10 Best Restaurants in Tucson's Midtown: Delicious Eats in Central Tucson

"Quirky" is the word that comes to mind when describing Pastiche Food/Drink. As its name implies, this midtown restaurant brings together an eclectic palette of flavors, textures and culinary traditions. You'll find a large selection of gourmet small plates, making this a good destination for foodies who want to sample different flavors and ingredients. Stand-outs include Cajun corn dogs, smoked heirloom tomato & golden beet caprese, and the popular fried avocado, which is panko-crusted and served with a chipotle aioli. For your main, choose from sandwiches, pastas, tacos, salads and the menu of Pastiche specialties. The common denominator is the kitchen's passion for artful, fresh fare that surprises and delights.

"Outstanding vegetarian options" is not just a slogan here--Lovin' Spoonfuls offers an array of delicious, freshly-prepared vegetarian dishes that even die-hard meat-eaters can love. Whether you're an omnivore or vegan, almost everyone will find something to love on the eclectic, which features meatless takes on American comfort food classic, along with Southwestern, Asian, and Greek-inspired dishes. If you're idea of vegetarian cuisine consists of bland salads and rice dishes, it's time to pay a visit to Lovin' Spoonfuls. Don't leave without picking out a freshly baked treat from the dessert counter. For those with dietary restrictions, there are also gluten-free options.

You won't find elegant dining rooms at Frank's, but that alone is part of this mid-century diner's charm. A long-time Tucson staple and one of the oldest diners in town, Frank's Restaurant is famous for its fast, friendly take on breakfast and lunch. The French toast, eggs, bacon and coffee are consistently good. Even better, Frank's is proof that the early bird really does get the worm: if you arrive before 9 am on a weekday morning, you can order The Early Bird Special, two eggs prepared in any style, served with home fries or hash browns and your choice of biscuit, toast or tortilla--all for less than two dollars. Not a bad way to get the day started.

Bobo's Restaurant in Tucson offers home style and country breakfasts in a friendly neighborhood dining environment. This local greasy spoon is a favorite with breakfast-lovers looking for hot, tasty breakfast platters. You'll find the usual suspects of pancakes, omelets and sides, as well as an assortment of house specialties. Sweet tooths will want to try the banana pancakes, french toast or chocolate chip pancakes, enormous, fluffy and sweet. For an out-of-this-world breakfast plate, try the Flying Saucer pancake. Of course, no matter what you order, you'll want to try Bobo's famous fresh-baked buttermilk biscuits. A great place to rub elbows with locals.

The number one rule for dining at Pinnacle Peak is "No Ties Allowed." Should you arrive sporting one, it will be promptly chopped off and added to the ever-growing collection hanging from the ceiling. Folks love the fun Old West ambiance here, and they love the food just as much. Most order mesquite-grilled steaks (this is the home of the Cowboy Steak, after all), but seafood is well-prepared, too. Dinners come with salad, beans and bread, but you can also order sides of corn-on-the-cob and mashed potatoes. Polish off your meal with a bowl of warm apple or cherry cobbler dessert.

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.

"Kazoku" means family in Japanese, so it's no wonder that this midtown Tucson gem is a family-run enterprise. Co-owners Chef Youn and Uni Vawser, nephew and aunt respectively, are the talent behind this popular midtown sushi restaurant, which also features some Korean dishes. The atmosphere is friendly, service is attentive, and the expansive menu has something for everyone. Whether you're a sushi novice or expert, the sushi list includes classic rolls, as well as a smattering of more inventive treats (try the Maui and Passion rolls). The appetizer menu is worth exploring here, including grilled squid, salmon skin salad and a tasty shrimp tempura.

This quirky seafood favorite serves up a great menu of fresh fish in a stylishly eccentric environment. The food says upscale but the vibe is fun and upbeat. Excellent wines, juicy rotisserie meats, hip martinis, hand-bottled bourbons and live jazz make this a great choice for a lingering evening. Oysters and chilled Gulf shrimp by the dozen, cornmeal-crusted pan-fried catfish are a few seafaring options. After 10 pm, a light menu is served until midnight. Reservations recommended. Wine aficionados gather here regularly, too. The restaurant has one of the most comprehensive menus of fine wines in Tucson, making this prime territory for oenophiles.

Chef Steven Schultz and Maudi Gourdin share their passion for organic, high quality food with the Wild Garlic Grill. Chef Schultz, a former chef at Lowes Ventana Canyon Resort, has created a restaurant that specializes in "California French" cuisine inspired by the flavor and freshness of Gilroy garlic. Guests can watch their meals being prepared from the granite-topped bar. The menu features steaks, hamburgers, seafood and specialty salads, made with quality ingredients and served with characteristic flair. The gorgeous dining room features ocotillo ribbed ceilings, and there is also a spacious outdoor patio. Thirsty? The restaurant also offers an impressive selection of hand-crafted cocktails.

People don't simply talk about Feast, they enthuse. The concept seems simple enough: excellent gourmet food (but nothing too experimental), reasonable prices, and the option to dine in or take out. The menu changes every month — call ahead or check their website to see what's available — but virtually every dish is a knockout. You might encounter a savory cheesecake with artichoke hearts, zesty sweet potato chilaquiles, perfect parmesan risotto, a fennel and garlic-rubbed pork chop, or chicken masala over basmati rice and fresh sauteed spinach. Desserts are all exceptional and prepared in-house, including the ice cream, but the chocolate truffle cookies are sublime. If you're going for take out, you can also select a bottle of wine to go.