Also at 7301 E. Tanque Verde Road (296-7878). Its casual; its cool; and the food makes the most of many fine Italian items (goodies from Willcox and Australia are also a big part of the scene). The bar is a great place to hang out while you enjoy one of the many wines or house specialty drinks. The pizzas are stone-fired with great combos, or you can build your own. This is definitely a place to be a regular. (7-6-06)
Also at 6390 E. Grant Road (298-2020). Is Tucson ready for an upscale burger joint? The existence of Zinburger provides the answer to that question: a resounding yes! The burgers are perfectly prepared, and the sides are satisfying, provided you like stuff thats been fried. After you enjoy the Kobe burger, the truffle fries and the date-and-honey shake, you wont be able to look at burgers, fries and shakes in the same way ever again. (5-15-08)
For a quick transport to North Africa, try Zemam's and savor the complex and spicy regional fare. Served with the traditional bread called injera, the food at Zemam's is a delightful excuse to eat with your hands, get sloppy and have good fun.
(11-02-00)
One of the more unique restaurants you'll ever find, Yoshimatsu features a decor combining weird Japanese TV, action figures and eclectic music. The food is fast, inexpensive and tasty. Try the Japanese pizzas; they're amazing. You can get takeout, but we recommend dining in. It's such a cool place. (2-27-03)
If theres something Vivace doesnt do
well, weve never been able to discover
what it is. Lots of innovative pasta dishes,
grilled meats and fresh seafood
distinguish the menu, along with salads,
appetizers and desserts to die for. It's a
bustling bistro that deserves its ongoing
popularity. (4-26-01)
Time Market is four things in one. Its a top-notch deli; its a popular woodfire pizza joint; its a coffee bar; its a quirky market full of hard-to-find foods. With a friendly staff and reasonable prices, Time Market is a longtime Tucson favorite. We recommend the green gringo sandwich, mixing a green corn tamale with shredded chicken, cheddar, salsa and green olives on sourdough. Yum! (7-14-05)
Also at 8848 E. Tanque Verde Road
(749-8555) and 250 S. Craycroft Road
(584-1610). (Hours vary per location.) Its tough to devise a
restaurant scheme that will keep
everyone in the family happy, but
somehow, Risky Business has managed
to pull this feat off admirably. Lots of
goodies for the kids are in this spacious,
colorful spot, and parents will enjoy a
menu that caters to their palates with food
that has real taste and character. It
doesnt hurt that numerous premium beers are
on tap, either.
Ra Sushi, a Benihana-owned chain that
got its start in the Phoenix area, is a little
pricier than other area sushi joints. For
those extra few bucks, youll get a hip,
trendy atmosphere and quick service.
Youll also find tasty food, some
occasional nifty specials and a wide
variety of appetizers. Think what it would
be like if P.F. Changs did a sushi place.
(3-18-04)
Also at 5285 E. Broadway Blvd.
(514-7004) and 633 W. Ina Road (297-3238). The folks behind P.F. Changs
have brought fast-casual Asian fare to
Tucson with its Pei Wei chain, and the
mini-Changs does the parent proud.
Featuring delicious, freshly prepared
Asian standards at fairly cheap
prices, Pei Wei is a great place to grab
some fine Asian food to go, or to sit down
with the college kids and eat in a modern
atmosphere. (11-27-03)
Gourmet pizzas find dizzying
combinations of fresh and unusual
ingredients. Catering to signature
creations or simply celebrating pizza, No
Anchovies puts a new spin on the old pie.
(8-2-01)
Those who eschew animal products in their diets should be grateful for this charming, fast-casual, all-vegan eatery. Scrambles, sandwiches and burgers for lunch and homestyle entrées for dinner dominate the menu. While some of the choices with faux meat are pretty good, the best options are the ones that skip the fake stuff. (2-2-06)
La Indita's menu shows its Michoacan
Tarascan Indian heritage. Menu items like
the Tarascan tacos and Indian fry bread
make La Indita a continued favorite.
One of New York Citys highest-rated pizza joints is serving some of the best pizza in Tucson. Youll pay more here for your coal brick-oven pie, but its worth it. We recommend sitting in the bar area while you munch on your pizza or calzone, so you can watch the dough-throwing and pizza-baking show. All three sauces (red, white and pesto) are tasty; just be careful while selecting the often-pricey toppings. (9-25-08)
Here's one place that can lay claim to the diner heritage. Breakfast, lunch and simple dinner work well at Grill. But late night is when this beacon diner shines bright, drawing an eclectic, vibrant and entertaining crowd. Try the burgers or a big bowl of Capn Crunch. There is also a full bar in the Red Room.