Yuma is a city in Arizona with natural beauty in its surroundings. Its close proximity to tourist destinations like the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge and the Imperial Sand Dunes National Recreation Area make Yuma a common tourist destination.
It has a rich Native American and Mexican culture as well. The restaurant scene is also impressive with a wide variety of delicious options.
I have searched the internet for reviews and awards, explored various restaurants, and conducted extensive research to narrow down the best of the best. This article details the 12 best restaurants in Yuma.
1. Lutes Casino
$$ | 928-782-2192 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Despite the name, Lutes Casino is no longer a real casino. There are billiards tables, dominoes, and a wall filled with pinball machines. The menu features a wide range of food, from burgers and sandwiches to tacos and quesadillas.
Prices are reasonable and they have vegan and vegetarian options. The dish they are best known for is the Lutes Special, which has been their signature burger since 1951. It is a combination of a cheeseburger and a hotdog and is a local favorite.
The establishment has a fun atmosphere and is great for the whole family. The kids can order from the kid’s menu and have fun playing pinball while the adults enjoy good food, drinks, and billiards. They also sell state lottery tickets for those feeling lucky.
2. Takos and Beer
$ | 928-783-0099 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Voted as the best tacos in Yuma in 2018 and 2019, Takos and Beer is a local favorite. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is fresh and delicious, and the prices are extremely reasonable. The restaurant has an impressive five-star rating on Trip Advisor and offers dine-in and takeout.
I recommend dining in on a Thursday and pairing your tacos or street corn with $2 margaritas. If margaritas aren’t your thing, they also have a nice selection of other cocktails and craft beer. They have a designated kid’s menu, so feel free to bring the whole family, or go on a date or out with friends.
3. River City Grill
$$ | 928-782-7988 | WEBSITE
River City Grill offers food inspired by the Mediterranean, Pacific Rim, India, and the Caribbean. They have dine-in and takeout and offer catering and can be rented out for private parties.
Outdoor seating is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend. They have high chairs available upon request and offer a kid’s menu.
The menu has designated vegan and vegetarian sections in addition to meat and seafood choices. They also have gluten-free options, including a few gluten-free beers at the bar.
4. Da Boyz Italian Cuisine
$ | 928-783-8383 | WEBSITE
This is a great place for the whole family. With reasonable prices and pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers, there is something for everyone.
They recently introduced a new cauliflower pizza crust and gluten-free pasta to accommodate those who seek gluten-free options.
Da Boyz Italian Cuisine has indoor seating and pet-friendly outdoor seating. Feel free to dine in or order some tasty food to go. Those that dine in can take advantage of the full bar.
5. Mariscos Mar Azul
$$ | 928-329-6606 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
This local favorite is a Latin-inspired seafood restaurant. Mariscos Mar Azul is a family-owned restaurant that focuses on serving fresh, quality food to Yuma.
From ceviche and tacos to octopus and bacon-wrapped shrimp, the menu has a wide variety of options. There is even a section labeled “healthy options” for those watching what they eat.
This restaurant is kind of off the beaten path in a shopping center off 4th Avenue, but the atmosphere is welcoming and friendly and the food is fantastic. The bar has a nice variety of tequila too!
6. A & R Grill
$$ | 928-783-0260 | WEBSITE
A & R Grill is an American-style pub established in 2015. The menu has traditional bar food like wings, burgers, and sandwiches. It also features salads, tacos, and specialties like fish and chips and a sausage plate.
The bar offers tasty craft beer and cocktails, and with plenty of TVs, this place is great for sports fanatics. The service is friendly and fast and the kid’s menu makes bringing the kiddos easy and affordable.
7. El Zarape
$$ | 928-782-5528 | WEBSITE
This Mexican restaurant serves generous portions of quality food and a reasonable price. It is a great place for the whole family, and since they can accommodate large groups, it makes a great place for a celebratory gathering.
They offer dine-in and takeout. The full bar serves delicious margaritas frozen or on the rocks in addition to beer and other mixed drinks. The chilaquiles are a local favorite, so be sure to check them out.
8. Yuma Landing
$$ | (928) 782-7247 | WEBSITE
The restaurant is located at the site where the first plane landed in Arizona, and its walls are adorned with historical photos. In addition to being great for history buffs, Yuma Landing is a great place for a fun night out.
The food is a blend of Mexican and an American steakhouse. The menu features breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including steak, seafood, pasta, Mexican favorites, burgers, and more.
The full-service bar offers cocktails, wine, and beer and the restaurant has special holiday dinners on several major holidays.
9. Prison Hill Brewing Company
$$ | 928-782-9999 | WEBSITE
View this post on Instagram
Prison Hill Brewing Company is the only craft brewery in Yuma. In addition to tasty house-made brews, they have a full bar with monthly specialty drinks.
The menu features items like fish and chips, smoked meats, burgers, wings, and more. They offer lunch and dinner and have a few vegetarian options.
There is indoor seating and pet-friendly outdoor seating as well. This is a great place to hang out with friends or take someone for a casual date.
10. El Charro Cafe
$$ | 928-783-9790 | WEBSITE
Winner of Trip Advisor’s 2022 Traveler’s Choice, El Charro is one of the oldest family-owned restaurants in Yuma. Established in 1949, the restaurant offers Americanized Mexican dishes such as Mexican Style Chicken Fried Steak and Chile con Carne.
They also have a kid’s menu and plenty of vegetarian options. The restaurant offers dine-in and takeout. A full bar is available for those looking for a good margarita or other adult beverage.
11. The Garden Cafe
$$ | 928-783-1491 | WEBSITE
The Garden Cafe, as the name suggests, offers plenty of outdoor seating surrounded by a relaxing and beautiful garden. Inside, you will find more dining and a gift shop.
The menu features a little something for everyone, from breakfast, homemade soups, and salads to BBQ and more. They offer a kid’s menu for the little ones. It is also a great place to bring friends or family for brunch.
12. Penny’s Diner
$ | 928-539-9000 | WEBSITE
This 1950s-style diner is a must-try in Yuma. Open 24 hours, you can always stop by for a classic diner-style burger, fries, and a shake. The service is great and the prices are super affordable.
It’s a great place to take the whole family or stop after a night out on the town with friends. The best part? Breakfast is served all day, so if you are like me and crave breakfast at all hours, it’s a great spot.
Summary
Yuma is a great town located in the desert of Arizona. It has a rich history and plenty of tourist attractions, from museums and historical monuments to nature preserves and water parks.
It is a military town rich with military history as well. It also happens to be home to some fabulous restaurants. Whether you are craving breakfast, bar food, Tex-Mex, or pizza and pasta, Yuma has something for you.
Narrowing it down was difficult, but this list features the 12 best restaurants in Yuma, AZ. They are definitely worth checking out next time you’re in the area.
Hayden has been a digital director for years. He has five years of experience editing and writing about food, restaurant, and recipe review content. At Birch Restaurant, he’s in charge of scouting, showing up unannounced in different restaurants, and writing a thorough food guide!
Why didn’t casa de guiterrez get a rating, everyone knows their food is epic
Wheezy’s in the Foothills is definitely in the the top 10!