This is a list of the “Top 25” Locals’ Favorite Restaurants in Marina, California as chosen by members of the Marina Community Facebook Group. I recently asked the members of this group to “please let me know who your favorites are and why” and this is the list they came up with. Most had to choose more than one because we all know how hard it is to pick just one of your favorite restaurants in Marina.
So, if you are looking for great food at a reasonable price, this is the list for you. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner for two, a business meeting, or just a great meal with your family, there is sure to be a restaurant on this list that will fit the bill.
Ho-Wah Chinese Restaurant
Website
Address: 3116 Del Monte Blvd, Marina, CA 93933
“Classic meals like chow mien & wonton soup, plus lunch specials, served in a spacious dining room.”
“We love to go to English Ales, Ho Wah and Noodle Bar, to name a few. The food is great and staff is always very friendly and welcoming.” – Claire Schmidt Patereau
“Ho Wah, Aki Fresh, I’m Thai, Marina Poke House, Pho Lucky, Michael’s Taqueria, Cheesecake Dreamations, New Korea, I could go on forever. I do still miss Frutti Del Mar. And Michi’s, and Mecca Delicatessen.” – Noel Freitas-Melwani
English Ales Brewery
Website
Address: 223 Reindollar Ave # A, Marina, CA 93933
“Craft brewery specializing in English ale, with a pub serving ploughman’s lunch & other hearty fare.”
“We love to go to English Ales, Ho Wah and Noodle Bar, to name a few. The food is great and staff is always very friendly and welcoming.” – Claire Schmidt Patereau
“Oh, and duh, English Ales of course. Where I met my hubby! It’s more of a home away from home, so sometimes I forget it’s a restaurant the general public can go to… 😂” – Noel Freitas-Melwani
Cheesecake Dreamations
Photo by Paolo M.
Website
Address: 265 Reservation Rd Suite C, Marina, CA 93933
“Local family owned Specialty Cheesecake shop specializing in Mini Cheesecakes! Variety of flavors served everyday! You Dream it We’ll Create it!”
“Ho Wah, Aki Fresh, I’m Thai, Marina Poke House, Pho Lucky, Michael’s Taqueria, Cheesecake Dreamations, New Korea, I could go on forever.” – Noel Freitas-Melwani
Everyone’s Harvest Marina Certified Farmers’ Market
Website
Address: 215 Reservation Rd, Marina, CA 93933 (Sunday Only)
“Everyone’s Harvest’s mission is to provide access to healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables through certified farmers’s markets and community food programs.”
“I have to include our local Sunday Farmers Market. In addition to all the fresh fruits and vegetables, they have a variety of food trucks and vendors serving up delicious fresh meals each Sunday. Sometimes we stop in for some smoked Tri-Tip, fresh fruit juices, tacos, freshly popped kettle corn and so much more. I highly recommend stopping there for lunch after church on Sunday.” – Geno Quiroz
Michael’s Grill & Taqueria
Photo by Javier Gonzalez
Yelp
Address: 265 Reservation Rd I, Marina, CA 93933
Familiar Mexican plates & imported beer served in easygoing quarters in a shopping plaza.
“… We also love the friendly service and fresh taste of Michael’s Grill & Taqueria. My favorite is the tostada platter with charbroiled chicken!” – Hayley Swann
I’m Thai Cuisine
Website
Address: 3170 Vista Del Camino Rd, Marina, CA 93933
“My Journey started at this lovely city, MARINA. I fell in love with this place and had a dream to introduce Thai Food to local community. Our Restaurant began on July 2018 ,with a great passion of cooking and Chef experience over 15 years. We select the quality and cook with heart to bring out the Best and Authentic Taste for Customers. We guarantee that you would love our Recipe , please Visit our place or Order Online for Pick up.”
“I’m Thai very nice people!! did not have enough $$ for food on our anniversary when I tried to order so had to say no BUT the owner actually brought the food to our HOUSE and did not charge us anything!! I will always be grateful for that act of kindness!!” Kathy Emmons
Daddy’s City Diner
Photo by DeAnna Hooper
Yelp
Address: 265 Reservation Rd F, Marina, CA 93933
“Family-run diner serving comfort food in a cheery storefront with large windows & Americana decor.”
“We love Daddys Diner, Ticos and Evelyn’s. The food is great and so is the staff!” – Diana Rebecca Wilson
Evelyn’s Restaurant
Photo by Johnny Ohl
Facebook
Address: 250 Reservation Rd suite b, Marina, CA 93933
“Salvadorian Restaurant serving traditional Pupusas, Horchata, Agua Frescas. We also have your Mexican and American dishes.”
“We love Daddys Diner, Ticos and Evelyn’s. The food is great and so is the staff!” – Diana Rebecca Wilson
El Palmar
Photo by Brent Chapin
Yelp
Address: 3102 Del Monte Blvd, Marina, CA 93933
“Local family-owned restaurant serving fresh authentic Mexican cuisine”
“QQ Noodles and El Palmar for my household!” – Karen Andersen
Tico’s Breakfast & Lunch
Photo by Jonathan Feng
Website
Address: 330 Reservation Rd C, Marina, CA 93933
“Omelets, sandwiches & other classic American dishes are served in a cheerful, relaxed setting.”
“We love Daddys Diner, Ticos and Evelyn’s. The food is great and so is the staff!” – Diana Rebecca Wilson
Marina Village Restaurant
Photo by Meno Talaroc
Yelp
Address: 215 Reservation Rd L, Marina, CA 93933
“American Traditional”
“Marina Village & Keokis Hawaiian bbq! 🔥” – CJ Aoelua
Keoki’s Hawaiian Barbeque Carry-Out
Photo by Fred Wheling
Facebook
Address: 3170 Vista Del Camino Cir, Marina, CA 93933
“Bringing folks that have not been or who used to call Hawaii home a true “taste of Hawaii”.”
“Marina Village & Keokis Hawaiian bbq! 🔥” – CJ Aoelua
Coffee Mia Brew Bar & Cafe
Photo by Gretchen Saffles
Facebook
Address: 250 Reservation Rd E, Marina, CA 93933
“Coffee Mia Brew Bar is family owned and operated. They serve a variety of Santa Cruz Coffee Roasting Company international coffees, teas, smoothies, homemade soups, salads, panini sandwiches, and burritos, as well as daily specials and a broad array of delicious baked goods including their mouth-watering homemade cannoli. (Free wi-fi, too!)”
“I love the service and friendly owners at Coffee Mia. The coffee and pastries always taste great. You can tell they aren’t a big chain that simply gets by with a name but has tasteless food and drink *coughstarbuckscough*…” – Hayley Swann
Noodle Bar
Facebook
Address: 215 Reservation Rd, Marina, CA 93933
“Compact Vietnamese eatery featuring noodle soups & other traditional dishes, plus tea & smoothies.”
“We love to go to English Ales, Ho Wah and Noodle Bar, to name a few. The food is great and staff is always very friendly and welcoming.” – Claire Schmidt Patereau
Dametra Fresh Mediterranean
Website
Address: 120 General Stilwell Dr #110, Marina, CA 93933
“Dametra at Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey, CA and Dametra at The Dunes in Marina, CA are the sister restaurants to Dametra Cafe, in Carmel California. Dametra Cafe is ranked #1 Restaurant in Carmel by TripAdvisor and is on Yelp’s “Most Romantic Restaurants” and “Top 100 Places to Eat in the US” lists! ”
“Dametra is fantastic. Love the food and the full bar!” – Briana Sanford
Las Cazuelas
Photo by Jonathan Bonie
Yelp
Address: 3156 Del Monte Blvd, Marina, CA 93933
“Mexican Breakfast and Brunch”
“I also like I’m Thai, Michael’s, and Las Cazuelas. My husband and I are vegan and all of these places have options. 🥰” – Briana Sanford
New Tokyo Restaurant
Yelp
Address: 3170 Vista Del Camino Cir N, Marina, CA 93933
“Japanese Cuisine”
“Michael’s grill, Ho Wah, new Tokyo” – Rebekah Pacleb
Aki Fresh Mex
Website
Address: 265 Carmel Ave, Marina, CA 93933
“Auténtica comida mexicana”
“Aki Fresh on Carmel Ave is simply wonderful. It reminds me of the best aspects of home cooked Mexican food, incorporating great authentic taste while making me feel like I’m a part of their family owned operation. I really hope they get the recognition they deserve because I’m always shocked when it’s not busier in there.” – Joshelyn Ramirez
Sarita’s Mexican Grill Restaurants
Website
Address: 342 Reservation Rd, Marina, CA 93933
“Serving Homemade, Authentic Mexican Food Since 1982. For decades, our mexican restaurant has been offering quality food with traditional Mexican flavors to Monterey County, and beyond. We take pride in using only the best ingredients in our dishes and serving them to you at an affordable price.”
“One of our favorites for a Mexican breakfast is Sarita’s. We’ve been going there since I was pregnant with our now college kid. We get the huevos con machaca and can get 4 small burritos or 2 bigger burritos out of the meal.” – LJ Aguon
Lee’s Garden Chinese Restaurant
Photo by Bob R.
Website
Address: 215 Reservation Rd # A, Marina, CA 93933
“Chinese Cuisine”
“We hit up Lee’s Garden when we crave jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup) and jajangmyeon (noodles with black bean sauce and seafood).” – LJ Aguon
QQ Noodle
Photo by Liv
Facebook
Address: 330 Suite H, Reservation Rd, Marina, CA 93933
“Serve flavorful teas of all kinds, such as Thai iced-tea, milk tea, fruit tea, and slushy. Extensive menu of banh mi, noodle & rice dishes, soups & more”
“QQ Noodles and El Palmar for my household!” – Karen Andersen
Marina Poke House
Facebook
Address: 266 Reservation Rd, Marina, CA 93933
“Poke means “to slice or cut” in Hawaiian and refers to chunks of raw, marinated fish, which is then tossed over rice and topped with vegetables and umami-packed sauces. Established in 2016, Poke House is a family owned and operated restaurant. Our mission is to bring fresh, flavorful, and healthy food to our customers. We offer a large varieties of choices including vegetarian and gluten free options. Our bowls are highly customize-able to suit your individual cravings.”
“Ho Wah, Aki Fresh, I’m Thai, Marina Poke House, Pho Lucky, Michael’s Taqueria, Cheesecake Dreamations, New Korea, I could go on forever.” – Noel Freitas-Melwani
Pho Lucky Noodle House
Website
Address: 266 Reservation Rd, Marina, CA 93933
“Low-key kitchen serving up familiar Vietnamese soups & entrees amid colorful wall murals.”
“Ho Wah, Aki Fresh, I’m Thai, Marina Poke House, Pho Lucky, Michael’s Taqueria, Cheesecake Dreamations, New Korea, I could go on forever.” – Noel Freitas-Melwani
New Korea Restaurant
Photo by Nancy Frisk
Yelp
Address: 300-D Carmel Ave, Marina, CA 93933
“Venerable, neighborhood nook preparing traditional Korean standards, plus daily lunch specials.”
“Our family loves New Korea. We found them because of their great reviews on Yelp when we first moved here. We were not disappointed. They have some of the most authentic Korean food I have ever tasted. Before the COVID restrictions, we were there almost 2-3 times per month. The lunch specials are great. I highly recommend going during lunch and trying one of their specials.” – Geno Quiroz
“Ho Wah, Aki Fresh, I’m Thai, Marina Poke House, Pho Lucky, Michael’s Taqueria, Cheesecake Dreamations, New Korea, I could go on forever.” – Noel Freitas-Melwani
El Rancho Market
Facebook
Address: 346 Reservation Rd, Marina, CA 93933
“Grocery Store & Carniceria ”
“In additional to all those listed above, we also love El Rancho market for good Mexican food. I love the Carnitas and my wife loves the fried Fish. I love their burritos made to custom order as well.” – Geno Quiroz
This Is Our List of Favorite Restaurants in Marina as Chosen by the Community
These are the places where the locals eat. It’s not a scientific survey. These are merely the places which have earned a spot on the “Top 25” list of favorite restaurants in Marina for several different voters in the Marina Community Facebook Group.
The members of the Marina Community Facebook Group are a passionate group of people who love their town and they have a lot of taste when it comes to food. When they get together to share their favorite places to eat, they do so passionately. And that’s why their choices for “Top 25” are worth trying.
Do you have favorites that did not get included in this article? Please share your favorites in the comments below.
