• Reporter profile
• More by Elsa Cook

• Latest
• Most Commented

• As America's war ends, Iraq's begins0
• Feds sue Arpaio over documents1
• Brewer: 'Longest 16 seconds of my life'2
• Opinion: Israel and the Iranian bomb0
• China: Too cheap to avoid a traffic jam?0

• Glassman hires new campaign manager3
• Kelly beats Paton in CD8, Glassman wins Dem Senate primary3
• Giffords: Arizona’s solar future starts today3
• Brewer: 'Longest 16 seconds of my life' 2
• Poll: Brewer leads Goddard by 19 points2

Zona 78’s menu reflects the inspired artistry and brilliance of both Chef/Owner Ramiro Scavo and Pastry Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph. Their stellar creations are lovingly made with great passion and detail.

Thanks to

Posted Feb 16, 2010, 11:26 am

Elsa Cook TucsonSentinel.com

I have discovered my new favorite pizza, the artisan pizza at Zona 78. I don’t know if it’s the local, organic produce, their own Zona-made mozzarella cheese or the perfectly crisp/chewy crust fired in a huge stone oven, but I can’t get enough of it.

Zona 78's menu reflects the artistry and brilliance of both Chef/Owner Ramiro Scavo and Pastry Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph. Their stellar creations are lovingly made with great passion and detail. I adore their liberal use of the freshest herbs and produce.

Some backstory: I love pizza. I could eat it everyday. Yes, I even eat it cold for breakfast. Back in the day, I have fought my way through Midtown traffic to South Sixth just to satisfy my craving for Shakey’s Pizza, down by the rodeo grounds.

Tucson is incredibly fortunate to have so many spots that bake up some of the finest pies in town. Depending on the tightness of my waistline or my budget, I could opt for a pillowy, thick crust, chunky fresh sauce and deep molten layers of cheese. For the late night munchies, I like a slightly greasy, but delicious and foldable Brooklyn-style slice. In a pinch, there are a couple of brands of frozen, store-bought pizzas that when “doctored up” a bit aren’t half bad.

You name ‘em, I’ve tried ‘em. Pizzeria Uno, Mario’s, Magpies, Fiorito‘s, Anthony‘s Deli, Sauce, Brooklyn Pizza… to name just a few. But I have to give it up for Zona 78.

Try the Tuscany, the pizzeria's best seller. This pie is loaded with savory toppings and local, organic produce. The pie bursts with fresh flavors of crunchy fennel, fragrant roasted garlic, juicy portobello mushrooms and chopped fresh basil. ($12.50)

The other craveable pizza is the BBQ Chicken, with a delicately smoky chipotle sauce, caramelized onions, free-range chicken, applewood bacon and a sprinkling of freshly chopped cilantro. ($12.00) The hand tossed pies come big enough for two to share. Or not.

But don’t stop at the pizza; sample the wonderful selection of appetizers and salads, and prepare yourself for a sumptuous lunch or dinner experience. I tried the Sweet Ricotta Bruschetta and fell in love with the creamy ricotta on Tuscan style bread, topped by sweet grilled pear, candied pecans and Prosciutto di Parma ($8.50). The combination of flavors and textures is irresistible.

My favorite salads at the restaurant are the Grilled Ahi Tuna with tender, sashimi grade ahi, served rare with organic arugula and Willcox tomatoes in a tangy, lemon-ginger vinaigrette ($13.50), and the Chop Chop salad, which features slivers of salty, dry salami, chopped turkey breast, juicy pear and Parmigiano-Reggiano. This salad is dressed with a beautifully light, sassy pear vinaigrette. ($9.50)

Zona 78 is my go-to choice when out of town guests come for a visit. I’m proud to show off Tucson’s culinary stars. A friend of mine from northern Italy loves the Tagliatelle Primavera ($12.50) and the Bianchi Pizza appetizer with white truffle oil. ($9)

Once a month at each location, Zona 78 offers wine tasting events. Each tasting features 5 wines along with 5 dishes, prepared by the chef and sommelier for a perfect pairing. Each wine tasting has a separate theme and reservations are required.

Both locations also offer weekly specials on wine. After all, what is good food without good wine?

I think the only poor choice one could make is not inviting your friends or co-workers to take part in the restaurant's happy hour with beers like Guinness Stout and Fat Tire Ale on tap. Zona 78 has two locations, one at 78 W. River Road (and Stone) and the other at 7301 E. Tanque Verde Road (and Sabino Canyon.) Both locations have consistently friendly, accommodating service. The moderate prices (dinner entrees between $8-17) and generous portions only add to the welcoming atmosphere.

Give yourself plenty of time to savor the wine, the amazing food, scrumptious desserts and Italian coffee. I revel in the sweet and silky Spumoni Cheesecake ($7) and flavorful fruit sorbettos($5).

For a lovely conclusion to your meal, savor some Sambuca alla Romana or imported Limoncello. You’ll feel as if you’ve had a mini-vacation to Tuscany and feasted in “la cucina” of a loving Italian family.