The restaurant is most definitely tiny , the staff and the food are top notch. It feels like one of those great neighborhood cafes that the staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome , the Food is 10/10 . Exactly what it says it is . Definitely get the meatball sub and the lasagna ! read more

We had dinner here last night (Wednesday) and had a wonderful time in a cozy yet warm and friendly room. We grabbed a table for 2 in the back by the soda machine to look over the menu. Went up and ordered, then went to get our drinks. By the time I sat down my side salad was already on the table. As I finished the salad our chicken and eggplant Parm's were being delivered. The chicken and eggplant we'e perfectly cooked. The portions were indeed generous. The ladies kept it all moving, friendly, efficient. Even refilled my drink without asking. Reminiscent of the Little Italy places you might encounter walking around Boston. Well done! read more

Nate's Italian Kitchen - 2 orders of chicken and eggplant parm.Each came with a side of linguine. - Sandwiches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Ate in 2/7/2026 Not great parking....the lot is big enough, but depending where you park, your life will flash before your eyes....folks think it is a racetrack. Ambiance/Cleanliness-Tiny spot...not much personality....clean. 3 stars Service- You order and pay at the counter, and they bring you your food. You get your own fountain drink. Service is initially an odd hybrid of fast food styling and a "regular" restaurant...but once that was out of the way, servers were warm, welcoming and superb. 4 stars Food...GREAT bread and a complimentary small dish of pasta salad. Lasagna Bombs-perfectly seasoned portions of lasagna breaded and deep fried served with marinara. OMG...soo good. THE BEST chicken parm i have had outside of Las Vegas. I'm getting it to go next time!! 5 stars. read more

Nate's Italian Kitchen - Bread and complimentary pasta salad. - Sandwiches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Nate's is so busy for dinner that benches are outside for waiting customers. A sign on the door references seating guidelines for the huge crowds waiting to dine in the cozy space. HOWEVER, lunchtime is a great time to visit Nate's Italian Kitchen: no wait, no rush. The food is as good as everyone said it was. An appetizer of pasta salad and garlic bread was delivered shortly after we ordered. I had a huge pastrami sandwich with Russian dressing and it was delicious. I would have appreciated chips or something as a side, but I had a half sandwich to take home anyway. My friend had the baked ziti; huge portion of cheesy pasta that smelled fantastic. My friend took home two-thirds. Not inexpensive but worth every penny. Yum! read more

Nate's Italian Kitchen - Baked ziti - Sandwiches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Be warned, servings are huge. I was visiting and found this place randomly - small, cute, and delicious. Seriously, everything was delicious. A bit on the pricey side for lunch, but worth it. read more

Nate's Italian Kitchen - Eggplant parmigiana sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Good gawd the food is spectacular. I've had the meatball sandwich with the best meatballs that I have ever tasted. This time I went with the spaghetti and meatballs, because well, meatballs. The hubby had the pastrami sandwich that was like a pastrami sandwich should be. Just delicious. I had to ask the lady next to me what she had because it was huge and looked delicious. She said the Monster Lasagna. That will be my next order for sure because I'm definitely coming back.for sure. The place is tiny, so get here at times away from lunchtime. It is nicely decorated and the staff are absolutely fantastic. They are friendly, funny, and efficient. They give each table a basket of delicious bread with oil and spices, plus a container of pesto salad. You are missing out if you don't come and get some of this amazing deliciousness. No photo of the spaghetti as I ate it too quick. read more

Nate's Italian Kitchen - Pastrami sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Excellent service. Feels like they value your business. Food wonderful and plentiful. Wish they were closer to our foothills home! Just too far away for regular visits. read more

The folks working the place are very friendly. Everyone was chatty and pleasant. The space is super cramped. With huge portions and huge plates, sitting at one of the two person tables can be a challenge, especially if you're at one of the tables near the counter. Some families like to bring the entire family to the register and it can get crowded. It's a small space. The food is fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. I had the best Italian food I've ever experienced in my years of living in Tucson. The portions are huge. I brought half home and I'm usually a "clear your plate" kind of guy. I will absolutely go back because the food is awesome. The sauce is balanced perfectly. I find the way you order and such a little weird, and as I mentioned before, it's a cramped space, but overall it's worth it. I'll say it again ... the food is outstanding. Go. read more

Nate's Italian Kitchen - Side of spaghetti with chicken and eggplant parm - Sandwiches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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Excellent Staff and food! Very friendly people. Made me feel welcomed. The food quality is top notch and worth the price. I highly recommend if you haven't tried it. Do so. read more

Nate's Italian Kitchen - Steak and Spinach Pasta dish. - Sandwiches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Little Italy vibes right here! Nate's Italian Kitchen is officially our new favorite spot! This is a counter-service restaurant (order at the counter for dine-in or takeout), with self-serve drinks. Super casual, super cozy. The staff? Absolutely wonderful. They remind me of a Nonna (Italian grandmother)--so sweet, friendly, and genuinely helpful with recommendations. They also make sure you know everything is freshly made, and they're flexible with substitutions. Food highlights: Garlic bread: Included, and oh my goodness... freakin' delicious. Their garlic sauce is magic. Family-style portions: Huge! A pasta dish easily feeds 2-3 people. Appetizers: We ordered stuffed mushrooms and calamari. The mushrooms came out a bit small, so the host surprised us with an extra order. That's the kind of hospitality that makes you feel valued. Mains: Daily specials are a must! I had the Cajun Shrimp with andouille sausage--amazing spice, flavor, and sauce. The Chicken Scampi was another winner, with plenty of chicken in every bite. Dessert: Tiramisu made in-house. I'm picky since it's my favorite dessert, but this one was really good--great flavor and texture. I would have liked it a little colder, but still delicious. The dining room is small, so patience is key if it's busy. But honestly, the steady flow of takeout orders every 10 minutes is a green flag--you know the food is worth it. Incredible food. Incredible staff. Incredible hospitality. Nate's Italian Kitchen is definitely our new go-to for family dinners! read more

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Had their Pastrami sandwich, saw their lasagna being served and must return to have it!

Friendly, welcoming and absolutely delicious! Casual atmosphere where you order at the counter but are at a table cloth table. Garlic bread and pasta amuse bouche was absolutely delicious and my dad loved his baked ziti and my mom and I both got chicken, piccata with angel hair pasta, and it was really really really good. Highly recommend. I am sure we will be back often. Keep up the great work team! read more

Delish! its walk up and order then grab a table and they bring to you! Nice people. Delish food! Can't wait to try more! I've had the chicken parm twice now! its busy so be warned! good thing come to those who wait! read more

This is their half slice of lasagna. It's very yummy but I don't follow the microwave instructions I just drop it frozen in my Corning ware and bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes and that's the result. read more

Nate's Italian Kitchen - Frozen 1/2,slice of lasagna baked in toaster oven. - Sandwiches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I came here last night for date night with my husband and as expected, we had a great meal with stellar service. We were checked on at least three times throughout the evening. This is a restaurant where you're seated and given a menu. Then when you're ready to order, you can go to the front to order and pay. After that, they will bring your food to you and check on you. It's a small restaurant, but they had a couple tables open when we arrived at 7 PM on a Saturday night. My husband ordered the chicken Parmesan and said it was good. I did notice that it did seem to be a smaller portion than what we received for the same dish to-go previously. That's okay though because the other portions are so large that with the other food we ordered we were more than stuffed. We got the ribeye salad, which honestly was a miss for me.. It seemed a bit one-toned & could've used probably a bit more ingredients or something different if you ask me. The monster lasagna was 10 out of 10! I don't love lasagnas everywhere, but I have heard about this one and was eager to try it. It did not disappoint! I'm not a big fan of ricotta and the ricotta in this one was not overbearing or even really detectable. The portion is also so large, you definitely have leftovers. They also give free bread and pasta salad, which was yummy to snack on while we waited as well. This restaurant remains at the top of my Italian restaurants in Tucson and if you haven't been , it's definitely worth a visit! read more

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A small Italian restaurant bistro having classic n sandwiches!! Given out a big portion for chicken Parmesan cheese with linguine and a side of garlic bread n pasta... tasty n delicious... When you're very hungry for dining, it's a good place to be and you will love those home made cooking Italian foods!!! read more

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Recent visit to Nate's was outstanding as usual. Split a humongous dish of Baked Ziti with Italian sausage, peppers, and mozzarella. Insanely delicious . You will never leave Nate's disappointed, your belly will be full (very), and you will have plenty to take home. Wait staff and hostesses are the so great. Appreciate everything about Nate's, read more

Nate's Italian Kitchen - Bake ziti - Sandwiches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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We had heard so much about Nate's and finally ate there. It is small and crowded so often had to get a table. But, the food is terrific! I had the eggplant and chicken parm. The marinara sauce may be the best in Tucson! The eggplant was fabulous and the chicken good but too heavily breaded for my taste. The portions are enormous. We brought home left overs that provided 2 more meals. Great little place with food that exceeds expectations for a little strip mall restaurant. read more

Nate's Italian Kitchen - Eggplant and chicken parm - Sandwiches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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What a find!!! So glad we came here. An East side charming spot perfect for dates and sharing. Have some fun Here's how they work. 1. Come in dancing through the door for free garlic bread 2. Find your spot, take a menu and take a seat 3. Order your orders at the counter, and your drinks. 4. Enjoy the ambiance and be showered with great food. We saw people's dishes and we were in shock. But we still each ordered our own dish instead of sharing. We didn't order appetizers this time around or desserts. Almost all the orders look like sharing portions. We went with the Monster Lasagna and it was a monster 10 layered Lasagna that held its own. Sweet ,sausage with a hint of wine in their sauce OH how I LOVE and authentic dish Take your appetite and your time with your food. We went on an early Saturday afternoon for lunch and there was no wait. Our Hostess/Cashier said the 2pm-8pm gets busy a d can sometime have a wait of up to 10 people ahead. It's small but worth it. read more

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The food and customer service is amazing. We had the lasagna and beef ravioli with ragu. The lasagna was huge and delicious but that ravioli was amazing! The sausage in the sauce was to die for as was the sauce itself. Even the beef in the ravioli was fantastic. I can't wait to try everything else! read more

We went back to Nate's for a late lunch. We wanted the monster lasagna for sure and I ordered a pastrami sandwich, modified. No mustard, no Swiss cheese but provolone, and no rye bread but a sub roll. Holy Batman! The sandwich was huge! and delicious. With the lasagna, you get a side salad, which I devoured. Complimentary bread and pesto pasta salad is always tasty. The lasagna? Spectacular! We both ate quite a bit, I ate about half the sandwich, we took the remaining lasagna & sandwich home. We had the rest of lasagna for dinner one night and my hubby had the pastrami sandwich for lunch one day. $50 for the food and technically that was 5 meals. Yes, drinks are self-service, but so what. The staff checks on you constantly. I am not fond of ordering at the counter and paying for the food, including a tip before I receive it, but since I have been here before, I had no doubt the food and service would be good. My biggest wish? Get a new location, this place is too small and not in the best location. I don't do takeout and because of the popularity of the place, seating can be troublesome. It's so small. I didn't knock down the stars because of these issues because if they had a larger place and you ordered at the table with service, I would give it 10 stars! Keep up the good work, just find a larger location on the East Side of Tucson. read more

Nate's Italian Kitchen - The Monster - Sandwiches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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The people here are super friendly and welcoming. I love that! Drinks and dessert are self service. You order at the counter when you're ready and they bring the food to you. I think it works pretty well. I think it's a good process if ya ask me! The dining area is small so get there early. Looks like a popular place! See you next time! read more

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Second visit. This place has some of the best Italian around. The starter bread and pasta really set the tone for this food. The lasagna was out of this world. Enough for two or three meals. The Cajun pasts special amazing too. The veggie sub hot and so stringy mozzarella and s delicious! Order at the counter and it's delivered to your table. The dining room is small and cozy so you better beat the rush and come early. Definitely worth the price and the lasagna is a must try. You will have leftovers for lunch tomorrow! read more

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Food was delicious. Our group enjoyed all our entrees. Staff was excellent. Environment was friendly/chill. I would definitely return next time I'm in Tucson. read more

Nate's Italian Kitchen - Chicken Piccata - Sandwiches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Went again last night. I'm doing keto so still upset at the joy in my group's delight eating their bread and pasta. Shaved rib-eye salad was very good but I want the other stuff. All loved it. Just go and try it. Everyone I've told to go is an immediate fan of Nate's. read more

I had some time to kill as I waited for my car to get serviced for an oil change and I decided to stop by Nate's Italian kitchen for a late lunch. I'm so glad I decided on this small but very tasty restaurant. The location itself is rather small, but it only adds to the ambience and the staff were very nice. They welcomed me in and asked if it was my first time. I settled on the chicken parmigiana and it was absolutely delicious. You can tell that whoever cooked it has cooked it many a time that he has mastered it and I completely finished everything off my plate. The chicken cutlet is big and will fill you up. It was deliciously seasoned and breaded with melted Parmegiano cheese ! Hoping to come back and try more of what I'm sure is an amazing menu! read more

Nate's Italian Kitchen - Chicken parmigiana! - Sandwiches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I did not like ordering main meal at the counter and being presented with adding a tip before the meal. It is a hybrid fast food / sit down restaurant. Also you get your own soft drinks from a fountain drink island. Free refills but you refill yourself. Service was fine other wise. I ordered the chicken Parmesan meal. It came with free small pasta salad as an appetizer - I'm not a negative person but the main meal lacked flavor. Marinara sauce was pretty plain. Chicken was plain. On the other hand the portion was huge - I ate half and did not take home the left overs home Due to the number of strong reviews I might try Nate's again if I'm in the area , but wouldn't go out of my way for it. Was an average to below Average experience for me. read more

Great Italian food has tons of flavor huge portions. Staff is very welcoming. Restaurant is small but nicely organized.

A better question would be what didn't go well and my response is N/A NOT APPLICABLE. The food was delicious, the portions were outrageous, fresh and filling, and the service was wonderful. How in the world did I not know about Nate's?!?! Well now I do, and the next is the colossal cheesecake that I think I'm going to go back and get tomorrow. What made it even better is that I was with my family and that makes every meal out of this world! I don't really need to say much more, just take a look at the pictures and you will be running to experience a family restaurant with extraordinary food! read more

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This is a small Italian restaurant in a strip mall. Please do not let that turn you away. I am a full blooded Italian that grew up on authentic Italian food. Nate's is authentic unfortunately I don't think they make their own pasta. The food is delicious and large portions. The menu has a great selection. You sit at a table and they bring you menu's. You have to go to the counter to order. When you are brought the bill you go back to the counter and pay. Kind of different not sure I like it. read more

Nate's is the quaintest restaurant that delivers the biggest punch of flavor in all of their dishes! I love the monster lasagna and the tortellini alla panna. Also, the pasta salad they give prior to the meal... chef's kiss. Grab extra to take home! read more

Love the monster lasagna and the cannolis... Favorite neighborhood Italian. Friendly service and nice ambiance...

This restaurant was recommended because of its red sauce. I can now say this is a true statement! The entree was very good and plentiful. We definitely received enough for at least two more meals. The sauce truly is one of the best I've had in Tucson. The complementary garlic bread is a little strange, with a garlic mixture slathered on top. The bread was good, but I would've liked the garlic to be on the flat surface and to be toasted, maybe. Also, the seating arrangement was a little funky for me. We'd not been there before and discovered that there is no table service. Not a problem, but we weren't sure if we could grab a table to hold since it was very busy and then one of us go up to order. There was a constant long line from the door to the register so we got in that line. We asked when we got up there if we could grab the one remaining table and we're told no, that the person in front of us was going to take it. But in the meantime, people behind us were grabbing the tables and then one of them would get into line. Signage stating directions would be helpful for new customers. This place is very popular and is hopping. We did secure a table finally and observed the action. It was very loud and I'm glad the restaurant is so popular. But I'm thinking if I had lived closer, I would have taken it to go. We sat next to the long line and it didn't feel like a place to linger with all of the comings and goings. Also something to be aware of, they do not sell wine or beer there, but do allow you to bring wine and will charge you a corking fee. Back to the food, as said the sauce was excellent, and the portion was huge. I got the chicken and eggplant parmigiana, and it was delicious! read more

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Best, fresh chicken parmigiana I've had, that i can remember... fresh, perfectly seasoned marinara & delicious chicken & pasta. yummy side of soft bread with garlic butter. HIT. THE. SPOT. Great attention and service from the staff. It's casual ambience where you order food up at register, then sit and they help you as needed. Beautiful, fresh flowers on your table. read more

Nate's Italian Kitchen - Chicken Parmigiana - Sandwiches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

My family went here and enjoyed some delicious Italian food. We'd used the call ahead Google waitlist, so were seated quickly when we arrived. As always, the food was delicious and enormous portions. We need to remember this and perhaps plan on sharing some dishes instead of each ordering our own. The sit down part of the restaurant is not very big, but they also have a busy take away part to the establishment. Definitely yummy! read more

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It's a locally owned little Italian restaurant with friendly and warm service. The place is at Fry's complex, easy parking. Small and pack most of the time at meal time. Don't serve wine but they allowed customers to bring own wine with $5 fee for opening cork and preparing wine glass. Their portion is very generous. Delicious pasta & lasagna. read more

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The place is a hidden gem! The cold pesto salad was deliciously unexpected. The garlic bread is perfect! (Could not stop eating) Hubby had the chicken parm and loved it. I had the chicken Alfredo with a swirl of pesto (swirl was extra, I love fresh pesto). The dish was spot on. Kiddo had the spaghetti and meatballs. They got a 2 thumbs up. Definitely coming back to try the monster lasagna. Even the soda was on point. read more

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Amazing food just Like grandma's Cooking this is the best in town for sure thanks for the amazing food And good service very friendly and welcoming read more

Nate's Italian Kitchen - Sandwiches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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We visited this 'jewel' this week and it was AMAZING! So glad we did as we will now be regulars when in Tucson. The staff is over friendly and serves great tasting food with exceptional personal service. The Calamari strips were the best we have ever had and we lived in the PNW for most of our life. The portions are so 'BIG' as most folks have food to take home. Need to try the Lasagna next time as it looked incredible! read more

I've been wanting to check out Nate's for years now, but am rarely on that side of town. I finally had the chance last night and it definitely lived up to the hype. I was excited to find capellini pomodoro on the menu and had to order a salad when our server told me that all of the dressings were house made. I opted for the red pepper vinaigrette, which was crisp and tangy. My pomodoro was exquisite- the noodles were perfectly cooked and the fresh tomato sauce light yet flavorful. The portions were huge and every item coming out of the kitchen looked amazing. The staff was so friendly and the "come in dancing for a free order of garlic bread" gimmick made for a lively evening. Nate's is definitely worth the drive and I will 100% be back. read more

Nate's Italian Kitchen - Pomodoro (without Kalamata olives) - Sandwiches Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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