Where to Eat in Southern Marana

Asian Spice in northwest Tucson brings celebrated Cantonese-style Chinese American cuisine to a casual, modest interior. The dining room sits in a Marana strip mall with only a handful of tables, making the space feel cozy and intimate. Local diners often wait for a seat, and many others prefer takeout or catering for their meals. Furthermore, Asian Spice was named one of the ‘Top 100 Chinese Restaurants’ in the U.S.

Patrons rave about honey walnut shrimp with crisp cabbage and creamy, honey-sweet sauce. The menu also features fried rice with butter nuances, and beef ho fun noodles cooked in Cantonese tradition. Classic options like shrimp chop suey and crab rangoon draw regulars and visitors alike.

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!

Button Brew House, founded in 2017 by Erika and Todd Button, operates as a northwest Tucson microbrewery with a strong emphasis on community, live events, and locally sourced ingredients. The taproom carries a relaxed, welcoming feel, with an indoor bar area flowing into a spacious outdoor courtyard called the Backyard, where live music and vendor events regularly take place.

Popular house brews include the Button IPA, Tucson Traveler, and Chiltepín Red, all of which have earned medals at the Roadrunner Brew Fest. Snacks include Robbs Family Farm Pistachios, Uncle Bob’s Popcorn, and Von Hanson’s Pretzels.

Caps & Corks features a clean, industrial aesthetic with exposed ductwork, metal accents, and concrete floors. 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. Check their website for the food truck schedule.

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.

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.

Crying Onion Cafe operates as a classic Tucson breakfast spot with a cozy, old-school diner feel.

Huevos rancheros and chicken fried steak serve as the most popular choices amongst regulars.

Del Rancho Carniceria & Tacos combines a neighborhood carnicería with a casual taqueria counter.

To make the most of a visit, order the arrachera platter and chile relleno, then swing by the grocery side to grab some fresh salsas.

Donut Wheel serves fresh and delicious donuts, pastries, and coffee. They've got the classic glazed and chocolate and jelly (oh my!), as well as specialty flavors like maple bacon, apple fritter, and red velvet.

A Mexican restaurant that serves authentic and flavorful dishes like tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, chimichangas, and more, and that has a full and delightful salsa bar to accompany it all. Thirsty? Their wide selection of beers, wines, and tasty margs are sure to satisfy!

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 with TVs. 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.

Home Plate Marana offers a family friendly sports bar atmosphere with bright colors and plenty of baseball themed décor. The dining room features large TVs, shuffleboard, pool tables, video games, a patio, and batting cages.

Burgers and wings are the go-to items here.

Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant offers a classic Chinese American dining experience in a warm, neighborhood setting

Sesame chicken, fried rice, and lo mein serve as the most popular dishes.

Family-owned since 2017 and billed as Tucson's only pita and poke shop, Jimmy's turns out pitas, salads, and poke bowls made fresh daily without preservatives. The homemade citrus-infused sauces are the calling card, and customizable bowls make it easy to fit almost any diet.

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.

Their Empanadas are so good. Listen to this description: “…stuffed with cilantro-basil pesto, shrimp, sweet corn, green chili, and manchego cheese, atop chipotle cream sauce, garnished with cabbage slaw, corn salsa, and Anaheim crema.”

Li’l Abner’s Steakhouse has graced the northwest side of Tucson with a southwestern-style picnic table experience since 1947. They offer a small menu specializing in steaks, ribs, chicken, and salmon mesquite-grilled over their open fire grill outside.

Linh Nam offers Vietnamese and Chinese dishes, take-out only.

Favorites include the General Tso's chicken and egg roll.

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.

A cozy spot to enjoy a variety of bubble tea flavors, smoothies, slushies and snacks.

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.

Spice Garden Indian Cuisine offers a warm, relaxed dining room with deep colors and traditional artwork.

While chicken tikka masala and garlic naan remain their most popular dishes, make sure to check out the South Indian menu for a variety of dosas and sambar.

Sushi Cortaro Japanese Cuisine offers a cozy neighborhood setting with a traditional sushi bar and simple, modern décor.

While specialty sushi rolls remain the star, also check out their crisp, light tempura and variety of bento box specials and udon bowls.

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 Screamery at Arizona Pavilions offers a bright, family friendly ice cream shop atmosphere with a clean, modern layout. Favorite flavors include the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake and the Sweet Cream Honeycomb.

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.

Trident Grill IV offers a sports bar atmosphere with a nautical twist in a spacious, lively setting.

Popular hits include the fish & chips, wings, and fish tacos.

PRIX FIXE MEAL FOR TWO $35

– Large 1 topping Detroit style pizza

– Entrée size garden salad

– 2 Large cannoli

– 1 Gallon Milos sweet tea