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Where to Eat in Southern Marana

Guide

Where to Eat in Southern Marana

by Tucson FoodieJul 14, 2023Updated Sep 10, 20269 min read
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).

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34 spots

Beef Ho Fun at Asian Spice (Photo by Jackie Alpers)

Asian Spice

7850 N Silverbell Rd #144Marana

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.

(Photo Courtesy of Baggin's Gourmet Sandwiches)

Baggin’s Gourmet Sandwiches

5925 West Arizona Pavilions DriveMarana

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.

(Photo courtesy of Bisbee Breakfast Club)

Bisbee Breakfast Club on Ina

4131 W Ina RdMarana

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!

"Crusher" Mexican-style lager at Button Brew House (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Button Brew House

6800 N Camino Martin Ste 160Marana

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.

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Caps & Corks (Photo by Colleen Miller)

Caps & Corks

3830 W River Rd #100Marana

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.

(Photo courtesy of Casa Marana)

Casa Marana

8225 N Courtney Page Way #191Marana

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.

Arcade at Catalina Brewing (Photo by Hannah Hernandez)

Catalina Brewing Company

6918 N Camino MartinMarana

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.

Espresso Latte at Crema Coffee (Photo credit: Jackie Tran)

Crema Coffee

3725 W Ina Rd #120Marana

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.

(Photo courtesy of Crying Onion Cafe)

Crying Onion Cafe

3684 W Orange Grove Rd #156Marana

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 (Photo courtesy of Discover Marana)

Del Rancho Carniceria & Tacos

4505 West Ina RoadMarana

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.

(Photo courtesy of Donut Wheel)

Donut Wheel

4524 W Ina RdMarana

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.

El Molinito

3675 W Ina RdMarana

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!

(Photo Courtesy of Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks)

Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks

3780 W Ina Rd #184Marana

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.

(Photo Courtesy of German Food Station)

German Food Station

6780 N Sandario RdWestside

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.

Burgers, wraps, and beer at Growler's (Photo Courtesy of Growler's Taphouse)

Growler's Taphouse

8275 N Silverbell RdMarana

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.

(Photo courtesy of Home Plate Marana)

Home Plate Marana

8579 N Silverbell RdMarana

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.

Jimmy's Pita & Poke on River & Orange Grove (Photo courtesy of Jimmy's Pita & Poke)

Jimmy's Pita & Poke

3820 West River RoadMarana

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.

Sonoran Hot Dogs with Chorizo from La Carreta Del Rorro (Photo by Jackie Tran)

La Carreta Del Rorro

5505 W Cortaro Farms RdMarana

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.

Combo Plate La Olla Mexican Cafe (Photo by J. Martin Harris Photography)

La Olla Mexican Cafe

8553 N Silverbell Rd Ste 102Marana

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.”

Porterhouse Steak (Photo courtesy of Lil Abners Steakhouse)

Li’l Abner’s Steakhouse

8501 N Silverbell RdMarana

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.

Lucky Wishbone

3780 W Ina Rd Ste 188Marana

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

4185 W Ina RdMarana

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 Special Tacos (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Nana’s Kitchen

8225 N Courtney Page Way Suite 129 Suite 129Marana

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.

Spice Garden Indian Cuisine (Photo courtesy of Discover Marana)

Spice Garden Indian Cuisine

5815 N Arizona Pavilions DriveMarana

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.

(Photo Courtesy Sushi Cortaro Japanese Cuisine)

Sushi Cortaro Japanese Cuisine

8225 N Courtney Page Way #141Marana

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.

(Photos courtesy of The Blacktop Grill)

The Blacktop Grill

8300 N Thornydale Rd #120Northwest

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.

(Photo Courtesy of The Screamery)

The Screamery

5920 Arizona Pavilions DriveMarana

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 & Grill (Photo by Stephanie W.)

The Station Pub & Grill

8235 N Silverbell Rd #105Marana

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.

Detroit-Style Pizza (Photo courtesy of Twin Peaks Pizzeria)

Twin Peaks Pizzeria

7575 W Twin Peaks RdMarana

PRIX FIXE MEAL FOR TWO $35

– Large 1 topping Detroit style pizza

– Entrée size garden salad

– 2 Large cannoli

– 1 Gallon Milos sweet tea

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@Scentedleaf is opening a new location in the former Starbucks at Speedway and Country Club!!🥰

The locally owned tea shop celebrates its grand opening tomorrow, October 10, from 11 am to 9 pm, with 50% off all tea drinks and 25% off loose-leaf tea and merchandise.

📍3025 E. Speedway Blvd.@Scentedleaf is opening a new location in the former Starbucks at Speedway and Country Club!!🥰 The locally owned tea shop celebrates its grand opening tomorrow, October 10, from 11 am to 9 pm, with 50% off all tea drinks and 25% off loose-leaf tea and merchandise. 📍3025 E. Speedway Blvd.
The grand opening is TODAY, Oct. 8! 🎉

@istanbultucson is expanding with a second location, @istanbulmediterraneanexpress, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd. 

The fast-casual spot will feature about 75% of the original location’s menu, plus two exclusive dishes: build-your-own Turkish stuffed baked potatoes, known as Kumpir, and fresh-ground doner made in-house. The falafel plate and stuffed potatoes can also be made vegan. 

“The first restaurant taught us what our customers love most, so at Cortaro we’re focusing the menu around our most popular dishes while making the experience a little more casual and convenient. Most importantly, we’ve learned that no matter how much we grow, the quality of our food has to stay high every single day.” — Kamran Esar

Daily hours: 11am - 9pm

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.comThe grand opening is TODAY, Oct. 8! 🎉 @istanbultucson is expanding with a second location, @istanbulmediterraneanexpress, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd. The fast-casual spot will feature about 75% of the original location’s menu, plus two exclusive dishes: build-your-own Turkish stuffed baked potatoes, known as Kumpir, and fresh-ground doner made in-house. The falafel plate and stuffed potatoes can also be made vegan. “The first restaurant taught us what our customers love most, so at Cortaro we’re focusing the menu around our most popular dishes while making the experience a little more casual and convenient. Most importantly, we’ve learned that no matter how much we grow, the quality of our food has to stay high every single day.” — Kamran Esar Daily hours: 11am - 9pm Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Phoenix bakery @Proofbread is popping up in Tucson! 

Starting Friday, Oct. 9, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill will take over the two former @Cafefrancaisaz locations for a Tucson pop-up.

Expect naturally leavened country loaves, chocolate croissants with 81 layers of laminated dough, morning buns, ciabatta and more. 🥐🍞

📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Rd. 
📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd. 

Both locations will be open 7 am-2 pm throughout October. If the pop-up is a success, Proof Bread says it could become a permanent Tucson operation. 

Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.comPhoenix bakery @Proofbread is popping up in Tucson! Starting Friday, Oct. 9, the Phoenix-based sourdough bakery and stone flour mill will take over the two former @Cafefrancaisaz locations for a Tucson pop-up. Expect naturally leavened country loaves, chocolate croissants with 81 layers of laminated dough, morning buns, ciabatta and more. 🥐🍞 📍 7831 E. Wrightstown Rd. 📍 3855 E. Broadway Blvd. Both locations will be open 7 am-2 pm throughout October. If the pop-up is a success, Proof Bread says it could become a permanent Tucson operation. Read the article on Tucsonfoodie.com
Have you tried any of them?

@Crossroadskitchen 
Daily buffet 8am - 2pm
2602 S 4th Ave 

@Casamolinadelnorte 
Sunday buffet 10am - 3pm 
3001 N Campbell Ave

@Delcielotamal 
Vegan buffet 9am - 11:30am 
Thursdays and Saturdays 
Traditional buffet Sundays
3073 N Campbell Ave 

@Losme.zquites 
Sat-Sun 7am - 2pm 
2527 W Drexel Rd 

@Cafesantarosa520 
Sunday buffet 8am - 1pm 
2615 S 6th AveHave you tried any of them? @Crossroadskitchen Daily buffet 8am - 2pm 2602 S 4th Ave @Casamolinadelnorte Sunday buffet 10am - 3pm 3001 N Campbell Ave @Delcielotamal Vegan buffet 9am - 11:30am Thursdays and Saturdays Traditional buffet Sundays 3073 N Campbell Ave @Losme.zquites Sat-Sun 7am - 2pm 2527 W Drexel Rd @Cafesantarosa520 Sunday buffet 8am - 1pm 2615 S 6th Ave