For tasty, accessible Vietnamese and pan-Asian cuisine, Cyclo (1919 W. Chandler Blvd., 480/963-4490, 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5–9 p.m. Tues.–Thurs., 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5–10 p.m. Fri.–Sat., $5–12) can’t be beat. The decor is surprisingly stylish for the strip-mall setting—imagine the riotous colors of Saigon let loose in an Ikea—and the owner, Justina, is a hoot. The food is also first-class. The goi du du (green papaya salad), canh ga (spicy chicken wings), and pho xe lua (beef noodle soup) never disappoint, especially if they’re paired with a Vietnamese coffee brewed into a glass of condensed milk at the table. And just for the record, the name (pronounced SEE-klo) is the Vietnamese word for a three-wheeled pedicab.

Sushi in the desert? Sure, and at RA Sushi (411 S. Mill Ave., 480/303-9800, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. daily, $3–22), the fish is FedEx’d fresh—overnight. Add a backbeat that wafts through the dining room and a distinct energy, supplied by a Mill Avenue address and proximity to ASU, and dinner at RA is akin to an entire night on the town. The bar is always packed with revelers, and the sushi bar and dining tables serve up some of the Valley’s best sushi, sashimi, noodles, and tempura. The drinks are nothing to sneeze at, either, featuring a bunch of beers and an array of sakes, including a “saketini” and “sake sangria,” as well as an extensive cocktail list. The sushi house was bought by Benihana a few years ago, and there are now RAs across the city and country.