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Where to Eat in Southern Marana

Where to Eat in Southern Marana

by Tucson FoodieJul 14, 2023Updated Mar 11, 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 North Silverbell RoadMarana

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.

Baggin’s Gourmet Sandwiches

11015 North Oracle RoadOro Valley

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 West Ina RoadMarana

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 North Camino MartinMarana

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 West River RoadMarana

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 North Courtney Page WayMarana

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 North 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 West Ina RoadMarana

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.

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.

El Molinito

3675 West Ina RoadMarana

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 West Ina RoadMarana

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 North Sandario RoadWestside

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 North Silverbell RoadMarana

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.

(Photo courtesy of Home Plate Marana)

Home Plate Marana

8579 North Silverbell RoadMarana

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.

(Photo Courtesy of Jade Garden)

Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant

3720 West Ina RoadMarana

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.

Jimmy's Pita & Poke

3820 West River RoadMarana

Jimmy’s Pita & Poke uses colorful desert-themed murals and playful artwork to energize its bright, casual dining space. The fast-casual restaurant specializes in customizable pita sandwiches, poke bowls, rice bowls, and salads. For a lighter appetite, they also offer mini poke bowls.

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

La Carreta Del Rorro

5505 West Cortaro Farms RoadMarana

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 North Silverbell RoadMarana

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 North Silverbell RoadMarana

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 West Ina RoadMarana

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 West Ina RoadMarana

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 North Courtney Page WayMarana

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.

(Photo Courtesy of Sky Rider Cafe)

Sky Rider Cafe

MaranaMarana

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 (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.

(Photos courtesy of The Blacktop Grill)

The Blacktop Grill

8300 North Thornydale RoadNorthwest

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 & Grill (Photo by Stephanie W.)

The Station Pub & Grill

8235 North Silverbell RoadMarana

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.

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José Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57.

The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org.

Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉

Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonnewsJosé Contreras, chef and owner of @Ameliastucson, is headed to New York City to cook alongside chef Alam Méndez of Washington, D.C.‘s Apapacho Taqueria for a collaborative dinner at the James Beard Foundation’s Platform at Pier 57. The Aug. 11 dinner will celebrate the culinary traditions of Sonora and Oaxaca through a multi course menu centered on heirloom corn, traditional masa, and coastal flavors. Guests will also enjoy a cocktail reception, Mijenta Tequila pairings, and a Q&A with both chefs. The event begins at 6:30 pm at @Pier57.nyc. Tickets are $210 for dining table seats and $250 for the chef’s counter, and are available now at Jamesbeard.org. Congratulations to @Chefjosetucson on another incredible milestone!🎉 Read @Jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonnewsItalian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her.

Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today, and we’re sharing this sweet video of @Spaghettioftucson doing what she did best: bringing smiles to everyone around her. Our hearts are with her family today. We’ll love you and miss you forever, Spaghetti.❤️‍🩹🐶Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝

Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.

🎉 Week 5 Winners
• Libby: $50 North Italia gift card
• Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets
• arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes
• Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card
• Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards

Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply.

🏆 This Week’s Prizes
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• $100 Visa gift card
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card
• @desertmuseum passes 

More details in bio!Italian Week starts today and runs through July 19 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer!🍝 Support Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August. 🎉 Week 5 Winners • Libby: $50 North Italia gift card • Keely: America’s Best Mexican Food Festival tickets • arts_primacy_2c: 4 Cool Summer Nights passes • Donita3000: $20 Ghini’s French Caffe gift card • Nancy & Gabriella: $100 Visa gift cards Italian Week Deal: @reneestucson is offering buy one, get one 50% off (equal or lesser value) for dine-in or takeout. Just mention you’re a Tucson Foodie fan. Exclusions apply. 🏆 This Week’s Prizes • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • $100 Visa gift card • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • @desertmuseum passes More details in bio!The Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️

Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. 

MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN:
@agustinkitchen 
@seiskitchen 
@prestacoffee 
@laestrella_tucson 
@dolcepastellocakes 
@zumitosjuicebar 
@santacruzriverfm 

MSA ANNEX:
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@kukai___ 
@bosburger__ 
@hidden_hearth 
@rolliestucson 
@westbound_tapandbottle 

THE MONIER:
@wholeslvcepizza 
@81barbersofficial 

Share your favorite stops with us!
More details on Tucsonfoodie.com 

#tucson #tucsonfoodieThe Mercado District is one of Tucson’s best places to eat, drink, shop, and stroll, all in one stop.🐶❤️ Home to Mercado San Agustín, the MSA Annex, The Monier, and the upcoming Bautista development, there’s always something new to explore. Grab a bite, browse local shops, enjoy the open-air courtyards (they’re dog-friendly!), or hop on the free Sun Link streetcar, which stops right at the Mercado. MERCADO SAN AGUSTÍN: @agustinkitchen @seiskitchen @prestacoffee @laestrella_tucson @dolcepastellocakes @zumitosjuicebar @santacruzriverfm MSA ANNEX: @decibelcoffeeworks @kukai___ @bosburger__ @hidden_hearth @rolliestucson @westbound_tapandbottle THE MONIER: @wholeslvcepizza @81barbersofficial Share your favorite stops with us! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucson #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. 

The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. 

Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieTwo days at @Hiltonelcon felt like the ultimate staycation. Between the pools, hot spring and cold plunge, water slide, yoga, live music, complimentary bike rentals, and their nostalgic “Summer Rewind” experience, there was always something to do. We never left the resort. The highlight at their on-site restaurant, Epazote Kitchen & Cocktails, was the Pollo Con Rajas - perfectly cooked chicken over a rich creamed poblano, onion, and corn mestizaje. And if you’re at their Sundance Café for breakfast, get the pozole. It’s made from a family recipe that became such a guest favorite it earned a permanent spot on the menu. Although El Conquistador licenses the Hilton brand, it’s owned and operated by a local company. The culinary team sources much of its meat and produce from Arizona. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for an incredible dinner with Catalina Mountain views, this spot is worth adding to your list. 🌵🌞 #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛

From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. 

WEEK 6 WINNERS
Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week:
* Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia
* Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival
* arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
* donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe
* Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card
* Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card 

PRIZES
This week’s prize pool includes:
* Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets
* $100 Visa gift card
* @eljefecatcafe pass
* $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
* @desertmuseum passes

Presenting sponsor: @visittucson
Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollectiveHow many receipts have you sent in for NEW-TO-ME week?💛 From July 6 through July 12, upload your receipt from ANY local business at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and earn entries toward the 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer grand prize drawing at the end of August. 🔗 in bio. ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. WEEK 6 WINNERS Here are the winners from Happy Hour Week: * Libby wins a $50 gift card to North Italia * Keely wins a ticket to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival * arts_primacy_2c wins a four-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum * donita3000 wins a $20 gift card to Ghini’s French Caffe * Nancy wins a $100 Visa gift card * Gabriella wins a $100 Visa gift card PRIZES This week’s prize pool includes: * Salsa, Taco, and Tequila Challenge tickets * $100 Visa gift card * @eljefecatcafe pass * $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe * @desertmuseum passes Presenting sponsor: @visittucson Presented by: @bbb_so_az • @510southtucson • @azwinecollective

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!