Tucson, AZ
(520) 240-6947
Tumerico
Tumerico is probably one of the best known restaurants in Tucson, having achieved the status of the #8 spot on Yelp’s Top 100 Restaurants 2023 and the #1 spot for Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the Southwest. This is in addition to chef-owner Wendy Garcia being named a semi-finalist for the James Beard Award for the best chef in the Southwest. Yelp articles point out the fact that such acclaim is difficult to attain for restaurants that are totally vegetarian. The restaurant also seems to grow in popularity because of the fact that it is constantly experimenting with new items and recipes.
Awards and glowing reviews are displayed on the wall
The food here has Mexican roots with the trick being a way to make vegetarian versions of foods that are traditionally not totally plant based. The menu looks much like ones I would see in El Paso with all of the familiar dishes. A closer look at the description of the items, though, reveal ingredients such as vegan carnitas and tostadas topped with mushrooms and zucchini.
The menu is posted on the wall and changes daily
Upon entering the restaurant I found a menu written on a blackboard with a line of people waiting to order. The choice of daily specials was somewhat intimidating but the staff was helpful in answering questions and making suggestions. Menu items are rotating, and all items are freshly made. If customers have a hard time making a decision I think they can take solace in the fact that there are really no bad choices here (something I would not say about many traditional Mexican restaurants that serve an array of fried items along with mystery meats)
Chile Relleno
Chile relleno
Tumerico mainly serves plates rather than individual items as is the case with the Chile Relleno that also includes guacamole and a salad. I found these to be taste treats at almost the same level as the chile relleno. The chile was not noticeably spicy but had a good flavor that was enhanced by a mozzarella cheese filling and the various garnishes. The chile had also been de-seeded (something I am increasingly hoping restaurants will do.)
Enmoladas
Enmoladas
I had originally asked for a combination plate but I found out that the individual items with the garnishes were a meal in themselves. They did offer to make enchiladas as a stand alone item, though, which I was surprised to find out were covered with mole, otherwise known as Enmoladas.This turned out to be a taste treat with a light and delicious mole. I felt like the mole had the right number of ingredients without going overboard.
Tepari Stew
Tepari bean stew
The Tepari Stew features heirloom beans with poblano pepper and red chili sauce for an interesting flavor that is quite good because of its freshness.
Red Chili Nopalitos
Red chili nopalitos
On this item I can only present a photo and not a review because I did not try it. My dining companion, though, recommends it,
Closing Comments
The food here is both innovative and delicious, and I do not think they offer a dish without extensive taste testing. Tumerico proves that vegetarian food can be anything but boring.
The vibe here was of a neighborhood restaurant where you stand in line to order, get your drinks in “to go” cups, and they even have a kid’s play area. They just happen to have nationally recognized food.
The “chile level” here is mostly from the salsas that you pick up at the salsa bar.
I have been hearing about “elevated” Mexican food and it was great to have something new and different that I could try.
RATING: 26
Cuisine: Mexican Vegetarian
Cost: $$ to $$$
Hours: Closed Sun. evening & Mon.
Smoking: No smoking
Most Recent Visit: May 7, 2024
Number of Visits: 1
Best Items: Chile Relleno, Mole Enchiladas, Tepari Bean Stew
Mexican Food Details
| Chile Index: |  |
 |
Chile Relleno |
|
Mole Enchiladas |
|
Tepari Bean Stew |