If you don't like a little local color in your cuisine and if you don't speak or at least understand a little Spanish, maybe this isn't the place for you. But, if you enjoy authentic eats and don't need a cloth napkin to dab the salsa from your lips, you'll find some of South Tucson's most genuine and appetizing Mexican meals here. The fish tastes like it came straight from the Sea of Cortez (the fish platter has five pieces of flaky white fish, plus rice, beans and tortillas); the Carne Birria is slow-cooked, tender and tasty. Daily specials feature more great casa-style cooking. Prices are mostly $6-$8 and the portions are hefty.

For more than four decades, Tucsonans have flocked to this "little nest" for well-prepared and well-priced Sonoran specialties. Housed in an attractive Mexican village-style building, it offers good food, friendly service and an authentically Mexican experience. The interior is colorful and lively with bright red chairs, serape-striped upholstery and Mexican art. Among the many menu options are chile rellenos (stuffed chile peppers), burros, tacos, enchiladas, chimichangas, flautas and huevos rancheros (a popular egg, bean and chile dish). Mexican and domestic beers and wines are served. Open wednesday to sunday from 11:30am onwards.

The Mariscal family welcomes you to this comfortable and casual restaurant that's been serving some of Tucson's favorite Sonoran-style cuisine since 1976. The restaurant also runs concessions at the Tucson Convention Center Arena and Exhibition Hall. The budget-priced menu features Fajitas, Burros, Chimichangas and the local-favorite Topopo salads. It also has children's plates. Beer, wine and lime or strawberry margaritas and full bar service are available.

For more than a half-century, this Tucson Mexican marvel, situated inside an impressive territorial-style building with a comfortable and casual Mexican interior, has been operated by generations of a single family. So when you visit Guillermo's Double L Restaurant, you're sure to be welcomed and treated like family. A large and inexpensive menu features all of your favorite south-of-the-border specialties, and the hand-mixed margaritas make a great go-along.

This cozy cafe is located in the village of Sonoita, about one hour south of Tucson, in the rolling hills where Arizona's best wines grow. Decorated in upscale Southwestern colors, it offers a menu that can best be describes as eclectic. The menu includes a wide range of choices from local specialties and regional seafood dishes to tasty homemade desserts. Be sure to try some of the local wines.

Located in a historic landmark about 45 miles south of Tucson, and filled with a large selection of Southwest artifacts, this small eatery in Tumacacori has served authentic Mexican food based on family traditions handed down through generations. One of its unique creations is the fruit burro, which is essentially a pie made from blueberry, apple or peach, and served as a dessert dish. Domestic and Mexican beers are available, as well as a limited selection of wines. This jewel is located a half-mile north of Tumacacori National Monument.

Adjacent to Tucson's favorite fish market, L.H. Rodriguez, in a South Tucson warehouse, La Costa Brava serves a fresh-from-the-sea assortment of fish and shellfish. Aptly decorated in a fishing village motif, it has a Mexican seacoast feel and flavor. The menu changes to offer the freshest seasonal catches and often includes salmon, swordfish, shrimp, tuna, lobster and Cabrilla.

In empty lots and street corners through out Tucson the ubiquitous hot dog cart with a picnic table, awning and Norteno music blaring signals a delicious repast.  The Sonoran Hot Dog.  BK's in south Tucson creates one of the best and is hopping with activity from opening to close.  The dog is a thin all beef frankfurter wrapped in bacon and then sauted and served on a fresh doughy Mexican bun.  Topped with salsa, chile, crema, a thin avocado dip and pickled onions, carrots and radish, this local favorite hits the spot.  BK's also serves standard Mexican fare such as carne asada and carne seca.  A real treat and not to be missed if one wants to experience local cuisine. -Ted Parks

The Korean and Japanese cuisine at Sushi Garden is truly edible works of art. At lunch, an all-you-can-eat buffet features freshly made sushi, seafood, tempura and teriyaki. At dinner, Korean barbecue and Teppanyaki dinners are added to the bill of fare. Full bar service including a wine list is available, prices for food and drinks are reasonable.

The menu at Ristorante Italia is downright delicious Italian. The place took the Diner's Choice award for Great Lunch. Rich wood furnishings and accents, stacked-stone walls and comfortable booths give this grill a contemporary, casual atmosphere. It's one of Tucson's favorite places for business lunches. A wood-fired rotisserie turns out succulent chicken and prime ribs of beef.