a personal touch, making the space feel like home in Hawaii. Decor includes surfboards and scenic videos, enhancing the authentic Hawaiian vibe.

Macaroni salad appears as a daily-made side and can be substituted with a small salad for gluten-free needs. The BBQ chicken salad features tender chicken and pairs well with the macaroni salad.

Macaroni salad stands out with its cold, fresh preparation and daily made quality. Adding soy sauce gives it a full Hawaiian flavor that complements the yummy pasta salad options.

People are saying

"I thought the Hawaiian food here was the best I ever had."

"The staff at this Lunch Spot are super friendly and helpful."

"The macaroni salad here is so yummy and made daily."

Good to know

1

Reservations are available for catering events and luncheons.

2

The restaurant offers a clean and new environment for dining.

3

Parking is plentiful and easily accessible.

04
CERES Pasta image 1

Outdoor seating fills a quaint alleyway with shaded picnic tables and green vines creating a cozy, European vibe. The atmosphere stays chill and relaxing, enhanced by music from nearby venues. Lines form early as the spot is known for excellent pasta and renowned gelato.

Salads come with olive oil that stands out from the first bite. Daily specials include a variety of mix and match options alongside pastas and sandwiches.

Fresh pasta comes with perfect texture and is cooked just right. Unique sauces and daily specials offer a variety of flavorful combinations.

People are saying

"I thought the pasta here was out of this world."

"I thought the gelato here was amazing and delicious."

"I found the salad here to be fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only has outdoor seating, which is kid and pet friendly.

2

Popular pastas and sandwiches often sell out, so arrive early.

3

The restaurant is only open a few days a week.

05
Kahu Hawaiian BBQ image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Small dining area offers laid-back atmosphere with calming ukulele music and authentic Hawaiian aromas. Drive-thru service adds convenience alongside indoor seating. Crowd includes locals, some wearing Hawaiian shirts, enhancing the relaxed vibe.

Macaroni salad stands out with its simple but tasty flavor and a hint of tuna-like taste. It pairs well with barbecue sauce and complements dishes like fried chicken and BBQ beef.

Macaroni salad stands out with a sweet flavor and creamy texture. Pasta dishes show skillful cooking, especially in the mac pasta served alongside BBQ and fried chicken combos.

People are saying

"The food here tastes amazing and is delicious."

"I can't get enough of their divine Hawaiian macaroni salad."

"I thought the macaroni salad pasta was the best I'd ever had."

Good to know

1

Meals are around $10, offering great value for the portion size.

2

Portion sizes are large enough for leftovers.

3

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

06
Kettle Restaurant image 1
Buffet restaurant

Buffet restaurant with vintage nostalgic charm and eclectic decor featuring clocks showing times from ingredient sources. Atmosphere feels like a family home, relaxed and quiet with spacious seating. Staff are welcoming, creating a cozy and friendly environment.

Buffet offers a fresh salad bar with a variety of options. Salads come alongside home-cooked dishes and are part of a well rounded selection including soups and fruits.

Buffet includes spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and fettuccini Alfredo. Pasta dishes come alongside home-cooked style options like stuffed peppers and meatloaf.

People are saying

"The buffet staff are so friendly and make you feel welcomed."

"The salads here are so fresh and vibrant."

"The owner's so nice and attentive, it's awesome."

Good to know

1

The buffet costs $16 and offers a large selection of dishes.

2

Taco Tuesday features enchiladas and is a popular event.

3

All meals are served buffet style at reasonable prices.

07
HiFalutin Rapid Western Grill image 1

Rustic design blends with a cozy, Western vibe that feels more like a comfortable hacienda. Live Western music plays near a covered patio that suits group dinners, while bourbon selection rivals specialized bars. Tables sit close, making conversation challenging during busy times.

Salads come in many choices with fresh, crisp ingredients. The Cobb and Caesar salads stand out for their flavor and quality.

Tomato basil angel hair and tortellini stand out with smooth texture and balanced flavors. General's Pasta mixes chicken, artichoke hearts, pesto, and walnuts for a flavorful combination.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic and delicious."

"The salads here are fresh, crisp, and delicious."

"I've never tasted pasta so flavorful and cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers special pricing on select items from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Live country music is featured every Friday night.

3

The restaurant has a special gluten-free menu for those with dietary restrictions.

08
Falora Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small dining space offers intimate atmosphere with cozy indoor and outdoor seating. Ambiance stays calm and Zen, often filling up to require communal seating. Known for authentic Neapolitan pizza and extensive vegan options.

Salads feature Butter Pecan and Zucchini varieties with a Napoli style twist. The Butter Pecan salad stands out for its unique flavor and quality.

Handmade cavatelli pasta stands out for its texture and flavor. Some pasta dishes include hot sausage, but overcooked pasta appears occasionally.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza here was exceptional and really good."

"I thought the kale salad was amazing."

"I thought the handmade pasta was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the small size of the restaurant.

2

Expect a good variety of vegan options on the menu.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-5pm with special deals on drinks.

09
Gusto Osteria image 1
Italian restaurant

Quiet, dark-lit space offers a homey, upscale atmosphere with tasteful decor and outdoor seating. The setting feels tucked away and peaceful, creating a calm dining experience. Guests often enjoy the full bar and a mix of small and large tables in a cozy corner.

Beet salad stands out with its beautiful presentation and delicious flavor. House salad comes with bread and dipping oil that complement it well, and Caesar salad is also available.

Penne with Italian sausage matches traditional home cooking with rich flavor. Pasta Primavera offers an interesting twist while fettuccine Alfredo balances sauce and noodles perfectly.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and full of flavor."

"The pasta dishes here are delicious and well done."

"I thought the beet salad was beautiful and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour on the patio offers half-off wine bottles every Tuesday.

2

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during peak dinner hours.

3

Parking is ample in the plaza, making it easy to find a spot.

10
Oregano's image 1
Italian restaurant

Old-fashioned decor filled with 40s music and vintage TV shows creates a fun, nostalgic vibe. Atmosphere stays muted enough for conversation while feeling lively and welcoming. Busy entrance and friendly greetings add to a homey, bistro-like experience.

Salads stand out with the Big Beefstro Salad and antipasto salad offering rich flavors. The Cesar salad and Pablo Salad also deliver solid, fresh options.

Huge portions of pasta come with many dishes, often enough for leftovers. Options include Italian flag lasagna, red pepper chicken pasta, and Chicken Parmesan with pasta, all noted for strong flavors.

People are saying

"The antipasto salad here is amazing."

"The lunch spot service was amazing, making us feel seen and important."

"I thought the pasta here was better than the pizza."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait on Friday nights, but it can be shorter.

2

Arriving before 5 PM helps avoid long waits, which can extend outside.

3

The restaurant offers a gluten-free menu, but options are limited.

11
Bacio Italiano image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant combines upscale yet comfortable atmosphere with an inviting, chill vibe popular among college students. Outdoor seating features cooling misters and offers a lovely street view ideal for people watching. Every detail feels intentional, creating an elegant but relaxed setting.

Salads come fresh and include options like Caesar with Salmon and a salad with balsamic vinegar called Torano or Torino. Portions are decent and pair well with pizza.

Spaghetti with marinara sauce and fettuccine alfredo with crispy chicken stand out with house-made noodles and fresh cilantro that pops with flavor. Penne Alla Vodka and grilled shrimp pasta offer tender, well-grilled shrimp and rich sauces.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes so fresh."

"The pasta here is delicious and tastes so fresh."

"The Caesar salad was a great size and pretty good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to avoid extra charges.

2

A 20% gratuity is automatically added for parties of six or more.

3

The restaurant offers plant-based options on the menu.

12
Dolce Vita Italian Bistro image 1
Italian restaurant

Small Italian bistro offers a cozy atmosphere with a friendly, relaxing vibe and patio seating that welcomes dogs. Family-run and locally operated, it features homemade dishes and a full bar, creating a quaint and inviting dining experience.

Salads come with house dressing that stands out for its flavor. Portions are large and the greens taste fresh and crisp.

Numerous pasta options include Fettuccine Alfredo and ravioli with homemade sauce. Lasagnas come in multiple flavors and both are very good.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the lamb osso buco, was magnificent."

"I thought the house salad dressing was the best."

"I've never had pasta this good before."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

The restaurant offers both patio and indoor seating options.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases.

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Tucson, Arizona

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