Went to marina in Pasadena last night. Was really impressed and loved the whole meal.
Marina has been open for about four months I believe – interesting in that a nice restaurant opened where a “Sharkys” used to be and they made the best of the space.
Appetizers were a clementine salad that was incredibly fresh, perfectly balanced the way it was seasoned, and had a terrific goat cheese to add some texture and more flavor. Also had a very tasty calamari/artichoke that the kids in particular loved that had a really yummy aoli. It was a bit heavy, but that’s kind of par for the course with that dish isn’t it? Last, we had a prosciutto with Barata and bread that was melt in your mouth for the meat.
They were out of the braised short ribs (and we were there early) so my wife ordered the pork. It was a terrific piece of meat, served medium. Juicy and flavorful. Maybe the one thing I didn’t love was the sides for the pork didn’t really match each other or do too much for the dish overall, but still lovely.
Kids had carbonara and devoured it. Fresh pasta, thick bacon, rich creamy sauce without being too gelatinous.
I ordered a tortellini and mushrooms that surprised me with its depth of flavors and the way each element made the rest of the dish better. The mushrooms were like umami bombs.
Dessert was a blue cheese cheesecake which, just trust me and try it. If they didn’t say blue cheese you would just think it was an incredibly rich and tangy cheesecake with perfect texture.
Tiramisu was more “formal,” almost French like in it assembly, and also great.
Wines were delicious, though I think the pours were on the shorter side.
Waiter was amazing – true Italian lady and just an excellent guide through the meal. Super attentive.
A+
bignibbles_
Thinking of going their to celebrate, service is rlly important to my parents so this sounds like a good place combined w the delicious food. Haven’t seen too many pics of the interior – would you say it’s a nice option for a party of 5?
cptsteve21
First I’ve heard but looks and sounds like a fantastic spot. Thanks for the review & suggestion!
3 Comments
Went to marina in Pasadena last night. Was really impressed and loved the whole meal.
Marina has been open for about four months I believe – interesting in that a nice restaurant opened where a “Sharkys” used to be and they made the best of the space.
Appetizers were a clementine salad that was incredibly fresh, perfectly balanced the way it was seasoned, and had a terrific goat cheese to add some texture and more flavor. Also had a very tasty calamari/artichoke that the kids in particular loved that had a really yummy aoli. It was a bit heavy, but that’s kind of par for the course with that dish isn’t it? Last, we had a prosciutto with Barata and bread that was melt in your mouth for the meat.
They were out of the braised short ribs (and we were there early) so my wife ordered the pork. It was a terrific piece of meat, served medium. Juicy and flavorful. Maybe the one thing I didn’t love was the sides for the pork didn’t really match each other or do too much for the dish overall, but still lovely.
Kids had carbonara and devoured it. Fresh pasta, thick bacon, rich creamy sauce without being too gelatinous.
I ordered a tortellini and mushrooms that surprised me with its depth of flavors and the way each element made the rest of the dish better. The mushrooms were like umami bombs.
Dessert was a blue cheese cheesecake which, just trust me and try it. If they didn’t say blue cheese you would just think it was an incredibly rich and tangy cheesecake with perfect texture.
Tiramisu was more “formal,” almost French like in it assembly, and also great.
Wines were delicious, though I think the pours were on the shorter side.
Waiter was amazing – true Italian lady and just an excellent guide through the meal. Super attentive.
A+
Thinking of going their to celebrate, service is rlly important to my parents so this sounds like a good place combined w the delicious food. Haven’t seen too many pics of the interior – would you say it’s a nice option for a party of 5?
First I’ve heard but looks and sounds like a fantastic spot. Thanks for the review & suggestion!