The food is amazing. I ordered the filet and my husband ordered the rib eye. The service was great as well. We had a very attentive waiter. Did not have to ask for water as in other reviews. The ambience is great, prices and food quality are great. I go to azul for any special occasion and never had a bad experience..
(5)
Kurt M.
My wife and I were not impressed. The quality of food and the price of food did not match up, and their service was slow, which I could understand if the restaurant had been busy, but it wasn't. My wife and I were looking for a new experience and this was a failed experiment.
(2)
Jennifer S.
This is actually a difficult review to write, so it needs to be broken down.... Atmosphere: 1 out of 5 stars-- We had to ask where Azul was located after walking into the Westin La Paloma. We were pointed in the direction of the stairs.... down the stairs to the breakfast buffet restaurant?!?! Yes, Azul is really not a "new restaurant", but new food in an old restaurant. The breakfast buffet station is still there, as are the chairs and uninspiring decor. The image portrayed by the website is the opposite as to the actual vibe (or lack of a vibe) in the restaurant. Boring tan carpet, plain cafeteria style banquettes with the addition of white table cloths. Brightly lit with a very eclectic music selection (opera.. classical... easy listening). Service: 2.5 out of 5 stars -- The service would be perfect... for a breakfast buffet, but doesn't match up with the food. Our bottled water was never poured for us, we weren't asked if we wanted another glass of wine. Forks were sometimes taken away, sometimes dropped.. but never replaced without asking. No offer for coffee or cocktail with dessert. Just average. Now the good stuff... Food: 4 out of 5 -- The food is a huge disconnect from the atmosphere and service. And that is a good thing. The food is labeled as mediterranean style. We had the Valentine's Day 4 course meal. Mine: seared scallop carpaccio with a delicious blood orange vinaigrette; ravioli stuffed with goat cheese and arugula; pan seared sea bass with brussels sprouts, bacon and maple butter sauce; dark chocolate valentine gateau. Never had scallop carpaccio (although the "seared" and "carpaccio" does seem to be a bit of a contradiction), but it was quite good. Ravioli was decent, but not too exciting. Sea bass was perfectly cooked and paired with a nice polenta. Dessert was delicious, with a champagne berry cream with strawberries on the side. Husband had: merlot braised oxtail; ravioli; pancetta wrapped beef tenderloin; same dessert. The braised oxtail was very flavorful and served with caramelized shallots on crostini - good mixture of flavors and texture. The tenderloin itself was a little bland, but definitely was perked up by the cognac mushroom ragout. We left somewhat confused... we really loved the food, but wished we could have carried the plates to someplace with nice ambiance and more upscale service. Almost like taking a plate of food from neighboring Janos and eating it at a Village Inn. Just odd. If they remodeled and retrained the servers, we would be back without hesitation, but as of now... not so sure.
(3)
Laszlo P.
As part of my review for the Westin La Paloma,as a whole, I had to credit Ramon at Azul for sharing his pictures from the recent fire in the mountains. Freaking amazing! As Angeleno tourists that knew nothing about this fire, he really made the night and had us staring at the mountains in awe. Cool guy. On to the food: The free range chicken was divine. Fellow Yelper JL always teases me about ordering chicken at a restaurant, but I always say that making a truly remarkable chicken is a sign of a great chef. It can go so wrong and oh so right. Glad to say, Azul made it right. Perfectly seared skin and juicy. The calamari was also fantastic. So nice, we ordered it twice in two days. The fig and mission burrata were also good. Almost too good, that we practically were full before the meal came. The cilantro lime shrimp salad was nice, but not as nice as the chicken. Overall, great time, romantic setting, juicy chicken. What a brilliant time!
(4)
Amy K.
I've eaten here once before during a previous Westin stay and was not impressed. All I remember was the ceviche definitely left something to be desired. However, I believe Azul makes the food for room service at the Westin, and my most recent meal was delish. If my assumptions on the room service are correct, the breakfast was perfectly made. I requested 2 poached eggs, wheat toast, and sausage. The sausage was a tad greasy, but it had a nice snap and good flavor. For dinner I ordered a glass of Washington chardonnay, the market salad, and the shrimp ravioli (quattro formaggio). The market salad had beets, carrots, pistachios, and some fancy greens over a horseradish cream. The cream was INTENSE and delicious. I loved the salad! The ravioli was supposed to come with 3 giant shrimp, but instead came with 7 LARGE shrimp - yay! There was a perfect amount of broccolini/roasted grape tomatoes/mushrooms, and the sage butter is to die for. Do note that you should NOT eat the sage.... I don't think I've ever cooked with sage nor remember specifically having sage... but it's INTENSE by itself. Don't eat the sage lol. I did respect that they weren't just button mushrooms, but also some fancy ones thrown in. I would order dinner again!
(4)
Betsy B.
The restaurant is in the Westin La Paloma hotel There is a lounge near the entrance and the restaurant is downstairs. Both have a wonderful view of the Catalina Mountains. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor patio seating. The menu is not large-two kinds of steak, chicken, pork chop, lasagne and scallops. They offer a tasting menu where you have a choice of two entrees and either a 2 or 3 course meal. The "cottonwood" is $55.00 for 3 courses including your choice of filet mignon or NY steak so is a pretty good deal. The organic chicken was a good meal-chicken was tender and sauce was tasty-came with 2 pieces of chicken. Service was very good.
(4)
JJ L.
Weary travelers we were. The bartender was on point and she set us straight after a looong drive from Scottsdale. They have this incredible outside patio with heated water fountain thing!! . Ensure you arrive well before sunset to watch the light against the hills. We returned later for a cocktail and our server Kimberlee was the most delightful person we have met on this trip. It's so nice to have a friendly face who takes the time.
(4)
Morgan J.
On Friday evening I attended a charity event at the La Paloma. It was in the ballroom so close to Azuls bar. My boyfriend and I figured we would wander down there to grab a couple of drinks since the ambiance was quite appealing. The bar was busy but not to the point service should have been poor.. Especially with two bartenders. The only reason I give two stars rather than one is because the male bartender seemed to be working quite hard and had a positive demeanor. On the other hand, the woman was absolutely awful. She was an older lady and beyond rude. The woman couldn't handling making more than a couple simple drinks at a time. I realized this since I heard a man order a double whiskey rocks, a vodka tonic, and a corona. I was standing next to him so I asked for a xx lager and corona, thinking it would save her time grabbing three beers at once rather than making multiple trips. Her response was "Shhh! Shhh!!" As she put her hand out at me motioning to stop. Needless to say I turned around and left the bar. I haven't been treated so poorly at a nice resort let alone any restaurant bar. I think it goes unsaid that I will not be returning to this establishment again.
(2)
Kenny W.
I was impressed with the resort and its amenities, however the food was not the best. The pork chop was dry as the ground outside. For the price you would expect more out of the food. The server didn't ask how our food was nor did he check on us enough. When I return next year I would not get food there.
(2)
Roland P.
We've had breakfast at Azul several times and always enjoyed it. Last night was our first dinner experience at Azul. The environment is very nice and the presentation good. What was lacking was flavor. My scallops had a strange off putting chemical flavor and my wife's pasta dish was bland and flavorless.
(2)
Tim C.
First of all, the food was fantastic. The service was awful. We had a glass of wine and an appetizer each...it took an hour and a half to get in and out. The restaurant wasn't busy. The wait staff was emotionless and unenthusiastic. We were there for 20 minutes before we were poured water...he mumbled something incoherent; another 20 before our waiter came by. After an hour the bread came and two minutes later the food. When we were finished the busboy simply took our plates without saying anything.
(2)
Miller A.
My filet mignon was great my salad was terrible. Service was super slow for us. But we sat near a larger party that came after we did and left before we did. For a $100 meal for two adults and a 2 year old. I was not impressed.
(3)
Katie H.
A much better-than-average hotel restaurant. Always a little hesitant to try them, but the food (the little I had) and service were both great. Had the three sisters salad and it was VERY TASTY! Not sure how healthy it was (the main reason for ordering a salad for me) but it had great/interesting flavors, a light dressing, good crunch, and lots of freshness. Nice wine list and good selection of drinks. Had the Washington Chte Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon and it was outstanding (at 11 a glass- not too bad). Complimentary bread was brought to the table which was warm, fresh and sinfully delectable. Overall a great choice.
(4)
JP A.
Very attentive and wine knowledgable server. She recommended the filet and it didn't disappoint. Rubbed with spices and topped with jalapeño, jicama slaw. She was happy to sub the mash for some veggies. Pared with a nice cab. Not too shabby for a hotel restaurant.
(4)
Susan P.
Disappointment! =/ My boyfriend and I stayed at the Westin resort so we wanted to try this restaurant that was there. We also had a gift certificate that we wanted to use so we ended up eating here for our anniversary dinner. I can't believe how disappointing it was. We ordered the calamari to start which I thought was a bit salty and I've never had calamari that was topped with greens before. lol. For the entree I ordered the Salmon while my boyfriend ordered the Pork Chop. My Salmon was tiny and was not anything great at all. I've definitely had better. I think the most disappointing part was that the food was just ok, but it was about $25 a plate with NO sides. Each additional side would be $7. The only good thing I would say was the the customer service was excellent. My glass was always filled and everyone was extremely friendly. Other than that, I wouldn't come back for $25 a plate for just "ok" food.
(3)
Vera D.
Oh my, this was a delight. Especially after reading some of the reviews. We were seated immediately, had service immediately and were continually being pampered and served immediately. Krista was our server, she was very attentive and took care of our every dining need. We ordered champagne as we were celebrating our 17th anniversary. She asked if we were celebrating a special event or was it just a champagne type night. We shared with her it was our anniversary. She immediately said it would be their pleasure to comp us dessert. We shared a Caesar salad, it was an average salad, I'm glad we shared it because it was alot of salad. Then we both ordered provençale dijon crusted rack of lamb. Our sides were fresh grilled asparagus and baked cauliflower gratin. Every item was delectable! I couldn't find anything to fault them. They made our anniversary so very special and a wonderful experience. Not only was the meal delicious, but the dessert they served was served on a plate that said Happy Anniversary! To top this all off we had a coupon for $25 off, which even made our evening sweeter than sweet! I totally recommend this restaurant to anyone celebrating a special event or just to have a delectable dining experience.
(4)
Michael L.
Had dinner here last Monday with family and friends. Overall the experience was good. The guacamole appetizer was generous but needed some salt. Service was also good but for a Monday night, it was probably on the slow side. It was cold outside so we didn't enjoy the scenery that others have mentioned. I had the grilled pork chop and it was done nicely. Good portion and cooked nicely... It went well with the carrot puree. Based on what others were saying about their meals, it was good but not great. Would probably come back on a warmer night to sit outside and enjoy the scenery.
(3)
Elyse P.
Not impressed, Azul. Had we not had a coupon, I would have been seriously disappointed. Our waitress was sweet, but totally clueless. The menu is not large - we asked one question, which she didn't know the answer to. The calamari was maybe the worst I've ever had. It was cold and looked like it had been sitting on the plate awhile. The sauce was just slopped on. It tasted like I was eating a pretzel in mustard sauce. Very strange. We each ordered the steak meal - steak, a salad, and side. Our steaks arrived in an appropriate time frame, but where were our salads? The kitchen was super backed up according to our waitress. Not sure if that makes sense - how could they cook a steak, but not slap a salad on a plate? The salads came out literally 30-40 minutes after the steak. They were nothing special, but fresh, at least. I ordered my steak medium - it was definitely cooked well - but it had good flavor. The mashed potatoes and the brussel sprouts were good. The waitress brought the bill without asking if we wanted dessert, which we did. Our bill was $96 and we needed to spend $100. We then ordered the key lime gateau. Who knows how long it was sitting out because it had a dried coating on top - like cooked jello. It was impossible to eat with the film on top - we would have had to use a knife, so I scraped it off ... mmmm .... lovely. I won't be back.
(2)
Kathy L.
On my last visit to the Westin La Paloma, I made my way to the AZuL bar for a late night snack. The cool, electric blue lights pull you in, and beckon you to "come hither." I was well satisfied with a tasty Farmer's Market Salad featuring fresh arugula, carrots, and avocado. I opted for the calamari appetizer, as well (as I often do, if I see it on a menu). It was fair, but not the best I've ever encountered. Even if I didn't enjoy the food, I would stop by just for the cocktails and the view. They have several clever & creative martini choices here. The 'Royal Blue' (crafted with acai blueberry vodka, Chambord, Cointreau, and cranberry), sent me off to bed with sweet dreams. The next day, my crew and I sat in the spacious lounge area, soaking up the gorgeous Tucson views. I have yet to try the full restaurant. We just wanted to nibble on a few apps, so I selected the fries with black and white truffle aioli, and the antipasti plate with burrata, prosciutto, nectarines, & aged balsamic. I also decided to take a chance on the calamari again. The fries and antipasti were quite good, but the calamari seemed even more lackluster this time. It is described as pecan crusted (although it appeared most of pecans were on the plate vs. on the calamari) with an avocado poblano crema and chile de arbol salsa. It is a stellar concept, just not executed very well on these 2 occasions. My delightful 'Pear with a Punch' martini (pear vodka, Pama, sweet & sour) soothed any minor quibbles I had with the calamari, though. I'm sure I will make my way back to AZuL bar & lounge again soon. I think it's a fab "date" or "girls/guys night out" spot.
(4)
Jennifer S.
5 Star View and Setting for Breakfast, but 3 Star Food and Service...the view was stunning on the patio overlooking the pool and the mountains. The breakfast buffet was good, but nothing extraordinary. Service was slow, but very friendly!
(4)
Joshua B.
Azul is definitely a favorite of mine. When I want to take my friends and family out to a place where I know the service and food will be spectacular, I take them to Azul. Azul has really worked hard on every detail of their dining experience. They have a wonderful atmosphere, excellent service, and great food. All their effort has turned Azul into a truly amazing experience. This is what fine dining is supposed to be! I've had almost every item on their current menu, and I'm adamant that this is their best menu yet. My favorite still has to be the seared braised rabbit and pancetta galette dish! This is the best rabbit dish I've ever had, and the pancetta galette is a crisp and gooey delight! Every dish I've had, from the slow roasted free range chicken, to the pork chop Milanese, has been exquisite. Chef Amanda has really made this menu shine, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. If you sit near the windows, you can take in the breath taking views of the mountains while you dine. If music is your thing, then maybe you could sit near one of the many live acts they often have playing in various spots around the restaurant. But regardless of where you sit, the staff has got you covered. Their excellently trained staff is on the top of their game. They never leave you wanting for anything. When you go to Azul, they really have you covered. Azul is one of my favorite places in town. The staff is always friendly and efficient, the ambience is always what I'm in the mood for, and the food is always out of this world.
(5)
Mark N.
They have redone their menu since I was here last summer and it was delicious!!! I was a little bit disappointed in the artichoke that we started off with, however, I had the steak for dinner and it was amazing!!!! Had the bacon wrapped shrimp also for an appetizer and it was delicious!! Excited for dinner tomorrow night!
(4)
Corey D.
I should probably preface this by saying I've never tried their food. The views are spectacular and the bar area has a nice open feeling, but I just don't feel like anyone goes out of their way to make the evening remarkable. Staff trots around helping tables on multiple levels it seems, they rarely make eye contact, and short of snapping it's hard to have a server come by your table. I'd probably spend more time here if I felt like people cared about my experience, but that just doesn't seem to be the case.
(3)
Susan B.
I took my 94 year old mother to the Westin Resort and decided to stay in and dine at Azul. The staff was waiting for us and could not have been more attentive, friendly and helpful. The food was perfect; we had the scallops and New York Steak. Both entrees came with a starch and vegetable. They were beautifully presented. The cocktails, appetizer and dessert were equally as good.
(5)
Andrea G.
The dining trio of my mother, Gary (husband) and I was intact and ready for new culinary experiences. So off we went to Azul. It's a lovely restaurant on the lower level at La Paloma, with fantastic views of the noble Catalina Mountains. The summer can be a much quieter time at an early dinner dining hour at resorts, and we found it pretty much the case when we visited. We decided to try soups, salads and entrees on this visit. Everything is a la carte, so bring a well-padded wallet or credit card account. Dinner rolls were tasty with a crusty exterior with soft interior, served with virgin olive oil and pepper. We also asked for balsamic vinegar, which is so good with olive oil. Gary's French onion soup was the winner, hands down! A generous crock with baked-on cheese arrived. It was full of sweet onions in a lovely bouillon (not too salty) that was actually a little sweet. I had to wrench myself away from gobbling more of it (It was Gary's dish). My mom's bean and ham soup was also tasty, with a light clear base. Just watch out for some fatty ham pieces (used to season it, I'm sure). I ordered a basic salad with a delicious (citrus?) dressing. It was a great mix of greens and veggies, including arugula. We had been tempted by some entrees we saw listed on the Entertainment Book page for Azul, but found that the menu had changed and those dishes were no longer offered. The meals we purchased ranged from $19 to $28. Gary's chicken was tasty and mom's sea bass was served filet-style at her request (normally served tail-on & head-on). It was tender and tasty, a slight bit salty. My salmon was very delicious and perfectly cooked. It also was a tad bit salty (as if it had been salted just before serving it). We opted not to order the side vegetables, which sounded great, but we did not think we'd have room for them ($7 each side). The service was friendly and prompt. We enjoyed our meals and that great view. It is a bit upscale in cost for a la carte and the portions. See photos. I would suggest the restaurant consider adding some greens or rice-or something-to the plate to give it some substance. And if you want a snack or light meal, that French onion soup would hit the spot!
(4)
Deston N.
Russell Michel is off to an amazing start at Azul. The new chef is in the process of moving to a new menu, but no matter what he conjures up, I hope he keeps his rack of lamb, which is some of the tastiest I've ever had. The chicken was simple, but moist and tasty, and the chocolate tort dessert was truly memorable. Other hits were the scallops and the side of mashed potatoes (the sides are really substantial at a reasonable price) and the extremely rich mac and cheese (I hate there two nights in a row). The mixed berry cobbler wasn't very tasty, so that's one to skip. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, making both evenings very enjoyable.
(5)
Tamica S.
Seriously, I love this place. I have been going to Azul on an d off for quite a while. It is such a pretty place to go haAng out. The food is amazing. The one time that I had bad service there the manager more than made up for it. Now the service is top notch, as is everything else in this place. The layout is perfect for small groups of 3-6 people with comfy chairs and sofas. The bar area is set up so that even when there is music playing you can still carry on a conversation without having to yell. Go for the beauty, stay for the food and go back for the wonderful time you had there.
(5)
Bianca A.
We spent a weekend at La Paloma and while there we spent some time and lots of money at the Azul Lounge. The views are amazing but a lot of the seating is faced away from the mountains which doesn't make sense. Service was slow at first but we arrived in the middle of happy hour so we just helped ourselves to the bartender. Everyone was friendly enough but $20 for 2 cocktails is way overpriced. Nothing fancy just some Captain and cokes. I understand you're a resort but really? We had a couple then ventured out. The next day we went to the restaurant and enjoyed their breakfast buffet which was a very nice spread and even prettier to look at. They had something for everyone and setup so you could easily find and help yourself to anything from scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, sweet breads, toast, oatmeal, salsas, yogurt and fresh fruit and jams. Delicious! I'm not sure I'd go out of my way for breakfast but we did enjoy it while we were there.
(3)
Arnold M.
Ambiance-3 stars(construction blocked view Service- 5 star Food-4 star Price- Pricey Had a coupon which helped the price but the main entree portion was small. Very tasty but small. Salad was very good. Bread was fresh. Beer was cold. Mac-n-Cheese was great. I would rate this a 3 for the value. But I guess you don't eat at a hotel restaurant for value...
(3)
Karl S.
New Years Eve Dinner. Classy joint. Nice ambiance. Decent price for a nice upscale dinner. Wait staff was friendly and attentive.
(4)
matthew G.
We went to Azul as a family our first night in Tucson since we were staying at La Paloma. The restaurant seemed to be woefully understaffed and it took forever to place a drink order. I ordered a merlot and it tasted like it had been stored outside in the 105º heat..., roasted and raisiny. The waiter brought another glass after a while, from a new bottle, problem solved for the moment. I ordered the ribeye, medium rare. The steak they served was less than an inch thick and medium well. The waiter brought a replacement, 20 minutes later, that was rarer than rare. Everyone else was already finished with their meals, so I choked it down. Overall, way too expensive for such a lack luster experience. My advice, drive to one of the many great restaurants within a few miles of the resort (Wild Flower was awesome) and skip eating here.
(2)
D G.
The outdoor patio at sunset is a majestic setting. However, the food needs more attention. The calamari was tender but was overly oily. The roasted chicken breast was on the done side.
(3)
Carrie B.
Whether you're staying at the Westin La Paloma or just looking for a picturesque dining venue, a dinner at Azul fits the bill. Entry to the main lobby of the hotel is stunning & spacious. Then you take a dramatic wide staircase down past a "floating" lounge to find Azul. Parking is also easy as pie but, it is up a little hill from the garage. Thankfully there is a little elevator to save anyone in heels. The windows are HUGE in there and we marveled at the mountainous scenery as well as the hotel's surrounding grounds. The servers were great. They were aloof but, available- a perfect combination of there when we needed them and not when we didn't. They were knowledgeable about the menu and adroit and helping us choose menu items and drinks, too. A holiday dinner with our family including kids was a great experience. The kids walked around the lobby & gift shop when they got tired of the adults chatter. The restaurant was not overly filled so that we never wanted for anything. I liked the mushroom risotto a lot and the cookies and milk platter for dessert was a huge hit with everybody. I will always remember a nice night out at the holidays with my extended family and the quick walk back to their rooms via the neatly lit walkways in the crisp air. It's not exactly a 5 star restaurant because it's attached to a hotel. It's hard to recommend taking a first date to a hotel restaurant. But, if you're in the "off the beaten path" mood or have some folks you know staying there, for sure give it a whirl!
(4)
Shawn C.
Romantic ambiance, AMAZING service, and options not found on other Tucson menus! Rib-eye cooked perfectly & whole grilled sea bass. Whipped potatoes with marscapone and brussel spouts with apple wood bacon both a must try. ***Desserts are lacking, stay away from the "molten cake" ( it was molten alright, burnt to the core) and the panna cotta( made with oh so many gelatin strips).
(4)
Tori B.
I went to Azul with some girlfriends during a bachelorette weekend at the Westin La Paloma. We ate here twice. Once for dinner and once for breakfast (to-go). I found the service to be slow at times, but the food was decent and we were in no rush. For dinner, we all shared some of the small plates and appetizers. I really liked the pork belly sliders and surprisingly I really like the calamari, which is something I don't normally eat. We weren't impressed with the cheese plate, which was lacking most everything... nuts, fruits, etc. Since we were there celebrating a special occasion, our waitress threw in a chocolate lava cake for dessert. I consider myself a chocolate lava cake connoisseur and I thought it was top notch. For breakfast we decided to take our food to-go so we could sit by the pool. I had the egg and cheese flatbread, which didn't really wow me. I can't speak for the other girls, but they did seem to enjoy their food. For what it's worth, I would go back again because Azul served a very important purpose in our weekend. I think they could provide better service and lower prices a bit to get more customers to flock there, but that's just my two cents!
(3)
Logie Z.
Really, stars for the service and food. I'm generous enough to add the extra star for the cool blue ambiance. We checked in later in the evening and decided to have something light for dinner. The restaurant wasn't very busy when we were seated. My hubby and I pondered over the menu and decided to share the beet salad with goat cheese ($13), calamari fritto ($12), roasted tomato and mussels ($13). The KIDS MENU had a choice of pasta with marinara, but opted for pasta with butter and parmesan ($7) for my little cutie pie. The food is so-so and nothing exciting. My son's pasta was undercooked and they forgot to put the parmesan cheese. I should have sent it back but I didn't. Our server was not rude or anything. She just wasn't as attentive for working at a self proclaimed upscale restaurant. The busboy didn't pick up the bread plates, so we stacked them. Our drinking glasses were only filled when we asked for it. The Sunday brunch didn't look all too appetizing or even worth the money, so we headed for AJ's down the street. We would rather eat out for dinner or eat lunch at Sabino's swim up bar.
(3)
Ron R.
We ended up getting stuck here due to the gas outage so it was nice to actually spend some time here. I thought the lounge atmosphere was nice. It's definitely something Tucson needs. The crowd is a little older then I would have liked. The drinks were pricey and small but tasty so thumbs up to the bartender. The food was shockingly good. I read some negative comments and I have to disagree. I tried the wings and the panini. Both were above par. The wings were different then anything I've ever eaten. Good job! The panini needed salt but was good overall. The price is pricey! Go during happy our and get it half off. I'll be back....
(4)
Yana K.
Extremely disappointing. I was here for a convention and due to time constraints was limited to my lunch options. First thing I noticed was the lack of smiles on the hosts' faces. Do you really hate your job this much? It does not have to be a genuine smile (although it would be nice), but please, please, do not make me feel like I am inconveniencing you. My second issue with this place was that they had a guest list going for the tables yet there were empty tables (apparently waiting to be bussed) the entire time I ended up waiting for my salad to go (which was about 15 minutes). Which brings me to my last point: the salad. I ordered a $16 salad advertized to include kale, arugula, tomatoes, croutons, mandarins, and garlic-roasted shrimp. Well, there were four shrimps (garlic - yes, roasted - not really; I felt like I was eating barely warm garlic butter dipped shrimpies), one halved cherry (!) tomato (the tiniest I have ever seen), two pieces of mandarin, and two little croutons. I estimated the value of this salad to be approximately $4.15. I guess I hope that the arugula and kale will allow me to last through the next four hours of seminars. Kudos to the restaurant for assisting me in my weight loss (trying to lose a couple of pounds for my wedding), but for those with healthy appetites, this place is not worth your time, money, or palates.
(2)
Lizzy L.
Great, friendly service and the eggs bene is pretty tasty. Great presentation even though I ordered my hollandaise on the side.
(4)
Vivetkah M.
Sorry, the waiter was attentive and friendly but the fish I ordered was tasteless and overcooked even though I had specifically requested it to be slightly cooked and the portion was very small ) I took three teaspoons and was done)The vegetables were flavorless and needed more cooking. The mixed salad hardly had any dressing and had red peppers that needed to be sliced thinner. For the price of it all it wasn't worth it. I would go there for drinks next time or for coffee and a desert which was the only thing ok. Thei tiramisu was too sweet and the portion was small for the price . It hardly had any cake to It. The service needed more attention to see if we needed anything as we had to call them for water, Eric and there wasn't that many people.
(2)
Melissa H.
Came here for breakfast. Was staying at the Westin and needed to pop in for a quick breakfast. The service is good, not polished, but earnest. Had a quick breakfast of veggies in and eggwhite wrap. It was tasty, but it came drowned in butter. I wished I had mentioned that they should go easy on the butter. The fruit it came with was exceedingly fresh. The price wasn't great, but then again I was at a Westin and expected that I'd have to pay a premium.
(3)
Mike B.
In two years in Tucson, our best two meals have been at Azul. We have tried the roast chicken, which sounds boring, but was slightly crunchy on the outside and tasty throughout. We have also sampled the scallops, salmon, and mahi mahi, as well as 3 or 4 of the sides. It is one of those high-end restaurants that provide small portions, but we had a coupon both times. It is pricey, but the results were excellent.
(5)
Stewart T.
My wife and I went there for Valentines diner. When I made the reservation, I was not told it was a fixed menu. So we were not very happy with the surprise! They seated us 35 minutes after our reservation time. Again not happy! Wait staff did the best they could but the food was marginal at best. The table next to ours ask to see the manager, who never did stop by. He just took 50% off their bill. We talked to waitress about how tough the steaks were and thought the manager might come by but he just took 20% off our bill. This one of the worst displays of what a manager is suppose to do! Very disappointing! Will not be back!!!!!
(1)
Cragganmore C.
Of course "azul" means "blue" in Spanish. What made me blue was the lackluster service and mediocre food. The views are spectacular but the setting is just so/so. If you think this approaches anything hip or loungey I pity you. The multiple levels really don't work either as noise carries too much. Now that Janos and J-Bar is gone there's really no reason to head up there if you're a local.
(2)
Jeff B.
Came here for breakfast and was irritated and disappointed almost immediately. I called down from my room to see how late the breakfast buffet was being served. I was told 11am. I strolled down at 10:15 to find them clearing the buffet. I asked what was going on and they said there weren't many people so they shut it down early. That would have been nice to know earlier, I could have come down sooner. I was offered the option of ordering off the menu, which I reluctantly agreed to. Then came the service. In a word... Terrible. I had to wait nearly 15 min to even be seen by a server. All the while bussers were tearing down tables around me (and the other 4 people in the restaurant). The waiter took my order but never offered any water and it was another 10 minutes before he returned with my juice - It's not as if he had a lot if other tables. The menu was boring and uninspired. I was really hoping for a good meal. Oh well - I hope I never have to return.
(2)
John H.
The food was well done, but the wait staff were quite young and didn't know the food or wine very well.
(4)
Ursula K.
This restaurant is the reason I finally got a yelp id. It was unfortunately a terrible dining experience. I had the rolled noodle with shrimp and the boyfriend had chioppino. My dinner was practically inedible. The waiter, although pleasant, was one if those who said everything on the menu us really good. Wish that had been true. The chioppino seemed ok but a small portion for the price. The only nice thing was the nice view of the mountains.
(2)
HArriet K.
Very creative chef - we have dined twice and sampled 4 separate appetizers and 4 entree's.... all were very special. The dining room is quiet elegance and service professional, available but not intrusive. You look out over swimming pools and waterfall with the Catalina Mountains in the background. Sunset on the mountains - lovely food, good wine list - just a beautiful evening.
(4)
Jeff F.
I'm giving them 3 stars instead of 2 because at least they're trying here... They're going for a kind of upscale chill-out lounge vibe, which is pretty bold for Tucson, which tends to vacillate between two extremes: either a kind of 1993 grunge aesthetic on the one hand and a 1989 Kenny G fern bar vibe on the other. The seating is spacious and very comfortable and it's a great place for a date where you actually want to talk or a business conversation. Unfortunately, despite the fancy lights and reasonably cool music you are still at the Westin La Paloma, so how cool can it really be? But I appreciate the effort. Ghost Bar, it ain't. The bar has their act together. Perfect drink execution. The menu, alas, is a different story. We tried 2 or 3 things during their happy hour and they were all, frankly speaking, horrible. Service was friendly. The manager came over and talked to us and asked, for no particular reason, if he could offer us something on the house. We got the middle eastern plate. It was really, really sad. Two pieces of romaine lettuce with about a tablespoon of hummus on each and a small piece of pita bread. $16!!! We literally looked at it and laughed. Once again, I have to ask, did nobody in Tucson go to culinary school? Even at the Westin? Everyone seems to just be making it up as they go along at every restaurant in town here. (By the way, what is it with the middle eastern places and pita bread in this town? You always get one piece of pita bread. What the hell? It's pita bread. It's cheap! I really don't get it.) Anyway, our bill comes and we'd been charged for the sad little hummus plate. I pointed it out to the server and she cheerfully took it off. We would definitely go back for cocktails but I would pass on the menu.
(3)
Holly P.
Went out to lunch at Azul. The restaurant area was very quiet, kind of odd to be the only one dining in a restaurant, but there was a great view of the mountains. The architecture of the Westin is beautiful, a lot more upscale than what you would normally find in Tucson. The waitress was friendly, and started us off with warm bread with oil and pesto that was delicious. My boyfriend and I shared a carafe of Sangria that was also very good. The portion size of our lunch was quite large. I ordered a spicy shrimp meal with fries and it was probably the best shrimp I've ever had. My boyfriend had a panini that was also quite tasty. Not what you would normally expect for hotel food.
(4)
Pam W.
Tasty cocktails and delicious steak. The atmosphere is nice. I ate here during Shannon's Slumber Party and it beat the hell out of the crap they were selling there.
(4)
A G.
The short ribs appetizers - very tough. Chicken - OK but nothing spectacular. Berry cobbler was good. Service was very good.
(2)
Stephanie F.
A-OK, Exactly. Naturally, we were drawn to the gorgeous restaurant nestled right next to the reception desk. We were staying at La Paloma for the weekend so I came down here for drinks frequently that were pretty good, however when I tried this place for lunch it wasn't that good. Tried the Mediterranean-style wrap sandwich, and the bread was so thick with very little meat. The desserts were good, especially the warm cobbler with ice cream and the tiramisu. Not enough to salvage the meal however.
(3)
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Address :The Westin La Paloma,3800 E Sunrise Dr
Tucson, AZ, 85718
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Valet, Garage Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Lina T.
The food is amazing. I ordered the filet and my husband ordered the rib eye. The service was great as well. We had a very attentive waiter. Did not have to ask for water as in other reviews. The ambience is great, prices and food quality are great. I go to azul for any special occasion and never had a bad experience..
(5)Kurt M.
My wife and I were not impressed. The quality of food and the price of food did not match up, and their service was slow, which I could understand if the restaurant had been busy, but it wasn't. My wife and I were looking for a new experience and this was a failed experiment.
(2)Jennifer S.
This is actually a difficult review to write, so it needs to be broken down.... Atmosphere: 1 out of 5 stars-- We had to ask where Azul was located after walking into the Westin La Paloma. We were pointed in the direction of the stairs.... down the stairs to the breakfast buffet restaurant?!?! Yes, Azul is really not a "new restaurant", but new food in an old restaurant. The breakfast buffet station is still there, as are the chairs and uninspiring decor. The image portrayed by the website is the opposite as to the actual vibe (or lack of a vibe) in the restaurant. Boring tan carpet, plain cafeteria style banquettes with the addition of white table cloths. Brightly lit with a very eclectic music selection (opera.. classical... easy listening). Service: 2.5 out of 5 stars -- The service would be perfect... for a breakfast buffet, but doesn't match up with the food. Our bottled water was never poured for us, we weren't asked if we wanted another glass of wine. Forks were sometimes taken away, sometimes dropped.. but never replaced without asking. No offer for coffee or cocktail with dessert. Just average. Now the good stuff... Food: 4 out of 5 -- The food is a huge disconnect from the atmosphere and service. And that is a good thing. The food is labeled as mediterranean style. We had the Valentine's Day 4 course meal. Mine: seared scallop carpaccio with a delicious blood orange vinaigrette; ravioli stuffed with goat cheese and arugula; pan seared sea bass with brussels sprouts, bacon and maple butter sauce; dark chocolate valentine gateau. Never had scallop carpaccio (although the "seared" and "carpaccio" does seem to be a bit of a contradiction), but it was quite good. Ravioli was decent, but not too exciting. Sea bass was perfectly cooked and paired with a nice polenta. Dessert was delicious, with a champagne berry cream with strawberries on the side. Husband had: merlot braised oxtail; ravioli; pancetta wrapped beef tenderloin; same dessert. The braised oxtail was very flavorful and served with caramelized shallots on crostini - good mixture of flavors and texture. The tenderloin itself was a little bland, but definitely was perked up by the cognac mushroom ragout. We left somewhat confused... we really loved the food, but wished we could have carried the plates to someplace with nice ambiance and more upscale service. Almost like taking a plate of food from neighboring Janos and eating it at a Village Inn. Just odd. If they remodeled and retrained the servers, we would be back without hesitation, but as of now... not so sure.
(3)Laszlo P.
As part of my review for the Westin La Paloma,as a whole, I had to credit Ramon at Azul for sharing his pictures from the recent fire in the mountains. Freaking amazing! As Angeleno tourists that knew nothing about this fire, he really made the night and had us staring at the mountains in awe. Cool guy. On to the food: The free range chicken was divine. Fellow Yelper JL always teases me about ordering chicken at a restaurant, but I always say that making a truly remarkable chicken is a sign of a great chef. It can go so wrong and oh so right. Glad to say, Azul made it right. Perfectly seared skin and juicy. The calamari was also fantastic. So nice, we ordered it twice in two days. The fig and mission burrata were also good. Almost too good, that we practically were full before the meal came. The cilantro lime shrimp salad was nice, but not as nice as the chicken. Overall, great time, romantic setting, juicy chicken. What a brilliant time!
(4)Amy K.
I've eaten here once before during a previous Westin stay and was not impressed. All I remember was the ceviche definitely left something to be desired. However, I believe Azul makes the food for room service at the Westin, and my most recent meal was delish. If my assumptions on the room service are correct, the breakfast was perfectly made. I requested 2 poached eggs, wheat toast, and sausage. The sausage was a tad greasy, but it had a nice snap and good flavor. For dinner I ordered a glass of Washington chardonnay, the market salad, and the shrimp ravioli (quattro formaggio). The market salad had beets, carrots, pistachios, and some fancy greens over a horseradish cream. The cream was INTENSE and delicious. I loved the salad! The ravioli was supposed to come with 3 giant shrimp, but instead came with 7 LARGE shrimp - yay! There was a perfect amount of broccolini/roasted grape tomatoes/mushrooms, and the sage butter is to die for. Do note that you should NOT eat the sage.... I don't think I've ever cooked with sage nor remember specifically having sage... but it's INTENSE by itself. Don't eat the sage lol. I did respect that they weren't just button mushrooms, but also some fancy ones thrown in. I would order dinner again!
(4)Betsy B.
The restaurant is in the Westin La Paloma hotel There is a lounge near the entrance and the restaurant is downstairs. Both have a wonderful view of the Catalina Mountains. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor patio seating. The menu is not large-two kinds of steak, chicken, pork chop, lasagne and scallops. They offer a tasting menu where you have a choice of two entrees and either a 2 or 3 course meal. The "cottonwood" is $55.00 for 3 courses including your choice of filet mignon or NY steak so is a pretty good deal. The organic chicken was a good meal-chicken was tender and sauce was tasty-came with 2 pieces of chicken. Service was very good.
(4)JJ L.
Weary travelers we were. The bartender was on point and she set us straight after a looong drive from Scottsdale. They have this incredible outside patio with heated water fountain thing!! . Ensure you arrive well before sunset to watch the light against the hills. We returned later for a cocktail and our server Kimberlee was the most delightful person we have met on this trip. It's so nice to have a friendly face who takes the time.
(4)Morgan J.
On Friday evening I attended a charity event at the La Paloma. It was in the ballroom so close to Azuls bar. My boyfriend and I figured we would wander down there to grab a couple of drinks since the ambiance was quite appealing. The bar was busy but not to the point service should have been poor.. Especially with two bartenders. The only reason I give two stars rather than one is because the male bartender seemed to be working quite hard and had a positive demeanor. On the other hand, the woman was absolutely awful. She was an older lady and beyond rude. The woman couldn't handling making more than a couple simple drinks at a time. I realized this since I heard a man order a double whiskey rocks, a vodka tonic, and a corona. I was standing next to him so I asked for a xx lager and corona, thinking it would save her time grabbing three beers at once rather than making multiple trips. Her response was "Shhh! Shhh!!" As she put her hand out at me motioning to stop. Needless to say I turned around and left the bar. I haven't been treated so poorly at a nice resort let alone any restaurant bar. I think it goes unsaid that I will not be returning to this establishment again.
(2)Kenny W.
I was impressed with the resort and its amenities, however the food was not the best. The pork chop was dry as the ground outside. For the price you would expect more out of the food. The server didn't ask how our food was nor did he check on us enough. When I return next year I would not get food there.
(2)Roland P.
We've had breakfast at Azul several times and always enjoyed it. Last night was our first dinner experience at Azul. The environment is very nice and the presentation good. What was lacking was flavor. My scallops had a strange off putting chemical flavor and my wife's pasta dish was bland and flavorless.
(2)Tim C.
First of all, the food was fantastic. The service was awful. We had a glass of wine and an appetizer each...it took an hour and a half to get in and out. The restaurant wasn't busy. The wait staff was emotionless and unenthusiastic. We were there for 20 minutes before we were poured water...he mumbled something incoherent; another 20 before our waiter came by. After an hour the bread came and two minutes later the food. When we were finished the busboy simply took our plates without saying anything.
(2)Miller A.
My filet mignon was great my salad was terrible. Service was super slow for us. But we sat near a larger party that came after we did and left before we did. For a $100 meal for two adults and a 2 year old. I was not impressed.
(3)Katie H.
A much better-than-average hotel restaurant. Always a little hesitant to try them, but the food (the little I had) and service were both great. Had the three sisters salad and it was VERY TASTY! Not sure how healthy it was (the main reason for ordering a salad for me) but it had great/interesting flavors, a light dressing, good crunch, and lots of freshness. Nice wine list and good selection of drinks. Had the Washington Chte Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon and it was outstanding (at 11 a glass- not too bad). Complimentary bread was brought to the table which was warm, fresh and sinfully delectable. Overall a great choice.
(4)JP A.
Very attentive and wine knowledgable server. She recommended the filet and it didn't disappoint. Rubbed with spices and topped with jalapeño, jicama slaw. She was happy to sub the mash for some veggies. Pared with a nice cab. Not too shabby for a hotel restaurant.
(4)Susan P.
Disappointment! =/ My boyfriend and I stayed at the Westin resort so we wanted to try this restaurant that was there. We also had a gift certificate that we wanted to use so we ended up eating here for our anniversary dinner. I can't believe how disappointing it was. We ordered the calamari to start which I thought was a bit salty and I've never had calamari that was topped with greens before. lol. For the entree I ordered the Salmon while my boyfriend ordered the Pork Chop. My Salmon was tiny and was not anything great at all. I've definitely had better. I think the most disappointing part was that the food was just ok, but it was about $25 a plate with NO sides. Each additional side would be $7. The only good thing I would say was the the customer service was excellent. My glass was always filled and everyone was extremely friendly. Other than that, I wouldn't come back for $25 a plate for just "ok" food.
(3)Vera D.
Oh my, this was a delight. Especially after reading some of the reviews. We were seated immediately, had service immediately and were continually being pampered and served immediately. Krista was our server, she was very attentive and took care of our every dining need. We ordered champagne as we were celebrating our 17th anniversary. She asked if we were celebrating a special event or was it just a champagne type night. We shared with her it was our anniversary. She immediately said it would be their pleasure to comp us dessert. We shared a Caesar salad, it was an average salad, I'm glad we shared it because it was alot of salad. Then we both ordered provençale dijon crusted rack of lamb. Our sides were fresh grilled asparagus and baked cauliflower gratin. Every item was delectable! I couldn't find anything to fault them. They made our anniversary so very special and a wonderful experience. Not only was the meal delicious, but the dessert they served was served on a plate that said Happy Anniversary! To top this all off we had a coupon for $25 off, which even made our evening sweeter than sweet! I totally recommend this restaurant to anyone celebrating a special event or just to have a delectable dining experience.
(4)Michael L.
Had dinner here last Monday with family and friends. Overall the experience was good. The guacamole appetizer was generous but needed some salt. Service was also good but for a Monday night, it was probably on the slow side. It was cold outside so we didn't enjoy the scenery that others have mentioned. I had the grilled pork chop and it was done nicely. Good portion and cooked nicely... It went well with the carrot puree. Based on what others were saying about their meals, it was good but not great. Would probably come back on a warmer night to sit outside and enjoy the scenery.
(3)Elyse P.
Not impressed, Azul. Had we not had a coupon, I would have been seriously disappointed. Our waitress was sweet, but totally clueless. The menu is not large - we asked one question, which she didn't know the answer to. The calamari was maybe the worst I've ever had. It was cold and looked like it had been sitting on the plate awhile. The sauce was just slopped on. It tasted like I was eating a pretzel in mustard sauce. Very strange. We each ordered the steak meal - steak, a salad, and side. Our steaks arrived in an appropriate time frame, but where were our salads? The kitchen was super backed up according to our waitress. Not sure if that makes sense - how could they cook a steak, but not slap a salad on a plate? The salads came out literally 30-40 minutes after the steak. They were nothing special, but fresh, at least. I ordered my steak medium - it was definitely cooked well - but it had good flavor. The mashed potatoes and the brussel sprouts were good. The waitress brought the bill without asking if we wanted dessert, which we did. Our bill was $96 and we needed to spend $100. We then ordered the key lime gateau. Who knows how long it was sitting out because it had a dried coating on top - like cooked jello. It was impossible to eat with the film on top - we would have had to use a knife, so I scraped it off ... mmmm .... lovely. I won't be back.
(2)Kathy L.
On my last visit to the Westin La Paloma, I made my way to the AZuL bar for a late night snack. The cool, electric blue lights pull you in, and beckon you to "come hither." I was well satisfied with a tasty Farmer's Market Salad featuring fresh arugula, carrots, and avocado. I opted for the calamari appetizer, as well (as I often do, if I see it on a menu). It was fair, but not the best I've ever encountered. Even if I didn't enjoy the food, I would stop by just for the cocktails and the view. They have several clever & creative martini choices here. The 'Royal Blue' (crafted with acai blueberry vodka, Chambord, Cointreau, and cranberry), sent me off to bed with sweet dreams. The next day, my crew and I sat in the spacious lounge area, soaking up the gorgeous Tucson views. I have yet to try the full restaurant. We just wanted to nibble on a few apps, so I selected the fries with black and white truffle aioli, and the antipasti plate with burrata, prosciutto, nectarines, & aged balsamic. I also decided to take a chance on the calamari again. The fries and antipasti were quite good, but the calamari seemed even more lackluster this time. It is described as pecan crusted (although it appeared most of pecans were on the plate vs. on the calamari) with an avocado poblano crema and chile de arbol salsa. It is a stellar concept, just not executed very well on these 2 occasions. My delightful 'Pear with a Punch' martini (pear vodka, Pama, sweet & sour) soothed any minor quibbles I had with the calamari, though. I'm sure I will make my way back to AZuL bar & lounge again soon. I think it's a fab "date" or "girls/guys night out" spot.
(4)Jennifer S.
5 Star View and Setting for Breakfast, but 3 Star Food and Service...the view was stunning on the patio overlooking the pool and the mountains. The breakfast buffet was good, but nothing extraordinary. Service was slow, but very friendly!
(4)Joshua B.
Azul is definitely a favorite of mine. When I want to take my friends and family out to a place where I know the service and food will be spectacular, I take them to Azul. Azul has really worked hard on every detail of their dining experience. They have a wonderful atmosphere, excellent service, and great food. All their effort has turned Azul into a truly amazing experience. This is what fine dining is supposed to be! I've had almost every item on their current menu, and I'm adamant that this is their best menu yet. My favorite still has to be the seared braised rabbit and pancetta galette dish! This is the best rabbit dish I've ever had, and the pancetta galette is a crisp and gooey delight! Every dish I've had, from the slow roasted free range chicken, to the pork chop Milanese, has been exquisite. Chef Amanda has really made this menu shine, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. If you sit near the windows, you can take in the breath taking views of the mountains while you dine. If music is your thing, then maybe you could sit near one of the many live acts they often have playing in various spots around the restaurant. But regardless of where you sit, the staff has got you covered. Their excellently trained staff is on the top of their game. They never leave you wanting for anything. When you go to Azul, they really have you covered. Azul is one of my favorite places in town. The staff is always friendly and efficient, the ambience is always what I'm in the mood for, and the food is always out of this world.
(5)Mark N.
They have redone their menu since I was here last summer and it was delicious!!! I was a little bit disappointed in the artichoke that we started off with, however, I had the steak for dinner and it was amazing!!!! Had the bacon wrapped shrimp also for an appetizer and it was delicious!! Excited for dinner tomorrow night!
(4)Corey D.
I should probably preface this by saying I've never tried their food. The views are spectacular and the bar area has a nice open feeling, but I just don't feel like anyone goes out of their way to make the evening remarkable. Staff trots around helping tables on multiple levels it seems, they rarely make eye contact, and short of snapping it's hard to have a server come by your table. I'd probably spend more time here if I felt like people cared about my experience, but that just doesn't seem to be the case.
(3)Susan B.
I took my 94 year old mother to the Westin Resort and decided to stay in and dine at Azul. The staff was waiting for us and could not have been more attentive, friendly and helpful. The food was perfect; we had the scallops and New York Steak. Both entrees came with a starch and vegetable. They were beautifully presented. The cocktails, appetizer and dessert were equally as good.
(5)Andrea G.
The dining trio of my mother, Gary (husband) and I was intact and ready for new culinary experiences. So off we went to Azul. It's a lovely restaurant on the lower level at La Paloma, with fantastic views of the noble Catalina Mountains. The summer can be a much quieter time at an early dinner dining hour at resorts, and we found it pretty much the case when we visited. We decided to try soups, salads and entrees on this visit. Everything is a la carte, so bring a well-padded wallet or credit card account. Dinner rolls were tasty with a crusty exterior with soft interior, served with virgin olive oil and pepper. We also asked for balsamic vinegar, which is so good with olive oil. Gary's French onion soup was the winner, hands down! A generous crock with baked-on cheese arrived. It was full of sweet onions in a lovely bouillon (not too salty) that was actually a little sweet. I had to wrench myself away from gobbling more of it (It was Gary's dish). My mom's bean and ham soup was also tasty, with a light clear base. Just watch out for some fatty ham pieces (used to season it, I'm sure). I ordered a basic salad with a delicious (citrus?) dressing. It was a great mix of greens and veggies, including arugula. We had been tempted by some entrees we saw listed on the Entertainment Book page for Azul, but found that the menu had changed and those dishes were no longer offered. The meals we purchased ranged from $19 to $28. Gary's chicken was tasty and mom's sea bass was served filet-style at her request (normally served tail-on & head-on). It was tender and tasty, a slight bit salty. My salmon was very delicious and perfectly cooked. It also was a tad bit salty (as if it had been salted just before serving it). We opted not to order the side vegetables, which sounded great, but we did not think we'd have room for them ($7 each side). The service was friendly and prompt. We enjoyed our meals and that great view. It is a bit upscale in cost for a la carte and the portions. See photos. I would suggest the restaurant consider adding some greens or rice-or something-to the plate to give it some substance. And if you want a snack or light meal, that French onion soup would hit the spot!
(4)Deston N.
Russell Michel is off to an amazing start at Azul. The new chef is in the process of moving to a new menu, but no matter what he conjures up, I hope he keeps his rack of lamb, which is some of the tastiest I've ever had. The chicken was simple, but moist and tasty, and the chocolate tort dessert was truly memorable. Other hits were the scallops and the side of mashed potatoes (the sides are really substantial at a reasonable price) and the extremely rich mac and cheese (I hate there two nights in a row). The mixed berry cobbler wasn't very tasty, so that's one to skip. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, making both evenings very enjoyable.
(5)Tamica S.
Seriously, I love this place. I have been going to Azul on an d off for quite a while. It is such a pretty place to go haAng out. The food is amazing. The one time that I had bad service there the manager more than made up for it. Now the service is top notch, as is everything else in this place. The layout is perfect for small groups of 3-6 people with comfy chairs and sofas. The bar area is set up so that even when there is music playing you can still carry on a conversation without having to yell. Go for the beauty, stay for the food and go back for the wonderful time you had there.
(5)Bianca A.
We spent a weekend at La Paloma and while there we spent some time and lots of money at the Azul Lounge. The views are amazing but a lot of the seating is faced away from the mountains which doesn't make sense. Service was slow at first but we arrived in the middle of happy hour so we just helped ourselves to the bartender. Everyone was friendly enough but $20 for 2 cocktails is way overpriced. Nothing fancy just some Captain and cokes. I understand you're a resort but really? We had a couple then ventured out. The next day we went to the restaurant and enjoyed their breakfast buffet which was a very nice spread and even prettier to look at. They had something for everyone and setup so you could easily find and help yourself to anything from scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, sweet breads, toast, oatmeal, salsas, yogurt and fresh fruit and jams. Delicious! I'm not sure I'd go out of my way for breakfast but we did enjoy it while we were there.
(3)Arnold M.
Ambiance-3 stars(construction blocked view Service- 5 star Food-4 star Price- Pricey Had a coupon which helped the price but the main entree portion was small. Very tasty but small. Salad was very good. Bread was fresh. Beer was cold. Mac-n-Cheese was great. I would rate this a 3 for the value. But I guess you don't eat at a hotel restaurant for value...
(3)Karl S.
New Years Eve Dinner. Classy joint. Nice ambiance. Decent price for a nice upscale dinner. Wait staff was friendly and attentive.
(4)matthew G.
We went to Azul as a family our first night in Tucson since we were staying at La Paloma. The restaurant seemed to be woefully understaffed and it took forever to place a drink order. I ordered a merlot and it tasted like it had been stored outside in the 105º heat..., roasted and raisiny. The waiter brought another glass after a while, from a new bottle, problem solved for the moment. I ordered the ribeye, medium rare. The steak they served was less than an inch thick and medium well. The waiter brought a replacement, 20 minutes later, that was rarer than rare. Everyone else was already finished with their meals, so I choked it down. Overall, way too expensive for such a lack luster experience. My advice, drive to one of the many great restaurants within a few miles of the resort (Wild Flower was awesome) and skip eating here.
(2)D G.
The outdoor patio at sunset is a majestic setting. However, the food needs more attention. The calamari was tender but was overly oily. The roasted chicken breast was on the done side.
(3)Carrie B.
Whether you're staying at the Westin La Paloma or just looking for a picturesque dining venue, a dinner at Azul fits the bill. Entry to the main lobby of the hotel is stunning & spacious. Then you take a dramatic wide staircase down past a "floating" lounge to find Azul. Parking is also easy as pie but, it is up a little hill from the garage. Thankfully there is a little elevator to save anyone in heels. The windows are HUGE in there and we marveled at the mountainous scenery as well as the hotel's surrounding grounds. The servers were great. They were aloof but, available- a perfect combination of there when we needed them and not when we didn't. They were knowledgeable about the menu and adroit and helping us choose menu items and drinks, too. A holiday dinner with our family including kids was a great experience. The kids walked around the lobby & gift shop when they got tired of the adults chatter. The restaurant was not overly filled so that we never wanted for anything. I liked the mushroom risotto a lot and the cookies and milk platter for dessert was a huge hit with everybody. I will always remember a nice night out at the holidays with my extended family and the quick walk back to their rooms via the neatly lit walkways in the crisp air. It's not exactly a 5 star restaurant because it's attached to a hotel. It's hard to recommend taking a first date to a hotel restaurant. But, if you're in the "off the beaten path" mood or have some folks you know staying there, for sure give it a whirl!
(4)Shawn C.
Romantic ambiance, AMAZING service, and options not found on other Tucson menus! Rib-eye cooked perfectly & whole grilled sea bass. Whipped potatoes with marscapone and brussel spouts with apple wood bacon both a must try. ***Desserts are lacking, stay away from the "molten cake" ( it was molten alright, burnt to the core) and the panna cotta( made with oh so many gelatin strips).
(4)Tori B.
I went to Azul with some girlfriends during a bachelorette weekend at the Westin La Paloma. We ate here twice. Once for dinner and once for breakfast (to-go). I found the service to be slow at times, but the food was decent and we were in no rush. For dinner, we all shared some of the small plates and appetizers. I really liked the pork belly sliders and surprisingly I really like the calamari, which is something I don't normally eat. We weren't impressed with the cheese plate, which was lacking most everything... nuts, fruits, etc. Since we were there celebrating a special occasion, our waitress threw in a chocolate lava cake for dessert. I consider myself a chocolate lava cake connoisseur and I thought it was top notch. For breakfast we decided to take our food to-go so we could sit by the pool. I had the egg and cheese flatbread, which didn't really wow me. I can't speak for the other girls, but they did seem to enjoy their food. For what it's worth, I would go back again because Azul served a very important purpose in our weekend. I think they could provide better service and lower prices a bit to get more customers to flock there, but that's just my two cents!
(3)Logie Z.
Really, stars for the service and food. I'm generous enough to add the extra star for the cool blue ambiance. We checked in later in the evening and decided to have something light for dinner. The restaurant wasn't very busy when we were seated. My hubby and I pondered over the menu and decided to share the beet salad with goat cheese ($13), calamari fritto ($12), roasted tomato and mussels ($13). The KIDS MENU had a choice of pasta with marinara, but opted for pasta with butter and parmesan ($7) for my little cutie pie. The food is so-so and nothing exciting. My son's pasta was undercooked and they forgot to put the parmesan cheese. I should have sent it back but I didn't. Our server was not rude or anything. She just wasn't as attentive for working at a self proclaimed upscale restaurant. The busboy didn't pick up the bread plates, so we stacked them. Our drinking glasses were only filled when we asked for it. The Sunday brunch didn't look all too appetizing or even worth the money, so we headed for AJ's down the street. We would rather eat out for dinner or eat lunch at Sabino's swim up bar.
(3)Ron R.
We ended up getting stuck here due to the gas outage so it was nice to actually spend some time here. I thought the lounge atmosphere was nice. It's definitely something Tucson needs. The crowd is a little older then I would have liked. The drinks were pricey and small but tasty so thumbs up to the bartender. The food was shockingly good. I read some negative comments and I have to disagree. I tried the wings and the panini. Both were above par. The wings were different then anything I've ever eaten. Good job! The panini needed salt but was good overall. The price is pricey! Go during happy our and get it half off. I'll be back....
(4)Yana K.
Extremely disappointing. I was here for a convention and due to time constraints was limited to my lunch options. First thing I noticed was the lack of smiles on the hosts' faces. Do you really hate your job this much? It does not have to be a genuine smile (although it would be nice), but please, please, do not make me feel like I am inconveniencing you. My second issue with this place was that they had a guest list going for the tables yet there were empty tables (apparently waiting to be bussed) the entire time I ended up waiting for my salad to go (which was about 15 minutes). Which brings me to my last point: the salad. I ordered a $16 salad advertized to include kale, arugula, tomatoes, croutons, mandarins, and garlic-roasted shrimp. Well, there were four shrimps (garlic - yes, roasted - not really; I felt like I was eating barely warm garlic butter dipped shrimpies), one halved cherry (!) tomato (the tiniest I have ever seen), two pieces of mandarin, and two little croutons. I estimated the value of this salad to be approximately $4.15. I guess I hope that the arugula and kale will allow me to last through the next four hours of seminars. Kudos to the restaurant for assisting me in my weight loss (trying to lose a couple of pounds for my wedding), but for those with healthy appetites, this place is not worth your time, money, or palates.
(2)Lizzy L.
Great, friendly service and the eggs bene is pretty tasty. Great presentation even though I ordered my hollandaise on the side.
(4)Vivetkah M.
Sorry, the waiter was attentive and friendly but the fish I ordered was tasteless and overcooked even though I had specifically requested it to be slightly cooked and the portion was very small ) I took three teaspoons and was done)The vegetables were flavorless and needed more cooking. The mixed salad hardly had any dressing and had red peppers that needed to be sliced thinner. For the price of it all it wasn't worth it. I would go there for drinks next time or for coffee and a desert which was the only thing ok. Thei tiramisu was too sweet and the portion was small for the price . It hardly had any cake to It. The service needed more attention to see if we needed anything as we had to call them for water, Eric and there wasn't that many people.
(2)Melissa H.
Came here for breakfast. Was staying at the Westin and needed to pop in for a quick breakfast. The service is good, not polished, but earnest. Had a quick breakfast of veggies in and eggwhite wrap. It was tasty, but it came drowned in butter. I wished I had mentioned that they should go easy on the butter. The fruit it came with was exceedingly fresh. The price wasn't great, but then again I was at a Westin and expected that I'd have to pay a premium.
(3)Mike B.
In two years in Tucson, our best two meals have been at Azul. We have tried the roast chicken, which sounds boring, but was slightly crunchy on the outside and tasty throughout. We have also sampled the scallops, salmon, and mahi mahi, as well as 3 or 4 of the sides. It is one of those high-end restaurants that provide small portions, but we had a coupon both times. It is pricey, but the results were excellent.
(5)Stewart T.
My wife and I went there for Valentines diner. When I made the reservation, I was not told it was a fixed menu. So we were not very happy with the surprise! They seated us 35 minutes after our reservation time. Again not happy! Wait staff did the best they could but the food was marginal at best. The table next to ours ask to see the manager, who never did stop by. He just took 50% off their bill. We talked to waitress about how tough the steaks were and thought the manager might come by but he just took 20% off our bill. This one of the worst displays of what a manager is suppose to do! Very disappointing! Will not be back!!!!!
(1)Cragganmore C.
Of course "azul" means "blue" in Spanish. What made me blue was the lackluster service and mediocre food. The views are spectacular but the setting is just so/so. If you think this approaches anything hip or loungey I pity you. The multiple levels really don't work either as noise carries too much. Now that Janos and J-Bar is gone there's really no reason to head up there if you're a local.
(2)Jeff B.
Came here for breakfast and was irritated and disappointed almost immediately. I called down from my room to see how late the breakfast buffet was being served. I was told 11am. I strolled down at 10:15 to find them clearing the buffet. I asked what was going on and they said there weren't many people so they shut it down early. That would have been nice to know earlier, I could have come down sooner. I was offered the option of ordering off the menu, which I reluctantly agreed to. Then came the service. In a word... Terrible. I had to wait nearly 15 min to even be seen by a server. All the while bussers were tearing down tables around me (and the other 4 people in the restaurant). The waiter took my order but never offered any water and it was another 10 minutes before he returned with my juice - It's not as if he had a lot if other tables. The menu was boring and uninspired. I was really hoping for a good meal. Oh well - I hope I never have to return.
(2)John H.
The food was well done, but the wait staff were quite young and didn't know the food or wine very well.
(4)Ursula K.
This restaurant is the reason I finally got a yelp id. It was unfortunately a terrible dining experience. I had the rolled noodle with shrimp and the boyfriend had chioppino. My dinner was practically inedible. The waiter, although pleasant, was one if those who said everything on the menu us really good. Wish that had been true. The chioppino seemed ok but a small portion for the price. The only nice thing was the nice view of the mountains.
(2)HArriet K.
Very creative chef - we have dined twice and sampled 4 separate appetizers and 4 entree's.... all were very special. The dining room is quiet elegance and service professional, available but not intrusive. You look out over swimming pools and waterfall with the Catalina Mountains in the background. Sunset on the mountains - lovely food, good wine list - just a beautiful evening.
(4)Jeff F.
I'm giving them 3 stars instead of 2 because at least they're trying here... They're going for a kind of upscale chill-out lounge vibe, which is pretty bold for Tucson, which tends to vacillate between two extremes: either a kind of 1993 grunge aesthetic on the one hand and a 1989 Kenny G fern bar vibe on the other. The seating is spacious and very comfortable and it's a great place for a date where you actually want to talk or a business conversation. Unfortunately, despite the fancy lights and reasonably cool music you are still at the Westin La Paloma, so how cool can it really be? But I appreciate the effort. Ghost Bar, it ain't. The bar has their act together. Perfect drink execution. The menu, alas, is a different story. We tried 2 or 3 things during their happy hour and they were all, frankly speaking, horrible. Service was friendly. The manager came over and talked to us and asked, for no particular reason, if he could offer us something on the house. We got the middle eastern plate. It was really, really sad. Two pieces of romaine lettuce with about a tablespoon of hummus on each and a small piece of pita bread. $16!!! We literally looked at it and laughed. Once again, I have to ask, did nobody in Tucson go to culinary school? Even at the Westin? Everyone seems to just be making it up as they go along at every restaurant in town here. (By the way, what is it with the middle eastern places and pita bread in this town? You always get one piece of pita bread. What the hell? It's pita bread. It's cheap! I really don't get it.) Anyway, our bill comes and we'd been charged for the sad little hummus plate. I pointed it out to the server and she cheerfully took it off. We would definitely go back for cocktails but I would pass on the menu.
(3)Holly P.
Went out to lunch at Azul. The restaurant area was very quiet, kind of odd to be the only one dining in a restaurant, but there was a great view of the mountains. The architecture of the Westin is beautiful, a lot more upscale than what you would normally find in Tucson. The waitress was friendly, and started us off with warm bread with oil and pesto that was delicious. My boyfriend and I shared a carafe of Sangria that was also very good. The portion size of our lunch was quite large. I ordered a spicy shrimp meal with fries and it was probably the best shrimp I've ever had. My boyfriend had a panini that was also quite tasty. Not what you would normally expect for hotel food.
(4)Pam W.
Tasty cocktails and delicious steak. The atmosphere is nice. I ate here during Shannon's Slumber Party and it beat the hell out of the crap they were selling there.
(4)A G.
The short ribs appetizers - very tough. Chicken - OK but nothing spectacular. Berry cobbler was good. Service was very good.
(2)Stephanie F.
A-OK, Exactly. Naturally, we were drawn to the gorgeous restaurant nestled right next to the reception desk. We were staying at La Paloma for the weekend so I came down here for drinks frequently that were pretty good, however when I tried this place for lunch it wasn't that good. Tried the Mediterranean-style wrap sandwich, and the bread was so thick with very little meat. The desserts were good, especially the warm cobbler with ice cream and the tiramisu. Not enough to salvage the meal however.
(3)