Steakhouse is the best fine-dining restaurant in town she says, with the chef’s “trust me” menu being the most customized  fine-dining experience she has ever had—even when she has dined at  Michelin-starred restaurants. Italian is a theme for Moe, with a nod to Anello for its pizzas and Zio Peppe’s for its Southern Arizona flavors in dishes like their quesabirria pizza (a pizza made with El Rustico’s birria). For decadent treats, La Estrella Bakery’s pan dulce and empanadas are favorites, and Monsoon Chocolate Cafe + Market is a must for artisan chocolate.

“I never get tired of seeing someone’s face light up when they see the hand-painted bonbons in the case for the first time,” she said. “If you need help picking out a four-pack from this award-winning chocolate maker, I suggest the Sonoran sea salt dark chocolate, reposado sweet orange margarita, pomegranate hibiscus caramel, and the mezcal caramel.”

Possibly a shocking dining recommendation when you’re thinking of Southern Arizona cuisine is Yamato Japanese Restaurant, operated by chef Noboru Nakajima. Having been to Japan, Moe knows these dishes and says you can expect beautifully cut and flavorful fish. Her favorite things to order are omakase, sashimi assortment, and lunch chirashi. 

“He is a true sushi chef and delicately garnishes each nigiri with ingredients that enhance the flavor of the fish. Beyond the sushi, his Japanese food is my favorite in town; get the beef sukiyaki or katsu curry,” she said. “It’s cozy and quaint, so please be patient. Chef Noboru is the only one who prepares all the fish and sushi, and it’s on par with what I’ve had in Japan.”