Kim S.
Yelp
I'd just had a couple of Mescals at Casa Tequila and Marinero's was right across the road, so before I actually passed out in a gutter I decided I should eat something. Grabbed a table inside (they also have outdoor seating, but I was in the mood for air conditioned comfort) and ordered a coconut martini (70 pesos) and the Fisherman's Plate (269 pesos).
The coconut martini was nice - cool and refreshing. Tasted like it was made with coconut cream, not milk. Not sure how much alcohol was in it, but it didn't taste that strong.
They bought out a cone of corn chips first with three different dips - mild (green tomato), medium (red chilli) and hot (habenero).
The Fisherman's Plate was generous; eight prawns, the same number of mussels, two grouper fillets, four calamari rings, and a huge clam served in its shell with garlic sauce and fried onions. Plus some grilled peppers and zucchini on the side. Everything tasted good. Then I started experimenting with the left over dips. The grouper with the habenero was delicious - although extremely hot, this sauce really took the fish to another level. Excellent pairing. The red chilli and prawn were a good combo, and the mussels seemed to work with everything, but I think the green tomato best. The only thing I couldn't find a home for was the calamari rings, so I just left them.
Marinero's walks the line between tourist trap and good food, but as far as I'm concerned doesn't actually cross it. Prices are reasonable for what you get (my bill came to 479 pesos, which included three martinis) and the service is fast and friendly. Also, a 10% discount voucher for their sister restaurant, Mextremes, which is right next door came with the check.
Nothing fancy or out of the box, just good, solid seafood. And who doesn't love that? The only thing I'd mark them down on, is they add a 15% service charge which lifted the bill to 550 pesos. I probably would have tipped that anyway, but I'd like to make that decision myself.