Restaurant News & Updates

Updated April 16, 2024

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

Welcome THREE new restaurants to Marana, plus an old favorite makes a comeback!

Now Open!

Mantis Gourmet is serving up Chinese and Vietnamese dishes once again! The local favorite closed in December of 2022, but has returned to a new location, not from the original at 8295 N. Cortaro Rd. #125, across from the Arizona Pavilions Shopping Center.

Welcome 3 New Restaurants to Marana!

Luna Café, at the Marana Stockyards, offers a unique dining experience that’s a fusion of the down-home, comfortable feel of American food, with the freshness, flavors, and tradition of authentic Mexican food. Try their Torta del Milanesa, with crispy-fried pork tenderloin, breakfast classics, weekly specials, and much more!

Dirty Dough is now open near Marana! It’s the latest location of an Arizona-based chain that serves up warm, fresh cookies of rotating flavors, -- and, as they say, “It’s what’s on the inside that counts” – these cookies are stuffed! Their store just opened which at Cortaro and Thornydale near local favorites The Black Top Grill and Dominick’s Real Italian! They also have a food truck and are seen at local events each week.

Boba Cucue is the latest in the Boba tea trend that’s sweeping the nation! They’re located near Cortaro Rd. & I-10 (right next to Nana’s Kitchen!), and they mix up cold, refreshing, and creative bubble teas handmade with high-quality mountain tea, fresh fruits and milk, and chewy boba! Try their multi-colored Galaxy Boba drinks, or a Boba Frappe, with ice cream and boba tea!

Vero Amore is the latest Taste of Marana Standout!

Vero Amore, in Dove Mountain, has been a staple of the Marana community for 15 years, serving up delicious, authentic Italian food (including Authentic Neapolitan Pizza)! In November of 2023, Vero Amore was awarded the Taste of Marana Standout Award! This award recognizes local restaurants that offer exceptional food, service, and community involvement. Over 100 members of the local business community attended the Marana Chamber of Commerce Monthly Mixer where the award was presented!

PicturedSuzanne Kaiser of JAM Culinary Concepts holds the Taste of Marana STANDOUT award presented to Vero Amore - Dove Mountain in November, 2023 in Marana, Arizona.
CreditBradley Boe Photography

Spice Up Your Shopping at Mexicandy!

Mexicandy, a store designed around the owner's experience of visiting a candy shop when visiting family in Mexico, is now open at the Tucson Premium Outlets at Marana Center! They have a wide array of traditional Mexican candy and snacks, plus a sweet and spicy twist on classic gummy candies - coating them with chamoy and a house-made chili powder! Plus, they sell Mexican-inspired home décor, gifts, and toys.

This is Mexicandy's second location in the Tucson area, and third overall. Each of their stores give back by providing jobs to people with special needs! Check them out the next time you're shopping at the Premium Outlets!

CreditMexicandy

Discover the Origins of a Local Favorite

Discover the origin story of Nana’s Kitchen, a Marana-favorite Mexican restaurant that’s known for having the Best Margaritas in the World (don’t just take our word for it!), written by local blogger Natalie Moe, a.k.a. The Happily Pink Blogger!

Read Natalie’s Story on Nana’s Kitchen here! And follow Natalie on Instagram, @TheHappilyPinkBlog!

Food Events

  • On the first Wednesday of each month, Gladden Farms hosts a neighborhood food truck roundup at Lon Adams Park, and on the second Tuesday of each month, Saguaro Bloom hosts a roundup at Hebden Park!

Find many more Marana restaurant options here!

The Saguaro Bloom Food Truck Roundup, held the second Tuesday of every month!

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