NORTHEAST. Watch the chefs in the open kitchen as they whip up spicy, flavorful Asian-fusion meals. The kitchen is the focal point, but the airy, exotic dining room is eye-catching too, full of greenery and elegant, colorful decor. Are your tastebuds ready for something spicy? They don't skimp on the robust flavors here ­ though diners in the mood for mild can find something tempting, too. Try the grilled five-spice breast of duck over jade spinach or the chicken breasts stuffed with wasabi cream.

EAST TUCSON. Ha Long Bay is an actual place in northeast Vietnam, a place associated with a fantastic legend which is depicted in an intriguing mural in this cozy Tucson restaurant. You'll want to start with a smoothie or slush made with fresh tropical fruits like mangos, papayas and coconut. The cooling properties of the drink are the perfect foil for a bowl of spicy, brothy soup. Accompanied by plates of piquant garnishes like cilantro, sprouts and hot peppers, these soups make a fabulously flavorful light meal. Although many of the dishes contain beef, pork, shrimp or chicken, vegetarians will find plenty of choices as well.

NORTHEAST. This is a fun place to come with the whole family. Mom and Dad can enjoy some wonderful sushi while the kids squeal "Ewwww! Raw fish!" and marvel at the teppan yaki chef's acrobatic skill with a knife. Takamatsu is huge, with different spaces devoted to different culinary traditions. Menus overlap though so you can sit in one area but still eat the food from another. Let the kids enjoy the spectacle of flying shrimp and bits of beef. You can feast on traditional Korean dishes such as Yook Hwe (marinated shredded raw beef) or Kimchee Bokeum (spicy pan fried kimchee and pork). Or, savor a fine piece of sashimi and sip a cup of sake. Or do both!

NORTH TUCSON. Whether you dine on the bistro side or the sushi bar side, this is one popular (and tasty) place for a meal. The bonus is that virtually everything on the menu is ridiculously healthy, with lots of fresh veggies, seaweed, no msg, and healthful flavorings like ginger and garlic. Green tea and a wide variety of soy foods including tofu, natto, miso and edamame, feature prominently, but seafood, beef, pork and chicken all make appearances as well ­ this is a great choice when you have a mixed group of herbivores and omnivores. The décor? Let's call it endearingly eclectic, and mention that if you're a fan of Japanese comics or movies, you'll love it!