• Yoshimatsu Healthy Japanese Food. 2745 N Campbell Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85719 (520) 320-1574 Local, home-made Japanese food. Recently opened a sushi bar within the same building. Great first date location and a separate vegetarian menu.
 • Beyond Bread. 3026 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 322-9965. Amazing sandwiches on fresh-baked bread, made from ingredients that are as fresh as possible. (In addition to baking bread daily, the restaurant also roasts its turkey and beef on site.) They also have an espresso bar and pastries. A nice place for lunch, but watch out -- it's very popular, and you may have to wait in line. Average sandwich (hot & cold) costs around $6-6.50, chips included.
 • eegee's is a favorite sub shop of the locals, noted for its flavored ices. There are several locations, but the chain is exclusive to the Tucson area.
 • Char Thai. 5039 E 5th St, Tucson, 85711. Tel. (520) 795-1715. It's not always easy to find good Asian restaurants in the desert, but this hole in the wall has to be near the top of anyone's list of favorites. Owned and operated by former residents of Bangkok, the restaurant has a huge selection of tasty curries and noodle dishes. The lunch specials are a great value.

Mid-range

 • Cafe Poca Cosa. 88 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 622-6400. Fantastic Southwestern cuisine in a fun atmosphere. Downtown, Cafe Poca Cosa serves Mexican cuisine as you've never tasted it before. Order the Plato Poca Cosa ($20), and chef-owner Suzana Davila will choose three entrees for you to sample. Trust her judgment (dinner for two, about $46). (See Money magazine article .)

 • Cup Cafe. 311 E. Congress St., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 798-1618. Unusual, eclectic mix of Indian, Thai, Japanese, American and Mediterranean food, easily the most interesting restaurant in Tucson. You'll find plenty of vegetarian and some vegan options. On a nice day you can sit outside.

 • El Charro Café/a>. 311 N. Court Ave., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 622-1922. Opened in 1922, El Charro is the oldest continuously-operated, family-owned Mexican restaurant in the United States. The food is classic Southwestern, with more Sonoran influences than many Tucson restaurants.

 • El Minuto Cafe. 354 S. Main Ave., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 882-4145. Authentic Sonoran cuisine in an adobe house in the barrio, open since 1936. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu, but do order the mole if they have it on the day you are there. The carne seca is superb and the chiles rellenos are magnificent. Make sure to sample the fresh, made-on-the-premises tortillas. Combine this with a visit to El Tiradito, which is nearby.

Splurge

 • Hacienda del Sol. 5601 N. Hacienda del Sol Rd., Tucson, AZ; Tel. (520) 529-3500. Mobil four-star American-style grill featuring (Fall 2004) swordfish, Angus beef, buffalo sirloin, lamb, Scottish salmon, and other entrees. Reservations recommended.
 • Vivace. 4310 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, 85718; Tel. (520) 795-7221. Considered by many locals to be the best Italian restaurant in town. Entrees range from their incredible seafood lasagna to tender prime rib. The wine selection is fabulous and be sure to stay for desert. Reservations recommended.