Ursa, which is newly opened in Tucson, is redefining what it means to dine in the desert, transforming its rugged landscape into a symphony of flavor and artistry. It is, at its core, a celebration of the Sonoran Desert and the people who call it home.
Ursa is more than a new restaurant in Tucson’s ever-growing dining scene; it’s a deeply personal project operating in its own creative sphere. Classically trained chef Aaron Lopez and his wife, June, set out to create a space that doesn’t simply borrow from the Southwest, but truly honors its rhythms, its extremes, and its beauty. Their intention is felt instantly.
That intention extends beyond the plate. The Lopezes have partnered with local foragers and producers, including Akimel O’odham-owned Ramona Farms, Native Seed Search, Broken Arrow Ranch, Mission Gardens, and small local farmers, ensuring sustainable sourcing and preserving the region’s agricultural heritage. Even the vessels in which the food arrives become part of the story: custom sconces and plateware handcrafted by Blue Door Ceramics and Agave Pantry give each course a tactile connection to the desert’s artistry.
A focal point of the space, Ursa’s bar reinforces the narrative of craft and place. Handmade by local woodworker Chris Hokin of Iron Forest Designs, the bar features a mesquite-and-oak slab naturally stained with foraged pigments, a piece of the desert transformed into functional sculpture…