Also at 7301 E. Tanque Verde Road (296-7878). It’s casual; it’s 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 that’s been fried. After you enjoy the Kobe burger, the truffle fries and the date-and-honey shake, you won’t be able to look at burgers, fries and shakes in the same way ever again. (5-15-08)
Also at 12130 N. Dove Mountain Blvd., No. 104 (579-2292). The Dove Mountain location has a full bar. The only pizza joint in town that’s certified as following the rigid guidelines of pizza from the old country, Vero Amore serves great pies. A couple of pasta dishes and salads round out the menu. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, and the service is sincere. The wine list is just right. This pizza joint is a nice addition to the myriad restaurants in the Swan/Fort Lowell roads area. (8-24-06)
La Encantada has itself a gem in NoRTH,
brought to you to the folks behind
Wildflower and Zinburger. The pastas,
fish and pizzas are all tasty, if a bit pricey,
but the view pushes NoRTH over the top.
(2-26-04)
The microbrewed beer is tasty, cheap
and plentiful; the food is quite satisfactory
and likewise inexpensive; and the
close-up look at a microbrew operation is
as entertaining as the live music that can
frequently be heard there. What's not to
like? (2-17-00)
Upbeat, urban and chic, Montana Avenue has a vibe that’s more Scottsdale or New York (in a good way) than stereotypical Tucson. The menu offers about a dozen interesting appetizers, as well as about a dozen entrées for each lunch and dinner (including an excellent buttermilk chicken)—and all of the items we sampled were tasty. Our Sunday brunch experience was less than stellar, but for the other 13 lunches and dinners in the week, you’re bound to get some delicious food—and you’re bound to feel trendy eating it. Restaurant will close on Saturday, Aug. 13. (5-18-06)
Another of the perennial Tucson favorites,
with consistently good food and service
generally worth the wait—particularly if
you’re looking for a great chile relleño.
Jax Kitchen’s menu offers a fine, playful balance of great stuff. Fresh, quality ingredients are present in such a way that you’ll remember each and every bite. The mussels and frites shine, and anything from the garden will please. Throw in pleasant service, moderate prices and a cool vibe, and you have a Tucson favorite. (12-4-08)
One of New York City’s highest-rated pizza joints is serving some of the best pizza in Tucson. You’ll pay more here for your coal brick-oven pie, but it’s 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)
A British-style pub with the heart of an
outré bohemian, Frog and Firkin is not only
a great place to grab a tasty brew, but a
fine place to sate your appetite as well.
Discover one of Tucson’s most friendly places for wine. On Thursday, Friday, Saturday and every other Wednesday, the folks here pour well-thought-out flights of wine. Conversation is warm, comfortable and certainly not intimidating. There’s no food (other than cheese, crackers and chocolate to pair with the wine), but it’s still a lot of fun. Most bottles are $15 or less. (2-26-09)
There may be nothing gourmet or innovatively outrageous about Brooklyn Pizza, but if you like your pie with a crunchy, hand-tossed crust, a savory simmered tomato sauce, lots of gooey mozzarella cheese and the traditional toppings of your choice, you've come to the right place. Sandwiches also reflect attention to the "only best ingredients" philosophy. There's nothing here that will disappoint.
Another addition to the Fox restaurant empire—and the second Fox restaurant at La Encantada—is yet another winner. Excellent updated Sonoran food, crackling service, a spectacular view and a hip, young vibe make Blanco worth the foothills prices. (8-30-07)
A chic décor, an impressive (if pricey) wine selection and tasty food await diners at Armitage, yet another impressive La Encantada restaurant. Our brunch experience revealed uniformly bland victuals, but the dishes at dinner ranged from decent to spectacular. If you’re an ahi fan, you must try the splendid seared yellowtail with orange soy syrup and wasabi cream. (8-14-08)
For an elegant transport back to the
1930s, the Arizona Inn provides
world-class dining in an intimate and
charming resort. Centrally located, the
Arizona Inn offers just the right touch of
class, coupled with a sophisticated and
well-executed menu. (3-8-02)
888-7878