NORTH TUCSON. Casual elegance is the mark of the Arizona Inn restaurant. Fresh flowers, live music and attentive service combine to provide a rewarding dining experience. There is an Old World charm to the 1930s inn, and the dining room includes gracious seating on the patio. Once on the edge of town but now in midtown, this restaurant offers the best in comfort, style and flavor. Reservations recommended. Jacket and tie suggested. Three-course prix fixe dinner $45.

DOWNTOWN. A study haven for students, a meeting place for morning coffee breaks, a place for busy professionals to grab a quick lunch on the run, a venue for local musicians ­ Bentley's has many functions and excels at all of them. Coffee is fair trade and organic, and this being Tucson, there's a slew of cold beverages too, like fruit freezes, smoothies, shakes, and iced teas and coffees. Simple, well-made food consists of eggs and baked goods at breakfast and sandwiches, salads, soups, and quiches at lunch and dinner. A few pastas and Southwestern specialties round out the options.

NORTH TUCSON. For a quick bite on your way to work or a day of sightseeing, bypass all those fast food chains and stop at Beyond Bread. The cinnamon raisin French toast is unbeatable, but if you like protein in the morning, try a made-to-order omelette, stuffed full of your choice of meats, cheese and veggies. Lighter appetites might prefer a simple croissant, muffin or scone. Later in the day, opt for a cleverly named sandwich or salad, a slice of dark chocolate cake or a massive cookie. Breads range from specials like Ancho-Chipotle-White Cheddar and Brie-Scallion-Chive to more traditional varieties such as challah and baguettes ­ there are more than 30 breads in the regular schedule, about half of which are available on any given day.

NORTH TUCSON. Tucked away in an old house, Blue Willow is renowned for its comfortable, home-style cooking and its charming patio. Shaded in the summer and heated in the winter, it's the perfect spot for a fun weekday lunch with friends or a relaxing weekend breakfast. The menu is chock full of omelettes and other filling morning meal favorites, all accompanied by fresh fruit and potatoes or rice. Lunch and dinner options range from soups and salads to delicate crepes and vegetarian dishes. The place is equally famous for its desserts, particularly the chocolate confection of the day, which never fails to impress and satisfy.

DOWNTOWN. Enjoy a double mocha and a tempting dessert (or two) under the patio umbrella while people-watching on bustling Fourth Avenue. If you prefer to enjoy your espresso and fresh scone inside, you can gaze upon the walls lined with favorite treats, chocolate-covered pretzels to malt balls to gummy worms. Sandwiches and salads are available, but they are simply the supporting cast ­ the carrot cakes, dense chocolate tortes, and decadent brownies are the stars.