Guy Fieri called his mom after tasting the vegan tacos here – that’s the kind of reaction Tumerico gets from people who didn’t think plant-based Latin American could compete with traditional versions.
Chef Wendy Garcia earned James Beard Best Chef Semifinalist recognition in both 2023 and 2024 while building what became the Nation’s #1 Rated Restaurant on Yelp.
At 2526 E 6th Street in the Sam Hughes neighborhood, this vegetarian-vegan restaurant serves Latin American cuisine using local heritage ingredients that make even Kelly Clarkson want to cook tacos with the chef.
What Makes Tumerico Special
The Cuban tacos have become legendary – 124 people can’t stop talking about how plant-based versions rival traditional meat preparations.
Tumerico operates under Chef Wendy Garcia’s leadership, combining vegetarian-vegan preparations with Latin American flavors that earned two consecutive James Beard Semifinalist nominations.
The restaurant uses local heritage ingredients rather than relying on processed meat substitutes, creating dishes that Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives featured when Guy Fieri visited.
The Story Behind the Restaurant
Tumerico launched at 2526 E 6th Street with a philosophy that “food is home, food is family” – bringing plant-based Latin American cuisine to Tucson.
Chef Wendy Garcia’s approach earned James Beard recognition in 2023 and 2024, validating that vegetarian-vegan Latin Americans could compete at the highest culinary levels.
The Nation’s #1 Rated Restaurant on Yelp ranking came from consistent execution of inventive plant-based fare that makes people reconsider what vegan food can be.
Food Highlights
- Cuban Tacos: These tacos earned 124 raves because the plant-based preparation rivals traditional Cuban flavors. Guy Fieri called his mom specifically about these tacos after tasting them. 🌮
- Al Pastor Tacos: With 56 mentions, these demonstrate how traditional Mexican preparations translate to plant-based formats. The al pastor seasoning and preparation method work without meat. 🌮
- Potato Tacos: Thirty-nine people praise these tacos that prove vegetables can be the star. The potato preparation creates a satisfying texture and flavor. 🥔
- Tamale Plate: Twenty-nine mentions highlight how traditional Latin American techniques apply to plant-based ingredients. The tamale preparation stays true to heritage methods. 🫔
- Jackfruit Carnitas: This preparation showcases how jackfruit mimics pulled meat texture while maintaining distinct flavor. The carnitas-style cooking creates familiar satisfaction. 🌮
- Ropa Vieja Plate: Seventeen people specifically mention this traditionally meat-heavy Cuban dish reimagined plant-based. The shredded texture works without beef. 🍛
Atmosphere
Tumerico sits at 2526 E 6th Street in Sam Hughes, where casual-trendy atmosphere and moderate noise create welcoming space for groups and families.
The restaurant allows dogs in certain areas while welcoming kids, proving vegetarian-vegan dining doesn’t require sacrificing family-friendly accessibility.
Operating Tuesday through Thursday 10am-8pm, Friday and Saturday 9am-8pm, and Sunday 9am-3pm with Monday closures provides breakfast through dinner service throughout the week.
Bottom Line
Visit Tumerico because earning Nation’s #1 Rated Restaurant on Yelp plus two consecutive James Beard Semifinalist nominations means Chef Wendy Garcia’s plant-based Latin American genuinely delivers.
The Cuban tacos that made Guy Fieri call his mom and al pastor tacos demonstrate how vegetarian-vegan preparations compete with traditional meat versions through local heritage ingredients and proper technique.
The James Beard recognition, Kelly Clarkson cooking with the chef, Diners Drive-Ins and Dives feature, and philosophy that “food is home, food is family” prove this 6th Street restaurant has earned its place as Tucson’s vegetarian-vegan destination.
Address: Tumerico
2526 E 6th Street, Tucson, AZ 85716
📞 (520) 240-6947
🕐 Tue-Thu: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Fri-Sat: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Sun: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed Mon)
Nation’s #1 Yelp rated | James Beard 2023 & 2024 Semifinalist | Plant-based Latin American | Local heritage ingredients | Diners Drive-Ins Dives