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The menu for 7 Ounce, where you cook your meat on a tableside grill, includes everything from ribeyes to short ribs, pork belly to chicken bulgogi, baby octopus to fresh shrimp and lobster, and surf and turf combo platters that serve two.Ìý

Read more here.Ìý

A familiar face has taken over the kitchen in the Hilton East's gourmet Italian ventureÌýÌýChef Virgina "Ginny" Wooters of The Abbey is now at the helm, and is putting her signature panache into the modern Italian classics like high-quality steaks and fresh pasta. At the grand opening,ÌýÌýinside a giant wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano, so let's hope for similar theatrics in the future.ÌýÌý

, which opened April 3, is already expanding the culinary horizons of South Fourth Avenue, a stretch of South Tucson ruled by its popular Mexican food offerings.Ìý

The new concept, which opened in what had long been the American Meat Company, sports six restaurants with cuisine ranging from ribs to pokeÌýand sliders.

There's a beer and wine bar with the latest craft selections, a coffee shop and even a butcher. Sit at a communal table or cozy up in one of the booths available in the dining area.Ìý

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The new concept where the UA's beloved Irish bar once stood is calledÌý, and it's quite an ambitious project. Food truck owner/local insurance agent David Pena wanted to take all delicious beach foods you eat in place like Rocky Point, and put them under one roof.

The menu has nachos and burros, but it also has mariscos and molcajete stone bowls like they do at Guadalajara Grill. And on the sweet side, they've got all the familiar raspados joint staples like aguas frescas and chile-laced fruits. And of course there's the bar. Ohhh, there's the bar.Ìý

Read more here.

In early February, St. Philip's Plaza added a new wine bar that focuses on wines from across this great state.ÌýÌýis owned by Jeanne and Pete Snell, who cut his teeth working at the tasting room atÌýSonoita's Callaghan Vineyards.

The cozy spot in the former Scordato's Pizzeria has eight wine taps, six beer taps and bottles from 11 different local wineries.

´¡³ÙÌý, you can order a plate ofÌýGeneral Tso's Chicken with a side of syrupy sweet plantains. The Caribbean Chinese fusion restaurant opened in the former home of Wild Garlic Grill on First Avenue, and has been serving the the local clientele who crave Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo and fried chicken masita. Two thirds of the menu is Chinese takeout, and they make a mean plate of barbecue pork lo mein.Ìý

Is it breakfast? Lunch? Or something in between ... Acaí bowls are everything you want them to be, and now you can grab them downtown thanks to this new family-run shop that opened in mid-January downtown.

Kade Mislinksi is at it again with what he says is his final restaurant,Ìý. The midtown joint pays homage to the titans of fast food in what he calls "Long John Silver's meets White Castle." The specialty here isÌýÌýlike they have back east in Connecticut, where Kade spent summers as a kid. Pair that with some French fries, hush puppies and battered fish and you've got the restaurant's signature combo, the BFF.Ìý ÌýÌý

The owner of TallBoys on North Fourth Avenue has cooked up a new restaurant concept in the old home of U.S. Fries down the street.Ìý

In early May,ÌýBen Schneider along with his friends and business partners, Parker Arriaga, Frank Bair, Gabe Rozzell and Simone Stopford, plan to launched the downtown concept.Ìý

The restaurant serves meaty sandwiches (pastrami, corned beef, turkey), salads, latkes, some Middle Eastern fare and soups, including Cans’ own take on traditional matzo ball soup.Ìý

Also, since Schneider is a long-time musician, expect there to be lots of live music.Ìý

Read more here.Ìý

The craft beer scene is going strong up in Marana with the opening ofÌýÌýin the Sprouts shopping center of Orange Grove near the I-10 freeway. The vibe here is similar to a Tap & Bottle with a little homey charm mixed in. (The owners are originally from Bisbee.) On a recent visit, the 25-strong taplist included a healthy selection of ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Wilderness beers out of Gilbert, which are hard to find down in the Old Pueblo.Ìý

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The guys from Serial Grillers are on a roll, opening their latest conceptÌýÌýthis October. The taproom is located in the former Terry and Zeke's on Speedway and Swan. Unlike its sister restaurants, Craft is solely a bar with 45 beers on tap, plus 200 in bottles or cans. The redesigned space has consoles with classic video games for customers to play while they drink.Ìý

Read more here.

Ìýis back! But this new Stone Avenue iteration has a pretty different vibe than the beloved downtown bar. It's in the former home of Classic Steakhouse, for one, which gives it more of a Western feel. They also have food now, but it's a small menu of sandwiches, quiches, whiskey ginger cookies and breakfast egg plates all day. In the evenings the space becomes an 18+ hangout with a full bar, including your favorite "special" of Miller High Life and Old Crow whiskey.

Read more here.

In September, all the buzz was overÌýÌýThe Oregon-based coffee joint opened its first Tucson location this month in a Broadway lot that used to house a Mimi's Cafe.Ìý

Read more here.

A second outpost of Beyond Bread opened in mid-March at Tucson International Airport, one of four new restaurants added to the culinary lineup of the airport’s $28 million “A Brighter TUSâ€� project.Ìý

The second Beyond Bread is along Concourse B, which also welcomed Bruegger’s Bagels and Built Custom Burgers — two of three national chains coming to the airport; Dunkin’ Donuts is in the wings — and El Charro Cafe, making its return to the airport after a 20-year absence.

There's a new bar and grill next door toÌýÌýon South Twelfth Avenue. The space used to be a Mr. Baja Fish, but now it'sÌýÌýwhich serves a wide range of Jalisco-style meat and mariscos dishes, with an emphasis on the bar and live mariachi. The restaurant is part of the Taco Giro name, but these guys do delivery within a square mile of the restaurant.ÌýÌý

After four years serving Tucson as a truck, this ramen operation is going brick and mortar.Ìý's new space on First and Wetmore was designed by restaurant consultant John Foster, and features an industrial look with lush wooden counters and tables. In addition to the ramen selections, Fat Noodle goes hard on the fusion with ramen burgers, sashimi sandwiches and even poke bowls.Ìý

Read more here.

This new coffee counter, which opened in March, is actually part of a bike shop called Re-Cycle, which recently took up residence in a former Bernie Sanders campaign office.

Halfwheel serves Exo Roast coffee and La Estrella Bakery pastries in a bright but homey space on Sixth and Campbell.

Peak around the corner and you'll see a full-service bike shop flanking the back of the store.Ìý Ìý Ìý ÌýÌý

Read more here.

A brewery years in the making, Harbottle launched in early February and is the last new brewery on the books slated to open in 2018 (not counting the Borderlands/Sentinel Peak collaborative effort known as Voltron Brewing).Ìý

The brewery can be found in a strip mall on the southwest corner of East Ajo Way and South Palo Verde, next to Chopstix Chinese restaurant. It is a short drive from the cluster of breweries that reside on and around East 44th Street, including Copper Mine Brewing, Green Feet Brewing, Nimbus and, for a little while longer, 1055 Brewing.Ìý

Michael Figueira, Andy Shlicker, two figures of note on the local craft beer scene, are the brains behind the operation and run a tight ship with a casual atmosphere.Ìý

Play a round of shuffleboard between pints, or watch the bustle of traffic roll by on Ajo with friends.Ìý

This local coffee roaster now has a storefront at the shipping container shopping center MSA Annex, where it sells its beans as well as an interesting selection of espresso drinks. I got down on some cold brewÌý— you may recognize the flavor from one ofÌý's wholesale clients The Cup CafeÌý— but next time I'm going back for a Shakerato with espresso and simple syrup that's shaken like a cocktail. Hermosa is more of a stand than a place to hang out, but you can grab some joe before you head over to theÌýÌýstore.Ìý

This shop from Bin An that opened in the end of April lets you choose your own poke destiny.Ìý

's bowls are more substantial than An's downtown venue MiAn Sushi, because you can pile on ingredients like spicy tuna, seaweed salad, mandarin oranges and more.Ìý

Find more info here.

Open since early January, replaced the short-lived Twisted Tandoor on East Camp Lowell Drive.Ìý

The restaurant, affiliated with JAM Culinary Concepts, is run by Jimmy Aujla, who got his start in Indian cuisine in the mid-1990s, working for his family's eatery in Washington state.

Indian Twist has a daily lunch buffet and a bar that includes beers from India.Ìý

College students with the midnight munchies have another place to score sweet treats, thanks to the opening of Insomnia Cookies on East Congress Street.Ìý

The cookie-delivery spot is located next to Hi Fi Kitchen & Cocktails and is open until 3 a.m., if you are up that late studying (and we are sure that's exactly what you are doing.)

The chain started at the University of Pennsylvania in 2003 and now has more than 100 shops throughout the country.Ìý

on East Sixth Street also delivers.Ìý

, which opened in March in an old Denny's on East Speedway, kicks the Asian buffet concept up a notch with crab legs and oysters on the menu, in addition to the usual mix of chicken, pork, beef and veggie dishes.

The fancier offerings up the price of admission to $25 per person, which will also get you all-you-can-eat access to sushi rolls, nigiri and yummy ramen.Ìý

Izumi fills a void in midtown, says owner William Cheung, who owns Hana Tokyo on South Calle Santa Cruz and Wok and Roll Asian Buffet on Wes Ina Road.Ìý

“It’s just a good location on Speedway. I think they’re lacking,� Cheung said.

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The popular Home Plate restaurant and sports bar in Marana opened a breakfast spot in mid-February.Ìý

You may have bonded with La Botana's giant micheladas and fun toritos chile tacos. Well now you can hit them up on Grant and Craycroft as well. The Mexican bar and restaurant recently opened a second location in that Ross shopping center. (You know the one with like nothing in it.) Expect the same fun atmosphere as the First and Fort Lowell location.ÌýÌý

Read more here.

After more than 80 years in business, Le Cave's Bakery is leaving Tucson's south side and will move into a building known for serving up burgers and fries.

The new owners of the longtime Tucson institution are remodeling the former Jack in the Box building at 3950 E. 22nd St., near South Alvernon Way, and hope to open by early fall.

“We are really excited to continue on the legacy and keep that going in the community," said Naomi Pershing, who with her husband Chris bought Le Cave's several months ago from owner Rudy Molina Jr.

East-side residents can now get their Blue Suede Cows without having to travel to Fourth Avenue.Ìý

Ìýopened a second location on Tanque Verde in April in the former home ofÌýGreat American Steakburger.

The "offbeat" burger menu remains the same, but the space is substantially bigger and roomier, and sports a full bar area with eight beers on tap.Ìý

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Monsoon chocolate, located on East 22nd Street, opened in May in the spot of the former .

They have an array of chocolate beauties that are locally made in Tucson, including some made with local chiltepinÌýand Whiskey del Bac. But don't let the name fool you: it's not just a fancy chocolate cafe.Ìý

As of April, this Filipino market now has a separate cafe with buffet-style dishes at the front counter.Ìý

Ìýis doing all the specialties like lumpia egg rolls, pork adobo and crunchy sisig, and maybe most importantly,Ìýo, which isÌýshaved ice with fruit jellies and purple yam ice cream.

At Nomico you'll find some Instagrammable street food, like "bubble waffles" and raindrop cakes.

But at the healthy dessert spot that opened in January, you'll alsoÌýfind some very unique offerings like butterfly tea and, wait for it ... cheese tea?!

It's a franchise store thatÌýoriginated in Hong Kong, and the only location in the United States is this one in the Old Pueblo.Ìý

Noodleholics opened in midtown Tucson toward the end of April.Ìý

The restaurant is bringing homemade noodles and regional Chinese flavors to Tucson, and it's doing it in a contemporary but casual atmosphere on Grant Road.Ìý

Despite its humble Grant Road location, Noodleholics feels like some place you'd see in suburban Los Angeles, food writer Andi Berlin writes.

The trendy clipboard menu is made up almost completely of noodles, mostly from Guilin and surrounding region of southern China.ÌýÌý

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Tucson has no shortage of pizza places, even on the east side where culinary options — while not completely absent — fall way behind the vibrant food districts that surround downtown.Ìý

, one of east Tucson's newest pizza spots,Ìýreplaces Cup it Up's original location in the Trader Joe's shopping center, at 1101 N. Wilmot Road.

They serve what's called "neo-Neapolitan" pizza, according to This is Tucson's Andi Berlin.Ìý

"The dough here is cold fermented for 72 hours, which is a pivotal step in creating that perfect pizza crust with a slightly sour flavor," Berlin said in her story about Luna. "If this restaurant has any funk, you're gonna see it in the pizza itself as well as the interesting toppings; not necessarily in the atmosphere."

Tucson's first official Eritrean restaurant launched in February on Grant Road near North Craycroft, across town from the Ethiopian restaurants with which it shares many of its traditional dishes (Eritrea and Ethiopia share a border on the horn of Africa.)

Expect the types of plates that you might find at places such as Zemam's and Café Desta, with "Eritrean style" twists.Ìý

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There's a universe of ramen to explore at Tucson's first ramen houseÌý—Ìýthat's if you can get a table.Ìý

Even though this specialty ramen spot opened in January, oftentimes there are still lines around dinner time to get a seat at this restaurant.Ìý

With nine varieties of ramen on the menu including white miso and black roasted garlic tonkotsu, it's easy to see why Raijin has become a hit.Ìý

The vacant Veg in a Box restaurant on Pennington is now a homey breakfast and lunch cafe.ÌýÌýdid a brisk lunch business on my recent visit, and seems to be popular with the downtown business crowd. Order at the counter and they'll take the food out to your booth: There's a decent selection of breakfast sandwiches with housemade biscuits, but I got a breakfast burrito. They also do sandwiches and salads, plus diner entrees like mini meatloaf, angel hair pasta and fish tacos. Check out the front counter for some baked goods, like the peanut buttery Raptor Tracks.Ìý

Another coffee shop has opened its doors at St. Philip's plaza.ÌýÌý

Ìýalso has a lunch menu of paninis, simple salads and a gorgeous avocado toast with perfectly poached egg on Barrio Bread.Ìý

Read more here.

While we have yet to see how the outdoor dining experience known as will fare in the intense summer heat, the brand new restaurant on South 12th Avenue has been downright pleasant in its first few months in business.Ìý

Rollies sports a casual patio atmosphere and a menu that includes rolled tacos, vegetarian tortas, flat enchiladas and ice cream sandwiches using conchas (Mexican sweet bread). And OK it technically opened days before 2018, but we're including it in our list.Ìý

Its unique approach to popular Mexican dishes separates it from the sea of Mexican restaurants on Tucson's south side.Ìý

Rita Ranch was abuzz in September with the opening ofÌý' third location on Houghton Road. On one evening, the former Chuy's Mesquite Broiler was packed with locals ordering serial-killer themed pizzas like the Bone Collector with boneless wings, ranch and buffalo sauce. The sprawling space is three times the size of the Speedway location, and has a taplist of more than 50 craft beers.Ìý

An Indian food restaurant has recently opened up its doors at the Foothills Mall.Ìý

Ìýhas a large menu of dishes from all over India, including the burrito-like kati rolls and a whole category of "Mystic Masalas." Oh, and most importantly, they have a lunch buffet.Ìý

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You may rememberÌýÌýas the bull-themed taco truck that set up in front of The Hut on weekends. One of Fourth Avenue's most popular late night options finally has a permanent home just down the street, on the northwest corner of Fourth and the underpass. It's still a taco truck, but now there's a fancy hay bale setup where you can chill out and eat your footlong Sonoran dog. (Judging by this picture of course.)ÌýÌý

Los Chipilones is a southside taco stand that was built on the former site of a Viking Car Wash. (Check out the car-themed street art behind the building.) It's owned by the same people as the Chipilones Sonoran hot dog stand next door, but this joint specializes in beef birria, which you can get in a taco, stuffed into a cheesy caramelo or as a soup. The menu here is rather simple, but they do make their own horchata, and the corn tortillas don't seem to come from a machine either.Ìý

Read more here.Ìý

Read more here.

Ìýprepares grab-and-go meals that are geared toward paleo diets, heavy on the meat and vegetables. The menu changes every week, but a recent selection included dishes like grilled chicken in a coconut buffalo sauce, blackened whitefish with honey-cured bacon, boneless pork chop with vegetables and more. You can also sign up for meal plans where they give you two meals a day for three or five days in a row, lowering the cost to about $10 per meal.Ìý

Ìýisn't necessarily a Chinese restaurant; The menu has Japanese yakitori skewers, Korean fried chicken and all manner of Asian specialties. But the Chinese dishes here really shine ... quite literally in fact, if you order the grilled fish hot pot which comes on a sprawling silver chafer platter. The house special contains an entire fish surrounded by lotus roots, mushrooms and other veggies in a spicy red sauce. We opted for a bowl of Shanghai Granny's Noodles and some spicy toothpick lamb, where every meaty bite is skewered on individual toothpicks. Don't eat the chiles, they're dried!ÌýÌý

Yu Zi Wei is the latest fun place to open during a spectacular year for regional Chinese food. With minimal online presence and a unique menu of spicy Chongqing dishes, the restaurant is a little less approachable and a little more awesome. Everyone here is coming for the sizzling fish platter, but you can make a wonderful meal out of appetizers and entrees like mapo tofu and pork ribs in griddle pot. Definitely check out our guide before you go. It'll help a lot.Ìý

Read more here.Ìý