Taste of Marana: What’s New & Delicious at Local Restaurants

Updated June 16, 2026

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

CreditThai Chili 2Go

Restaurant News & Updates

Dine & Discover Marana returns!

Looking for an excuse to try a new restaurant? Dine & Discover Marana returns this summer, challenging you to visit four local dining spots and earn exclusive Marana swag. From neighborhood cafés and food trucks to breweries and family favorites, it's the perfect way to taste your way across Marana while supporting local businesses. This program is a partnership between the Marana Chamber of Commerce and Discover Marana.

Plus, this year's challenge is easier than ever with a new digital challenge card option. Happy dining!

CreditKimberli Wentz

Digital Challenge Card

Now Open: Ciao Down Kitchen

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, is now open in Marana! Ciao Down is known for its creative, gourmet, hand-crafted pizzas, Italian-style desserts, and more. Ciao Down Kitchen is a full-scale restaurant extension of their current culinary concepts. The restaurant filled the former Monsoon’s Tap & Grill location at 6781 N. Thornydale Rd. #261 in Southern Marana.

CreditCiao Down Kitchen

Now Open: Rancho Grill in Southern Marana

Rancho Grill is bringing bold Sonoran flavors and auténtico Sabor De El Rancho to the table.

This new local spot is all about fresh, from sizzling carne asada straight off the grill to warm tortillas and rich, smoky flavors that capture the essence of homemade cooking.

With a focus on real Sonoran-style cuisine, Rancho Grill offers a welcoming place for families and food lovers alike to gather and enjoy an authentic taste of the region.

Li'l Abner's Steakhouse Featured by Tucson Foodie!

Marana's western steakhouse Li'l Abner's was featured by Tucson Foodie!

Li’l Abner’s Steakhouse opened in 1947, founded by Duchess and Larry Lewis, who named the restaurant after their dog Abner, inspired by the popular comic character. Author Isabela Gamez says, "Beef and pork ribs fall off the bone. Every dish reflects the classic Western-style approach to grilling."

Congratulations to the Abner's team!

COMING SOON: Chipotle

Chipotle is coming to Gladden Farms! Construction is officially underway at the Fry’s Marketplace Plaza, bringing its signature fast-casual Mexican flavors to northwest Marana soon.

CreditChipotle

Relajo Cafe

Relajo Cafe is a Latina-owned coffee spot serving up vibrant, Hispanic-inspired drinks and bites with a creative twist. Currently operating from a mobile cart, a full brick-and-mortar location is coming soon—so stay tuned for what’s next!

COMING SOON: Caffeine Cauldron

Caffeine Cauldron is where coffee meets creativity—blending pop culture, books, and gaming into one welcoming hangout. Coming soon to the Tucson Premium Outlets at Marana Center, it’s set to be a go-to spot for fantasy lovers and caffeine seekers alike.

Casa Roriguez

Casa Rodriguez brings bold, authentic Mexican flavors to Marana, paired with a unique Mexican-style market that adds to the experience. Conveniently located for those heading to or from Ironwood Forest National Monument, it’s the perfect stop to grab a delicious meal and explore specialty goods. Be sure to check out their social media for rotating daily and weekly specials—you might just find your new go-to dish!

Oranju Food Cart

Oranju has opened near the main entrance of the Tucson Premium Outlets at Marana Center. This locally owned smoothie and juice bar also serves up snacks like their Dubai Strawberry Cup -- a perfect treat for outdoor shopping.

Coming Soon!

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.

This itinerary/blog post showcases local businesses in our community. We feature partners that serve food and drink, offer recreational opportunities, places to stay, and shopping. We value accuracy, fairness and balance in our advertising and marketing. We would love to showcase your business to our visitors. These advertising and marketing opportunities (social media, articles, website, and ads) are open to all businesses within Marana and the designated two-mile “Pima County Tourism Partner Zone” around the town limits that meet this criteria. If you want to be featured on our website or in social media, please contact us at MaranaInfo@Maranaaz.gov.

Author

Discover Marana

Experience Creators

Welcome to Discover Marana, the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for the town of Marana, Arizona. We work to promote and enhance the tourism industry in our beautifully diverse community.

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