FOOTHILLS. Artfully decorated with paintings, sculpture and atmospheric lighting, Acacia is ideal when you want to put on your most stylish clothes and linger over an enticing meal. At lunch, the professional crowd noshes on upscale greens and sandwiches, such as Crab Louis, a lavish wok-charred salmon salad, or the Prime Rib dip with shaved beef, roasted poblanos and emmental on a torpedo roll with natural jus. An elegant dinner may include golden tomato gazpacho with rock shrimp and avocado, filet mignon and wood roasted quail with shallot and wild mushroom sauce, or succulent grilled king salmon with tomatillo-kiwi salsa. If you visit for the trendy jazz brunch on Sunday, opt for the apricot and cream cheese stuffed French toast or chicken and mushroom crepes with Mornay sauce ­ superb!

FOOTHILLS. Dim lighting enhances the city views in this elegant setting that is perfect for celebrating a special occasion. Beautiful linens, crystal, china and formal service compliment the excellent food, which includes dishes such as lamb, pasta, seafood and a perfectly seasoned Steak New Orleans. Topping everything is the outstanding wine cellar, which offers an enviable 1400 excellent options.

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.

Since 1959, the diner-like Austin's has been feeding hungry locals, with simple but filling American staples like hot dogs, burgers and sandwiches. But ice cream is the real star here. Made right on the premises, it's packed with the special ingredients other ice cream places may skimp on ­ cookies, fruit, marshmallow fluff, chocolate chips, nuts and other goodies. You may want to skip lunch and just have a milkshake ­ they're massive!

DOWNTOWN. Barrio appeals to a wide variety of people. Young professionals enjoy the trendy atmosphere and inventive Southwestern cuisine after work, the post-theater crowd enjoys the variety of late evening offerings, and nine-to-five types appreciate fresh and reasonably priced lunch fare. Menu standouts include an Anaheim chile stuffed with roasted garlic, black beans and goat cheese and topped with roasted red bell pepper cream sauce; Ensalada de pescado which pairs mixed greens, sunflower sprouts and pineapple relish with papaya-cilantro vinaigrette and pan-blackened fresh fish; a taco salad with lots of extras tossed with a kicky chile-cilantro-lime vinaigrette; pan-seared venison on shoestring potatoes with ancho chile aioli; and Dijon crusted rack of lamb. Barrio also offers flights of wine or spirits, perfect for sampling!