GF and I are heading up to Marina Del Rey on SAT for a quick vacation, staying at the Ritz right in the Marina there. Any Berserkers in that area know of a good recommendation for dinner, or a drink before or after? Obviously trying to find a place that can satisfy my obsession with good food and even better vino. Walking distance preferred but a short Uber ride is fine as well. Heard that Tasting Kitchen is a good option, but maybe more for brunch on SUN?.
Thoughts???
Gjelina in Venice is great. Solid wine list too, in my opinion. I guess that leads to some questions, what do you look for in a wine list? What sort of restaurant experience are you looking for?
Scopa
Gjelina
Tasting Kitchen
Superba
Nothing is really within walking distance. All are a short Uber ride. Most will be sold out for dinner…
Heard about Gjelina before so will look into that.
As for wine list and experience. Just looking for a spot with an extensive list (preferably Italian Reds and Napa Cabs), and a lack of a snootish environment. I will be bringing a 2012 joseph Phelps Backus along to start, so hopefully they don’t kill me with a $50 corkage fee.
No outside wine allowed at Scopa.
Yeah I just saw that, but thanks for the heads up.
Any reco’s for some cool lounges/ wine bars after dinner?
My buddy Nathaniel Munoz took over the list at the Rose in Venice a year ago. I haven’t been, but the list is super solid.
I used to live up there, but a lot has changed. Last time I was there a few months ago, I really enjoyed my dinner at Leona. I personally think Gjelina is overrated.
Edit: I was dining alone on the spur of the moment at Leona, so I’m not really sure what their wine situation is (I had beer). But the food was great.
I like the food at Gjelina, and it’s a fun date night with the wife, however it’s probably not what the OP is looking for. It is definitely snooty/snobby, and their list is very European, not really conducive to Napa Cabs.
For a local BYOB and relaxed atmosphere I like J Nichols. Good American menu, emphasis on hearty meat dishes (not as much seafood) a place to bring your favorite Napa Cab/Bordeaux/Burgundy etc. and have a good time with your party and not worry about the scene or being seen.
Down by the Marina, Cafe del Rey is a bit more swanky, and might serve your needs better, also fairly Napa Cab friendly.
Venice Beach Wines, up the street from the Rose Cafe, is a great place to hang. Tell my buddy Bart that I sent you 
Walked in there the other day, good call.
Go to Charcoal on Washington Boulevard. Terrific food, reasonably priced and a great scene. Owned by Josiah Citrin of Melisse. It is less than 5 minutes from your hotel.
When I used to live in Marina Del Rey (about 4 years ago) Sunny Spot was my favorite local bar. Not for the wine selection, but they had tasty cocktails and a killer line-up of rum. One of the best burgers I’ve ever had, too.
Leona
Tasting kitchen
Gjelina
Superba (for lunch)
Truth be told, I’d go to Baby Blues BBQ and drink beer.
Really enjoyed Gjelina.
Farther south you have MANHATTAN BEACH POST restaurant in Manhattan Beach. Good food.
I haven’t been yet but want to try BARRIQUE in Venice. Italian wine bar.
Farther North (Santa Monica) is MISFIT bar/restaurant which has Macauley To Kalon for 130/bottle which is quite a bit lower than the 165 retail. Also pretty good cocktails. Loungy. We get the Macauley and grab a table for apps.
I got the best of both worlds. Brian Loring was pouring his wines just down the street at Lincoln Fine Wines; I stopped by Baby Blues BBQ afterwards for a pulled pork sandwich as a chaser.
Bruce
Tried getting ares at Gjelina but they were booked. Will try and hit that place for brunch on Sunday Funday. Right now we have a table at Leona but are 50/50 on keeping it. Looked at Sugarfish for sushi but they don’t take reservations and heard the lines are unbearable. Thinking about Salt Air as an alternative.
been to Misfit bar in SM as well as Manhattan Beach Post- both solid spots with good food wine, and people watching…
Hmm, I used to go to Sugarfish all the time (I lived in the Marina, and that was one of my regular spots) and I didn’t really find the lines unbearable, but I guess it depends on when you go and how many people you have. Also I suppose it may have gotten worse since I moved a few years ago.
I like Killer Shrimp over there too.