Amelia's Mexican Kitchen

10/18/2026

Thank you to Marc Monroy and KGUN 9 for the interview in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.

It’s an honor to share our story and celebrate our roots, culture, and cuisine.

From his grandmother’s kitchen to national culinary recognition, Tucson chef Jose Contreras has built a following with Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen. Now, he’s preparing for his next chapter.

09/20/2026

We are incredibly honored and proud to share a very special milestone for Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen

Amelia’s is officially the first restaurant in Tucson to receive the Sello M Gastronómico, a recognition presented through an initiative of Mexico’s Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores Mayor Regina Romero Consulado de México en Tucson SRE Visit Tucson (SRE) and the Academia Mexicana de Gastronomía.

09/17/2026

We are incredibly honored to receive the Sello M, a recognition awarded through an initiative of Mexico’s Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores and the Academia Mexicana de Gastronomía. Consulado de México en Tucson SRE Visit Tucson Mayor Regina Romero

We are especially proud that Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen is the first restaurant in Tucson to receive the Sello M. This recognition means so much to our family and our entire team.

As a Mexican restaurant in Tucson, Arizona, every day we work to share the authentic flavors, traditions, hospitality, and culture of Mexico through our food.

We are proud to represent Mexican and Sonoran cuisine in Tucson and to continue sharing a piece of Mexico with our community. Thank you!!

08/13/2026

A dream come true to represent Sonora, Tucson, and Arizona in New York City, sharing our flavors, culture, traditions, and the story of where I come from on such an important culinary stage.

I’m incredibly grateful to the James Beard Foundation James Beard Foundation Platform by JBF for giving me this opportunity and for welcoming me to cook and share a piece of our home in NYC.

Thank you to my entire Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen team this moment belongs to all of you, too. And thank you to my family, friends, our community, and everyone who has supported me and believed in me throughout this journey. Sonora in my roots. Tucson in my heart. Arizona with pride. And our flavors in NYC. 🌽❤️🇲🇽

08/02/2026

Thank you, Channel 4, for covering this incredible news about New York City. I’m truly honored and proud to be the first chef from Tucson to cook at the James Beard Foundation Platform—such an important stage for our industry. James Beard Foundation

It’s a privilege to represent Tucson, my amazing team at Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen, our community, and my family and friends. Thank you all for your unwavering support. I couldn’t have done it without you.

See you in NYC!

JamesBeardFoundation

07/31/2026

We are incredibly proud to share that Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen is now an officially Certified Restaurant by Tucson City of Gastronomy , part of UNESCO UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network of Gastronomy.

This recognition reflects our commitment to preserving culinary traditions, supporting local ingredients, and celebrating the rich food heritage of Southern Arizona and Mexico. It is an incredible honor to be part of a community that values culture, sustainability, and excellence through food.

A very special thank you to Paloma Granados for her dedication, support, and for helping make this program possible. Your work continues to strengthen Tucson’s vibrant culinary community.

Most importantly, thank you to the entire Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen team. This achievement belongs to every member of our staff whose passion, hard work, and commitment make our restaurant what it is every single day.

We are truly honored and proud to be part of Tucson City of Gastronomy and to represent our culture through every dish we serve.

Thank you to our guests for believing in us and being part of this journey. This recognition inspires us to continue sharing the flavors and traditions that mean so much to us.

09/08/2025

✨ What an honor to attend this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 by the Arizona Daily Star! Arizona Daily Star at Casino Del Sol

We are truly grateful to be nominated in three categories, Best Mexican Food, Best Burritos, and Best Tacos. Thanks to your incredible support, we proudly brought home the awards.

From all of us at Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen, thank you for believing in us and letting us be a part of this amazing community. 💛🌮🌯

09/02/2025

What an unforgettable night at the Salsa, Tequila & Taco Challenge 2025 at El Conquistador by ! 🌮✨🍹
We’re humbled and grateful to have received 1st place in People’s Choice in all Three categories, for Taco, for Salsa & for Tequila Drink. 🙏

A huge thank you to everyone who supports us, to for hosting such incredible events, and to our hardworking team at Amelia’s—this wouldn’t be possible without you. ❤️

#

08/15/2025

For one night only,Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen will transform into a stage for an unforgettable culinary experience. Only 25 guests will experience this intimate seven-course journey — where the soulful flavors of Oaxaca meet the refined artistry of Amelia’s.

Guided by Chef José Contreras (Sonora, Tucson AZ) and Chef Luis Martinez (Oaxaca, Asheville NC), the menu will weave together heirloom nixtamal, velvety moles, intricate mix of seafood, and delicate accents of Amelia’s signature style. Every plate will be a story, every bite a bridge between tradition and innovation.

This is not just dinner, it’s a rare seat at the table where two culinary worlds meet.
Please RSVP using the link bio!!
Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen
5851 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ
520-335-9580

06/21/2025

🥇 Best Margarita World Championship!🍹

We’re beyond honored to take home 1st place at the 2025 World Margarita Championship by !
A huge thank you to everyone who supported us, cheered us on, and sipped along the way 💛
And hats off to the amazing event team what a night to remember!

🌵 From Tucson with love,
Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen