Taste of Marana: What’s New & Delicious

Updated November 10, 2025

Your Go-to Guide For Marana, AZ Restaurant Updates.

CreditThe Highlands at Dove Mountain
Asian Spice: A Chinese American Dream
Eden's Echo: Now Open!
Coming Soon
Taco Rico is Named One of the Best Taco Places in the U.S.
Al Gusto Wins the Taste of Marana Standout Award
Sky Rider Cafe wins the Taste of Marana STANDOUT Award

Asian Spice: A Chinese American Dream

Asian Spice restaurant has been serving up delicious Cantonese-style food for 10 years in Marana's Continental Ranch neighborhood. Head chef and owner Phillip Tan worked at the 5-star Nan Hai Hotel in Shenzhen before moving to the United States, and that expertise is reflected in Asian Spice's dishes today.

In 2024, Asian Spice was named as one of the Top 100 Chinese Restaurants in the United States, based on Yelp user-submitted reviews and rankings. Local food photographer and author Jackie Alpers recently wrote an article for Tucson Foodie titled Asian Spice: A Chinese American Dream. In it, chef Phillip Tan is interviewed, where he talks about coming to the United States and founding a beloved and eventually award-winning restaurant. As a bonus, one of Tan's recipes is featured in the article.

Read the full article here

CreditJackie Alpers

Eden's Echo: Now Open!

Agriculture, farming, and cowboy culture has always been a major part of Marana's identity. This identity fits perfectly into Marana's newest local shop, open just in time for the Holiday shopping season: Eden's Echo Country Store!

The owners of Eden's Echo are originally from Marana, and moved to St. David, AZ several years ago to start a farm. The family started selling their simple, farm-made products at a farmer's market in Benson, and that has now grown into two locations - one near Downtown Benson, and the latest location, in Marana, in the Gladden Farms Marketplace (near Fry's).

At Eden's Echo, you can find hand-crafted, farm-made favorites like candied pecans, goat milk soaps and lotions, whipped tallow cream, dog treats, natural cleaners, jewelry, Christian gifts, and much more, all celebrating simple, clean farm living. Faith, family, and wholesome living all come together at Eden's Echo.

Learn More

CreditEden's Echo Country Store

Coming Soon

Thai Chili 2Go - Opening Soon

Thai Chili 2Go is an Arizona-local, rapidly-growing, fast-casual Thai restaurant, with several locations in the Phoenix area. The local chain will soon be opening their first Tucson-area location in Marana, in the Gladden Farms Marketplace (near Fry's and Black Rock Coffee). Thai Chili 2Go serves a variety of Thai noodle and rice dishes, curries, soups, appetizers, and more. While we don't have a firm opening date yet, Thai Chili 2Go is putting the finishing touches on their restaurant, so it should be opening soon! It will be located at 11370 W. Tangerine Rd. #101.

Ciao Down Kitchen - Early 2026

Local restaurant Ciao Down, famous for the Ciao Down Pizza Bus (which has appeared at several Marana events throughout the years) and Ciao Culinary Studio, will soon be opening Ciao Down Kitchen in Marana! Ciao Down is known for its creative, gourmet, hand-crafted pizzas, Italian-style desserts, and more. Ciao Down Kitchen will be a full-scale restaurant extension of their current culinary concepts. The restaurant will fill the former Monsoon’s Tap & Grill location at 6781 N. Thornydale Rd. #261 in southern Marana.

Kirin Asian Bistro - Coming Soon

While we don't quite have information on an opening date or additional details yet, Kirin Asian Bistro is coming soon to the Arizona Pavilions Shopping Center at Cortaro Rd. & I-10, in the former Barro's Pizza building, 5884 W. Arizona Pavilions Dr.

Peachwave Frozen Yogurt & Gelato

Peachwave will soon welcome its third Tucson-area location in Marana; in the Gladden Farms Marketplace (near Fry's). They will offer a variety of gelato and frozen yogurt flavors (including several low-sugar and non-dairy options), where you can create your own delicious frozen masterpiece in a bowl, or have it blended into a smoothie or shake. Top it off with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or baked waffles!

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

A national chain serving up smoothies, açaí and yogurt bowls, wraps, flatbreads, and quesadillas, all with tastes "as fresh as the tropics" will soon be opening in northwest Marana, in the Gladden Farms Marketplace (near Fry's).

Taco Rico Named one of the Best Taco Places in the U.S.

Southern Marana's Taco Rico was recently ranked #12 in the Nation on Yelp's list of the Top 100 Taco Spots for 2025. This list is based on ratings and reviews by Yelp users. Several other Arizona restaurants also made the list.

Taco Rico is a taco truck that serves up delicious, authentic Mexican street food classics! You can get tacos, quesadillas, and burritos with classic meats such as carne asada, chicken, and chorizo; but Taco Rico offers several other options! Try the suadero (brisket), pastor (marinated pork), or cabeza (beef cheek), and birria tacos, quesadillas, and ramen on Saturdays and Sundays.

Taco Rico is located near the Ina Road & I-10 interchange; 4500 W. Ina Rd. They are typically open from 10 AM - 8 PM every day. They have a second truck so they’re at many events and festivals in and around Marana in addition to their permanent location.

Check out the list here!

Al Gusto Coffee Company: The Latest Taste of Marana STANDOUT Award Winner


Congratulations to the beloved coffee cart-turned full service mobile coffee bar Al Gusto Coffee Company on being named the latest Taste of Marana STANDOUT Award Winner. It was nominated for the prestigious award by avid cyclist and friend of owner Aldo Boccaccio, Rick Leeman. Leeman has been a loyal customer of Al Gusto from the very beginning.

Aldo Boccaccio's passion for coffee led him to open Al Gusto Coffee Company in 2020. What started as a humble coffee cart has since turned into a full-service coffee shop on wheels, operating out of a Sprinter van wrapped in artwork showcasing Marana's landscapes. Al Gusto Coffee Company can be found at festivals, events, and farmers' markets all over Marana, sharing the hospitality Marana is known for in every cup.

The Taste of Marana STANDOUT Award was presented to Aldo Boccaccio at the Marana Chamber of Commerce's Annual Meeting on August 14th, 2025.

Read About the Story of Al Gusto Coffee Company Here

PicturedAl Gusto Coffee Company receiving the Taste of Marana STANDOUT Award. Pictured from left to right (Stefanie Boe, Rick Leeman, Mr. & Mrs. Boccaccio, Curt Woody, Amanda Wiggins)

Sky Rider Cafe: the latest Taste of Marana STANDOUT Award Winner

Congratulations to Sky Rider Cafe, a long-running staple of Marana Regional Airport, on being named the latest Taste of Marana STANDOUT Award Winner. It was nominated for the award by Marana Regional Airport staff, and was presented with the custom, hand-crafted trophy on June 20, 2025; the same day that the new “Wings Over Marana” public art installation was unveiled.

This iconic coffee, breakfast, and lunch spot was founded in 1982 by Barb Abrams, who turned her tradition of hosting Sunday cookouts for pilots into a welcoming eatery, grounded in warmth and community. Barb, her daughter Jenny, and son, Gary, continue to keep the spirit of Sky Rider alive over 40 years later.

Read the Press Release Here

PicturedTourism & Marketing Manager Stefanie Boe, and Marana Regional Airport Superintendent Galen Beem present the Taste of Marana STANDOUT Award trophy to Barb Abrams, the founder of Sky Rider Cafe, and her son, Gary.

New Restaurants in Marana

Over the past few months, Marana has welcomed SEVEN new restaurants!

Watch: Five New Places to Eat in Marana

La Bufadora

Known for serving some of the most mouth-watering fish and shrimp tacos in Southern Arizona, La Bufadora is ready to bring bold, fresh flavors to our community. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch, exploring new tastes, or planning a special event, their tacos are sure to impress. Hosting a corporate gathering, private party, or community celebration? Let La Bufadora handle the catering and treat your guests to an unforgettable taco experience.

Humo Cocina Mexicana

Local chef and James Beard Award semifinalist Jose Contreras (of Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen) recently opened his second restaurant, Humo Cocina Mexicana, in southern Marana! Humo Cocina Mexicana brings the rich, smoky flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine to life with a creative twist, fusing spice, heat, and savory deliciousness. They serve a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes, plus fusion favorites such as their Mole wings.

Humo Cocina Mexicana participated in the 2025 World Margarita Championship, and tied for first overall in the Judge’s Choice category with their Mole Enchilada Bites!

Keep reading to learn more about other Marana spots that participated in the competition.

CreditHumo Cocina Mexicana

Toss Fried Chicken & Ramen

Local chain Toss Fried Chicken and Ramen has brought its unique fusion of traditional Japanese ramen and Southern-style fried chicken to Southern Marana! Toss Fried Chicken & Ramen serves up an array of fried chicken entrees and sandwiches that pair perfectly with their flavorful ramen.

The new location (the chain’s third) is right next to Two Hands Corn Dogs, at Ina Rd. & Thornydale Rd. intersection.

Del Rancho Carniceria & Tacos: Worth the Wait!

If you frequent the Ina Road & I-10 area, you’ll have noticed a building under construction across the street from the Circle K for several years, and probably wondered, “what’s going in there?” Well, it’s been worth the wait, when the end result is Del Rancho Carniceria & Tacos, Marana and all of northwest Tucson’s first carniceria!

Enjoy incredible authentic Mexican flavors, from tacos, chiles rellenos, burritos, Mexican-style soups, and more, all made fresh. Or, bring some home to cook yourself! Their full-service carniceria has a wide selection of meats and cheeses, house-made salsas and guacamole, fresh vegetables, Mexican candies and drinks, and much more.

Sophia’s Mexican Food – Have you Tried It Yet?

There’s a new taco truck on the block at Marana Rd. & I-10! Sophia’s Mexican Food is located in the parking lot of the Chevron right at the Marana Rd. exit, and serves up all of the Mexican street food classics! Stop by for sizzling and fresh-grilled tacos, Sonoran Hot Dogs, burritos, chimichangas, quesadillas, breakfast burritos, desserts, combination plates, and more.

Each of the three taco trucks in the area has something to set them apart, and Sophia’s is no different – try their Adobada pork in a taco, burrito, or chimichanga, or their desserts!

CreditSophia's Mexican Food

Big Dawgs Italian Beef

Craving a taste of the Windy City? Big Dawgs Italian Beef is serving up Chicago-style classics right here in Marana.

From savory Italian beef sandwiches (dry, dipped, or loaded with hot peppers) to authentic Chicago Dogs and juicy burgers, this spot has all the flavor to hit the spot.

Find Big Dawgs in southern Marana, just off Thornydale Road and I-10.

Black Rock Coffee

Keeping you cool and caffeinated, Black Rock Coffee has officially landed in Marana!

Now open in the Fry's Plaza in Gladden Farms, they are serving up all the sweet treats—from classic hot coffee and refreshing iced lattes to teas, energy drinks, and quick breakfast bites.

New here? Be sure to ask about their secret menu for even more delicious drink options.

New Ice Cream Shop in Marana: Scrumdiddly Ice Cream

Scumdiddly in Dove Mountain is now open and serving up serious smiles with award-winning Wisconsin ice cream and ooey-gooey, stuffed cookies made in small batches.

This fun, family-owned Marana gem has tasty treats for everyone, including gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and no-sugar-added options.

Flavors rotate often, so there’s always something new to drool over.

Scrumdiddly is located at Tangerine and Dove Mountain Blvd, next to Amore.

Discover 8 Unique Takes on Sonoran Hot Dogs

It’s Southern Arizona’s signature street food, and can be found at taco trucks and sit-down restaurants across the area, including in Marana! While the basic components of the hot dog, bacon, mayo, mustard, and pinto beans are always featured on a Sonoran Hot Dog, restaurants put their own unique spin on this Borderland classic.

Check out this blog, written by local food photographer and cookbook author Jackie Alpers about 8 local restaurants in and around Marana and how they take this regional classic and make it their own.

CreditJackie Alpers

Marana Restaurants Participated in the World Margarita Championship

On the evening of June 14th, mixologists and chefs from around Southern Arizona gathered at the Westward Look Resort & Spa for the World Margarita Championship, squaring off to see who could create the best Signature Margarita and Best Bite.

Three Marana establishments participated: Bisbee Breakfast Club (with 2 Marana locations) and Ray Ray’s Sonoran Spirit Tea in the Signature Margarita category, and Humo Cocina Mexicana in the Best Bite category.

Marana continued its tradition of showing out at the competition this year! Humo Cocina Mexicana tied for first prize in the Judges’ Choice - Best Bite category with their Mole Enchilada Bites, and Bisbee Breakfast Club was runner-up in the Judges’ Choice category for Signature Margarita with their Blackberry Blaze margarita!

PicturedBisbee Breakfast Club's award-winning entry, the Blackberry Blaze Margarita.
CreditSAACA

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