Marlena Long Beach

We came here for dinner after a day at various places in Long Beach. Plenty of parking. Reservation was made online and we had no wait time at all. The resultant fees like it is semi-outdoors with plenty of coverage and heat lamps everywhere. Every dish was great and the desert was phenomenal. We had a great time. The grown up and the kids alike. Highly recommended.

My first time at Marlena, and let me tell you, this place truly delivered! Our server, Alec, had the most amazing personality and did a fantastic job recommending and describing everything on the menu. The cocktails were phenomenal, and the food was equally impressive. Here’s what we ordered: • Grilled Spanish Octopus: Tender to perfection, with flavors that were absolutely on point. • Crispy Fried Cauliflower: This was absolutely delicious and, in my opinion, a must-order! • Little Gem Salad: Their unique take on a Caesar salad—simple yet satisfying. • Pappardelle Oxtail Ragu: I couldn’t try this due to dietary restrictions, but it was rated a solid 7/10 by my dining companion. • Blue Oyster Mushroom Pizza (GF): OMG, I’m in love with this! It was absolutely perfect. • Prosciutto Pizza: My boyfriend thought it was good but felt it would’ve been better with more prosciutto. For dessert, we ordered: • Orange Fennel Olive Cake: Such a unique combination of flavors that worked beautifully together—phenomenal! • Burnt Basque Cheesecake: Creamy, rich, and simply divine. Overall, the ambiance, service, cocktails, food, and desserts were fantastic. The portions were just right—not too little, not too much. We will definitely be back, and next time, we’re excited to try brunch for a different vibe!

Great place to go on a date night dinner. Amazing food, friendly vibes and attentive staff who took their time to make sure we had a good experience. My favorites were their Crispy Fried Cauliflower and Spicy Salami Pizza. It's the best cauliflower dish I have ever eaten. The Basque Cheesecake we shared at the end of our meal was delicious so was their Espresso Martini. Will be returning to this spot again. Highly recommend making a reservation as this place can get super busy.

Phenomenal service and atmosphere, beautiful restaurant, great location. Fresh and seasonal ingredients. Awesome italian neighborhood spot that we were recommended by a local. Unfortunately I just didn't think the food was special. The pizza had great crust but the blue oyster mushroom just lacked flavor and heat, should have been finished off with maybe some red pepper flakes or fresh pepper and I could barely taste the brininess of the olives. The oxtail ragu papapradelle was well executed, cooked Al dente but the ragu lacked depth of flavor and i wish it came with some crusty bread crumbs over top to mix up the texture. It's all very one feel for this dish and wished it had a bit more cheese or even a nice creamy cheese mixed in to give it a smoother flavor. Great wine and cocktail list.

An overall remarkable dining experience and culinary delight. First impression is visually pleasing with a beautiful aesthetic overall. Very welcoming and open vibes. The menu is concise with all of your favorites like duck, octopus, pork chop, halibut and some tasty veggie options including a tasty cauliflower dish. We had a party of 12 and shared some fabulous homemade pizzas, but also ordered several entrees and the tutti-frutti peas and pastas. Besides the approachable wine list, they also made a marvelous espresso and had some non alcoholic drinks too. The desserts were equally superb to the first part of the meal, and we all really enjoyed ourselves. Beyond the top notch food n drink, and the gorgeous atmosphere …the people made the place tops. Their attention to detail and high level of hospitality was also very enjoyable. Looking forward to visiting again. Things indeed a dining destination. Bravo Marlena LB!

We're avid food enthusiasts, constantly exploring new spots in our quaint city. The thrill escalates when a renowned LA chef extends their culinary expertise to Long Beach. During our first visit, we aimed to savor a diverse array of dishes, focusing particularly on appetizers and small plates. The ambiance captures a beachy vibe, resonating with our coastal setting. However, instead of an ocean view, the expansive open space reveal a parking lot. The interior exudes modernity, adorned with wood-look slats, creating an outdoor feel even though it's predominantly covered and equipped with heaters. A small bar, featuring bar seating and high tops, adds a cozy touch, especially with the sliding doors wide open. I thoroughly enjoyed every dish during my dining experience. The combination of beats with labni was exceptional, and the octopus, mussels, and whole branzino were all cooked to perfection, delivering delicious flavors. However, the Hiramasa crudo left me undecided; it was the only dish that didn't quite win me over. Despite this, the overall culinary experience was delightful, and the majority of the dishes left a lasting positive impression. And we went back to take a friend in between a long layover at LAX.

This indoor/outdoor restaurant is perfect for summer evenings! Everything we ordered was delicious. Looking forward to coming back! Highly recommend: crispy fried cauliflower, gelato topped with olive oil & salt

When a friend asked to get Brunch I quickly suggested Marlena and it was great to try their brunch menu! The first time I went to Marlena was for a birthday dinner, a party of about 15 people and we ordered at least one of everything on the menu. We passed plates and got to sample everything and it all was spectacular so I had been excited to go back. On the brunch menu the crab avocado toast was my favorite and the lamb belly dish from the Josper Grill menu was my friend’s favorite. Our service was great and the atmosphere was so inviting we sat there for hours trying dishes and catching up. My love for Marlena has only grown and I look forward to my next visit!

I came here with my friend on Saturday for dinner. We didn't have a reservation and were expecting to stand at the bar, but the staff made sure we got a table which was so very thoughtful and appreciated. The table was on the patio but it was covered with a plastic drape enclosure and heaters so it didn't even really feel like we were outside. The lighting and layout were perfect for a comfy and cozy experience. Our server Grace was absolutely lovely and funny too. She gave us feedback on the popular and tastiest dishes (but I'm now convinced we probably wouldn't have gone wrong ordering anything on the menu). For two people, we ordered the roasted cauliflower, pappardelle ragu, and the prosciutto pizza (see pics). It was the perfect amount of food to share. For me, the standout was the pizza. Wow, I haven't had a pizza that delicious in forever. It was savory and sweet, and the crust was absolutely delicious, and I'm not usually a crust fan unless it's done well. We also ordered the burnt Basque cheesecake and olive oil cake, and both were also excellent. Overall, it was a wonderful experience for us two gals to catch up and gab over a table of beautiful food and excellent service. Thank you Marlena for a wonderful meal.

This place is perfect for a date night, consider this an intimate restaurant that exudes charm and warmth. Look for a cozy spot with dim lighting, soft music, and a menu of thoughtfully crafted plates. Pair it with signature cocktails, and you'll have the ideal setting for deep conversation and romance. Bonus points if you find a tucked-away patio, a fireplace, or a unique, personal touch like candlelit tables like I did.

I was super excited to check out Marlena with a few friends, and while I frequent 2nd & PCH a lot, I have never ventured into Naples. So let's just say I was in for a shock when there was extreme traffic for the last half mile of my drive! It turns out this restaurant is right in the center of the Naples Boat Parade- which I had no idea existed. However, when I frantically called the restaurant, they picked up super quick and gave me directions on where to park. That was super appreciated because parking was impossible that night otherwise! We got a spot outside and thankfully they had heaters to keep us warm. I split a few dishes with a friend. For our appetizer we got the roasted baby yams. These came out super quick and were delicious! Another friend got the Japanese yellowtail crudo and that was also excellent. For our mains I split the honeynut squash agnolotti and a pizza I feel like was their take on a margherita. The agnolotti was outstanding. It was a sweet dish that had crushed up cookies sprinkled on top, but it wasn't overly sweet and it worked so well. I am so glad I split this with a friend because I may have been too scared to try it alone if it was the only dish I got! That being said, for the price this portion size was almost criminal. I really just wanted to eat more of this because it was so good, and I was sad I only got five or six little agnolottis (due to splitting). As for the pizza, it was pretty standard in terms of Italian thin crust pizza. I did end up eating three slices because I was still so hungry after the appetizer and pasta. However if I had a normal sized portion of pasta, I probably would have ate only one slice. I am not much of a pizza person, and prefer thick crust when I must eat it. After we got our food, we were not really checked on for a long time. I did have to leave after a certain point, and I spent a few minutes looking backwards to try and get the attention of our waiter. Everything else besides that in terms of the service was great! I would give this place a 4.5 if I could. Due to a few things about my experience it wasn't quite enough to get 5 stars. In particular I would have liked a good amount more pasta for an almost $30 dish. I am also glad my friend made reservations because this place was very busy! I have no idea how parking is on a non-boat parade night, but from other reviews it seems like it's relatively easy.

Been here a handful of times over the last couple years and I LOVE this restaurant. The last time I was here was last month where we were celebrating an engagement -- and we ordered almost everything off of their menu for everyone! I'm so sad I didn't take more photos of the food, but you really can't go wrong with ordering anything off their menu. Some highlights I remember in the blur of all the dishes coming to the table were the octopus and cauliflower appetizers. I loved every single pizza we ordered (and we ordered all of them), but I will say the calzone is probably the weakest dish on their menu -- probably wouldn't order that again. But other than that, we loved all the pastas, pizzas, salads, and small plates! My favorite pasta was the honey nut squash agnolotti. And the branzino was *chef's kiss* The dessert cakes were all really good, too! But I still think about their affogato -- their gelato was mascarpone flavored! So freaking good. Their outdoor seating is beautifully lit at night, with heat lamps, and the servers are all so warm and friendly. Definitely come here for a special occasion, or if you just want really freaking good food.

Delicious octopus with garbanzos that add a crispy crunch. Our waitress was super friendly and great with the suggestions! It's an intimate place and great for dates or dinner with friends!

I came here for my friend's bday brunch a few weeks ago on a saturday. Sitting in there breezy outdoor patio was a great reprieve from the scorching valley heat. We ordered a bunch of food to be eaten family style. Their drinks are phenomenal and well-balanced. I loved my drink but it was off-menu so I can't really remember what the name was. Out of everything we ordered the YELLOW PEACHES WITH BURRATA, CEASAR SALAD W/ ANCHOVIES, CALAMARI, AND THE PAPPARDELLE CARBONARA was my favorite. They were perfect for boozy brunching! Service was stellar. I forgot the name of our Filipina waitress but she was great with making us feel welcomed and taken care of. The only reason I didn't give them a fifth star was that I thought their menu was more carb heavy. Otherwise, I definitely recommend this place for boozy brunching with friends!

Came here 2 weeks ago to try out this hot spot. Husband was able to get a last minute reservation for 7:45pm on a Friday night. Found street parking upon arrival. Inside was bustling and loud noise. Got seated immediately in a spacious area. Ordered: 1) fried cauliflower - this was one of the best I've had, flavor and texture was spot on 2) ribeye steak - this was so good, glad we ordered it although expensive! 3) octopus - soft and good 4) barramundi fish - delicious! 5) bread with tomato sauce - bread is not free here 6) salami pizza - yes, amazing! 7) cheesecake - decent We were pleasantly surprised by the food here and would recommend this place to others who are dining in Long Beach!

Service, ambiance, and our meal were good, but we didn't like the cheesecake we had for dessert at all. The hamachi crudo was my favorite dish, and the butternut squash pasta, sweet potatoes, and panzanella salad were all flavorful and good, though I do wish the croutons in the salad were crisper. Dessert tasted stale and they graciously took that off the check. Do yourself a favor and book a reservation here, but plan for dessert elsewhere.

4 stars Octopus - I love me a good spanish octopus Branzino - one of the better branzino that I've had; it wasn't dry Prosciutto pizza - the honey went real well with this pizza toppings, but I prefer a crispier crust as opposed to this soft dough 3 stars 8oz flat iron - just an average steak Spicy salami pizza Duck breast - the puree didn't really do it for me and the duck was just decent; wish the skin was crispy Pappardelle Roasted beets - this was pretty good, but I don't know if I'd ever be craving beets 2 stars Yellowfin crudo - cumin doesn't go well with this imo -slow service, especially the drinks. Order 2 at a time or doubles -only outdoor seating -you get complimentary white bread and olives

10,000 Stars! I love this spot. Great ambiance, the food is flavorful and delicious. Everything on the menu is delicious! The servers are really helpful too.

Marlena is buz-zyy (and busy). This is the kind of place you go to do a little celebrating. I came to celebrate a birthday dinner and there were some definite standouts. Our table dabbled in each of the categories - apps, greens, grill, and pizza. For pizza, we ordered the prosciutto, burrata, pickled green garlic, Calabrian chili honey, arugula, lemon ($26). This pizza was so good. Salty prosciutto with creamy burrata is a tried and true combination, but the Calabrian chili honey added a nice spicy sweet layer to each bite. Fire. I absolutely loved the Sun Coast Farms asparagus ($22). It's topped with blue oyster mushrooms, cured egg yolk, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. The asparagus were crisp and meaty with a nice nutty flavor. Honestly who knew asparagus and mushrooms were flavor friends because together, they're insanely good. Honestly, everything we ordered - little gems, cacio e pepe, branzino - was top tier. I would come back for the asparagus alone. I'll definitely be back to check out their brunch.

The food, ambiance and service were fantastic. The dishes were rustic and packed with flavors and freshness. We loved the drinks as well. Very recommended high end restaurant in Long Beach!

The only reason why I'm even giving this place 2 stars is because the food was ok. Came here recently and the hostess and server were deeply condescending and not hospitable. Exceptionally long wait times for food even though it was not crowded. There was more condescending behavior when we asked for a sauce to dip some dry, roasted cauliflower into which seems like a basic ask since the cauliflower was dry. Super disappointing behavior that created an isolating and uncomfortable experience which is really unfortunate since we came here for someone's bday. Overall unplesant service by our hostess and server in particular that soured the whole experience and will deter us from returning.

4.5 stars My gf and I were grabbing dinner midpoint and she mentioned Marlena. The food and drinks looked like our style so we made a reservation. I got really lucky with street parking, since I arrived early. The restaurant itself has a very nice layout and ambiance. There is a outdoor patio which felt more like an outdoor/indoor set up. The inside is small but cozy and dim lighting, but not too dim where you need a candle to see the menu. A great date spot. They do have heated lamps outside so that definitely helped since we were seated outside. _Vaquero Cocktail ($17) Tequila, Mezcal, Lime, Orgeat, Absinthe, Mint. I love a good mezcal cocktail and this did not disappoint. It had the right amount of smokiness but still refreshing and light. _Grilled Spanish Octopus ($28) Romesco, crunchy chickpeas, aged sherry vinegar. A bit on the smaller portion. The octopus was cooked perfectly. Soft on the inside and charred nicely on the outside. The romesco sauce was fingerlicking good. It was a bit sweet and paired perfectly with the octopus and the crunchy chickpeas added a nice texture. Highly recommend this. _Honeynut Squash Agnolotti ($26) Browned butter, sage, amaretti cookies, parmigiano-reggiano. The agnolotti pasta was great, nicely al dente. Now I have more of a sweet tooth so I knew this would be a big on the sweeter side. It reminded me of Thanksgiving yam casserole. My gf liked it but felt it was a bit too sweet. My only complaint was how much butter was in the plate. After a few bites if was very rich and overpowering of the butter that it took away from the already great pasta itself. It was a soup of butter on the bottom. _Prosciutto Pizza ($26) Fior de latte, Nectarines, Arugula, Lemon. Again since I love sweets this pizza was right up my alley. It had a great balance of sweetness and that peppery earth flavor from the arugula, which helped cut out the sweetness a bit. The crust was nicely thin and fluffy, with a nice char. Overall great experience. A bit on the pricey side but I would definitely come back to try their other items.

WOW!! marlena is seriously a beautiful space! the indoor/outdoor feel, once you are seated, you feel like you are in europe and not in long beach! my friend picked this for brunch, what a great choice. we really enjoyed the food and atmosphere the service was truly outstanding and attentive we ordered to share: Hash browns, smoked salmon, pickled onion, dill, poached egg / 24 Fritto misto / calamari, shrimp, smelt, burnt lemon aioli / 15 Lamb belly bacon, socca, cilantro lebni, chioggia beets, mint / 28 Pizza: Spicy tomatoes, olives, piquillo peppers, almond ricotta ** / 28 (we ordered based on our server's recommendation, so we sub'd for Spicy salami, smoked mozzarella instead of spicy tomatoes and ricotta) sooo tasty! one of the BEST pizzas! im drooling as i type this :D everything was so delicious. all the flavors mixed so well together . def want to come here for dinner parking: there is a small lot next to the restaurant but also street parking is available

November 2024 ~ Loved everything about this restaurant. The ambiance was beautiful. Our dinner was delicious. I'm a fan of attention to portions. Leaving a place and not feeling overly stuffed is the best. We also had a glass of wine & a lovely gin cosmopolitan. Closed out sharing a piece of cheesecake & two espressos. The service was 10/10! Everyone at the restaurant was so nice. Thank you for a wonderful Friday night dinner :)

What a fabulous new spot! I went with a friend for happy hour and we had a lovely time. Their wine list is unique and interesting- I got a lovely chilled red and my friend got a rosé. As a wine aficionado, I was impressed by how funky their list was and excited to try some happy hour pours! We also got the amazing olives as well as the cheese plate. They had a few great gluten free options for us on the happy hour. The service was outstanding- our server was attentive and fun and we felt so well taken care of. The ambiance here is really cool! It's open air and really modern. Such a great spot for a happy hour!

Excellent brunch! Can't beat the outdoor setting and vibes at Marlena. The server was excellent (Jannet). Food was amazing. Peach Burrata salad is too die for! Both pizzas were great. Crusts were crunchy and perfect!l We brought our own bottle of sparking wine as it was a special occasion. Corkage fee $35, typical price vs other places. Can't wait to go back!

Out of the dishes i had my favorite was the yellowtail crudo. The greens made it the perfect bite each time. The basque cheesecake was also amazing with a hint of salt adding to the experience. I will say the pappardelle was a bit tough for pasta but it was still solid with a good flavor! Service was really great and the location is really nice especially for a dinner. Would comeback for sure

TLDR: a chic italian date night /night out spot They have online reservations and a lot of spots were showing even on a friday evening last minute. But would still recommend making one. Street/free parking, easy access, restrooms available. Most seating is in their covered heated patio. They had multiple tables but we got one at the far end by the loo, wasn't too pysched about that. Our server was amazing, very thorough and patient. He even went so far as to offer brunch cocktails even though it was a dinner reservation (little things count!). We got the charred octopus, vegetarian pizza, cheesecake with berry compote to share and split two of their speciality cocktails. Everything tasted great. We were specially impressed with the pizza dough/bread - such great quality and the rise/char on it was chef's kiss AND the perfect cook on the octopus (which to people with textural fussiness like me, was a big deal!). It also felt at/above par with restaurants in LA which charge a dime an arm and leg for meazly proportions and awful quality. Hey, if anything makes socal folks not have to drive to LA for great food, we'll take it!

I visited Marlena on Friday night and I had such a lovely time. We got there around 7:30 and there was a bit of a wait so we decided to grab a seat up at the bar. We had a nice corner spot and it was perfect! We ordered wine and bread for an appetizer, salad and pizza, for the main course, and espresso martinis for dessert. Everything was so delicious! It is on the pricier side but you are paying for the ambiance! I would definitely go back!

Not sure how I missed this spot being a foodie in LB, but stumbled in here before the Naples Boat Parade and was stoked. The pizza was fantastic. Handmade dough, wood fired, and the right amount of sauce to cheese. We did the spicy salami flavor. I had the Cacio e Pepe and it was phenomenal. Best I've had in ages. I love that they used Spaghetti alla chitarra noodles as they're thinner and make the flavor more robust. Going back for it tonight, in fact. Ha. My husband was super stoked on the beer menu. He's a beer snob. I had tea - which is my go to. Decent selections (thank God it wasn't some low grade crap like Stash or Bigelow... my number one pet peeve is going to fine dining restaurants and getting served a $2 box of tea). Wasn't Magic Hour or Spirit tea level, but Rishi is fine and organic. The olive oil cake was only Ok and I'll skip it next time. Baking is my bag, particularly olive oil cakes. I found it a little dry. Would have loved a bit more moisture maybe with rosemary to balance it out. (Perhaps I'm just dreaming of Nancy Silverton's olive oil rosemary brittle cake.) The vibe is super cute and the service was great. They were slammed but we got help quickly and just sat at the bar. Overall, so happy this is in Long Beach and can't wait to try brunch!

Amazing little spot in LB! Has its own parking lot but street parking is available around. Drinks were a little too sweet to my liking but that's a personal preference. The food was incredible and I would definitely recommend anyone come here for a birthday or special occasion. Great service and pretty ambiance!

Marlena was a gorgeous experience. It's not often I dine in Long Beach, but I'm so happy to have been recommended this restaurant for a dinner with friends. Location is great - tons of street parking because it's at the start of where all the bars/restaurants begin, so really prime location. Bring a jacket if you get cold! We're close to the water here so it got really chilly. We loved our prosciutto pizza the most! The dough was amazing and exactly what one would want in a dough of this style - crisp but chewy and just enough structure for the toppings. We would come back for this 100%. We also got the arugula salad and grilled octopus which were delicious - the salad had high quality ingredients that tasted amazing and the octopus had a great texture and flavor. We got the cacio e pepe and were really looking fwd to it due to the reviews, but we were not blown away. The pasta was homemade but kind of reminded me of ramen noodles, and the seasoning overall seemed on the low side. The truffle we added helped, but I was hoping for a home run with this dish. We also ordered the bone in ribeye after the Bisteca alla Fiorentina was sold out, and it also did not blow us away. The steak was pretty fatty and we weren't too impressed. The potatoes and arugula that came with it were excellent though! We ended our meal with the lemon olive oil cake - sooooo good! It was really moist and light - we added some ice cream too and it was a nice end to our meal. I'd definitely come back to this restaurant to try other dishes - the duck and lamb are calling to me, as well as the other pizzas. Even though we had some misses, we did have some home runs and are now looking forward to our next visit!

My wife and I had a very nice dinner at Marlena. Everything we had was delicious. Really. The halibut was perfectly cooked, and the buttery artichoke puree went well with it. I really liked their bread. It makes me want to go back just to try their pizza. They have some sort of special, wood fired oven that'll the grilled items, bread, and pizza get cooked in. The bread is so fluffy and doughy. My cocktail was excellent, kind of a variation of a manhattan with chartreuse instead of vermouth. And, the kumquat olive oil cake was delicious. I'd definitely come back to Marlena. It would be perfect for a party of four where you could share several dishes and try a few things off the menu.

Fourth time here ! Always good just here for the Margarita of the month ! What an awesome flavor:) As always the ambiance and service is great. Happy hour is great!

Food was very good. The octopus was something adventurous for me and I loved it. The steak was a very generous portion and my husband and I shared it. The arugula salad was just ok and not worth the $. The basque cheesecake was to die for. We did not make reservations days in advance so we got the outside patio table with the annoying heater setup. Multiple people kept coming in to move it. I lost my patience with the super nice hostess person because of it. I apologized later. Those are the facts from my perspective. I would go back.

My gosh! Where do I start?! Why do they only have 3 stars?! Totally baffles me because my experience was nothing short of stellar! Everything we had from appetizer to the main entree to the dessert, the wine, the service, and the ambiance was A-MAZING! We stayed there for FOUR hours and never once did we feel rushed or our server, Grace, was inattentive. She checked on us several times after each plate was brought out and our water was always refilled. Can't wait to come back and bring friends and family! I want to try their brunch! Ok, for starters we had the crispy fried cauliflower. 5/5 We ordered the pappardelle with oxtail ragu 5/5 then we also ordered the prosciutto arugula pizza 5/5 and finally the yummy desserts- the burnt basque cheesecake is to die for! 5/5 and the olive cake 4/5. And of course we had wine with our meal. I don't remember the name of my wine but it was the wire rose. It was perfection. Love love LOVE this place in Naples!

Nice ambiance and cool location. The food is not the absolute best but they definitely have some good items on the menu. This time we ordered mimosas and a margherita. The pizza was a bit tasteless so we added salt and oregano. Great bartender and we were properly greeted when we came in. A bit on the expensive side but still what can you expect nowadays. Will definitely come back.

Food 5 Ambience 5 Service 5 What a nice find! I came to Long Beach for an errand and ended up here for an early dinner. The arancini, the salumi plater, the cocktails and the pizza were phenomenal. It has a very sophisticated neighborhood bistro. The menu is plentiful and all the basics were done to perfection. I will be back for a longer dinner. 2 cocktails, 2 appetizers, 1 pizza, 1 salad and a shared dessert for 150$ which included 20% tip. You must stop here. Bon appetit

Innovative and interesting ingredients in food and cocktails!! Ambience is absolutely lovely!! Service from Katie was stupendous!! My gin martini and the pea purée which accompanied the tutti frutti salad were truly standouts in terms of uniqueness and flavor. And the basque cheesecake was similarly elegant in its simplicity with the addition of some much appreciated char. The one star deduction was for an appreciable but still limited selection for vegetarians. However my friends did enjoy the branzino and pappardelle. Monday night was pleasantly under crowded, but I imagine the weekends are not. Parking is tight but possible.

Marlena has been on my list of places to try for quite some time... in full disclosure I have not been so blessed to experience the full "soup to nuts" dining experience but I "settled" for a cappuccino and kouigan-amann to say I've been. The ambiance is perfection - nestled in a quiet location it has all the charm, greenery, and pizzazz a person needs to feel like they are in the European costal region (think Southern Spain with Santa Barbara charm, LA flare, and Long Beach attitude- chill and welcoming). Robert (the owner) such a great conversationalist and champion of GOOD. You also get that experience from your very first interaction with his people- Brenden. Brenden was charismatic and kind- thorough in sharing and highlighting all the wonderful Marlena has to offer. Add it to your list if you haven't been- a must try for the ambiance, people, energy, and commitment to good in all things!

First time eating at this hidden gem that opened up 5 months ago. Atmosphere was dark and relaxing. Papadelle pasta was with pork ragú. Great natural pasta. The ragu I felt lacked a bit flavor. Fried octupus was well charred and bedded with a crispy chickpea sauce. Great combination of flavors. Must order. Margarita pizza was delicious. Perfection was the name of the crest. Soft and not chewy at all.

Located off E Naples Plz in Long Beach. Very small parking lot maybe about 6 or 7 cars tightly packed better to find street parking if you see an available spot. The place looks small from the outside but it's pretty good size good amount of tables and a bar with seating around as well. The staff were friendly and service was excellent. The food was excellent I had the pappardelle pasta it was good although for my wimping spicy taste the sausage did have a little kick but I was able to handle most of it lol. The two breads omg to die for very tasty, soft and warm. The grilled Spanish octopus was yummy as well not chewy at all like some it was well prepared. The desserts I had the orange fennel olive oil cake it was good as well. Overall a great place and the food was excellent.

Cute summer/beach/outdoor vibe of a restaurant, feels classy and clean, tucked in Naples. The food is pricey but it is truly delicious. Even tho the rosso bread I got was a little charred, it was still delicious. I also got one of their Arugula market salads and it was soooo good. I had to order their special basque cheesecake, after seeing the couple next to me share one. It was phenomenal. For a cocktail I tried their Vaquero - that was very good. As for service.. The hosts were so sweet and personable. I sat at the bar and there were two bartenders with the same name. The smaller lad was clearly having a rough day or perhaps that's just his usual attitude but unfortunately he was very rude, short and condescending. To be honest, he ruined my mood for the evening. The other taller Bartender of the same name was normal, kind and checked in appropriately. If it wasn't for him and the sweet hosts I'd say I would never come back here. I'll give this place one more chance but if I encounter another terrible worker/service then that will be it for me. Hopefully that particular bartender will no longer be there by that time.

With each bite, we exchanged amazed glances, uttering a collective "wow." The owner, Robert, wisely insisted we try the octopus, and it exceeded expectations. The beet salad, adorned with a delightful sour cream-like sauce, was truly exceptional. Every dish, from the incredible pizza dough to the unparalleled cheesecake, left no room for disappointment. Parking may be limited, but street parking is ample. Reservations for a Wednesday at 5 pm were a breeze, yet every table was occupied when we departed--a testament to the restaurant's appeal. The decor boasts modern aesthetics, a refreshing departure from the typical Long Beach refurbished house-turned-restaurant scenario. With a total bill of $140 for two, including two drinks each, the experience was worth every penny. Undoubtedly, it was the best dining experience I've had in a while. A true delight that guarantees a return visit.

Went for Long Beach Food Week and was disappointed. Their pre-fix menu was a great price ($55 for 3 courses and $35 to add wine pairings) but all of the dishes did not meet expectations. Fried squash blossoms: Lots of filling and nicely fried but it needed some sauce on top to provide moisture and some counter to the heavy creaminess. Melon salad: Needed acid and salt overall; underwhelming. Pork pasta: Lacked flavor; and was all meat, no sauce - which wouldn't have been bad had the meat been spiced adequately - which was like eating a piece of meat with some noodles that only had the unseasoned pork fat for a coating. (Added purchase) Orange fennel olive cake: Took a bite, didn't care for the rest. The service was slow but good when it came around. There were so many food runners, bartenders, and even two different servers (due to a lunch break) that it was a bit shocking. Overall the place is cute and happened to be packed, but there's nothing here I can't find somewhere else on 2nd street and I'd enjoy it more somewhere else anyway.

Dined her for a fun birthday dinner. We had a wonderful waitress who was attentive and knowledgeable regarding the menu. I am gluten intolerant and she was very helpful in recommending items for me. The entire dining area is outdoors, but you are never cold due to the overhead heaters and different coverings. Really a beautifully designed space with an elegant-looking bar. The winner of the night in regards to food was the prime tamahawk for the table. It was perfectly cooked with a delicious chimichurry sauce on top. The octopus appetizer had wonderful consistency but lacked any powerful flavor. I would not other the scallops again as they were underwhelming for the price. It is a treat to have all pizza options be made gluten free. The wild mushroom pizza was too oily for my liking. I preferred the sausage and arugula pizza. We ordered several cocktails for the table, none of which were full to the glassware's rim. Overall a beautiful new addition to Long Beach, but missing flavor elements in a few dishes.

It's very rare these days that I get wowed by a restaurant. But let me tell you we were wowed last night. The ambience is on point. The food is out of this world definitely coming back. My husband had the pork and he can't stop talking about it. So we'll be back next week for dinner lol this place is hitting just right. My only complaint is they could get the drinks out a little faster. Other than that bravo

I can't say enough about this restaurant! You've gotta try it for yourself and be ready to be amazed! The bread.. which is the same as their pizza dough is absolutely to die for!! The octopus was delectable.. your mouth will say.. yummmmmy!! Lamb chop and steak will give you melt in your mouth where have you been all my life vibes. The cheesecake was another surprise delight! Sat at the bar.. the bartender was so knowledgeable and friendly. The restaurant itself had a relaxed inviting atmosphere. You really can't go wrong with planning a meal here. Great date night spot too!

I came to Marlena with some friends to get some dinner. The location is nice tucked away on a quiet street, visually it looks nice and kind of like a trendy LA-ish type of restaurant. There is plenty of seating with indoor an outdoor patio as well as a bar area. Service is great very friendly and constantly checking on you which is nice because I don't feel like it was over done. The food was just ok, nothing really came out as wow or as something I would order again. We ordered the Rosso bread, Garden of heirloom carrots, pappardelle pork sausage ragu, wild mushroom pizza and cheese cake for dessert. The bread and carrots were good starters, nothing spectacular about the bread, carrots were nice and tender and seasoned nicely. The pappardelle pork sausage ragu was ok, cooked well flavor was good. The wild mushroom pizza was ok, our table also ordered the spicy salami pizza and it was ok. I wouldn't come here for pizza. If you want pizza there are tons of pizza places in the area. If you come here try something on the Josper wood grill. Would I come back here, probably not but it was good to see what it was all about. I think the visuals hit harder than the taste but that's just my opinion.

I legitimately picked Marlena based on an IG reel for date night and what a seriously good find in LB! The spacious, inviting outdoor dining area was a pleasure for the eyes. Among the small plates to start, our grilled Spanish octopus was generously portioned and maximally tender with just the right amount of charring. The springy cacio e pepe spaghetti alla chitarra was textbook derricious - balanced pecorino presence and rich without any excess weight. Now the spicy salami pizza, the beautifully thin and airy crust delivered the lightest of chews and multiple mouthgasms. Probably the best we've had since our last visit at a Da Michele! We finished with the pistachio-crusted Australian rack of lamb and that was just baller - medium rare leaning red with an almost silken tenderness with a flavor-packed crust that popped on our palates. Service was just as impressive with well-timed check-ins and even going so far as to clear our table and provide fresh flatware for every course. From the libations, I'd highly recommend their gin Marlena martini for its harmony between botanicals and mild sweetness from the thyme liqueur. Easily among our all-time favorite restaurants now for the exceptional execution across every single dish!

I called last minute for a reservation, and they accepted, which I thought was nice. I forgot that this place can get busy. Anyway, street parking seems like a must here. The food is tapas. So small plates. We tried the octopus, beef tartare, burrata, cacio e pepe, and the rack of lamb. The octopus was not chewy at all but it was a bit ocean like. The beef tartare was good. I don't think it was wagyu because I didn't see any marbling, but tasted great. I love burrata, and I would have never guest it would be good with nectarines. The pasta was also good here. Noodles were softer than how Italians prepared it. But I loved it. The rack of lamb came out last. I usually don't like lamb, but this was quite good. We also ordered a bottle of wine. And that was enough food for two.

Have been here probably 4 or 6 times since they opened and overall I think the food is good. There are a few dishes that we have had that I wouldn't order again, but for the most part I love the pizzas- their dough is perfect! It is chewy, flavorful and yummy! I hope they add more dessert options soon- as I'm not a cheesecake fan. The ambience is also really nice! Happy to have this great dinner spot in the neighborhood!

WOW! This place is amazing. Came here not knowing anything about it! But was truly impressed. Had two drinks while waiting for dinner- they were all super delicious, uniquely and carefully crafted by the bartenders. Had a pasta, pizza, and an appetizer. All AMAZING! Will be returning. Staff was the best!

Decor is beautiful! It's an outdoor/indoor style so be conscious of weather. The host did adjust the heat lamps so we could be cozy in the evening! My review is vegan so I obviously didn't get to experience the full menu, but from what I did try: The Bianco bread is truly just pizza crust. Not an exaggeration. We got the pizza and it's the same. didn't come with any oil or vinegar to dip. The cauliflower was cooked and seasoned well but definitely needed a sauce to combat the dryness/graininess from the seasoning. I did enjoy the virgin limonana.

Love this neighborhood restaurant nestled among the homes in Naples. It's an indoor/outdoor concept with most of the tables outdoors. They created a welcoming vibe with strung lights, olive trees, and a natural wood dining area. It's Spanish/Italian/Mediterranean cuisine with a menu that seems to be more tapas style. We ordered multiple dishes and I highly Recommend the octopus. It was the tenderest octopus I've ever had and the flavors were delicious. We also tried the prawns which had a nice kick from the Calabrian chili in the sauce. The pizza is from the jasper oven and the crust was thin and airy. Flavors were delicious. Tip: make a reservation because it fills up fast and the bar seating is limited.

Marlena is a welcome fine dining addition to the Naples area. They describe themselves as a Mediterranean kitchen with wood-fired flavors. Be sure to make a reservation as it does get packed. We enjoyed sitting on the patio and were well attended to. Everything we ordered was phenomenal but our favorite dish were the Red Prawns. The Spicy Salami pizza was another favorite. With stellar service and top notch food, I will definitely be back.

Beautiful restaurant... good food... ok service... and it's a new restaurant... I enjoyed our meal but the prices were a little to high for me for good food. I checked this off my list I'd like to see bigger portions or food that's a little more impressive...