A quick look
at Tucson restaurants
By Rebecca Larsen,
Associate Editor
Anthony's in the Catalinas -- The locals flock here for special occasions
because of the spectacular views and award-winning cuisine and wines. This
fine dining room is romantic and sophisticated. Try the Steak New Orleans.
Love fine wines? The cellar here offers 1,400 choices. Located at 6440 N.
Campbell Road (Sunrise at Campbell) in Tucson; phone, (520) 299-1771.
Le Bistro -- Watch for the French street scene on facade and you've arrived
one of Tucson's favorite sources for French and European cuisine. Chef/owner
Laurent Reux offers nightly specials on a menu board. Located at 2574 N.
Campbell Road in Tucson; phone, (520) 327-3086.
City Grill -- The menu at this casual cafe offers dishes from the Southwest
and entrees with Mediterranean and Asian accents. Rich wood furnishings and
accents, stacked-stone walls and comfortable booths create a contemporary,
casual atmosphere. A wood-fired rotisserie turns out succulent chicken and
prime ribs of beef. Located at 6464 E. Tanque Verde Road in Tucson; phone,
(520) 733-1111.
Café Terra Cotta -- Chef/owner Donna Nordin is considered one of the pioneers
of modern Southwestern cuisine. In 1993, Chef Nordin was named the James
Beard Foundation's Best Chef in the Southwest, but that's only the beginning
of the many awards this place has won. You'll find upscale Southwestern
ambiance at Café Terra Cotta located at 3500 E. Sunrise Drive (Southeast
corner of Sunrise and Campo Abierto) in Tucson; phone, (520) 577-8100.
Café Poca Cosa -- The flavors of southern Mexico are served up at this funky
and popular café inside the historic Clarion Santa Rita Hotel. All the
international articles and awards that line the walls let you know you're in
for a culinary adventure as chef Suzana Davila dishes up bold flavors.
Located at 88 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson; phone, (520) 622-6400.
El Charro -- A must-dine place for visitors to Tucson, El Charro claims to be
the oldest continually family run Mexican restaurant in the United States.
The restaurant was opened in 1922 and is a local landmark located in the
historic El Presidio District. The building now used for the restaurant was
built in 1896 as a family home. Now this Southwestern café serves the most
authentic tastes of historic Tucson. Located at 311 N. Court Ave. in Tucson;
phone, (520) 622-1922.
Evangelos Scordato's and Vivace -- The Scordato family moved to Tucson from
New Jersey in 1972 and first opened Evangelos Scordato's and then Vivace. At
Evangelos Scordato's you'll find classic Italian entrees and a formal
environment and service. Vivace offers a contemporary take on Italian
classics. Evangelos Scordato's is located at 4405 W. Speedway Blvd. in
Tucson; phone, (520) 624-8946. Vivace is at 4310 N. Campbell Ave. in St.
Phillip's Plaza in Tucson; phone, (520) 795-7221.
Firecracker -- This Pacific Rim bistro features innovative Amer-Asian
cuisine and a wildly colorful atmosphere. The brightly checkered banquettes
and abundance of bamboo set the scene. Located at 2990 N. Swan Road (in
Plaza Palomino) in Tucson; phone, (520) 318-1118.
 Kingfisher -- This place serves up some of the best seafood in Tucson and
has a legendary oyster menu with 15 varieties available, mostly from the
Pacific Northwest. The main dining room is a sophisticated venue. Sip a
glass of wine while sitting by the fireplace in the lounge. Located at 2564
E. Grant Road in Tucson; phone, (520) 323-7739.
Janos -- In 1983, Janos and RebeccaWilder opened Janos in a landmark adobe on
the grounds of the Tucson Museum of Art. Blending classic French techniques
with Southern Arizona ingredients, the Wilders won local and national
acclaim. Several years ago, the restaurant relocated to the Westin La Paloma
Resort. This elegant, French-styled dining room can be found at 3770 E.
Sunrise Drive (Westin La Paloma Resort) in Tucson; phone, (520) 615-6100.
John Jacob's El Parador -- Another destination with unique ethnic flavors; a
trip to El Parador is like dining in a tropical rain forest. While Lebanese
in ancestry, the Jacob family's offerings tend more toward Latin America
than the Middle East. Salsa music is played on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Located at 2744 E. Broadway in Tucson; phone, (520) 881-2808.
McMahon's Prime Steakhouse -- Steaks are painstakingly prepared here at the
Metro Restaurants Group's upscale steak and seafood house. There is an
elegant dining room that showcases work by local artists. Located at 2959 N.
Swan Ave. in Tucson; phone, (520) 327-7463.
 Jonathan's Tucson Cork -- Jonathan Landeen's culinary style includes buffalo
and ostrich in addition to steaks, prime rib, roast pork and chicken and
seafood. The restaurant's five Southwestern-style dining rooms feature
beehive fireplaces and local arts and crafts. Located at 6320 E. Tanque
Verde Road in Tucson; phone, (520) 296-1631.
Wildflower -- The Nouveau American cuisine in this highly acclaimed dining
spot offers flavors with European and Asian ingredients and accents. You
can find seafood, chicken, meats and pastas. Located at 7037 N. Oracle Road
in Tucson; phone, (520) 219-4230.
Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.
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