La Olla Mexican Café Wins Taste of Marana Standout Award
La Olla Mexican Cafe in Marana is the latest Taste of Marana STANDOUT Restaurant Award winner. The restaurant’s dedication to fresh ingredients, exceptional service, and strong community ties has earned it this coveted spot on the STANDOUT list.
This hidden gem received several nominations, with customers highlighting the restaurant’s fresh meals, outstanding customer service and the way the owners make everyone feel like family when they dine there.
Husband-and-wife team Ken and Diane Gallardo take pride in their unique take on Sonoran flavors, adding a distinctive twist that sets them apart. Each weekend, Chef Diane prepares a special menu featuring several inventive main dishes and a unique dessert, like her Turtle Churro Sundae.
Several nominators also mentioned Diane’s calabacitas–a zucchini-based side-dish–as a can’t miss.
The Gallardos met in the hospitality industry, gaining invaluable experience at the Westward Look Resort, Janos Wilder’s restaurants and Oro Valley Country Club. They went into business for themselves in 2007 and have successfully navigated economic challenges, including the recession and the pandemic.
The Gallardos told Discover Marana, “We’re honored to win the STANDOUT award. It means everything to us to be recognized by our local customers and community.”
Curt Woody, economic development and tourism director for the Town of Marana, said, “We thank the Gallardo’s for their 17-year commitment to the town and community. We also appreciate residents who have put in Taste of Marana STANDOUT nominations, helping to shine a spotlight on local favorites!”
The Taste of Marana STANDOUT award presentation took place at the Marana Chamber of Commerce annual meeting at The Highlands in Dove Mountain on Aug. 15.
Amanda Wiggins, president and CEO of the Marana Chamber of Commerce offered her congratulations, “Nearly 200 business and community leaders gathered at the Chamber’s annual meeting and member appreciation luncheon to celebrate and honor building a thriving community through connected business leadership. It was wonderful to highlight Discover Marana’s Taste of Marana STANDOUT recipient, La Olla Mexican Cafe, at this annual event. This culinary champion in our community has been rooted here for nearly two decades and beloved by so many in the region.”
La Olla Mexican Cafe is located at 8553 N. Silverbell Road in Southern Marana. They’re open Monday through Saturday from 11:30am to 8pm.
