Mike and Tillie Valle and daughters, Christina and Teresa, have been welcoming Tucsonans and visitors to their friendly, family-oriented Mexican restaurants since 1980. The Oracle Road location, now run by Teresa, is a great place to stop for a bite when shopping at the Tucson Mall. House specialties include fajitas, Carne Seca, Chiles Rellenos, and Camarones Rancheros (shrimp sautéed with chilies, tomatoes, onions and cilantro). Full bar service includes the restaurant's namesake, margaritas, and a special house-recipe Sangría.

In days gone by, this rustic restaurant sported its own rodeo arena and an even more authentically Western atmosphere than you'll find today. But don't let that dissuade you from a visit. There's still plenty of cowboy charm to go around. The walls testify to the top quality of the meals and the creativity of the clientele. Nearly every inch is covered with graffiti-like rambling. For an even more authentic Arizona experience, dine on one of the patio picnic tables. The menu is big on meat from a petite 7-ounce filet mignon to a two-pound porterhouse. All are mesquite-grilled to perfection. Beef and pork ribs are also popular choices here.

Considered one of the top Tucson restaurants for contemporary fine dining, this beautifully appointed North Oracle eatery is an experience that shouldn't be missed. The regional American cuisine is accented with elements of French, Italian and Asian ingredients and preparations. The high-ceilinged space is comfortable and contemporary. Fairly heavy on seafood, the menu also features poultry, meats and pastas.

Appropriate for a city with a rich Mexican tradition, this restaurant is dedicated to the legendary Mexican vaquero, the first cowboy. As may be expected, the decor reflects the cowboy theme, displaying all the paraphernalia of the vaquero life. The menu offers a wide variety of authentic border cuisine, with a grand selection of mesquite-fired fajitas topping the list of favorites. Also at 5205 East Broadway Boulevard in the Target Shopping Center, phone +1 (520) 745 9688.

This sophisticated, yet casual cafe offers well-prepared cuisine and stunning views of both Mt. Lemmon and the Tortolita range. Bright blue napkins punctuate the sea of white-clothed tables. Graceful archways and golden-tone walls separate the dining rooms. Veal, chicken, seafood and beef entrees are prepared in classical style with simple and flavorful sauces. The wine list features picks from Italy and California.

Located in the Foothills Mall, this friendly family restaurant has long been a favorite for comfortable, casual dining with an inventive twist. The light, contemporary furnishings and color scheme make this a cozy, though large, dining space. Patio seating outside the mall is a good place for people-watching. House specialties include several seafood dishes as well as a wide range of chicken, beef and pasta dishes, salads and sandwiches. Everything has a bit of a contemporary southwestern kick, including the tequila-heavy drink menu at the full bar.

This casual mid-town grill, a member of the Metro Restaurants family, is a favorite for its specialty sandwiches, mesquite-grilled burgers, pastas, pizzas and entrees with a southwestern flair. Metropolitan Grill has won accolades including being Tucson Lifestyle Magazine's winner under the category of Best Grill. Internationally influenced dishes include Firecracker Shrimp, Santa Fe Chicken Salad, New Orleans Pasta, Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta and rotisserie meats.

Olive Garden serves up authentic Italian cuisine. Their signature breadsticks and one-of-a-kind menu make them an American icon. Standard Italian options like bruchetta, calamari, ravioli, and eggplant parmigiana line their lengthy menu. More exotic items like salmon, chicken dishes, and innovative pizzas are also available. For the calorie-counter, Olive Garden has a range of low fat and low carbohydrate options. Their bottomless salads ensure a well-balanced feast. Enjoy your meal with a bottle from their extensive wine list or one of their tropical island drinks. Finally, top it all off with a little something from their dessert menu-their cakes, custards, and ice creams are sure to win you over. Lunch and take out menus are available.

Olive Garden serves up authentic Italian cuisine. Their signature breadsticks and one-of-a-kind menu make them an American icon. Standard Italian options like bruchetta, calamari, ravioli, and eggplant parmigiana line their lengthy menu. More exotic items like salmon, chicken dishes, and innovative pizzas are also available. For the calorie-counter, Olive Garden has a range of low fat and low carbohydrate options. Their bottomless salads ensure a well-balanced feast. Enjoy your meal with a bottle from their extensive wine list or one of their tropical island drinks. Finally, top it all off with a little something from their dessert menu-their cakes, custards, and ice creams are sure to win you over. Lunch and take out menus are available.

Recently opened inside the River Center shopping district right above the Pima County Library, this eatery is run by the owners of Buddy's Grill, which has been consistently rated as one of the best places in town for hamburgers. Now you know those people know how to grill, except here it's not so much hamburgers as fresh seafood, bone-in ribeye and pork chops. One of the favorites here is the Kansas City tenderloin steak. The decor is upscale Western and quite elegant. Relax and enjoy view of the city lights from the patio.