Tucson is a Premier Destination for Foodies!
Cooking Light magazine recently listed Tucson in the top 10 cities that best fit their philosophy to eat smart, be fit and live well. Moreover, Tucson was the first in the nation to form an alliance of independent local restaurants with the goal of preserving our culinary traditions.
Case in Point ...
Janos Wilder, owner of Janos Restaurant serves French-inspired southwestern cuisine using produce grown by a network of gardeners throughout Southern Arizona, seafood from the Sea of Cortez and other items from around the globe. Kudos include the James Beard Foundation (Top Chef in the Southwest), Distinguished Restaurants of North America (Award of Excellence 1994-2005), Wine Spectator (Best Award of Excellence 2000-2007), Zagat Survey (Arizona's Highest Rated Restaurant) and Condé Nast Traveler (Top 3 Restaurants in the Southwest).
Terra Cotta, the celebrated brainchild of Donna Nordin, infuses its signature dishes and desserts with creative regional Southwestern flavor. Wine Spectator (Award of Excellence), Zagat Survey (Most Popular Restaurant in Tucson 2003), AOL Cityguide (Best 2004 Southwest Dining in Tucson) and a host of Tucson Lifestyle Culinary Awards attest to Terra Cotta's piquant flair.
Another primo spot, The Ventana Room at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, was chosen by Condé Nast Traveler and Zagat as one of the top restaurants in the Southwest, and was a winner in two categories of Sante Magazine's 2005 Restaurant Awards: Innovative Cuisine and Hotel/Resort Fine Dining.
El Charro Mexican Cafe is the oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family in the nation. This local Mexican tradition has been featured in Bon Appetite, Good Morning America, USA Today, Gourmet, LA Times, NY Times and also on the Today show.
For true dining indulgence, Anthony's in the Catalinas earned the Award of Excellence, the DiRoNA Award and (for the 15th consecutive year) Wine Spectator's 2007 Grand Award.
Jewels Nearby ...
Chow Down Phoenix! gives five big stars to Café Roka in Bisbee, and prestigious publications from the LA Times to NY Times agree.
Have a taste of Arizona - or maybe a few tastes - on a southeast Arizona wine country tour in the grassland, high desert towns of Sonoita and Elgin.
In the artist community of Tubac, the Tubac Culinary School serves its student-diners champagne and wine, while the chef prepares a multi-course meal! Hard labor in the kitchen, eh? |  | 
See how the locals rate their area restaurants in Tucson Lifestyle Magazine's 2008 Culinary Awards.
Check out our world-class resorts and spas and you will find they offer world-class dining too.
Upcoming Dining Events
Brewery Gulch Daze - Aug. 30 Chili cook-off, bed races, and kids’ carnival in Bisbee’s former red-light district., 866-224-7233.
Primavera Cooks! - Sep. 10 Cuvee World Bistro restaurant hosts a multi-course gourmet dinner as part of the Primavera Cooks! culinary series, which feature a meal prepared by community members, under the tutelage of some of Tucson's finest chefs., 623-5111 x101..
Primavera Cooks! - Sep. 14 Kingfisher Bar and Grill hosts a multi-course gourmet dinner as part of the Primavera Cooks! culinary series, which feature a meal prepared by community members, under the tutelage of some of Tucson's finest chefs., 623-5111 x101..
Primavera Cooks! - Sep. 17 Jonathan's Tucson Cork restaurant hosts a multi-course gourmet dinner as part of the Primavera Cooks! culinary series featuring a meal prepared by community members, under the tutelage of some of Tucson's finest chefs., 623-5111 x101..
Great Tucson Beer Festival - Sep. 27 Benefit event for Sun Sounds of Arizona features more than 200 beers from 50 brewers and live music for ages 21 and over, with discount pricing for designated drivers., (520) 296-2400.
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