Marina Kitchen Restaurant & Bar modernizes comfort food with seasonal flare in San Diego, California

Courtesy of Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

In the middle of a tour of Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina’s event spaces, a lunch break to rest weary feet and feed the hunger. Marina Kitchen Restaurant & Bar is one of the hotel’s on-site restaurants. It doesn’t really feel like a hotel restaurant as it is set apart from the main lobby with panoramic views of the tropical getaway pool area. The restaurant interior has a similar look to the hotel with an organic design – wooden tables and curved décor reminiscent of the ocean and surf.

Courtesy of Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Executive Chef Aron Schwartz utilizes his talents and local, seasonal produce, meats, and seafood to make the ultimate modern comfort-food dining experience. The dishes capture the essence of the surroundings: fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean (only steps away from the hotel), fresh meats and produce from local farmers, culinary fusion from the diverse cultures (Mexican, Italian, Japanese, Hawaiian, etc.), and the relaxed vibe of San Diego.

Burrata Cheese ($14) is served with tomato jam, speck, and toasted bread. The burrata is like a creamy cloud of cheese. It’s so soft and mild, it pairs well with the tomato jam and speck, adding both sweet and salty notes. The toasted bread is the perfect delivery vehicle for this starter. Rating: 5/5

Seafood Salad ($19) is Dungeness crab, rock shrimp, and Maine lobster atop gem lettuce and avocado green goddess dressing. It’s the perfect spring/summer salad to enjoy while overlooking the lush tropical pool area. The crab, shrimp, and lobster are cooked to perfection, each with their own unique flavor notes of sweet and briny flavors. The dressing has a nice flavor and lends itself nicely to the seafood, adding flavor without overpowering. Rating: 5/5

Brandt Beef Flat Iron ($26.50) is a grilled flat iron steak topped with herb butter and served with arugula salad and truffle fries. This has to be the best flat iron steak around! The steak has the tender texture of filet mignon but with subtle marbling. The knife cuts through like butter. The herb butter adds an herbal essence bringing out the sweetness of the beef. The truffle fries are so aromatic and highly addictive indeed; crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside with truffle flavor and aroma in every bite. Rating: 5/5

Maker’s Mark Milkshake ($14) is served with maple lacquered pepper bacon. It has a creamy texture from the ice cream. The Maker’s Mark bourbon packs a punch but lends a caramel-like flavor to the shake. The added bacon shakes things up with a little bit of salty. This also won the “Best Dessert” at the San Diego Bay Food & Wine Festival. Rating: 5/5

Atmosphere: 5 out of 5 stars

Décor: 5 out of 5 stars

Service: 5 out of 5 stars

Food: 5 out of 5 stars

For more information:
Marina Kitchen Restaurant & Bar

Located in the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

333 W. Harbor Dr.

San Diego, CA 92101

+1.619.699.8289

Breakfast a la carte hours: Daily from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Breakfast buffet hours: Daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10: 30 a.m.

All-day menu hours: Daily from 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Lunch & Dinner hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Parking: Self-parking is $8 for first three hours with validation and $5 each additional hour; Valet parking is $10 for the first three hours with validation and $5 each additional hour.