Despite the fact that the same folks behind the Kingfisher recently opened the Bluefin Seafood Bistro on North Oracle Road, voters rallied once again behind this brilliant midtown eatery--no doubt for the oysters, clams and mussels, the macadamia-nut-encrusted Hawaiian fish, grilled marinated sea scallops, pan-seared Atlantic salmon and grilled Pacific sea bass. It's a dreamy menu that also includes pan-fried shrimp cakes and what some in these parts call Tucson's best fish 'n' chips. If you've lost your sea legs from too much time in the desert, Kingfisher will get you back on track with pleasant, fresh and inventively prepared seafood. Not only that, the staff is always a joy.
Runners up:
2. Mariscos Chihuahua, Various locations
3. TIE
Bluefin Seafood Bistro
, 7053 N. Oracle Road, 531-8500, www.bluefinseafoodbistro.com
Red Lobster, 5870 E. Broadway Blvd., 519-1002; 5061 N. Oracle Road, 293-9174, www.redlobster.com