Pastiche is not only a chic place to nosh with great ambiance and a friendly wait staff; it is also a sure-fire way to bring your taste buds back from the dead. The internationally influenced American cuisine is classic, yet creative, and available in bistro portions which will relieve your wallet, yet still satisfy your hunger. We absolutely love the flavorful soft tacos with fish and the coconut shrimp with a tangy prickly pear sweet and sour sauce. Oh, did we mention that Pastiche has an extensive wine selection and shop that harbors more than 300 different wines? Funky places like Pastiche with modern style and colorful cuisine remind us of why we love Tucson.
Runners up:
2. Feast, 4122 E. Speedway Blvd., 326-9363, www.eatatfeast.com
3. TIE
The Dish Bistro and Wine Bar, 3131 E. First St., 326-0121, www.rumrunnertucson.com/thedish/index.html
Wildflower, 7037 N. Oracle Road, 219-4230, www.foxrestaurantconcepts.com/wildflower.html