Welcome to Tucson’s Restaurants Guide
Vivace Restaurant
One of my very favorite restaurants in Tucson is the magnificent Vivace Restaurant. Vivace’s is a quaint Italian restaurant with a limited menu of only the best dishes. They are located in St. Phillip’s Plaza off of River and Campbell in the Foothills. I’ve tasted almost everything on the menu, but my all time favorite is the Roasted Shrimp with Seafood Stuffing, served over a cream sauce and vegetable rice. I always start my meal with the heavenly Caesar Salad, which includes Romaine lettuce tossed with traditional Caesare dressing, garlic croutons, and light shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano. To take a look at the complete menu, visit their website at www.vivacetucson.com. Enjoy!
El Charro Cafe
You can’t visit or live in Tucson and not experience the delightful Mexican cuisine of El Charro Care. Established in 1922, El Charro Cafe of Tucson, Arizona is the nation’s oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family, featuring traditional Sonoran culture, style and innovative Tucson style Mexican Food. El Charro Cafe has 4 restaurants throughout Tucson and one location in Rancho Sahaurita. I am a regular at the Ventana location (near Sunrise and Kolb) and always enjoy their fabulous house Margaritas and mini Chimichangas platter from the appetizer menu. My favorite main entree is the Chicken Elegante Enchiladas, which includes grilled chicken with chunks of bacon and avocado served in their tomatillo green sauce. I always leave satisfied and happy! www.elcharrocafe.
Maynards Market & Kitchen
When I get a date night with my husband, Maynards Market & Kitchen is one of my choices. Maynards Kitchen, described in the New York Times as dark and handsome and voted Best Romantic Setting by Tucson Weekly, will consistently delight you with wonderful food & wine, its hip, spirited bar, and evocative, elegant atmosphere. Maynards Kitchen is located downtown inside the historic train depot, which is the site where Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday had a shoot-out with Frank Stilwell on the tracks by the west-end of the depot. The depot is still active today with trains running 4 or 5 times a week. Once I get past the great atmosphere, I order the Pommes Frites right away. They are simply house French fries with sea salt, served with mayo. They are probably the best French fries I’ve ever had (And I’m a French fry lover)! I can’t leave Maynard’s Kitchen with out having one of their award winning Martini’s. My favorite is the Martini Caprese, which is Basil-infused premium vodka, Dolin Vermouth, fresh mozzarella, ripe cherry tomato and balsalmic reduction. It may sound strange, but it is smooth and enjoyable! For my main entre I enjoy the Natural Organic Chicken, which is Apple Brined half bird, Belgian ale glaze and crispy leeks. Great food, great company and a great date night! www.maynardsmarket.com
Piazza Gavi Italian Restaurant
For a delicious breakfast I love to go to Piazza Gavi Italian Restaurant. They have a beautiful outdoor patio where we can sit and enjoy breakfast with our 1 year-old son and not worry about him being too noisy. I enjoy the Meat-Lovers Wrap or the California omelet. The Meat-Lovers Wrap is a crisp tortilla filled with eggs, cheese, bacon, ham and sausage, with a side of delicious crispy potatoes. The California omelet is another favorite, which is filled with ham, cheese, tomato, avocado, mushrooms and topped with a drizzle of sour cream. Piazza Gavi is located in the Foothills near Sabino Canyon.
BTO
BTO (By The Ounce) is a self-serve Yogurt shop that is absolutely delectable! It is my favorite dessert place in Tucson and a great place to bring your kids. Choose from 16 homemade flavors of yogurt and an array of delicious toppings. The best part is you can mix and match yogurt flavors and serve yourself as much or little as you would like. I love to mix Oreo and Reese’s Peanut Butter flavors together, topped off with Oreo cookie pieces. Yummmm! www.btoyogurt.com
