Tucson’s dining scene is set to welcome a unique addition this fall with the opening of Ursa, a restaurant from classically trained chef Aaron Lopez that celebrates the bounty of the Southwestern deserts. Located in the revitalized historic Central Block building, Ursa will showcase indigenous ingredients and flavors inspired by the Sonoran Desert and beyond.
Lopez, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu and spent nearly 15 years working alongside acclaimed chefs such as Michael Voltaggio, Josef Centeno, and Neal Fraser, is known for his ability to transform humble ingredients into refined dining experiences. He and his wife, June, first launched Ursa as a small concept in El Centro, Calif., in 2024. The overwhelming response affirmed their vision, and Tucson, long celebrated for its embrace of desert flavors, became a natural next step.
“Initially launching Ursa in my hometown was a dream realized, but June and I always knew we’d find our way to Tucson,” says Lopez, in a press release. “Our time in El Centro was shaped by deep connections, shared meals, and a commitment to the land that nourishes us, something we will continue to honor in our new home. Tucson offers a rich and storied landscape – one we’re humbled to learn from and grow within.”
Ursa’s menu draws inspiration from the four deserts of the American Southwest: the Sonoran, Mojave, Great Basin, and Chihuahuan. Lopez emphasizes sustainability and zero-waste cooking, crafting dishes with drought- and heat-tolerant crops and preserving every part of the ingredient. The couple ethically hand forages and collaborates with partners like the Akimel O’odham-owned Ramona Farms, Native American communities, and local seed savers to ensure responsible sourcing. The culinary program will be paired with a beverage menu highlighting local spirits, wine, and beers, with cocktails infused with regional flavors.
Ursa’s 3,300-sq.-ft. space, which seats about 60 guests, is located in the revitalized Central Block building. Built in 1912, the structure was recently rehabilitated by Rio Nuevo, Peach Properties, and Dabdoub Investments as part of efforts to strengthen Downtown Tucson’s cultural and culinary vitality. The design reflects the desert itself, incorporating earth tones, wood and leather accents, and natural objects foraged from the surrounding landscapes…