Tucson restaurants

Agave Restaurant - In the Desert Diamond Casino, 1100 W. Pima Mine Road, at Interstate 19. Close, but still far away from the clang-clang-clanging of slot machines. Agave serves up soups, burgers and dinners. 393-2720. $$ SW

Bistro 44 - 6761 E. Tanque Verde Road, off Camino Principal just outside Tucson Country Club Estates. The menu reads like a Sunday extended-family dinner: chicken and dumplings, salmon, pastas, steaks, salads, and sandwiches. 298-2233. $$$ FH.

Boondocks - 3306 N. First Ave. The Range Riders Grill offers fare sure to please, whether you go to catch a band at night, or for the daily lunch special. Breakfast served every day but Monday. 690-0991. ¢-$ C

Cafe 54 - 54 E. Pennington St. A quick lunch takes on elegant airs. They don't serve sandwiches here; they serve meals at prices you'd expect to pay for a sandwich. 622-5024. $ D

Chili's Grill & Bar - 5975 W. Arizona Pavilions Drive, 572-9065; 5150 E. Broadway, 747-3330; 1640 W. Valencia Road, 573-1809; 3. 11065 N. Oracle Road, Oro Valley, 219-5479. A sit-down, do-everything franchise restaurant. $$ NW, C, SW

Claim Jumper - 3761 E. Broadway. Huge portions of American-style favorites. And don't forget the amazing desserts. 795-2900. $$ C

Coyote Pause Cafe - 2740 S. Kinney Road. A breakfast and lunch place with plenty of omelets, frittatas and scrambles. Lunch offers a wide selection of burgers and sandwiches. 883-7297. $ C

Dakota Café - 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road, in Trail Dust Town. The patio is one of the best in Tucson and there is a nice variety to the wine list. 298-7188. $$$ FH

Elbow Room - 1145 W. Prince Road. This old favorite has no-frills food at remarkably low prices - from burgers and deep-fried fare to low-carb plates. 690-1011. ¢ C

Feast Tasteful Takeout - 3719 E Speedway. Feast features an inventive menu that touches on all types of cuisine. Doug Levy, the owner and chef, changes the menu monthly. 326-9363. $$-$$$ C

Jax Kitchen - 7286 N. Oracle Road. This cozy space serves a variety of modern comfort food that includes scallops, salads and steak. Try the beef tartare, and don't miss half-off wine bottles every Sunday. $$-$$$ NW

Kingfisher, An American Grill - 2564 E. Grant Road. While some favorites remain on the menu, the choices change regularly, and they are often exciting and satisfying. 323-7739. $$$-$$$$ C

Little Anthony's - 7010 E. Broadway, This Tucson-born-and-bred restaurant offers diner food. We like that. Macaroni and cheese. Patty melts. Blue Plate Specials. 296-0456. $ E

Metropolitan Grill - 7892 N. Oracle Road. Stylish restaurant/bar with an exhibition kitchen serves a variety of dishes. 531-1212. $$ NW

Old Pueblo Grille - 60 N. Alvernon Way. Serving Southwest-style cuisine. If weather permits, the patio is an ideal place to sample the meat, fish and pasta entrees. 326-6000. $$ C

Risky Business - 6866 E. Sunrise Drive, 577-0021; 250 S. Craycroft Road, 584-1610. Family-friendly restaurants/sports bars with burgers, salads and sandwiches. $ FH, C

Stables at Tubac Golf Resort - 1 Otero Road, Tubac. From burgers to chicken mango quesadillas to chicken rollatini, this place has it all. The views alone are worth the drive. 398-2678. $$

Terraza Garden Patio & Grill, 5501 N. Hacienda del Sol Road at the Hacienda del Sol Resort - The hamburgers are made with Arizona beef and are cooked to appeal, with lots of good toppings. The casual menu includes tapas and fried chicken, and designer cocktails. 529-3500. FH $$

Tucson Racquet & Fitness Club - 4001 N. Country Club Road. Eat in or take out - even if you're not a member. There are salads, build-your-own-entree plates, healthful side orders but also plenty of greasy fare. 795-6960. $ C

Wilko - 943 E. University Blvd., at North Park Ave. This restaurant has burgers made with organic beef from the Double Check Ranch in Winkleman. Sandwiches, cheeses and more than 30 wines by the glass. It's also a hip place for some serious people watching. 792-6684.

$-$$ C

Asian and Pacific Rim

Asian Bistro - 3122 N. Campbell Ave. This restaurant features Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese dishes and is open late on weekends. 881-7800. $ C

Bai Thong - 4853 E. Speedway. Thai food lovers - this is the real thing. 881-5068. ¢ C

Bangkok Cafe - 2511 E. Speedway. These Thai dishes are sublime. 323-6555. $ C

Char's Thai - 5039 E. Fifth St. Intimate, exotic eatery serves well-prepared Thai specialties to sample or share. 795-1715. $-$$ C

Fuku Sushi - 940 E. University Blvd. If you can deal with the menu's double-entendre references to the Fuku name, try this university-area restaurant for fresh-tasting sashimi and sushi, along with other Japanese-style fare. 798-3858. $$ C

Ginza Sushi and Izakaya Style Dining - 5425 N. Kolb Road. This place devotes a big swath of its adventurous menu to Izakaya dining, a style that features small plates meant to be shared over sake and a beer. 529-8877. $$ F

Lani's Luau - 2532 S. Harrison Road. Full-service restaurant prides itself on authentic Hawaiian fare including a rave-worthy Kahlua-style shredded pork and laulau. 886-5828. $-$$ SE

Ha Long Bay - 6304 E. Broadway. You'll find fresh ingredients, subtle, sometimes exotic flavors, and thoughtful presentation at this small, unpretentious restaurant. 571-1338. $$ E

Mina's Thai Restaurant - 5575 E. River Road. So many wondrous choices. We love the tom yum vegetable soup, with tofu, mushrooms and lemon grass and the hot and spicy combo, with tofu, green beans, bamboo shoots and hot, hot, spicy sauce. 299-0453. $$ FH

Neo of Melaka - 6133 E. Broadway. The Malaysian food here should be eaten slowly so you can savor every moment. The lemak is not to be missed. Chinese dishes are served, too. 747-7811. $$$ C

P.F. Chang's China Bistro - 1805 E. River Road. This sleek chain restaurant, large murals and outdoor patio serves Cantonese, Shanghai, Szechuan and Mongolian cuisine, including noodle dishes and inventive appetizers. Be sure to try the lettuce wraps. 615-8788. $$ FH

Sachiko Sushi - 1101 N. Wilmot Road, 886-7000; 3210 E. Valencia Road, 741-1000. You go to Sachiko for the sushi. And the miso soup. And the tempura. Also pretty wonderful is the shrimp shumai. $$ C, E

Sakura - 6534 E. Tanque Verde Road. If you want dinner and a show, here's your place. The cooks whip up Japanese meals and do fancy knife work at your table. 298-7777. $$$ FH

Samurai - 3912 N. Oracle Road. A tiny Japanese joint that has the look of a pizza parlor gone to seed, but patrons pack in for the cheap, tasty sushi and noodle dishes that are prepared in a flash. 293-1963. $ NW

Sushi-Cho - 1830 E. Broadway. Sit-down Japanese restaurant, specializing in sushi. 628-8800. $ C

Sushi on Oracle - 6449 N. Oracle Road. Sushi is the star here; the other selections sampled didn't measure up. 297-3615. $$$ NW

Sushi Hama - 3971 N. Oracle Road, 888-6763. How about deep-fried sushi? Yes, food that starts off relatively healthy gets cannonballed into a vat of hot oil. $ NW

Sushi Garden - 3048 E. Broadway. This longtime sushi spot seems more popular than ever at its new location in Broadway Village near South Country Club Drive. 326-4700. $ C

Sushi Matsu - 2660 N. Campbell Ave. This little haven of superb sushi and tempura is a full-service restaurant in the same building with its order-at-the-counter "parent" establishment - Yoshimatsu Healthy Japanese Eatery. 320-1574. $$ C

Sushi Yukari - 5655 E. River Road. The gyoza at this Japanese restaurant tucked away in a strip mall is close to perfect. 232-1393. $$ FH

The Bamboo Club - 5870 E. Broadway, at Park Place mall. It's big, it's hip, and it features dishes from many Pacific Rim nations. 514-9665 or www.rimrestaurants.com. $$$ C

Border crossings

Blanco Tacos + Tequila - 2905 E. Skyline Drive, in La Encantada. The menu, which covers everything from guacamole to cheese crisps to tacos and enchiladas, is Mexican with a contemporary twist. The dessert menu is short and sweet. 232-1007. $-$$ FH

Casa Don Carlos - 1103 W. Prince Road. The heat in many Mexican restaurants comes from the chiles. Here it comes from the flaming desserts - as in cherries jubilee and bananas flambé. 207-0008. $ NW

El Charro Café - 311 N. Court Ave., 622-1922; 6310 E. Broadway, at El Mercado, 745-1922; 7725 N. Oracle Road, 229-1922; 6910 E. Sunrise Drive, 514-1922; 15920 S. Rancho Sahuarita Blvd., 325-1922. Carne seca is the thing here at Tucson's oldest family-owned Mexican restaurant. $$ D, C, NW

El Taco - 2825 N. Country Club Road. This Mexican eatery serves enduring comfort food. 326-0580. $ C

Guillermo's Double L Restaurant - 1830 S. Fourth Ave. This longtime South Tucson favorite offers its traditional menu and one that's heavily weighted toward deftly prepared seafood and classic Mexican dishes. 792-1585. $-$$ S

La Indita - 622 N. Fourth Ave., The food here draws from Mexican, Tarascan Indian and Tohono O'odham cuisines. The beans are vegan; the vegetarian selections abundant. 792-0523. $ C

La Olla - 8553 N. Silverbell Road. A menu that takes its cue from Sonoran standards and elevates them to white-tablecloth dining. 579-0950. $$ NW

La Parrilla Suiza - 4250 W. Ina Road, 572-7200; 2729 N. Oracle Road, 624-4300; 5602 E. Speedway, 747-4838. Authentic flavors of Mexico City include the popular table grill. Daily specials also win over diners. $$ NW, C, E

Las Cazuelitas - 1365 W. Grant Road, 206-0405. Seafood is its specialty - the signature dish is the shrimp enchiladas - but steaks and tacos also draw raves. $ W

Martín's Comida Casera - 555 N. Fourth Ave. The owner and chef will make any dish plate-style without tortillas, and vegetarians will find lots of options. Tucson casual. 884-7909. $ C

Teresa's Mosaic Café - 2455 N. Silverbell Road, 624-4512; 7350 N. La Cholla Blvd., 297-8470. Specializes in Oaxacan creations such as lomo adobado (a succulent, spicy marinated pork loin) and pollo en molé, along with standard Mexican fare. $$ SW

Zivaz Mexican Bistro - 4590 E. Broadway. The bistro puts a twist on the usual staples, including a citrus marinated pollo en pibil. Fresh seafood, too. 325-1234. $$ C

Breakfast, coffee

A Great Location - 20 N. Sarnoff Drive. Busy, small east-side eatery serves a good breakfast. 733-1388. $ E

Brawley's Restaurant - 6367 E. Broadway. This neighborhood mainstay dishes up an affordable breakfast (lunch, too) with a friendly dose of banter. 722-5571. ¢ E

Crying Onion - 3684 W. Orange Grove Road. They boast they have the largest pancakes in Tucson, and they may be right. Breakfast and lunch only. 531-1330. $ NW

Jethro's Café - 8585 E. Broadway. If ever a restaurant looked and felt like its name, it's Jethro's. Be sure to try the blueberry pancakes. You won't leave hungry. 886-1091. $ NW

Le Buzz Caffe - 9121 E. Tanque Verde Road, at Catalina Highway. A coffeehouse that's quite popular with the cycling set, serving amazing pastries and a nice selection of sandwiches, salads and quiches. 749-3903. $-$$ E

Son's Bakery Café - 5683 E. Speedway. The small bakery and cafe serves up homespun breakfast and lunch. Its fat, sky-high bread used for sandwiches is legendary. 885-0806. $ C

Sunny Daze Cafe - 4980 S. Campbell Ave. It's still hugely popular for its hotcakes and country ham and eggs at breakfast, but its dinner menu of meatloaf, seafood, pasta and Mexican food is drawing raves. Lunchtime also gets inventive with a variety of tacos and pulled pork sandwiches among its offerings. 295-0300. $$ S

The Cereal Boxx, a Cereal Cafe - 943 E. University Blvd. This University of Arizona-area cafe is a kick with more than 30 cereals, 40 toppings and six kinds of milk. Free Wi-Fi. 622-2699 ¢ C

The Egg Connection - 3114 E. Fort Lowell Road. Lots of choices, including home fries and grits, that are good, cheap and fast. Breakfast and lunch only. 881-1009. $ C

Brewpubs

Barrio Brewing - 800 E. 16th St. This warehouse district eatery serves up food - and beers - with personality. A train-dependent happy hour is another plus. 91-2739. $-$$ C

Gentle Ben's Brewing Co. - 865 E. University Blvd. Your alumni parents ate and drank here, and the decades-old favorite still attracts UA sports fans old and young. A variety of options. 624-4177. $ C

Nimbus American Bistro & Brewery - 6464 E. Tanque Verde. Diners with a hankering for a big burger and hopped-up beer are bound to get their happy fill of both. Traditional pub fare, salmon dishes, an ahi tuna salad, wood-oven pizzas and more.733-1111 $-$$ E

Nimbus Brewing Co. -3850 E. 44th St. Connoisseurs of fine beer can satisfy their palates at this local brewery. The food and entertainment are right up there with the quality of the beer. 745-9175 $-$$ C

Thunder Canyon Brewery - 7401 N. La Cholla Blvd. Located in the Foothills Mall, this brewery boasts a great beer selection and a menu sure to make everyone happy. 797-2652. $-$$. NW

Burgers and more

Bob Dobbs Bar and Grill - 2501 E. Sixth St. The burgers are BIG; and the homemade chips, a down-home treat, are legendary. 325-3767. $ C

Buddy's Grill - 7385 S. Houghton Road, 881-2226. The burgers have a loyal following, but it's much more than that. Seafood including an oyster bar and late-night specials put this eatery in a category all its own. $$-$$$ C

Cody's Beef 'n' Beans - 2708 E. Fort Lowell Road. The burgers are thick, dripping with juices and charbroiled the way you request. Steaks also are charbroiled. 322-9475. $-$$ C

Monkey Burger - 5350 E. Broadway, 514-9797; 47 N. Sixth Ave, 624-4416. Chef Matthew Stricker takes the ordinary hamburger and turns it into a piece of gourmet art. Be sure to order the sliced fried pickles. $ E D

Trident Grill - 2033 E. Speedway. Great burgers with friendly folks, cozy booths and a long bar serving up 24 beers on tap all make this a fine hangout. 795-5755. $-$$ C

Zinburger - 1865 E. River Road, 299-7799; 6390 E. Grant Road, 298-2020. This loud, hip eatery serves gourmet hamburgers, inventive fries and sinful shakes. $$ FH, C

French

Frogs Organic Bakery - 7109 N. Oracle Road. Pastries and a limited menu with a decided French bent. You definitely need a fork for the roasted vegetable tartine. 229-2124. $-$$. NW

Ghini's French Caffe - 1803 E. Prince Road. One of the best misters in town is at Ghini's, allowing for lingering brunches on the patio, complete with mimosas. 326-9095. $$ N

Le Rendez-vous - 3844 E. Fort Lowell Road. Jean-Claude Berger's restaurant, serving classically French cuisine, is a Tucson institution. 323-7373. $$$$ C

Indian

Gandhi Cuisine of India - 150 W. Fort Lowell Road. Check out the navarattan, a mixture of vegetables and paneer in a sublime curry sauce. Try most any veggie meal and be happy. 292-1738. $$ C

India Oven - 2727 N. Campbell Ave. Indian restaurants are a vegetarian's friend, and that's especially true here. We love the saag paneer, a creamy dish made with the fresh cheese, paneer, spinach, garlic (lots of it) and a touch of red chile. 326-8635. $$ C

Saffron Indian Bistro - 7607 N. Oracle Road, Oro Valley. This upscale eatery serves nicely crafted plates of tandoori grilled meats, fragrant vegetable stews and crispy naan. 742-9100. $$

International

Amber Restaurant and Gallery - 7000 E. Tanque Verde Road. European food with a Polish influence includes pierogies, stuffed cabbage rolls, kielbasa, lamb shank, Hungarian goulash and veal schnitzel. 296-9759. $$-$$$ E

Zemam's - 2731 E. Broadway. This is where you go to eat Ethiopian food the way they do in Ethiopia: no forks. They also don't serve alcohol, although you can bring your own. 323-9928. $-$$ C

Italian

Bazil's - 4777 E. Sunrise Drive. Northern Italian fine-dining with an emphasis on hearty portions of specialties like veal and pasta. You can also get takeout at the adjacent Bazil's To Go. Reservations are recommended. 577-3322. $$$ FH

Caffé Milano - 46 W. Congress St. You will get better, more authentic Italian food at this downtown eatery than you will at many restaurants in Italy. A lively, efficient trattoria at breakfast and lunch on weekdays, it is an enchanting bistro at dinner on Thursday-Saturday evenings. 628-1601. $-$$ D

Caffé Torino - 10325 N. La Cañada Drive, Oro Valley. Northern Italian fare served with style. 219-2994. $$ NW

Dolce Vita - 7895 E. Broadway. It's tempting to fill up on the crusty bread dipped in rosemary-garlic olive oil, but save room for anything topped by the marinara sauce. 298-3700. $$$ E

Enoteca Pizzeria and Wine Bar - 58 W. Congress St. Fare ranges from inventive and traditional Italian dishes to brick-oven pizza topped with such items as arugula and prosciutto. Wines are from Italy, the United States and vineyards around the world. 623-0744. $$ D

Giacomo's Authentic Italian Dining - 6878 E. Sunrise Drive. An intimate showcase for owner and chef Giacomo Aprea, who hits plenty of high notes. If you like anchovies, try the penne putanesca. 529-7358. $$$ FH

Mama Louisa's La Cantina Restaurant - 2041 S. Craycroft Road. Mangia is the motto at this place for reasonably priced homemade Italian food. 790-4702. $$ C

Nonna Maria's - 2161 Rockcliff Blvd., Oracle; 1-520-896-3522. Obviously, pizza and pastas abound, but sandwiches, salads and calzones also make up the menu. $$ NW

North Modern Italian Cuisine - 2995 E. Skyline Drive. The Sam Fox restaurant has a chic yet comfortable feel and an amazing view. Start with an order of zucca chips. 299-1600. $$ FH

Oregano's Pizza Bistro - 4900 E. Speedway, 327-8955; 100 W. Orange Grove Road, 229-9999. They pile on the food at this hip little chain restaurant. But you might have a long wait. $$ C

Piazza Gavi - 5415 N. Kolb Road. Pizza and an upscale environment. The Sicilian fare comes in big sizes. 577-1099. $$$ FH

Roma Imports - 627 S. Vine Ave., off 15th Street and South Kino Parkway. Good Italian food done right. You order at the counter, seat yourself and wait for your food to be served. 792-3173. $ C

Trattoria Pina - 5541 N. Swan Road. Simply fantastico Italian fare. Dishes here don't need fancy dress to speak eloquently. 577-6992. $$$ FH

Verona Italian Restaurant - 120 S. Houghton Road. Simple yet quietly elegant, with generous portions of Italian delights. 722-2722. $$ SE

Viro's Real Italian Bakery and Cafe - 8301 E. 22nd St. A sampling of the fresh baked goods, meats and cheeses will make you think you're in Tuscany. 885-4045. $ SE

BBQ

Billy Bryant's Bar-B-Q - 3930 W. Ina Road. Billy Bryant's serves up grub that goes well with a red-and-white checkered picnic blanket: smoked pork, beef and sausage with all the requisite sides. 323-7083. ¢-$ NW

BrushFire BBQ Co. - 2745 N. Campbell Ave, 624-3223; 7080 E. 22nd St., 867-6050. "Tucson-style" barbecue, meaning more seasonings and flavor, such as balsamic vinegar and fresh garlic. It is a must try. $-$$ C

Bubb's Grubb - 16010 N. Oracle Road. Meat lovers will find what they're looking for. 825-6510. $-$$ NW

Catalina BBQ Co. and Sports Bar - 3645 W. Starr Pass Blvd. Most of the barbeque specialities are Kansas City-style, known for its sweet and tangy sauces. St. Louis, North Carolina and Texas styles represented at reasonable prices. 670-0444. $-$$ W

Famous Dave's Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que - 4565 N. Oracle Road. This chain has become a hot spot for barbecue and ribs, serving up hefty portions of Southern-style backyard cooking. 888-1512. $ NW

The Hog Pit Smokehouse Bar and Grill - 6910 E. Tanque Verde Road. Meaty ribs slowly smoked over pecan will fill you up and leave you satisfied. Still, it was the tender, juicy chicken that really impressed us. 722-4302. E $$

Mr. K's BBQ - 6302 S. Park Ave. This BBQ institution drew the most raves in our Food Fight on the best ribs in Tucson. It also was featured in the 2006 book "Killer Ribs: Mouthwatering Recipes From North America's Best Rib Joints." 792-9484. $ S

Rod's K.C. Barbecue - 601 N. Fourth Ave. Friendly dining spot with a down-home ambience serves savory, lean and tender ribs. No alcohol. 623-0182. $ C

Latin

Contigo Cocina Latina - 1745 E. River Road. The small menu offers big flavors with a Latin accent. The tapas ($5 at Wednesday and Thursday happy hours) are taste adventures. 299-1730. $$-$$$ FH

Rio Cafe - 2526 E. Grant Road. Nuevo Latino cuisine includes the popular coconut-crusted pork chops drizzled with honey. Dessert faves include a chocolate truffle with an infusion of chile pepper. 323-5003. $$ C

Mediterranean

Athens on Fourth - 500 N. Fourth Ave. It's all Greek to this restaurant. And pretty darn good, too. 624-6886. $$-$$$ C

My Big Fat Greek - 7131 E. Broadway, 722-6000; 7265 N. La Cholla Blvd., 797-7444. Great food that operates on the philosophy: "As long as we're above ground, we should have a great time." $$ W

Opa! - 2990 N. Campbell Ave. The Greek cuisine here is at once hearty and elegant, authentically foreign and yet pleasingly familiar. 327-2841. $ C

Pappoule's - Park Place, 5870 E. Broadway, 747-1814; Foothills Mall, 7475 N. La Cholla Blvd., 544-5551; Tucson Mall, 4500 N. Oracle Road, 888-8611. The environs say mall, but the food says authentic Greek. The menu ranges from hummus and feta appetizers to pita sandwiches, dinner plates and pastries. $ NW, E

Pizza

1702 - 1702 E. Speedway. In addition to soups, salads and a vast variety of beers, this UA-area eatery features 10 specialty pizzas, and each comes with five toppings. The slices are humongous. 325-1702. $ C

Arizona Pizza Co. - 4955 N. Sabino Canyon Road, 299-7311; 5855 E. Broadway, 514-0909. Not your average pies, with selections such as chicken pesto and the Hawaiian. $$ FH, C

Bazil's to Go - 4777 E. Sunrise Drive. Flavorful Chicago-style pizza and pasta for take-out only. 577-1100. $$ FH

Bianchi's - 1110 N. Silverbell Road. West siders' pizzeria of choice, with loads of toppings available. Drive-through and delivery. 882-8500. $-$$ C

Brooklyn Pizza Co. - 534 N. Fourth Ave. One of the best-selling pizzas is the tried-and-true pepperoni, but the staff recommends the cheese pizza with tomato and basil sauce. 622-2902. $ C

Grimaldi's Pizzeria - 446 N. Campbell Ave. The coal-fired brick oven churns out fabulous thin crust with fresh toppings. Don't skip cheesecake. 882-6100. $$ C

Magpie's Gourmet Pizza - 7315 N. Oracle Road, 297-2712; 605 N. Fourth Ave., 628-1661; 4654 E. Speedway, 795-5977; 105 S. Houghton Road, 751-9949. Locally owned chain turns even plain pepperoni into a flat-out feast. NW, C, E, FH $$

New York Pizza - 8771 E. Broadway. A customer favorite is the King-Kong, a 16-inch deep-dish pizza with a little of everything. 885-0116. $-$$ E

Scordato's Pizzeria - 4280 N. Campbell Ave., in St. Philip's Plaza. A pizza-focused production of Vivace owner Daniel Scordato, this restaurant aims for perfection from the crust up. A favorite with diners is the Robiola, Fontina and Mozzarella Cheese pizza with kalamata olives, mushrooms and arugula. 529-2700. $$ FH

Rocco's Little Chicago Pizzeria - 2707 E. Broadway. Plenty of cheese on the pies and one of the best thin crusts around. Make sure to try the hot wings. 321-1860. $$ C

Rosati's Authentic Chicago Pizza - 8814 E. Tanque Verde Road. This northeast-side pizza parlor bakes an exceptional pie, with several crust options, including double-dough pizza. 760-4777. $ FH

Vero Amore - 3305 N. Swan Road, 325-4122; 12130 N. Dove Mountain Blvd., Marana, 579-2292. Don't expect pepperoni. Yes, it's a pizza place, but think more Wolfgang Puck than generic chain outfit. Toppings on the Neapolitan pies include fresh basil and prosciutto, or smoked salmon partnered with mascarpone cheese and arugula. $$ FH

Zona 78 - 78 W. River Road, 888-7878; 7301 E. Tanque Verde Road, 296-7878. The grown-up pizzas have thin crusts and inventive toppings, and the tomato sauce is used judiciously. $$ NW, FH

Sandwiches

Baggin's - 5375 E. Pima St., 795-7135; 33 N. Stone Ave., 792-1344; 1800 E. Fort Lowell Road, 327-1611; 5420 E. Broadway, 305-3922; 7233 E. Speedway, 290-9383; 11015 N. Oracle Road, 547-2839; 2741 E. Speedway, 327-4342; 6342 N. Oracle Road, 575-8878; 3191 E. Valencia Road, 917-5070. Their sandwiches are worth the often-long wait at lunchtime. You even get a chocolate-chip cookie for your troubles. $ E, C, NW, W, S, D

Beyond Bread - 3026 N. Campbell Ave., 322-9965; 6260 E. Speedway, 747-7477; 421 W. Ina Road, 461-1111. Combination sandwiches are generous; fresh-baked breads - with different daily choices - are stellar. $ C NW

Bison Witches Bar and Deli - 326 N. Fourth Ave. Big sandwiches and yummy soup (served in bread bowls). Take-out might be easier because of the lack of dining space. 740-1541. $ C

Bumsted's - 500 N. Fourth Ave. The vast menu is divided into "affairs" - "A Hot Affair" for hot sandwiches, "A Sweet Affair" for desserts, etc. But don't let the novelty names fool you - Bumsted's is all about good food. 622-1413. $$ C

Daggwood Cafe - 736 E. Fort Lowell Road. Huge sandwiches in a variety of choices, including - yes, sir - liverwurst. 903-9663. $ C

Frankie's - 2574 N. Campbell Ave. Brings the distinct flavor of the South Philadelphia cheese steak to the streets of midtown Tucson. 795-2665. $ C

Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich - 2485 N. Swan Road, 326-5112; 749 N. Park Ave., 206-9999; 4695 N. Oracle Road, 292-9942; 63 E. Congress St., 884-0600. Sandwiches come on seven-grain bread, wrapped in a tortilla or on French bread. Bread is baked in-house. Meat and vegetables are sliced fresh. $ C, D, N

Mona's Danish - 4777 E. Sunrise Drive. Menu features hot and cold sandwiches, breakfast items and salads. 579-1959. $ FH

Sausage Deli - 2334 N. First Ave. Lots of sandwich choices, and for $2.99 you can add a side salad, chips and a drink. 623-8182. $ C

Shlomo and Vito's New York Delicatessen and Pizza Kitchen- 2870 E. Skyline Drive. The extra-large portions are created with quality products. Besides a build-your-own sandwich ($11.75), the menu includes an extensive list of other sandwiches. 529-3354. $$ FH

Ted's Country Store - 2760 N. Tucson Blvd. A casual specialty market that has good deli sandwiches and a small-town vibe. 325-3122. $ C

Special settings

Acacia - 3001 E. Skyline Drive. Casual to fine dining with an amazing view and classy, bustling atmosphere. Award-winning Chef Albert Hall creates magic with steak, seafood and lamb. Many items are gluten-free. 232-0101. $$-$$$$ FH

Anthony's in the Catalinas - 6440 N. Campbell Ave. Anthony's offers continental dining, a great view and attentive service. 299-1771. $$$$ FH

Arizona Inn - 2200 E. Elm St. This Tucson landmark offers understated elegance and upscale, satisfying food. 325-1541. $$$$ C

Canela Bistro - 3252 Highway 82, Sonoita. The restaurant serves French-accented Southwestern cuisine - food that glories in locally grown, often organic ingredients. 1-520-455-5873. $$-$$$

Delectables - 533 N. Fourth Ave. This longtime North Fourth favorite offers a patio with great people watching in addition to tasty bistro fare. Live music often. 884-9289. $$ C

Flying V Bar and Grill - 7000 N. Resort Drive, at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort. The patio looks out on the pristine 18th hole of the golf course. Pricey but worth it. Try the guacamole prepared tableside. 299-2020. $$$$ FH

Gold at the Westward Look Resort - 245 E. Ina Road. The menu offers classic and nouvelle choices, along with eye-catching city views. 917-2930. $$$$ NW

Lodge on the Desert - 306 N. Alvernon Way. A relaxed, elegant hidden gem in a midtown resort that opened in 1930. Chef Ryan Clark's menu includes innovative fare and familiar standbys like pan-roasted chicken, braised lamb and organic salmon. 325-3366. $$$ C

Maynards Market & Kitchen - 400 N. Toole Ave. Chef Addam L. Buzzalini works magic in the historic train depot. The seasonally changing menu is inventive and celebrates locally grown food. 545-0577. $$$ D

Pastiche Modern Eatery - 3025 N. Campbell Ave. Chic bistro serves a range of good stuff, from elegant dishes to comfort food, and is open until midnight. 325-3333. $$-$$$ C

Primo - 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd. Peppers and rosemary and basil blossoming in on-site garden to season food. Delicious upscale dining. 792-3500. $$$$ SW

The Dish - 3131 E. First St. This small, intimate restaurant is a dressy, date-night kind of place, so the kids might want to stay home. 326-1714. $$$$ C

The Grill at Hacienda del Sol Resort - 5601 N. Hacienda del Sol Road. Top service and fine cuisine. Sunday brunch. 529-3500. $$$$ FH

Tohono Chul Tea Room - 7366 N. Paseo del Norte. One of the Southwest's most scenic settings with a menu created by Award-winning Chef Albert Hall. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. 797-1222. $ NW

Wildflower - 7037 N. Oracle Road. The first of Sam Fox's restaurants, Wildflower delivers American cuisine loaded with fresh ingredients and style. Try the calamari appetizer for an enticing start to your meal, and dessert to end it. 219-4230. $$-$$$$ NW

Steak and more Bubb's Bubb's Grubb - 16010 N. Oracle Road. Meat lovers will find what they're looking for. 825-6510. $-$$ NW

Cattletown Steakhouse and Saloon - 3141 E. Drexel Road. A country-style steakhouse with Texas-size tables. No checks. 295-1141. $$ S

Chad's Steak House and Saloon - 3001 N. Swan Road. Hand-cut beef selections range from ground sirloin to porterhouse at this Western-themed restaurant. 881-1802. $$-$$$ C

Daisy Mae's Steakhouse - 2735 W. Anklam Road. Certified Angus steaks, cooked on an open flame fueled by bold mesquite. The menu is heavy with steaks, grilled ribs, chicken and seafood, but the steaks are the stars here. 792-8888. $$ NW

Dickman's Meat and Deli - 6472 N. Oracle Road, 229-9777; and 8646 E. Broadway, 885-8020. Dickman's will remind you of a Midwestern deli, comfortably casual with a folksy down-home feel. $$ NW, E

El Corral - 2201 E. River Road. A cowboy-up kind of place, with colorized black-and-white prints of Silver Screen stars on the walls. It specializes in steaks with surprisingly low prices. 299-6092. $-$$ FH

Firebirds - 2985 E. Skyline Drive, at La Encantada shopping center. The steaks are aged, thick and juicy. 577-0747. $$$$ FH

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar - 6360 N. Campbell Ave. The noise level is high, but the satisfaction level is even higher. Reservations are recommended. 529-5017. $$$$ FH

Li'l Abner's Steak House - 8500 N. Silverbell Road. This former stagecoach stop serves steak grilled over mesquite wood. No reservations. 744-2800. $$ NW

McMahon's Prime Steak House - 2959 N. Swan Road. The upscale restaurant with large glassed-in wine room features meats and seafood. 327-2333. $$$$ C

Oracle Inn Steakhouse - 305 E. American Ave., Oracle. The creative Southwestern hot steak is worth the drive from Tucson to this family-owned steakhouse and gathering spot. But it's the inspired desserts that will bring you back. 1-520-896-3333. $$-$$$ NW

Pinnacle Peak - 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road, in Trail Dust Town. Ol' West hullabaloo can put you right in the mood for a thick, juicy steak cooked just the way you want it over a mesquite fire. 296-0911. $$ FH

Sam Hughes' Place - 446 N. Campbell Ave. Championship dining - try to find a classier sports bar anywhere else. They serve steaks alongside their burgers. 747-5223. $$-$$$ C

Sullivan's Steak House - 1785 E. River Road. Upscale ambience, pricey steaks - well worth the indulgence. 299-4275. $$$$ FH

Taste of Texas - 8310 N. Thornydale Road. Steaks rule, but you also can get seafood and sandwiches here in this Western-themed eatery. 572-5968. $-$$ NW

Vegetarian-friendly

Choice Greens - 2829 E. Speedway; 4205 N. Campbell Ave., 319-2467. A healthy salad alternative while still respecting your time and not sacrificing quality. $ C

Govinda's Natural Foods Buffet - 711 E. Blacklidge Drive. Gourmet vegetarian cuisine. 792-0630. $-$$ N

Guilin Chinese Restaurant - 3250 E. Speedway. An abundance of vegetarian dishes to choose from. A favorite is the full-flavored vegetarian sizzling rice soup. 320-7768. $-$$ C

Lovin' Spoonfuls - 2990 N. Campbell Ave. The 100-percent vegan menu covers the gamut, from meat substitutes to veggie burgers, gluten-free waffles to decadent house-made cakes and pies. 325-7766. $-$$ C

The Garland Bistro - 119 E. Speedway. This has long been a veggie hangout - we mean the food, not the people. From vegetarian curry to a wide variety of salads. Vegan options are available. 882-3999. $$ C