Events for the coming week
FILM
FRIDAY, JULY 25
• See and discuss the movie “Paradise Now” during the 16th annual Summer Religion in Film Series at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. Details: 7 p.m.; 4440 N. Campbell Ave.; free; 548-7426.
SPECIAL EVENTS
FRIDAY, JULY 18
• Enjoy live music and a sampling of sweets during Dessert in the Desert at Kannally Ranch House, an event to raise money for the Calabzas Fiesta, which is planned for Oct. 15. Details: 6-9 p.m.; Oracle State Park in Oracle, 3820 Wildlife Drive; free but donation requested; (520) 896-2425.
SATURDAY, JULY 19
• Hear a brief presentation on nocturnal animals in the Sonoran Desert and then watch and listen for them during a half-mile walk. Details: 7 p.m.; Tucson Audubon Society’s Mason Center, 3835 W. Hardy Road; free; 744-0004.
• Shop for fresh produce, bread, pastries, tamales and salsa at the Oro Valley Farmers Market. Details: 8 a.m.-noon; Oro Valley Town Hall, 11000 N. La Cañada Drive; free; 400-9992.
SUNDAY, JULY 20
• Shop for fresh produce, bread, beef, lamb and tamales at the St. Philip’s Plaza Farmers Market. Details: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.; St. Philip’s Plaza, 4380 N. Campbell Ave.; free; 400-9992.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23
• Hear Native American folklore and stories of the Southwest in a program by Gil Payette, an interpreter for the Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalists. Details: noon and 2 p.m.; Western National Parks Association, 12880 N. Vistoso Village Drive; free; 622-6014.
BOOKS
THURSDAY, JULY 17
• Discuss the book “Rhymes of a Childhood” by James Whitcomb Riley with the Great Literature of All Times group. Details: 10 a.m.; Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W. Naranja Drive; free; 229-5300.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23
• Join the Sonoran Sleuths book group for a discussion of “The Snow Princess” by Laura Joh Rowland. Details: noon; Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W. Naranja Drive; free; 229-5300.
VISUAL ART
SUNDAY, JULY 20
• View paintings by the Peruvian artist Wellington Curichimba Marin at an art show and sale of his work. Details: 4-7 p.m.; El Burrito Patio Restaurant, 10420 N. La Cañada Drive; free; 797-6554.
THROUGH JULY 24
• Catch an exhibit of laser art that employs a laser mounted on custom headgear and was created by members of Arts for All, an organization that provides arts training to adults with disabilities and children with special needs. Details: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays; Tucson Jewish Community Center, 3800 E. River Road; free; 299-3000.
THROUGH AUG. 17
• See work of 23 artists from the Southwest that offers a closer-than-usual glimpse of some of the smallest creatures on earth during the exhibit “Artful Insects and Inspired Arachnids.” Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte; free with park admission; 742-6455.
THROUGH AUG. 30
• Catch a diverse salon-style exhibit featuring paintings, sculptures and glass art, along with a permanent collection of copper vessels, rugs and jewelry. Details: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays; Tangerine Gallery, 2522 E. Fort Lowell Road; free; 326-5028.
THROUGH SEPT. 9
• See artwork by area youth during the exhibit “That’s Artrageous: Works by Student Artists.” Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte; free with park admission; 742-6455.
THROUGH SEPT. 30
• View the exhibit “Postage Stamps: A Global View of Prehistoric History” featuring a private collection of stamps from places around the world, including Malaysia, Japan and parts of Africa, that depict the prehistoric Earth. Details: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily; Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way; free with park admission; 326-9686.
THROUGH JUNE 2009
• See the exhibit “Weaving: Native Baskets and Blankets,” which features pieces from Tohono Chul Park’s permanent collection. Details: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; 7366 N. Paseo del Norte; free with park admission; 742-6455.
RESTAURANTS
AJ’S FINE FOOD BISTRO
2805 E. Skyline Drive
Phone: 232-6340
Cuisine: Bistro
The patio at AJ’s Fine Foods offers a resting spot for hungry shoppers. Dine on prime rib, grilled salmon or pastries while seated near the market’s outside fireplace or take dinner home.
Open daily 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
ANGELINA'S
12252 N. Rancho Vistoso Blvd.
Phone: 742-9595
Cuisine: International tapas and pizza
Angelina’s serves international tapas, entrees and gourmet pizzas. Live entertainment on weekends and signature Martinis and drinks. Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11a.m.-1a.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.-9 p.m.
BAGGIN’S GOURMET SANDWICHES
6342 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 575-8878
11015 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 547-2839
Cuisine: Deli
Voted Tucson’s best sandwich spot for 15 years, Baggins serves creative fare in a brown bag and always tucks in a cookie. Southwestern-style sandwiches include the Hopi and the Albuquerque Turkey.
Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
BAYOU CAFE
5819 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 408-3498
Cuisine: Cajun
On the menu at Bayou Café, you’ll encounter such dishes as Bayou Devil Dog and Debris. The paintings on the walls of this classy Gulf Coast café depict scenes from the Deep South, and the spices in the food pack a punch.
Open Tuesday-Saturday 6 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sunday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
BAZIL’S
4777 E. Sunrise Drive
Phone: 577-3322
Cuisine: Italian
The faux Tiffany glass and dark wood at Bazil’s go together to create a relaxed dining experience, and the varied wine list doesn’t hurt, either. Italian and Continental entrees arrive at the table with antipasto salad and pasta fagioli soup.
Open daily 5-10 p.m.
BENNER’S GRILL
8235 N. Silverbell Road
Phone: 572-8459
Cuisine: Grill
Benner’s Grill goes beyond burger-and-beer fare, serving a variety of seafood dishes as well. Its well-equipped bar has 16 taps.
Open daily 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
BLANCO TACOS + TEQUILA
2905 E. Skyline Drive
Phone: 232-1007
Cuisine: Mexican
Mexican food gets a makeover at this modern eatery with snazzy ingredients such as desmenuzado chicken and chipotle shrimp. The bar harbors almost 30 premium tequilas.
Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
BLUEFIN SEAFOOD BISTRO
7053 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 531-8500
Cuisine: Seafood
Arched windows and cozy booths may stir up romantic conversation in this Casas Adobes Plaza restaurant, which features live music on weekends and a varied fish menu.
Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
BLUEPOINT KITCHEN
2905 E. Skyline Drive
Phone: 577-6000
Cuisine: Seafood
The menu at Bluepoint Kitchen offers a wide selection of raw bar favorites, shellfish and prime steaks, not to mention a variety of draft bears, signature martinis and fine wines.
Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight
BRUNDOG’S ZY-DE-QUE
4825 N. First Ave.
Phone: 887-2333
Cuisine: Cajun
Chef Tom “Brundog” Brunner’s love for layers of flavor, spicy food and pork led him to create a restaurant for his dream cuisine, which marries herbs, spices, hot peppers and other secret ingredients. It’s also a place for people to fill up on hospitality and make new friends.
Open Monday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
BUBB’S GRUB
16010 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 825-6510
Cuisine: Barbecue
Bubb’s Big Ten saloon features a full bar and access to DirecTV, College Game Plan and NFL Sunday Ticket. The dining room serves Texas-style barbecue, steaks and seafood.
Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. ; Sunday 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
CAFÉ JASPER
6370 N. Campbell Ave.
Phone: 577-0326
Cuisine: Café
Billed as “homemade Western American food,” the fare at Café Jasper inevitably includes salsa and black beans. For local color, order the Chihuahuan chicken salad or Coronado club sandwich and eat it next to the Southwestern fireplace.
Open Tuesday-Saturday 6:30-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Sunday 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
CAFFE TORINO
10325 N. La Cañada Drive
Phone: 219-2994
Cuisine: Café
Specialties include panini sandwiches and fresh brewed LavAzza Italian coffee.
Open Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
CANDELA RESTAURANT
5845 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 407-0111
Cuisine: Peruvian
The chef’s attentiveness to food presentation makes lunch at Candela Restaurant an artful experience. Dark walls adored with Latin-American art add a layer of class. Try the plantain chips in aji sauce for a taste of Peru.
Open Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 5-9 p.m.
CHANTILLY TEA ROOM
5185 N. Genematas Drive
Phone: 622-3303
Cuisine: Café
At the Chantilly Tea Room, you can linger over high tea in the Parlor, Bayberry Room or Rose Room, or enjoy lunch complemented by a savory scone and herbed clotted cream.
Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
EL CHARRO GRILL
100 W. Orange Grove Road
Phone: 615-1922
Cuisine: Mexican
Established in 1922, El Charro Café is the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family. It features Sonoran style and a menu that evolves with the times.
Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
CIBARIA CUCINA ITALIANA
12985 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 825-2900
Cuisine: Italian
Made to look like a small bistro in Italy, Cibria Cucina Italiana offers a wide selection of Italian wines and a view of the chefs at work in their exhibition kitchen. Specialties include baked basa served over capellini pasta in a lemon cream sauce with tomatoes, asparagus heads and three jumbo tiger shrimp.
Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4:30-9 p.m.
COACH’S DELI
1745 E. River Road
Phone: 297-0773
Cuisine: Deli
You don’t have to fly the friendly skies for an authentic Philadelphia cheese steak or Italian grinder. Coach’s Deli offers both plus mealtime access to televised sports.
Open Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
FIRE: AN ARIZONA BISTRO
12130 N. Dove Mountain Blvd.
Phone: 616-6023
Cuisine: Contemporary American
A stone wood-burning oven puts the final touches on specialty flatbread pizzas in this casual bistro. Lunch and dinner are served up with a striking view of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
FRESCO PIZZERIA AND PASTARIA
4229 W. Ina Road
Phone: 744-0073
Cuisine: Pizza
Created from a palette of more than 50 pizza toppings, Fresco pizzas taste fresh because their makers believe in fresh ingredients. Other menu options include pasta entrees, fresh tossed salads, oven-baked parmesan-style subs and classic calzones.
Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday noon-10 p.m.
FROST: A GELATO SHOPPE
7131 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 797-0188
Cuisine: Italian
All the ingredients minus the milk and sugar come straight from Italy. That’s what makes the gelato at this Casas Adobes Plaza shop authentic. The fact that it’s made fresh daily makes it memorable.
Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
THE GALLERY GOLF CLUB
14000 N. Dove Mountain Boulevard
Phone: 744-7490
Cuisine: Contemporary American
The Gallery is a private club that for a limited time is open to outside guests. It offers unparalleled views and upscale décor, and the menu features seafood, steaks and pasta.
Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
GOLD ROOM
245 E. Ina Road
Phone: 297-1151
Cuisine: Southwestern
Voted one of Tucson’s top five restaurants by Tucson Lifestyle Magazine, the Gold Room serves cuisine that reflects what’s in peak season. Stunning city views give dinner dates an added touch of elegance.
Open Monday through Saturday 7-11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 5:30 to 10 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 to 10 p.m.
GOLDEN DRAGON RESTAURANT
4704 E. Sunrise Drive
Phone: 299-8088
Cuisine: Chinese
Generous portions, good prices and a widely varied menu make Golden Dragon Restaurant a good stop for Chinese food.
Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday noon-10 p.m.; Sunday noon-9:30 p.m.
GRILL AT HACIENDA DEL SOL
5601 N. Hacienda del Sol Road
Phone: 529-3500
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Awarded by Tucson Lifestyle Magazine as the best place to take out-of-town guests, the grill makes use of vegetables, herbs and fruits picked daily on its premises. Menu items include truffle port demi glace, roasted garlic and caramelized cipollini onion risotto.
Open Monday-Saturday 5:30-10 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5:30-10 p.m.
GRUMPY’S GRILL BURGERS,
BASKETS AND BEER
2960 W. Ina Road
Phone: 297-5452
Cuisine: American
Adventurous eaters gravitate toward the hamburger slathered with peanut butter. But Grumpy’s also serves the usual grill fare complete with beer on tap.
Open Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday
7 a.m.-9 p.m.
GYROS CAFE
11143 N. La Cañada Drive
Phone: 742-2921
Cuisine: Greek and Kurdish
Choose from Mediterranean favorites: tabouli, couscous salad, baba ghanouj, sharia, Kurdish pizza, and of course gyros.
Open Monday-Saturday 7 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
HARVEST MOON
12985 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 825-5351
Cuisine: Chinese
The restaurant is small, but the portions are large, as are Harvest Moon’s choices of more than 100 dishes prepared in Mandarin, Cantonese and Szechuan style.
Open Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday noon-9 p.m.
HIFALUTIN
6780 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 297-0518
Cuisine: Southwestern
Owned by the same folks who started the gourmet sandwich shop Baggins, Hifalutin combines comfort food with upscale presentation. Dim lighting, a wooden interior and country music give the place a tavern feel.
Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
JANOS
3770 E. Sunrise Drive
Phone: 615-6100
Cuisine: Southwestern
French-inspired Southwestern cuisine blends French technique with the dynamic flavors of chilies, corn and herbs. Gardeners in Southern Arizona provide the vegetables, and much of the seafood and shrimp come from the Sea of Cortez.
Open Monday-Saturday 5:30-9:30 p.m.
J BAR
3770 E. Sunrise Drive
Phone: 615-6100
Cuisine: Latin American
J Bar celebrates the flavors of Southern Arizona, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean and serves up exotic drinks. Meat, fish and poultry are grilled in an open kitchen and served family-style.
Open Monday-Saturday 5-9:30 p.m.
JERRY BOB’S FAMILY RESTAURANT
8300 N. Thornydale Road
Phone: 579-7177
7939 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 878-9360
Cuisine: Diner
This mom-and-pop diner serves home-style meals and specializes in the $2.49 breakfast comprising two eggs and a choice of sides.
Open Monday-Saturday 5:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Sunday 5:30 a.m-2 p.m.
LA MADRINA PIZZERIA
7872 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 742-2111
Cuisine: Italian
An Old Italian dough-stretching technique and the traditional brick oven at La Madrina Pizzeria make for pizzas distinctively different from those rolled by machine.
Open Monday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday noon-8 p.m.
LA OLLA
8551 N. Silverbell Road
Phone: 579-0950
Cuisine: Mexican
Owner Ken Gallardo’s mother passed down the Sonoran recipes used at La Olla. An open kitchen offers a view of chefs hard at work.
Open Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday noon-9 p.m.
LA PARILLA SUIZA
4250 W. Ina Road
Phone: 572-7200
Cuisine: Mexican
La Parilla Suiza brings Mexico City cuisine north of the border. Tortilla chips arrive at the table with three varieties of salsa, and mariachis wander table to table on weekends.
Open Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
LARIAT STEAKHOUSE
16666 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 825-9907
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Serving up steak and baby back ribs since 1948, this Catalina restaurant characterizes the Old West. Country and Western musicians perform every Friday and Saturday night.
Open daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
LAROCCA’S CLASSIC
ITALIAN CUISINE
5689 N. Swan Road
Phone: 299-4301
Cuisine: Italian
The Larocca family takes pride in its tradition of heart-healthy food prepared fresh. Entres are baked in stone ovens, and stocks are made the old fashioned way.
Open daily 5:30-10 p.m.
LAS MARGARITAS RESTAURANT
6011 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 297-8341
Cuisine: Mexican
Las Margaritas features Sonoran-style Mexican food made from scratch and served in a casual setting. A gift shop displays Spanish tiles, colorful vases and other Mexican curios.
Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
LAST TERRITORY STEAKHOUSE
AND MUSIC HALL
100000 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 544-1738
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Junior, a Texas longhorn, resides in a bullpen near the entrance of this family-friendly steakhouse. The courtyard resembles a Western frontier town, complete with stone fire pits.
Open daily 5-10 p.m.
LEGENDS BAR AND GRILL
2727 W. Club Drive
Phone: 297-2271
Cuisine: American
Just off the 18th hole at the Omni Tucson National Resort, this upscale sports pub offers custom billiards and shuffleboard. The menu includes light soups, salads, sandwiches and a variety of microbrews and draft beers.
Open Sunday-Thursday 10:30 a.m.-midnight; Friday and Saturday 10:30-1 a.m.
LIL ABNER’S STEAK HOUSE
8501 N. Silverbell Road
Phone: 744-2800
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Built in 1947 as a hangout for cowboy ranchers, Lil Abner’s rejects the idea of a written menu and instead offers a simple choice of steak, chicken or racks of beef. In true cowboy fashion, guests are invited to pull out pocketknives and carve their names in the bar.
Open Sunday-Thursday 5-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 5-11 p.m.
LOOKOUT BAR AND GRILLE
245 E. Ina Road
Phone: 297-1151
A dazzling nighttime view of Tucson gives Westward Look Resort’s bar and grill a touch of romance. The drink list includes an array of tequilas.
Open daily 3-10 p.m.
MAGPIES GOURMET PIZZA
7315 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 297-2712
Cuisine: Pizza
Voted the best pizza place in Tucson for 19 years, Magpies Gourmet Pizza makes a mean pie. Ingredients include Stanislaus stewed tomatoes and fresh basil, and dough is made fresh every day.
Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
MANDARIN GRILL
8330 N. Thornydale Road
Phone: 797-6882
Cuisine: Chinese
This family-owned restaurant relies on Mandarin and Cantonese recipes handed down through generations. The sesame chicken is a hit.
Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday noon-9 p.m.
MARIA BONITA
MEXICAN RESTAURANT
5851 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 293-6588
Cuisine: Mexican
Hailed as a great restaurant to visit by Tucson Lifestyle Magazine, Maria Bonita cooks up Sonoran-style dishes in a casual environment.
Open Sunday-Thursday 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
MAY FLOWER CHINESE
RESTAURANT
6462 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 544-0495
Cuisine: Chinese
Cantonese, Szechuan and Mandarin dishes make up the menu at this family-owned restaurant. The mango seafood with scallops and shrimp is a specialty.
Open Sunday and Monday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9:15 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
MCCLINTOCK’S
3755 W. Conrads Way
Phone: 579-2100
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Savor the beauty of a desert sunset with appetizers and drinks on the rooftop, or let the crisp evening air nudge you toward an elegant table inside. McClintock’s offers organic American cuisine, domestic cigars and an extensive list of wines.
Open Sunday-Thursday 5-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5-11 p.m.
MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN
RESTAURANT
7850 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 878-9400
Cuisine: Mediterranean
The best of Syrian, Turkish and Lebanese cuisine come together at this restaurant, which specializes in lamb dishes but also offers vegetarian fare. Go in the evening, and you may encounter belly dancers.
Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday and Monday 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
METROPOLITAN GRILL
7892 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 531-1212
Cuisine: Grill
Experience the buzz of one of Tucson’s busier bars and dine on prime rib, pork chops or chicken roasted on the wood-fired rotisserie. The Metropolitan Grill also specializes in gourmet pizzas baked in a brick oven.
Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
MI TIERRA RESTAURANT
16238 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 825-3040
Cuisine: Mexican
Since 1986, Mi Tierra in Catalina has served up the flavors of Old Mexico in a fun and friendly environment. The salsa and margaritas are specialties.
Open Monday 4-8:30 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday noon-8:30 p.m.
MICHELANGELO
RISTORANTE ITALIANO
420 W. Magee Road
Phone: 297-5775
Cuisine: Italian
Michelangelo Ristorante Italiano offers regional Italian cuisine designed to transport you to the Old Country. The family-owned eatery has a well-stocked wine cellar and ranked as one of the top 100 restaurants in Arizona.
Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
MIGUEL’S AT LA POSADA
5900 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 887-3777
Cuisine: Latin American
Serving up new Latin American cuisine, 100 varieties of tequila and beautiful views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and Tucson, Miguel’s makes a fine spot for a celebratory meal.
Open Sunday-Thursday 6 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 6 a.m.-11 p.m. Not open for lunch June 1-Sept. 30.
MOSAIC CAFE DOS
7354 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Phone: 297-8470
Cuisine: Mexican
Oaxacan recipes dot the menu at this Mexican restaurant. Owner Sylvia Garcia grew up working at her mother’s Tucson restaurant, Teresa’s Mosaic Café.
Open Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
MY BIG FAT GREEK RESTAURANT
395 W. River Road
Phone: 888-0428
Cuisine: Greek
At My Big Fat Greek Restaurant, warm Greek hospitality meets Mediterranean recipes generous with olive oil, fresh ingredients, herbs, and culinary secrets cherished and kept for thousands of years.
Open daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
NEO OF MELAKA
1765 E. River Road
Phone: 299-7815
Cuisine: Asian
A fusion of ancient cultures gave rise to the Malaysian cuisine served at Neo of Melaka. With contemporary designs in the forefront and down-temp melodic beats in the background, the dimly lit eatery suits large parties and intimate gatherings.
Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
NORTH RESTAURANT
2995 E. Skyline Drive
Phone: 299-1600
Cuisine: Italian
NORTH provides a contemporary approach to modern Italian cuisine with wood-fired pizzas, inventive pasta dishes and a carefully chosen wine list. Its sleek interior and sexy atmosphere give it an urban feel.
Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday noon-3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.
OLD PUEBLO GRILLE
7401 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Phone: 297-1999
Cuisine: Southwestern
The menu of this rustic restaurant at the Foothills Mall blends Southwestern and contemporary American flavors. The tequila wall includes more than 60 varieties of the agave-derived beverage, and specialty cocktails include prickly pear margaritas and classic martinis.
Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
OLE MEXICAN GRILL
2080 W. Orange Grove Road
Phone: 219-7215
Cuisine: Mexican
A large matador painting greets guests at the entrance of Old Mexican Grill, a brightly colored restaurant with Sonoran-style food. The Chili Colorado is a specialty, with cubes of tender beef served over a red chili sauce.
Open daily 7-9 p.m.
PANDA HOUSE STIR-FRY
3725 W. Ina Road
Phone: 744-6200
Cuisine: Chinese
Panda House Stir-fry serves healthy Mongolian food barbecue-style.
Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Sunday noon-8 p.m.
PAPAGAYO MEXICAN RESTAURANT
4717 E. Sunrise Drive
Phone: 577-6055
Cuisine: Mexican
The Mexican recipes at Papagayo came down through five generations. Expect the Perezes and Mazons to treat you as family.
Open Monday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday noon-9 p.m.; Cantina serves food until 10 p.m.
RISKY BUSINESS
10515 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 531-0202
Cuisine: American
Risky Business serves ribs, burgers, chicken and shrimp dishes and Mediterranean pasta. Strategically placed television sets allow you to watch sports games while you eat.
Open Sunday-Wednesday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Thursday 11 a.m.-midnight; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
ROMA CAFFE
4140 W. Ina Road
Phone: 744-2929
Cuisine: Italian
With its arches, vines and faux stone walls, Roma Caffe evokes thoughts of the Mediterranean. All dinners come with the choice of salad, minestrone or the soup of the day.
Open Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday and Monday 4-9 p.m.
SAFFRON INDIAN BISTRO
7607 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 742-9100
Cuisine: Indian
Enter through Saffron Indian Bistro’s ornate, hundred-year-old Indian door, and you’ll find authentic cuisine cooked in a clay oven imported from India. Specialties include chicken tikka masala — slow-simmered chicken cooked in a fresh tomato-base sauce with a touch of cream.
Open daily 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.
SANTILLO’S BAR AND GRILL
8195 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 297-3454
Cuisine: Grill
Packed with New York memorabilia, this Buffalo-style bar and grill serves big deli sandwiches and a selection of Italian foods. The owner hails from Buffalo.
Open daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
SAUCE
7117 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 297-8575
Cuisine: Italian
Wine and gourmet pizza in a casual, hip setting make for a simple but sophisticated dining experience at Sauce. Sandwiches, pasta and salads round out the menu.
Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
SHOGUN JAPANESE RESTAURANT
5036 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 888-6646
Cuisine: Japanese
Shogun Japanese Restaurant features sushi, tempura and teriyaki. Private rooms with beaded curtains and an inside fountain create ambiance.
Open Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday noon-10 p.m.
SPICE BISTRO
10325 N. La Cañada Drive
Phone: 297-3777
Cuisine: Southwestern
Spice Bistro, the sister restaurant of Caffe Torino, dresses up salads, seafood, chicken and vegetarian offerings with flavors of the Southwest. The food is savory, not spicy.
Open Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.; Saturday 5-9 p.m.
SUNNY SIDE UP CAFE
15800 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 818-1083
Cuisine: Café
Nothing says down-home charm like a collection of chickens. Examine the Sunny Side Up Café’s display of chicken knickknacks, gaze at the Santa Catalina Mountains, and dine on comfort foods including omelets and liver and onions.
Open daily 5:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
SUSHI ON ORACLE
6449 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 297-3615
Cuisine: Japanese
Sushi and sashimi make up the bulk of the menu at Sushi on Oracle. The chef’s sashimi special always affords extra-special presentation.
Open Tuesday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m.; Friday 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Saturday noon-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Sunday 5-9 p.m.
TAVOLINO
7090 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 531-1913
Cuisine: Italian
Specializing in simple, elegant food, Tavolino resembles an Italian neighborhood trattoria. It features fresh salads, homemade pasta, succulent roast meats and luscious desserts including affogato, which is a dish of vanilla gelato swimming in hot espresso.
Open Monday 5:30-9 p.m.; Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5:30-9 p.m.
TERRA COTTA
3500 Sunrise Drive
Phone: 577-8100
Cuisine: Southwestern
Accented with cool desert hues and a bar made of copper, Terra Cotta combines the fundamental ingredients of northern Mexico — chilies, corn, tomatoes, squash and beans — with classical French contemporary cooking techniques and presentation.
Open daily 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
TEXAS T-BONE STEAKHOUSE
8310 N. Thornydale Road
Phone: 572-5968
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Each table comes equipped with a bucket of peanuts that diners can nibble while slabs of Midwest-raised beef cook over an open flame. A bar provides televised sports entertainment.
Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
THUNDER CANYON BREWERY
7401 N. La Cholla Blvd.
Phone: 797-2652
Cuisine: Contemporary
This brewery in the Foothills Mall offers hearty and freshly made brewpub fare along with hand-crafted beers made onsite.
Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
TOHONO CHUL PARK TEA ROOM
7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Phone: 797-1222
Cuisine: Café
Housed in a handsome Spanish-colonial hacienda with a plant-filled courtyard, the tearoom serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea complete with clotted cream and scones. Regional specialties include prickly pear lemonade.
Open daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
TRATTORIA DELLA FAMIGLIA
6060 N. Oracle Road
Phone: (866) 906-9447
Cuisine: Italian
The antique pots on the walls belonged to the owner’s great-grandparents. The traditional pasta dishes derive from recipes passed down through generations. The wine comes from Italy.
Open Monday-Saturday 5-10 p.m.
TRATTORIA PINA
5541 N. Swan Road
Phone: 577-6992
Cuisine: Italian
Trattoria Pina’s menu features signature Italian dishes including spicy pastas and wine-drizzled lamb. Ask about the famous pope’s pillow.
Open Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Saturday 4:30-10 p.m.
VILLA MEXICAN FOOD
2840 W. Ina Road
Phone: 544-0015
Cuisine: Mexican
For 18 years, Villa Mexican Food has served authentic fare in the greater Tucson area. Tortillas are made fresh daily.
Open Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
VIN TABLA
2890 E. Skyline Drive
Phone: 577-6210
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Vin Tabla serves up carefully selected wines and four artisan-style market offerings — a raw-ice bar, salumi bar, cheese bar and petit four pastry bar.
Open daily 11 a.m.-midnight
VITELLO’S
15930 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 825-0140
Cuisine: Italian
The owners hail from Sicily, but the menu covers a broader region. Specialties include vitello mezzaluna, a dish that combines veal medallions and prosciutto in a creamy vodka and tomato sauce.
Open Sunday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Monday 5-8 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
VIVACE RESTAURANT
4310 N. Campbell Ave.
Phone: 795-7221
Cuisine: Contemporary
Providing a contemporary take on Italian classics, this eatery in the St. Philip’s Plaza is noted for its filet of beef tenderloin on a Marsala wine sauce.
Open Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
WILDFLOWER GRILL
7037 N. Oracle Road
Phone: 219-4230
Cuisine: Contemporary
Pronounced one of Tucson’s top five restaurants by Tucson Lifestyle Magazine, Wildflower Grill serves American classics with European and Asian influences. The menu changes often to take advantage of the freshest seasonal ingredients available.
Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Sunday 5-9 p.m.
ZINBURGER
1865 E. River Road
Phone: 299-7799
Cuisine: Contemporary
This sleek, contemporary restaurant with café seating and a cozy fireplace serves gourmet burgers and a carefully crafted selection of wines.
Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight
ZONA 78
78 W. River Road
Phone: 888-7878
Cuisine: Italian
The word “Zona” means “locality” in Italian, and the “78” comes from the restaurant’s original street address on River Road. Cooks at Zona 78 take pride in using fresh, local and organic ingredients whenever possible.
Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday 4-9 p.m.



