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

Updated April 3, 2026

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

CreditThe Highlands at Dove Mountain

Restaurant News & Updates

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!

Duke's Delicious Pizza

Welcome Duke's Delicious Pizza to the Market Hall at the Tucson Premium Outlets at Marana Center. Duke's started out as a food truck and has moved up into a brick and mortar. Choose from traditional favorites like pepperoni or add local favorites like jalapenos.

Each pizza is topped with fresh basil as well. Order ahead online for a fast pickup while you shop.

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.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

A national favorite known for flavors as fresh as the tropics, Tropical Smoothie Café is now open in northwest Marana at Gladden Farms Marketplace (near Fry’s).

The popular chain serves up made-to-order smoothies, açaí and yogurt bowls, wraps, flatbreads, and quesadillas, offering plenty of options for a quick, fresh, and flavorful meal. Whether you’re grabbing a smoothie on the go or sitting down for lunch, Tropical Smoothie Café delivers bold, tropical flavors with a better-for-you twist.

Peachwave of Marana

Peachwave is now open in Marana; in the Gladden Farms Marketplace (near Fry's). They 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!

CreditPeachwave of Marana

Thai Chili 2Go

Thai Chili 2Go is an Arizona-local, rapidly-growing, fast-casual Thai restaurant, with several locations in the Phoenix area. The local chain recently opened 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.

Coming Soon!

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.

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

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.

Visit Website