Just north of Tucson, in the foothills of the Torolita Mountains, you’ll find Marana — a small, but rapidly growing town rich with history, surrounded by beautiful views, and populated by a community that loves their local food.
This guide addresses that last part, in particular — the best restuarants in South Marana (and bars and cafes, too).
Of all the culinary regions of China, Canton was most influential on American Chinese cuisine; so look for Canton-trained chefs for a glimpse into the roots of American Chinese cuisine. The freshness translates well at Asian Spice. Tan uses less oil and you won’t miss it at all. Furthermore, Asian Spice was named one of the ‘Top 100 Chinese Restaurants’ in the U.S.
A local chain that has been serving fresh and delicious sandwiches since 1984. They use high-quality ingredients like homemade bread, premium meats and cheeses, and fresh produce to make their sandwiches. You can also choose from their salads, soups, desserts, and catering options.
Tucson’s favorite retro-style diner for that hearty, homemade breakfast and lunch. They offer a variety of dishes like eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy, French toast, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. And don’t forget about their daily specials, pies, cakes, and milkshakes!
Tucked away in an industrial park, Button Brew House is a hidden gem for beer lovers. It’s just off the interstate and has a chill vibe with a cozy bar and an outdoor patio that’s perfect for sunny days. Their range of beers on tap is just the right size for a tasty variety. They often have a food truck parked out front, too.
Caps & Corks features a clean, industrial aesthetic with exposed ductwork, metal accents, and concrete floors. Natural light pours in through tall glass windows, illuminating high-top tables and a casual, open bar area. Garage-style doors roll up to connect the interior with a spacious patio.
The drink list includes a rotating lineup of craft beers on tap, along with bottled wines and ciders. Local and regional breweries often headline the tap wall.
Casa Marana blends a neighborhood-bar vibe with wood-fired pizza and a wide selection of drinks in northwest Marana. The atmosphere feels lively but welcoming, with a bar area, indoor seating, and a game-friendly setup that includes shuffleboard, darts, billiards and outdoor seating on the patio.
For snacks or lighter meals, pretzel bites with spinach dip and salads draw a following alongside the more indulgent pizza–and–pint combos.
Catalina Brewing Company highlights Southwestern flavors through beer inspired by the Sonoran Desert. The taproom sits in Marana and features concrete floors, bike decor and a relaxed industrial look. Large garage doors open to a shaded patio that gives the space a casual, community-focused feel. The taproom also features an adjacent room with pinball machines.
Standout brews include the Mesquite Agave Ale, Buena Vida Blonde, 24 Hour IPA. Guests often pair their pints with rotating food trucks, which bring tacos, burgers or barbecue depending on the night.
Crema Coffee operates as a specialty cafe on West Ina Road, focused on craft espresso drinks and a relaxed environment. The interior features exposed brick, minimalist wood furnishings, and art-wall displays from local creators. A small outdoor patio adds casual seating and light for solo work or meet-ups.
Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks delivers a classic East Coast sandwich experience in a casual Tucson setting. The interior features simple counter service, bright signs and a no frills layout that keeps the focus on the food. This includes sourcing Amoroso rolls.
Regulars opt for the traditional cheesesteak with thin sliced rib-eye and melted provolone.
Can’t find anywhere to get your German sausage fix? We’ve got you covered. This food truck offers traditional German cuisine, including bratwurst, schnitzel, and dang good pretzels. Pair any of those with one or three of their homemade sauce and you got yourself one heck of a hearty meal, right there.
Growler’s Taphouse brings a lively craft beer atmosphere to Marana with a spacious, pub style setting. The interior features warm wood, exposed brick and large TVs that create an easygoing gathering place. Patio seating adds a relaxed outdoor option that stays busy during cooler evenings.
Wings remain their most popular option, but also grab their burgers and pretzels.
Jimmy’s Pita and Poke on River Road offers a bright, fast casual setting focused on fresh build-your-own bowls. The interior features clean lines, colorful menu boards and a simple layout that keeps the ordering process quick.
The menu is generous with toppings, so arrive hungry.
La Carreta del Rorro features a bright green canopy adorned with vintage license plates. Picnic tables and folding chairs fill the space with a salsa bar and drink refrigerators along the wall.
They spread the mayo over the tomatoes rather drizzling it over, leading to more even distribution. To further break outside the norm, pay a little extra to add some crumbly, salty chorizo on top.
La Olla Mexican Cafe welcomes diners with warm yellow walls, wooden tables, and dark chairs in a cozy space. Streamers and festive décor create a family-friendly, informal vibe. Large windows bring in natural light and offer street views near Silverbell Road.
A Marana staple, guests rave about the chicken tortilla soup, Fundido with Anaheim chilies, and deep-fried ground beef tacos for their nostalgic, old-fashioned flavor and satisfying crunch.
Lucky Wishbone on delivers a casual old school comfort food experience built around fried foods including fried chicken, wings, gizzards, chicken liver, steak fingers, and shrimp.
Meals come with fries and toast. Their house sauce is a zippy cocktail sauce. They also offer a handful of burgers and sandwiches.
Mariscos Chihuahua offers a Mexican seafood-focused menu.
Signature dishes include the Shrimp Culichi, featuring shrimp sautéed in a creamy green chile sauce, and the Camarones Rellenos, bacon-wrapped shrimp stuffed with cheese. The restaurant’s ceviche, particularly the shrimp ceviche tostadas, is also a customer favorite. Other popular items are the Caldo de 7 Mares, a hearty seafood soup, and the Tostada Especial, a combination of cooked shrimp, octopus, and calamari served on a crispy tostada.
Nana’s Kitchen features high ceilings, warm adobe-colored walls, and large murals of Spanish ships and Aztec warriors. The dining room buzzes under hanging lights and ceiling fans, while sombreros and serapes decorate the space. A full bar lines one side, showcasing glassware and a wide selection of tequila.
This family-run restaurant focuses on homestyle Mexican cuisine served with warm, attentive hospitality. Regulars love the beef chimichanga, sopa de tortilla, and ground beef tacos.
Sky Rider Cafe sits inside the Ryan Airfield terminal and offers a laid back aviation themed setting. The dining room features large windows that look out over the runway, along with simple tables and vintage flight decor.
Come for the diner comfort classics like chicken fried steak and patty melts.
Tacos Apson is a family-owned restaurant that specializes in Sonoran-style tacos and hotdogs.
They offer a variety of meats, toppings, and sauces to create delicious and authentic dishes. The restaurant also provides catering services for events and parties. Tacos Apson has a loyal customer base and has been reviewed extensively by food writers including world-class foodie Ruth Reichl.
The Blacktop Grill delivers a playful, street food inspired atmosphere built around hot dogs, tacos and creative comfort dishes. The interior uses bright colors, casual seating and bold graphics that give the space a fun, laid back vibe.
Try their bacon popper quesadilla, loaded elote fries, or chile relleno hot dog.
The Station Pub and Grill offers a lively neighborhood hangout with a classic pub style atmosphere. The interior features brick accents, dark wood and plenty of TVs that create a relaxed spot for sports and casual meals.
Favorites include the wings, burgers, and fish & chips.
Twin Peaks Pizzeria offers a cozy neighborhood setting centered on New York style pies in northwest Tucson. The interior features warm lighting, simple tables and classic pizzeria décor that create a relaxed, family friendly atmosphere.
Come for a classic pepperoni pizza, white pizza, or stromboli.
