Cafe Del Rey
Sublime harbor views vie with inspired haute cuisine at this posh Marina spot.
(323) 545-6315
4451 Admiralty Way
(at Bali Way)
Marina del Rey,
CA
90292
33.9841
-118.448
Neighborhoods: West LA, Marina Del Rey
Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30am-3pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm
Fri 11:30am-3pm, 5:30pm-10pm
Sat 11:30am- 2:30pm, 5:30pm-10pm
Sun 10:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-9:30pm
Price:
$$$
Last updated 7.02.09
What People Are Saying About Cafe Del Rey
The Owner
Cafe Del Rey
Owner
Enjoy romantic views of the marina while experiencing an array of fusion dishes. Seafood, steaks and pastas are freshly prepared with a noteworthy slant towards Asian cusine. Live guitar and piano players entertain guests nightly.
Visit on the weekends for a relaxed prix fixe brunch and complementary champagne.
The Editor
Martha Burr
Citysearch
The Scene
Plate glass windows look out onto the waterfront's pristine boats, masts silhouetted by the sunset, which later turn glowing white in harbor lights as darkness falls. The lively bar scene offers cozy couches, a fireplace and corporate gossip. Comfy booths and cushioned chairs seat businessmen from the nearby Ritz, well-heeled Marina locals and yachtsman.
The Food
Mediterranean dishes artfully meet classic French and Pacific Rim cuisine, all brought into focus by extraordinary fresh seafood and California seasonal produce. Start with a plump Dungeness crab cake in lobster emulsion, a robust, seared Hudson Valley foie gras, or the citrusy light spinach salad with hazelnut crusted goat cheese and roasted beets. Fish standouts include curry blackened ahi tuna, which hints of lemongrass, and a buttery-rich skate wing on sweet pea-morel risotto. Tender rack of lamb comes crusted with violet mustard, and sublime depths of flavor shoot through boar bacon-wrapped filet mignon dancing in bearnaise and cabernet sauces.
User Reviews
happydj001
March 24, 2009
Last Saturday my husband and I went to Café Del Rey (CDL) for the first time. We are both foodies, and make a habit of trying different restaurants. Since I am not comfortable with valets driving my car, we parked about 2 blocks West at the public lot for $2. We arrived at CDL shortly after 6pm. As we came to the front, we saw the billboard outside listing the 'happy hour specials'. Stepping inside we were greeted by a foul sewage smell near the hostess podium (the bathrooms were off to the left). We were there for dinner, but thought we would take in an appetizer and drink at the bar before being seated to take advantage of the specials. We sat down in the bar booth (comfy), and the waitress brought us our menus "we are out of corona, and ugly duckling chardonnay" she said. Seems silly that a bar would run out of Corona? I ordered a happy hour mixed drink (can't remember name) and my husband ordered another cocktail, and the calamari. She returned 5 mins later, and told us they were out of the alcohol that supplied my drink. I ordered the jolly rancher (not my first choice, but feeling adventurous!) The calamari arrived, it contained aprox 12 greasy, quarter size 'O's on a pretty plate, with a mayo saucey sidecar. We were BOTH hungry from our workouts that morning, so we proceeded to order more from the happy hour menu: 6 oysters and the shrimp cocktail. The oysters were the size of a silver dollar, the meat inside smaller than a dime (how cute?). The shrimp cocktail contained 5 (2-biter) shrimp, and run-of-the mill cocktail sauce. Still we were hungry, and at this point decided to eat our dinner in the bar, so we ordered: Truffle pizza (10 inch diameter) $26, 2 chopped salads (each portion came out to roughly cup of chopped veggies), 2 lentil soups (each portion was about 1/2 cup). Normally I am not a stickler on portions but these were rediculously small so it was hard not to take note. So after 3 smaaaall cocktails each, 6 tiny plates of food, and $141 (incl tip), we left, knowing there is no way we would be back. I've had better calamari and pizza at the local Italian joint (allejos), minus the fancy plate. The chopped veggie salad at C&O down the street tastes better AND you get about 500% more, for the same price. I can buy the same size, same quality shrimp at TJs for the same price but 400% more, and why even bother with oysters that size?? The lentil soup was good, but nothing exceptional, they just pureed the lentils. The waitress was ok, but gave us both the feeling that she was doing us a favor by serving us. The view of the marina from the DINNER table windows (which you are not allowed to sit at if you are enjoying happy hour) is beautiful. There was a guitar player in the bar that was very talented, and we made sure to tip him on the way out. Hard to imagine how this place stays in business...Possibly the unknowing tourists from the Ritz next door. For locals, there are too many other restaurants in this area that are substantially all-around better for under $100 (for two).
read full review
YoungButLoveToEat
March 01, 2009
The service was ridiculously slow, one waiter was serving about 20 tables on a saturday night! Very negligent service, we were never asked "is everything okay for you?" or "how's the meal" NEVER was i asked for that. The appetizers were good so i was expecting a lot from the entrees, which was $33 for a terrible soy sause seafood spaghetti and $32 for just the over cooked, very salty mahi mahi, with almost no side dishes.I don't mind paying a lot for food but the quality should match the price. Clearly, the spaghetti i could have made it myself at home and taste 10 times better. If you still want to go, either go to lunch (I heard is better) or go at night and only order a bunch of appetizers (you will be happier, trust me).
read full review
jerrymcgwire
January 05, 2009
This is some great asian eatery. Very classy elegant environment. Its a wonderful asian experience. If you want another great asian experience i would reccomend gyneari also.
read full reviewThe Details on Cafe Del Rey
What to Drink:
An award-winning wine list includes a dazzling collection of California wines, moderate to, cellared in a temperature-controlled display room. Premium wines are also available by the glass, and there is a full bar.
Look Good:
Join the Cafe Del Rey e-club on its website and receive special online offers such as a coupon for a free wine flight.
The Extras:
The restaurant is available for private functions; its lovely food and gorgeous views make it ideal for a wedding reception.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Gift Certificate, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard, Travelers Check
Restaurant Special Features:
Romantic Dining, Brunch, Waterfront Dining, View Dining, Lunch Spot, Business Dining, Fireplace
Cuisine:
Message from Cafe Del Rey
- Waterfront dining
- Extensive wine list
- Prix fixe brunch menu
Enjoy romantic views of the marina while experiencing an array of fusion dishes. Seafood, steaks and pastas are freshly prepared with a noteworthy slant towards Asian cusine. Live guitar and piano players entertain guests nightly.
Visit on the weekends for a relaxed prix fixe brunch and complementary champagne.
