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 Every meal is a special occasion |
6440 North Campbell Road (Sunrise at Campbell) Tucson, AZ 85718 United States +1 520 299 1771 |
This is the place that Tucsonians flock to for special occasions; with the spectacular views and award-winning cuisine and wines any visit is a memorable experience. Called an "architectural jewel" by many, this fine dining room is sophisticated without being snooty. True to its name, the views of the surrounding mountains and the cityscape to the south are the visual focus of the restaurant. An underground wine cellar houses more than 25,000 bottles with more than 1,400 individual selections. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Downtown bistro with contemporary cuisine |
135 South Sixth Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 629 0191 |
Just across Sixth Avenue from the historic Santa Rita Hotel, this modern, upbeat bistro serves creative contemporary cuisine in an attractive, lively atmosphere. It's a convenient dining spot when attending theater and music events or when doing business in the downtown area. It can be quite noisy here, but it's an energized, delightful din. The menu features a full range of appetizers and "little plates," salads, chicken, veal, pastas, plus daily entree specials. Dinner entrees are priced between USD 8-24. Full bar service is available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Culinary Adventure |
110 E. Pennington Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 622 6400 |
Chef/owner Suzana Davila gives locals and visitors a taste of the complex flavors of southern Mexico at this funky and popular cafe inside the historic Clarion Santa Rita Hotel. Just take a look at the many international articles and awards that line the walls and you'll know that you're in for an exciting culinary adventure. Vibrant Mexican colors abound with just about every wall a different bright hue. The menu changes twice, daily, to offer guests to try both classic dishes and new adventurous ones. Lunches are USD16-USD18; dinners, USD19-20. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brandie |
 Photo: kee edwards |
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Panini sandwiches |
47 West Congress Street Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 628 1601 |
From breakfast to lunch, this closet-sized downtown cafe is bustling with business people looking for a quick and flavorful bite to eat. Because of its small size and its great popularity, you may have to wait awhile to place your order. In the morning, croissants, muffins and a few breakfast entrées are served along with a full range of specialty coffees. Panini sandwiches are the lunch of choice with a variety of fillings. Daily specials range from salads and sandwiches to hot entrees. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Look for statue of El Toro |
6225 East Speedway Boulevard Tucson, AZ 85712 United States +1 520 886 5468 http://www.casamolina.com/ |
When it opened in 1947, this Tucson Mexican food tradition could only serve 16. Today, it has four locations in Tucson and a fifth near the border in Nogales. The main Speedway restaurant has three dining rooms and an outdoor patio, and is decorated in a traditional Mexican style with adobe walls and high-backed chairs. Sonoran specialties star on the menu and include many dishes made from Carne Seca. Full bar service is available in the dining room and in The Cantina. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Favorite for business lunch |
6464 East Tanque Verde Road Tucson, AZ 85715 United States +1 520 733 1111 http://www.metrorestaurants.com |
The menu at this casual cafe travels the globe with specialties from right here in the Southwest to dishes with Mediterranean and Asian accents. The place took the Best Business Lunch award from Tucson Lifestyles Magazine. Rich wood furnishings and accents, stacked-stone walls and comfortable booths give this grill a contemporary, casual atmosphere. It's one of Tucson's favorite places for business lunches. A wood-fired rotisserie turns out succulent chicken and prime ribs of beef. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A local legend |
198 West Cushing Street Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 622 7984 |
At the northern tip of the Barrio Viejo and just south of the Tucson Convention Center sits this historic dining landmark, as well known for who ate there as what was served. It's a convenient stop on the way to the theater or other downtown event and is popular with visiting convention goers. A menu of southwestern and southeastern American favorites includes items like Brenda's Cajun Meatloaf and red pepper shrimp. Full bar service includes wines-by-the-glass and by the bottle. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Distinctive dining |
533 North Fourth Avenue Tucson, AZ 85705 United States +1 520 884 9289 http://www.delectables.com |
This fourth avenue find could easily skate by on its innovative edibles, but it also offers a comfortable, casual ambience in a convenient, contemporary space. Taking its cues from California cuisine and French bistro fare, this place gets raves from its guests for both its aesthetics and its edibles. The parade of pastries just inside the door is a pleasing portent of things to come. The colorful art acts as an appetizer stimulant and, from the appetizers on, so do the pretty presentations. A few items to try: Baked Pesto Camembert in Puff Pastry; Asparagus and Leek Crepes; Orange roughly in Potato Crust. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A Tucson culinary landmark |
311 North Court Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 622 1922 |
This legendary eatery is the foundation on which Tucson's dining scene was built, and it's a must-visit when you come to the Old Pueblo. All areas are decked out in brightly colored furnishings and authentic Mexican accessories. A festive, lively atmosphere pervades, and the huge menu features dishes that have been served here since it opened in 1922. Some specialties have been updated by Chef Carlotta Flores to appeal to modern tastes by lowering the fat content. Full bar service features more than 80 types of tequilas. Try them straight up, or in one of many margarita mixtures. Drinks run USD3 and up. Additional location at 6310 East Broadway Boulevard, at El Mercado Shops and Restaurants. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rick Donaldson |
 Photo: Gina Compitello |
 Photo: Cathy Roberts |
 Photo: tucsonzclub |
 Photo: Tim Perkins |
 Photo: Melia Shumaker |
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Busy Downtown Mexican Spot |
354 S Main Ave Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 882 4145 http://www.elminutocafe.com |
It will almost always take more than "un minuto" to get a table at this busy downtown Mexican eatery, but people don't seem to mind waiting. The dining room is comfortable, colorful and convenient to all downtown venues. Its consistently good Sonoran-style Mexican food is a favorite with downtown workers and attendees at the Tucson Convention Center. The menu includes Tacos, Enchiladas, Burros, Chimichangas and the local favorite, Topopo salad. Everything is homemade and hearty. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Greg Fellin |
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Taste of the Wine Country |
3048 East Broadway Blvd Tucson, AZ 85716 United States +1 520 327 0500 http://www.ellerestaurant.com |
As this is a "Wine Country Restaurant," the decor, menu and atmosphere are meant to reflect the experience of dining in wine country. It succeeds nicely. The large brick-walled space is festooned with framed wine-inspired posters; tables and banquettes are well spaced and sparsely topped. A courtyard patio provides plenty of al fresco sipping or dining. On the menu, you'll find a good selection of light fare including soups, salads and sandwiches with a "California cuisine" style. More than 30 wines by the glass are offered, priced from $4-$8. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Downtowns funky 24 hour diner |
100 East Congress Street Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 623 7621 |
You never know who you'll be sitting next to at Grill, it could be a down-and-out slacker or it could be a senator. Maybe that's because it's open at all hours or maybe because it's an attraction in its own right. Just about everybody comes here. This is the kind of place where nobody thinks twice about ordering a bowl of Cap'n Crunch cereal and a beer for breakfast. Then you can stop in again at dinnertime for Smoked Salmon Pasta in a Shallot and Dill Cream Sauce. You'll also find those and everything in between. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Satisfying Sonoran-style Mexican |
1830 South 4th Avenue Tucson, AZ 85713 United States +1 520 792 1585 |
For more than a half-century, this Tucson Mexican marvel, situated inside an impressive territorial-style building with a comfortable and casual Mexican interior, has been operated by generations of a single family. So you know that when you visit, you're going to be welcomed and treated like family. A large and inexpensive menu features all of your favorite south-of-the-border specialties, and the hand-mixed margaritas make a great go-along. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Greg Lopez |
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Franco frontier cuisine |
3770 East Sunrise Drive (Westin La Paloma Resort) Tucson, AZ 85718 United States +1 520 615 6100 http://www.janos.com |
This ultra-elegant dining experience is one that shouldn't be missed by global gastronomes. The decor is all opulence and ornate elegance: rich upholstery, classic French-influenced furnishings and jewel-and-precious metal-tones abound. The menu changes regularly to make the best use of fresh seasonal ingredients. A few examples include Venison Loin Adobada with Black Bean Coulis as well as Mushroom Chilaquiles and Rosemary-Scented Chicken, Chili Con Queso and Guaymas Shrimp. A list of more than 500 wines is one of the city's finest. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: eizabeth eves  |
 Photo: Desert Watercolors |
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Statuesque sandwiches |
5420 East Broadway Boulevard (Inside the Williams Center Plaza) Tucson, AZ 85711 United States +1 520 790 7000 |
Big sandwiches are the bill of fare at Jason's Deli, which is a local favorite and a popular hang out spot. In fact, the Louisiana-style Muffaletta can be ordered in whole, half or quarter serving. It's enormous. Other choices include veggie, turkey, ham and roast beef sandwiches, each with lots of meat and nice accompaniments like salads and fruits. You can also order a gargantuan baked potato with a choice of toppings. Four to nine dollars might seem a bit steep for sandwiches but you won't think so when you see the size of these mammoth meals. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Award-winning seafood |
2564 East Grant Road Tucson, AZ 85716 United States +1 520 323 7739 http://www.kingfisherbarandgri... |
This place serves up some of the best seafood you'll find in the city. Not into seafood? There are plenty of other appetizing options. The main dining room is subtle and sophisticated with a large vase as its focal point. To one side, its sea-blue walls define the oyster bar. The fireplaced-lounge is a cozy spot to settle in with a glass from the award-winning wine list. A late night menu features soups, salads, sandwiches and many of their popular seafood items. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Sophisticated Mexican fare |
2950 North Swan Road Tucson, AZ 85712 United States +1 520 881 1150 http://www.laplacitacafe.com/ |
No to be confused with La Placita Village, which is downtown, this Plaza Palomino Mexican restaurant has been serving sophisticated fare in a stylish setting for over a decade. In contrast to Tucson's many festive family-oriented restaurants, this one offers a more subdued and relaxing atmosphere and a slower service pace. On the menu, fajitas (sizzling meat or shrimp with sautéed vegetables and traditional accompaniments) are one of the favorites. Many enchiladas, burros (the big brother of burritos) and tacos are also offered. The Lomo Adobado Pork is a charming, chile-marinated choice. Most dinner entrees are reasonably priced. Spanish wines from the Rioja region are a good complement to your meal and are available by the glass or by the bottle. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Stylish trattoria and wine bar |
222 South Church Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701 United States +1 520 884 9420 |
The historic Samaniego House is now home to one of the downtown area's most popular restaurants and meeting places. This attractive adobe building, part of La Placita Village and next to the Tucson Convention Center, is ideally located for business meals and pre-theater dining. What they call "simple Italian cooking" goes way beyond that humble description, with dinner selections like the Pane di Carne (veal and sirloin meatloaf), Pistachio-encrusted Lamb Chops and a New York Sirloin with Gorgonzola Brandy Butter. A well-chosen wine list offers by the glass pours and by-the-bottle bargains. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Pricey but worth every penny |
2959 North Swan Road Tucson, AZ 85712 United States +1 520 327 7463 http://www.metrorestaurants.com |
The cream of classic cuisine is painstakingly prepared here at the Metro Restaurants Group's upscale steak and seafood house. Brighter, airier and more contemporary than many of its upscale cohorts, this understatedly elegant dining room showcases the original works of local artists. A 1,000-bottle, climate-controlled wine case is another focal point of the space. The bar is cigar-friendly, and a piano lounge offers nightly entertainment. While pleasing your palate here may be a bit pricey, sharing is encouraged at no extra charge. Full bar service includes the aforementioned 1,000 bottles of wine. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Excellent grill menu |
7892 North Oracle Road (Southeast corner of Oracle and Magee) Tucson, AZ 85712 United States +1 520 531 1212 http://www.metrorestaurants.com |
This casual mid-town grill, a member of the Metro Restaurants family, is a favorite for its specialty sandwiches, mesquite-grilled burgers, pastas, pizzas and entrees with a southwestern flair. Its awards include being Tucson Lifestyle Magazine's winner under the category of Best Grill. Internationally influenced dishes include Firecracker Shrimp, Santa Fe Chicken Salad, New Orleans Pasta, Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta and rotisserie meats. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Big on local charm |
1813 South Fourth Avenue Tucson, AZ 85713 United States +1 520 622 5081 http://www.minidito.net |
For more than four decades, Tucsonans have flocked to this "little nest" for well-prepared and well-priced Sonoran specialties. Housed in an attractive Mexican village-style building, it offers good food, friendly service and an authentically Mexican experience. The interior is colorful and lively with bright red chairs, serape-striped upholstery and Mexican art. Among the many menu options are chile rellenos (stuffed chile peppers), burros, tacos, enchiladas, chimichangas, flautas and huevos rancheros (a popular egg, bean and chile dish). Mexican and domestic beers and wines are served. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Laura George-Johnson |
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Mariscal family style Mexican |
2908 South Fourth Avenue Tucson, AZ 85713 United States +1 520 623 5307 |
The Mariscal family welcomes you to this comfortable and casual restaurant that's been serving some of Tucson's favorite Sonoran-style cuisine since 1976. The restaurant also runs concessions at the Tucson Convention Center Arena and Exhibition Hall. The budget-priced menu features Fajitas, Burros, Chimichangas and the local-favorite Topopo salads. It also has children's plates. Beer, wine and lime or strawberry margaritas and full bar service are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A bite of Bourbon Street |
2526 East Grant Road Tucson, AZ 85716 United States +1 520 319 1965 |
This New Orleans-style bistro is bursting with charm, and the most authentic Creole and Cajun cooking you'll find in Tucson. This place has the spirit and style of a Mardi Gras celebration every day of the year! All of your Louisiana favorites, from gumbo and jambalaya to crawfish etoufee, are on the menu. Have you ever eaten alligator? You can here, as well as oysters, shrimp and catfish. Full bar service is available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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New Territorial Cuisine |
60 North Alvernon Way (Northeast corner of Broadway and Alvernon) Tucson, AZ 85711 United States +1 520 326 6000 |
The Metro Restaurants group has updated the former Cottonwood Cafe into a modern and even more inviting Southwestern grill and bar. Several dining rooms are decorated in an Arizona motif, using a desert color scheme. One dining room looks out onto the patio, which provides the perfect place for cocktails, lunch or dinner in Tucson's temperate climate. A regional American menu, includes meat, poultry, seafood and pasta dishes. Full bar service is available both in the comfortable lounge and in the dining room. The wine list offers mainly Californian bottlings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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60 Bottles of Tequila on the Wall |
Foothills Mall 7401 N La Cholla Boulevard Tucson, AZ 85741 United States +1 520 297 1999 http://www.metrorestaurants.co... |
Located in the Foothills Mall, this friendly family restaurant has long been a favorite for comfortable, casual dining with an inventive twist. The light, contemporary furnishings and color scheme make this a cozy, though large, dining space. Patio seating outside the mall is a good place for people-watching. House specialties include several seafood dishes as well as a wide range of chicken, beef and pasta dishes, salads and sandwiches. Everything has a bit of a contemporary southwestern kick, including the tequila-heavy drink menu at the full bar. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Home of the steerburger |
22 West Drachman Street Tucson, AZ 85705 United States +1 520 624 5956 |
Easy to reach from either downtown or the University of Arizona area, this family-style steakhouse has been packing them in for more than 30 years. The menu focuses on steaks and seafood in a casual, western-themed atmosphere. The "famous steerburger" is big, juicy and made from choice beef. Chicken and ribs are also popular meal options. Prime rib is a house specialty on weekends. Wednesdays and Saturdays are karaoke nights. Full bar service is available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Global fusion cuisine |
3025 North Campbell Avenue (Suite 121) Tucson, AZ 85719 United States +1 520 325 3333 http://www.pasticheme.com/ |
If you're a fan of chefs who play with their food, this place will satisfy your yen for experimental edibles. The dining space is hip and happening enough to accommodate the adventurous eaters that the restaurant attracts. Taking cues from around the globe, this kitchen puts out interesting and innovative dishes that are well prepared and prettily presented. The menu is divided into creatively named sections: To Entice, Green Stuff, Between Bread. The by-the-glass wine list lets you play around with food and wine pairing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Comfort cuisine |
3352 East Speedway Boulevard Tucson, AZ 85716 United States +1 520 327 4667 |
This award-winning restaurant has long been a local favorite. Tucson Weekly said that it "could hold its own on the East or West coast, but we're glad it's here." The city-style cafe has garnered more than 50 commendations, including Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence. The main dining room is subtly colored with smoked mirrors on the walls; the second room has more of a techno design and atmosphere. Dinner entrees are about $18-32. The award-winning wine list includes some real bargains, be sure to study it carefully. Several of the $30 or so bottles are terrific deals. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Where classy cattlemen congregate |
5151 East Grant Road (Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites) Tucson, AZ 85712 United States +1 520 321 7621 |
If the Ewings from the "Dallas" television series lived in Tucson, this is where they'd dine. This swanky spot at the Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites is reminiscent of the cattlemen's clubs of days gone by. Its rich wood paneling and cigar-friendly atmosphere are just calling out to those good (and rich) old boys. The high-backed chairs and photos evoking the romance of ranch-life set the tone. As you'd expect, beef plays a big part on the menu. High quality steaks and prime rib are treated with respect here. There are also a few seafood entrees. The wine list includes by-the-glass and by-the-bottle offerings with a fairly good vintage. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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French creme de la creme |
3844 Fort Lowell Road Tucson, AZ 85716 United States +1 520 323 7373 |
If your ideal dining experience involves escargot, sweetbreads and Crepes Suzette, this is your dream come true! It is gorgeous, romantic, the perfect place to, well, rendezvous. A remodeled and expanded home, it offers two intimate dining spaces, one with white walls and beamed ceilings, the other a garden-style sun room. Comfortable banquettes, ivory linens and fresh flowers are inviting and warm. From the hors d'oeuvres to the desserts, you'll find almost every French flavor your heart desires. The wine list features (but, of course!) many French vintages. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Teppan dining and sushi bar |
6534 East Tanque Verde Road Tucson, AZ 85715 United States +1 520 298 7777 |
Tucson Weekly calls their sushi "some of the best in town." The teppan cooking is also above par. The restaurant has a bistro-like atmosphere, and the cocktail lounge also functions as a sports bar. The kitchen offers a full spectrum of sushi choices and teppan-yaki dishes, ranging in price from a couple of dollars per sushi portion for teppan dinners. Full bar service is available with Japanese beers, sake and wines. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
