Favorite Tucson restuarants - Ventana Canyon area
 

Looking for suggestions - prefer Mexican, steak, Italian, Seafood. Not most expensive & not chains we can go to at home. Views are nice but not too noisy.

Thanks!

BetsyG, we've stayed in Ventana Canyon a few times after winning Priceline bids at some very nice resorts there. The downside for us was that we couldn't see much interesting for dining off resort. So, am looking forward to seeing some suggestions here. Where are you staying?

Just in case you are interested, try going to downtown Tucson and eating at the original El Charro. Try the carne seca. Yes, there is a location in Ventana, but it wouldn't have any of the ambiance of the original and I cannot vouch for whether the food is comparable. But, it might also be an option.

Link: http://www.elcharrocafe.com/

There are some decent restaurants at La Encantada shopping center at Sunrise and Campbell, about 15 minutes from Ventana. These include Blanco Tacos & Tequila (good happy hour), North Italia (same owners), and Armitage Wine Lounge. And the gelato at Frost is worth the drive.

Across the street is Vivache, where I've not eaten but it gets raves from a friend. It is pricy.

AJ's market at La Encantada has a good deli and sandwich bar, but I think the deli at Whole Foods on River Road (10 minutes from Ventana) is better yet.

Also about 10 minutes away is the Eclectic Cafe at Sabino Road and Tanque Verde, a casual local joint serving good food from an eclectic menu, with many Mexican items.

The El Charro Ventana, mentioned by sludick, is indeed a different ambiance than the cool downtown location (after all, it's located in a parking lot), but the food and margaritas are still good. Worth a visit if you don't get downtown.

Cocktails in the Westin Paloma bar at sunset, with a great view of the Catalinas, makes for a nice stop.

If you go to Tohono Chul (recommended) the teahouse there serves good food. Nearby is one of the three Beyond Bread locations. Great sandwiches and salads.

Driving to any of those places will take you past other restaurants that might be of interest.

Just down the hill from Ventana is El Charro. The cowboy in Spanish. They bill themselves as theoldest continiously run Mexi restaurant in US. I don't know but I do know they ROCK. They have an old place downtown but I think the place 1 mile from Ventana should do. $15.00/person drink included. Just a little further down the hill is my hangout, Zona 78. Italian, prolly $15 per plate drinks are extra but if you order before 6 PM beers are 2 or 3 dollars per pint and wines are $5 or $8 per glass depending om how snooty you are. The managers name is Paul leathers, chat him up and mention Fireman Brian and I might get a free pint of Dos XX out of it. Kidding aside, inexpensive friendly good food. Trust me.



. they bill themselves as the oldest

If you are up for speedy, vivace is worth it.
We had a terrible meal at Tohono Chul, but the setting is lovely.

My favorites closest to Ventana:

El Charro. All I ever order is the carne seca plate.

Piazza Gavi is a very good Italian restaurant almost right next to El Charro. Also has outdoor seating if the weather is good.

Thanks for all the suggestions! I will report back on our choices.