Any great recommendations? (in the moderate pricing range) - NO chains!

I've heard Cafe Poca Cosa is very good. It was closed the only day we were in Tucson, so I'm not speaking from personal experience.

We ate at La Indita, which had yummy green corn enchiladas/tamales--can't remember which. Another place we would've tried on a longer visit is El Nidito.

Sounds weird but there was a great resteraunt called La Boheme (I think) it had great schnitzel and dumplings and the like.

Used to live in Tucson and my family loves this restraunt in the foothills called El Corrale (sp?). I havent been there in years but I'm sure it's still around. They serve prime rib,good cheesy bread and have a nice atmosphere.

Hi, and welcome to Tucson.
Yes, Poca Cosa is a terrific twist on the many many good Mexican restaurants we have here. It is great. If you want something more traditional, also in the downtown area, try El Charro. They also run the restaurants at the Tucson Airport which are delicious, but without the atmosphere of the downtown location in an old house.
Tucson is blessed with many restaurants because of our many resorts. Cafe Terra Cotta, in the foothills (moved from former location near Campbell and River) is outstanding for modern southwestern. We always take visitors to the tea room at Tohono Chul Park, near Ina and Oracle road intersection. The park has some construction going on, but once you're in the tearoom (serves breakfast and lunch, also) you'll be in heavenly peace. Another casual favorite is Blue Willow on Campbell.
E-mail me with your favorite type of food and area you'll be staying in and I'll add some more. (I did several restaurant reviews at City Search--you might want to look at their site.
www.citysearch.com

Try Daniels for northern Italian, very good and very nice atmosphere.

Hi:
You gotta try Minidito's at 1813 So.4th Avenue. They have great Mexican food, and it is cheap! Many celebrities eat there then have their pictures taken with the owners then put on the wall there. I grew up with the owners and feel their food is good, and fresh! Try the machaca chimicangas, shredded beef inside with chili's wrapped in a flour tortilla, then deep fried. Yum!!
Helen

Oops--I called it El Nidito. It's Mi Nidito, as Helen said.

Hi g:

I second Cafe Poca Cosa - some of the best, most innovative Mexican food you'll ever have at reasonable prices. They're not open on Sundays and you may have to make reservations for dinner. Personally, it's my favorite restaurant in Tucson.

Another vote for Cafe Terra Cotta - great southwestern fare - www.cafeterracotta.com

For an elegant brunch, the Hacienda del Sol (also a wonderful place to stay - used to be a girls school and has loads of charm) is an excellent choice - great food, lovely atmosphere, somewhat pricey - www.haciendadelsol.com

On the pricier end, Janos and Fuego are good.

For excellent Mexican food (the rice and beans kind) Rosa's on Ft. Lowell is one of the best. Inexpensive and very popular at lunch.

Though you're not interested in chains - there's a local chain here that is quite good, the Metro restaurants. Their website is www.metrorestaurants.com, and most of their restaurants serve excellent food at very reasonable prices. A few such as McMahons and the Tack Room are very pricey. Firecracker and City Grill are two of my favorites and quite reasonable.

Hope these help! Enjoy Tucson,
Carol

Someone mentioned Daniel's. It is closed. However another lovely Italian restaurant occupies the space Terra Cotta moved out of at Campbell and River. The name is escaping me.
And another wonderful Italian choice is Gavi's--there are three in town.
Vera

Greetings from another Tucsonan. I agree with most of the listings, although I am not personnaly crazy about Cafe Terra Cotta. Cafe Poca Cosa is great. As is the Barrio, which is right across the street. Red Sky cafe on Swan and Pima is a very nice, cozy place. For Italian we love Gavi, but also two places I haven't seen mentined - Trattoria Giussepe and Amerenos. Both of these are on the East side. Soleil has good food and excellent views, as does Anthony's and the Ventana Room (very pricey)at Loew's Ventana. Don't know where you are staying, but the Westward Look has a lounge with some good food (especially the burger) and nice outdoor seating by the pool, overlooking the city. If you want a great microbrew, and good food to boot, head to Gentle Ben's by the University. For something completely different, try Zemam's Ethopian food - bring your own wine. For a great pizza go to Zachary's (a dive of a place but truly great pizza!) Have fun.

only been here 45 yrs. but my vote is a place called la parilla suiza. 2 locations in town entrees for 6-9$ and great service. you wont be disappointed, trust me on this one.

Someone mentioned Janos, which is on the grounds of the Westin La Paloma, and is expensive. However, it has a smaller, less formal (and less expensive) restaurant attached to it that's run by the same chef.