ORO VALLEY. Chef / owner Michael Veres has made a name for himself in the Tucson culinary scene, first at the celebrated Daniels and now at his own restaurant. And Veres certainly has a way with Italian cuisine. Farfalle con Uva combines farfalle pasta, grilled chicken, red seedless grapes, walnuts and spinach, all sautéed in a gorgonzola cream sauce. The traditional lasagna ­ layers of pasta, ricotta, peas, ground sausage, marinara and mozzarella ­ earns raves, as does the eggplant and sausage topped Polenta Capponata. Rustic, handmade pizzas topped with any of about 20 ingredients are also very good, and daily specials are always fantastic.

EAST TUCSON. This French favorite also includes some Italian dishes, and plenty of fresh influence from California cuisine. Located in historic Broadway Village, this is "A Wine Country restaurant," which means that the sophisticated selection of wines ­ all domestic ­ is designed to compliment the fine cuisine. Sample escargot in open-faced ravioli and grilled salmon with shaved fennel in citrus broth. The spacious dining is comfortably modern, with plush furnishings, rich woods and large windows, and the patio is a warm-weather treat.

NORTH TUCSON. Fans of thin, crispy-crust pizza should give this one a miss. FioRito's makes what most people consider the best Chicago-style pizza in town: deep-dish with lots of cheese, sauce and toppings like sausage, salami, capacolla, black olives, fresh tomatoes, green peppers, prosciutto, shrimp, roasted red peppers and artichokes. One of the most popular orders is the "Dolce Vita" laden with prosciutto, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil and garlic. There are other options, as well, such as baked pastas and excellent spinach and mushroom stuffed pork chops.

EAST TUCSON. Full of Italian memorabilia, including soccer pictures and jerseys, this fun, relaxed restaurant offers hearty portions of tasty Italian fare. Everything is big ­ the menu, the portions and the flavors ­ except the bill. Try the southern Italian pasta dishes such as fettuccini funghi with sauteed mushrooms or classic lasagna with sausage and spinach. Beef and veal dishes are also expertly prepared. Finish with any of the great Italian desserts ­ gelato, cannoli or tiramisu.

EAST TUCSON. Intermezzo, a casually upscale Italian place east of downtown, is popular for quick lunches and fresh, flavorful dinners. At midday the restaurant bustles with folks enjoying bright salads and creative sandwiches such as roasted veggies and herbed goat cheese on focaccia. Dinner is a more leisurely affair, though no less colorful. Start with roasted asparagus and prosciutto drizzled with a balsamic vinegar reduction, or bruschetta with three different spreads (tapenade, herbed goat cheese, oven roasted tomato). Then sample a plate of shrimp capellini, Lamb Chops Marsala or eggplant parmesan. The Sunday brunch menu offers a nice alternative to some of the usual dishes, with French toast panini and a lovely frittata.