California has beaches, boardwalks, and marinas all up and down its sunny coastline. One of the best is Marina Del Rey, known as L.A.’s playground and where the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk begins.
You’ll find plenty of outdoor adventures in Marina Del Rey, from every watersport imaginable to coastal trails and seaside parks. Over the years, MDR has become a foodie’s paradise.
You’ll find casual cafes, upscale dining, classic American dishes, and authentic international cuisine. Our list of the best restaurants in Marina Del Rey makes it easy to find a place to suit your taste buds, occasion, and budget.
1. Killer Shrimp Restaurant & Bar
$$$ | 310-578-2250 | WEBSITE
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With one of MDR’s best waterfront views, Killer Shrimp is known for serving the freshest seafood in town. They actually work with local fishermen for the freshest catches of the day. It’s one of the only restaurants open 24 hours a day whenever you’re in the mood for comfort food.
One bite of the peel-n- eat shrimp dripping with lemon and butter and you’ll know why it’s called “killer shrimp.” For something different, try the lobster & shrimp enchiladas with cilantro cream, black beans, and ginger rice.
Killer Shrimp accommodates private events in the Marylin Lounge and Overkill Room.
2. Brennan’s
$$ | 424-443-5119 | WEBSITE
Open since 1972, Brennan’s is the place to go for fun and food with a group of friends or for date night. The long-standing pub recently got a facelift with a new airy look and an outdoor area for games like corn hole. There’s something going on every night of the week, including the popular turtle races every Thursday.
The menu includes sandwiches and combos, like Smash Burgers, pizza, and bone-in wings with vegan options. Munch on yummy sides like Garlic Knots and Loaded Tots and wash them down with drinks from an extensive list of beers, wines, and cocktails.
3. J Nichols Kitchen
$$-$$$ | 310-823-2283 | WEBSITE
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J Nichols Kitchen is open all day to serve MDR’s locals and guests California comfort flavors for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. Everything is made from scratch using only the freshest ingredients and served in a casual atmosphere. It’s a favorite spot for brunch, so expect to wait for a table.
Unique omelets and scrambles like the Spanish Cowboy and the Pacific Sunrise are served daily until 2 pm. Return for lunch or dinner for hearty sandwiches from Rubens to Turkey Clubs.
The Havana Chicken smothered in Cuban Mojo sauce is a favorite entree with the locals.
4. Locanda Positano
$$$ | 310-526-3887 | WEBSITE
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One of MDR’s top Italian spots, Locanda Positano, is a bit of a hidden gem in an unassuming location on Lincoln Blvd. Once inside, you’ll find the perfect ambiance for a romantic dinner for two in the low-lit dining room.
The authentic pasta dishes are made for sharing and the huge bar is stocked with Italian aperitivos and fine wines. Try the Pappardelle Al Cinghiale, a unique pasta dish consisting of braised wild boar, spinach, and red wine sauce served over flat pappardelle pasta. It’s as close as you can get to Tuscany in California.
5. SALT Restaurant & Bar
$$$$ | 310-301-1000 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for the best happy hour in town, head to SALT Restaurant & Bar daily between 2 and 4 pm for $2 off drinks and 20% off bar food.
Enjoy seaside bar bites like fried calamari or make it an early dinner with an 8 oz New York Strip steak sandwich. Go early and grab a seat by the outdoor firepits with a waterfront view.
A part of the Marina Del Rey Hotel, SALT Restaurant has an upscale menu with entrees like Lobster Ravioli. For starters, treat yourself to Classic Malossol Caviar with crème fraîche
6. Irori Sushi
$$$$ | 310-822-3700 | WEBSITE
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Dine in true Japanese tradition with your shoes off, sitting at low, sunken tables at Irori Sushi. This unique eatery serves Japanese fusion using only the freshest seafood, meat, and locally-sourced produce.
The Sushi Bar has a fun and friendly atmosphere, and each dish is beautifully presented. Try the in-season toro trio at market price or sashimi with a creative twist like black truffle on halibut or bluefish tuna with burrata.
Or you can’t go wrong with a Chef’s Special Roll with premium ingredients like bluefin tuna, albacore, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy avocado.
7. C&O Trattoria
$$ | 310-301-7278 | WEBSITE
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Feast on authentic Italian dishes next to the beach at the Venice/Marina del Rey border and 8 doors from the Venice Boardwalk. Enjoy favorites like Spaghetti Carbonara and Linguini Shrimp in creamy sauces made with the freshest ingredients available.
The staff puts on a lively nightly sing-a-long on the outdoor patio. Enjoy complimentary garlic knots drenched in butter and olive oil and order some Baked Stuffed Mushrooms from the Antipasti Menu.
C&O Trattoria is perfect for any occasion, from an intimate dinner for two to a night out with the family.
8. Beachside Restaurant & Bar
$$$ | 310-823-5333 | WEBSITE
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A local favorite, Beachside Restaurant & Bar overlooks Mother’s Beach with a dining room and full bar that opens to a patio steps away from the beach for an al fresco dining experience. The cuisine is Californian, infused with Latin American flavors, and overseen by Executive Chef, Victor Morales. Brunch and dinner are served.
The Shrimp Fettuccini in a creamy sauce with blistered tomatoes, shiitake mushrooms, and blue lake green beans comes highly recommended. Seasonal sides like Maple Roasted Nut Squash and Poached Pears in spicey red wine complement any dish.
A Chef’s Five Course Brunch is a popular choice on Fridays and Saturdays.
9. The Warehouse Restaurant
$$ | 310-823-5451 | WEBSITE
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Open since 1969, locals and tourists come to The Warehouse for the atmosphere and marina views on the patio as much as the food. Brought in from abandoned shipyards, the decor includes old whiskey barrels, nautical rigging, weathered lumber, and fishing nets. Inside, you’ll feel like a stowaway on a shipping freighter.
The menu includes an assortment of sandwiches, seafood, and steak. Start your meal with an appetizer like Shrimp Scampi sautéed in a creamy garlic sauce. Drink cocktails from souvenir barrels. Take Salso lessons on Friday nights!
The Warehouse also serves a killer Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas for 2 hours.
10. Brizzo
$$ | 424-443-5807 | WEBSITE
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Feast on Southern California-style cuisine with an ocean view at Brizzo. All of the dishes are prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The menu features beachy eats like Shrimp Ceviche and Pacific Rockfish Tacos. Choose from an array of tasty salads from Strawberry Fattoush to Marina Seafood Cobb with shrimp and Maine lobster.
A selection of yummy signature cocktails is on the bar menu with tempting names like Anchors Away and Sunset Smash.
Make the best of your meal by dining on the rooftop terrace with a sunset view across the harbor. It’s perfect for a romantic date night.
11. Mercedes Bar & Grille
$$ | 310-827-6209 | WEBSITE
Tease your taste buds with Latin fusion at Mercedes in a cozy outdoor setting. The chef, a former waitress, uses nine different ways to prepare Latin food with a mash-up of flavors including Caribbean, Brazilian, Mexican, Jamaican, and more.
A Latin breakfast is served all day (until 4 pm.) Choose from healthy delights like Huevos Rancheros or Heurvos Con Piccadello, all made with the freshest ingredients available. Lunch and dinner are also served with an array of Latin-inspired entrees.
Check out the Happy Hour from 3 to 6 pm with bar bites and specialty drinks like Blueberry or Watermelon Mojitos or Margaritas.
Summary
Marina Del Rey is a playground for L.A. with watersports, beaches, and a host of eateries with tasty fare from California favorites infused with Latin flavors to American classics and International cuisine. The best restaurants in Marina Del Rey feature beachside dining with views along with spectacular specialty drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Hayden has been a digital director for years. He has five years of experience editing and writing about food, restaurant, and recipe review content. At Birch Restaurant, he’s in charge of scouting, showing up unannounced in different restaurants, and writing a thorough food guide!
