Tucson’s Pizza Throwdown Is Back — Here Are The Restaurants Competing

TUCSON, AZ — Ten of Tucson's most beloved pizzerias are about to go head-to-head, and the judges are the ones with the best job in town: the people in the seats.

Tucson Originals brings back its annual Pizza Throwdown & Dessert Duel on Saturday, at Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria, 3011 E. Speedway Blvd. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Guests get unlimited pizza and dessert samples, three drink tickets, and a vote that actually matters — the crowd decides this year's Pizza Throwdown Champion and Dessert Duel Winner.

This year's pizza lineup includes some past champions looking to defend their titles:

• Rocco's Little Chicago
• Fiamme Pizzeria Napoletano
• Zio Peppe Italian Sonoran
• Mama's Famous Pizza & Heros
• Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria
• Mama Louisa's
• Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bistro
• Empire Pizza
• Dante's Fire
• Kingfisher

Barrio Brewing Co. and Tirrito Farms will pour craft beer on site, with wine from Tirrito and Flying Leap rounding out the drinks.

The event started as a pizza-only competition in 2014 and added the dessert bracket a few years later. Proceeds benefit Tucson Originals, the alliance of independent local restaurants behind the event.

Tickets are $65 per person, or $55 for Tucson Foodie Insiders, and are available here. More information is at tucsonoriginals.com.