Very good service, very good food. One of the few fine dining places in Victoria that is worth the money.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Yiwei Hu
Food presentation was impeccable as usual. The glazed shoyu sablefish and the squash were particularly impressive, with unusual combination of flavours and textures that we would not have thought of ! Service was incredible as usual - attentive refilling of glasses, explaining to us about the food and different options. We loved the more open atmosphere of the heated patio, especially on a chilly autumn evening. Thank you again !!
Dietary restrictions: Gluten free bread is actually pretty great. Olive oil is incredible instead of butter for dairy intolerant people
We had very great time yesterday night at Marilena! Good place, good service and good food! We had the chance to speak with the sommelier who gave us much appreciated advice on a BC excellent wine! Definitely recommended !
The food is excellent but the evening was ruined when I saw a mouse running between the tables
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vanilla Bean Cheesecake
William
I don't know really what to say about this place. The food is definitely good for Victoria, of that. There is no doubt. However, the fact that there were multiple mice running around our table, including bumping into our legs, was quite remarkable. What was even more amazing was the blase and rather dismissive attitude of the the restaurant staff. I can't imagine that they are in compliance with the food safety requirements, with multiple mice in the restaurant. I really was disappointed in how the organization dealt with it. It struck me that they had canned answers to the concern that was being expressed pretending there was nothing of concern and that we were really imbeciles for raising the issue. I would say that this place is to be avoided until this issue is addressed. To add insult to injury, with only one bottle of wine, the cost of the dinner was $600 for three people.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 3
Amal Hwang
I went to this restaurant to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary. The place was beautiful the whole vibe was just amazing. I've never been to such a fancy place before. Our server, Jessica, was the best! She was super friendly and made sure we had a great time. I was really touched by her service and I'm so grateful that she made our night unforgettable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Miso Glazed Sablefish
Catalina Valle Arroyo
The service in this place is absolutely brilliant! Very nice team !! This Restaurant has the best food in Victoria!!
mazing experience at Marilena Café & Raw Bar! The seafood was fresh and delicious, and the service was fantastic. The atmosphere is modern and upscale, making it a great spot for a special night out. Definitely worth the visit!
Our first visit to Marilena Cafe and Raw Bar did not disappoint. It was my birthday evening, we had reservations (recommended) and were greeted promptly and seated at a nice table. Juan was a pleasant, attentive and knowledgeable server and was able to answer all our questions. Service 9.5/10
We started with the grilled octopus. It was perfectly cooked and served with a spicy sausage sofrito and broad beans - 10/10.
If you’re ordering the seafood tower you must get the signature three tier tower. Starting with Tier 1, a dozen oysters; the local kushis were fresh and served with a lovely mignonette. The chilled jumbo prawns were also delightful. The mini Tabasco bottle was also very thoughtful. Tier 2 consisted of seared hamachi and albacore tuna tartare which were both amazing and perhaps the two best items on the tower. The halibut ceviche and Manila clams were quite good also, while the mussels escabeche were very tasty and smoky. Tier 3 featured 2 lobster claws and tails beautifully shelled and presented, as well as a chopped scallop roll and spicy tuna roll. I’d give the seafood Tower a 9/10 overall and recommend it for three guests rather than two.
The chocolate molten cake and espresso was on point and a delicious way to end, 9.5/10.
The only critique of the evening is that our server was not aware that it was my birthday even though the host acknowledged it when we arrived and I had noted that on the reservation. It was busy so I didn’t say anything until the end of the meal but a free dessert would have been nice ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood Towers, Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, Milk Buns Rolls, Jumbo Shrimp a La Plancha, Grilled Octopus, Molten Chocolate Cake with Cherry Ice Cream
Was pretty mid. Came here on a trip from Vancouver.
Service was unremarkable.
Food was okay but some dishes were incredibly oversalted. I would say the food was also overpriced for the quality, esp the seafood - didn’t taste too fresh. Best thing is probably the ambience, it was beautiful inside.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 2
Zach Lewis
This is the best restaurant in Victoria, I’ve been in the industry 20 years. The. Best.
Mandy Sam
After learning that Marilena was recognized as one of the Toptable Group restaurants, we were eager to experience it for ourselves. My partner thoughtfully made a reservation in advance to celebrate our anniversary. We opted for the more intimate dining experience in the atrium. The ambiance was truly delightful, exuding incredible vibes and a lively atmosphere. Our server demonstrated exceptional attentiveness, ensuring that we received impeccable service throughout our entire dining experience.
We carefully selected two raw items, one small plate, and two large plates to share. The yellow fin tuna tartare stood out as an extraordinary dish, offering an exquisite blend of flavors and a refreshing taste. The wagyu beef carpaccio was equally delectable, although we felt it could have benefited from a touch more saltiness. We decided to order the wild mushroom soup as a shared appetizer, and they thoughtfully divided the serving into two bowls for us. The presentation was visually appealing, and the soup itself was exceptionally creamy with a delightful blend of flavors. For our main courses, we opted for the Alberta Beef Tenderloin and the Gold Potato Agnlotti. While the Agnlotti was undeniably rich and slightly heavy, the texture of the pasta was truly remarkable. However, the Beef Tenderloin truly stole the show that evening. We thoroughly enjoyed this dish and appreciated the meticulous attention to detail and skillful execution evident in every aspect of the plate. We ordered the warm, chocolate molten cake for dessert, and it was quite good—a great way to end the night.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Yellowfin Tuna Tartare
이민정
You must make a reservation here And I made a reservation at least three weeks ago. It's more luxurious.This is one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. The waiter was kind and I don't know much about wine, so I asked him to recommend it to me, and the wine was delicious. I tried a week ago to go again, but I failed. I recommend that you make a reservation with plenty of time. But I recommend it when you go to a family gathering or a couple.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
N Munro
Top shelf all the way!!! Every aspect of the meal was excellent! Service and food both so good and so memorable! Will be back 100%!!
Very good service, very good food. One of the few fine dining places in Victoria that is worth the money.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food presentation was impeccable as usual. The glazed shoyu sablefish and the squash were particularly impressive, with unusual combination of flavours and textures that we would not have thought of ! Service was incredible as usual - attentive refilling of glasses, explaining to us about the food and different options. We loved the more open atmosphere of the heated patio, especially on a chilly autumn evening. Thank you again !!
Dietary restrictions: Gluten free bread is actually pretty great. Olive oil is incredible instead of butter for dairy intolerant people
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Milk Buns Rolls, Seared Diver Scallops, Miso Glazed Sablefish
very elegant and tasty ??
We had very great time yesterday night at Marilena! Good place, good service and good food! We had the chance to speak with the sommelier who gave us much appreciated advice on a BC excellent wine! Definitely recommended !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, Seared Diver Scallops
The food is excellent but the evening was ruined when I saw a mouse running between the tables
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vanilla Bean Cheesecake
I don't know really what to say about this place. The food is definitely good for Victoria, of that. There is no doubt. However, the fact that there were multiple mice running around our table, including bumping into our legs, was quite remarkable. What was even more amazing was the blase and rather dismissive attitude of the the restaurant staff. I can't imagine that they are in compliance with the food safety requirements, with multiple mice in the restaurant. I really was disappointed in how the organization dealt with it. It struck me that they had canned answers to the concern that was being expressed pretending there was nothing of concern and that we were really imbeciles for raising the issue. I would say that this place is to be avoided until this issue is addressed. To add insult to injury, with only one bottle of wine, the cost of the dinner was $600 for three people.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 3
I went to this restaurant to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary. The place was beautiful the whole vibe was just amazing. I've never been to such a fancy place before. Our server, Jessica, was the best! She was super friendly and made sure we had a great time. I was really touched by her service and I'm so grateful that she made our night unforgettable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Miso Glazed Sablefish
The service in this place is absolutely brilliant! Very nice team !!
This Restaurant has the best food in Victoria!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, Albacore Tuna Crudo
mazing experience at Marilena Café & Raw Bar! The seafood was fresh and delicious, and the service was fantastic. The atmosphere is modern and upscale, making it a great spot for a special night out. Definitely worth the visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Molten Chocolate Cake with Cherry Ice Cream, Wagyu Beef Carpaccio 'Sukiyaki'
Our first visit to Marilena Cafe and Raw Bar did not disappoint. It was my birthday evening, we had reservations (recommended) and were greeted promptly and seated at a nice table. Juan was a pleasant, attentive and knowledgeable server and was able to answer all our questions.
Service 9.5/10
We started with the grilled octopus. It was perfectly cooked and served with a spicy sausage sofrito and broad beans - 10/10.
If you’re ordering the seafood tower you must get the signature three tier tower. Starting with Tier 1, a dozen oysters; the local kushis were fresh and served with a lovely mignonette. The chilled jumbo prawns were also delightful. The mini Tabasco bottle was also very thoughtful. Tier 2 consisted of seared hamachi and albacore tuna tartare which were both amazing and perhaps the two best items on the tower. The halibut ceviche and Manila clams were quite good also, while the mussels escabeche were very tasty and smoky. Tier 3 featured 2 lobster claws and tails beautifully shelled and presented, as well as a chopped scallop roll and spicy tuna roll. I’d give the seafood Tower a 9/10 overall and recommend it for three guests rather than two.
The chocolate molten cake and espresso was on point and a delicious way to end, 9.5/10.
The only critique of the evening is that our server was not aware that it was my birthday even though the host acknowledged it when we arrived and I had noted that on the reservation. It was busy so I didn’t say anything until the end of the meal but a free dessert would have been nice ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seafood Towers, Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, Milk Buns Rolls, Jumbo Shrimp a La Plancha, Grilled Octopus, Molten Chocolate Cake with Cherry Ice Cream
Restaurantji Recommends
Was pretty mid. Came here on a trip from Vancouver.
Service was unremarkable.
Food was okay but some dishes were incredibly oversalted. I would say the food was also overpriced for the quality, esp the seafood - didn’t taste too fresh. Best thing is probably the ambience, it was beautiful inside.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 2
This is the best restaurant in Victoria, I’ve been in the industry 20 years. The. Best.
After learning that Marilena was recognized as one of the Toptable Group restaurants, we were eager to experience it for ourselves. My partner thoughtfully made a reservation in advance to celebrate our anniversary. We opted for the more intimate dining experience in the atrium. The ambiance was truly delightful, exuding incredible vibes and a lively atmosphere. Our server demonstrated exceptional attentiveness, ensuring that we received impeccable service throughout our entire dining experience.
We carefully selected two raw items, one small plate, and two large plates to share. The yellow fin tuna tartare stood out as an extraordinary dish, offering an exquisite blend of flavors and a refreshing taste. The wagyu beef carpaccio was equally delectable, although we felt it could have benefited from a touch more saltiness. We decided to order the wild mushroom soup as a shared appetizer, and they thoughtfully divided the serving into two bowls for us. The presentation was visually appealing, and the soup itself was exceptionally creamy with a delightful blend of flavors. For our main courses, we opted for the Alberta Beef Tenderloin and the Gold Potato Agnlotti. While the Agnlotti was undeniably rich and slightly heavy, the texture of the pasta was truly remarkable. However, the Beef Tenderloin truly stole the show that evening. We thoroughly enjoyed this dish and appreciated the meticulous attention to detail and skillful execution evident in every aspect of the plate.
We ordered the warm, chocolate molten cake for dessert, and it was quite good—a great way to end the night.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Yellowfin Tuna Tartare
You must make a reservation here
And I made a reservation at least three weeks ago.
It's more luxurious.This is one of the best restaurants I've ever been to.
The waiter was kind and I don't know much about wine, so I asked him to recommend it to me, and the wine was delicious.
I tried a week ago to go again, but I failed.
I recommend that you make a reservation with plenty of time.
But I recommend it when you go to a family gathering or a couple.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Top shelf all the way!!! Every aspect of the meal was excellent! Service and food both so good and so memorable! Will be back 100%!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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