Marley's Tapas Bar e Restaurante — Restaurant in Região Geográfica Imediata de Ilhéus – Itabuna

I see great reviews, so maybe it was just an unfortunate moment when we visited it. My plate was too salty and the meat overcooked and my girlfriend's pasta was also overcooked and with plain indifferent taste. The friendly staff told us that the plates that we chose was new entries at the menu, so maybe that was the reason. Better choose from one of the tapas.

Edit after owners answer: If you see my others reviews, you will see that the majority are positive. I dont have any reason to be negative. I like food and I like to promote places where I have fun. I use Google as a tool before I visit a place. In this review I wrote my opinion and I think I was completely accurate. I understand that now with corona virus all restaurants are in the brick of extinction, so I dont like to be rude or exaggerated. I am not like that. You asked me why I didn't speak in person. The reason is simple, I didnt like to make this experience even worse than it was...Many owner can't accept criticism and you dont know how they will react. I just wanted to finish my drink and go to any bar and have fun. Sorry for all of this. I...

After travelling for a number of months and deciding to treat ourselves to nice a meal, we were bitterly disappointed by what this restaurant had to offer. While the staff were friendly and the atmosphere was nice, the food left much to be desired. Especially when considering the price.

The 5 dishes we treated ourselves to lacked the quality and flavour we were eagerly anticipating. The four petiscos we had were average at best. The biggest let down was the octopus, our main course and the supposed special of the day. The only thing special about this dish was the high price. It felt as if the massive amount of carrot puree on the plate was used to mask the two measly bits of octopus that almost appeared to be hidden among mashed carrots.

Perhaps our disappointment was down to our high expectations given the great review a this restaurants has. Although, it seems more likely it was down to the lack of flavour.

As you seem to be quite responsive to criticism online, I look forward to it. Your responses would appear to have more flavour...

Our hotel recommended Marley’s, and we’re so glad they did — what a fantastic dining experience!

The setting is effortlessly charming, with warm local décor (lots of wood), dimmed lighting, and a beautiful water basin in the inner courtyard. Tables are well spaced for privacy, yet the atmosphere still feels lively and connected.

The food was absolutely the highlight. You must try the shrimp croquettes, done the Belgian way — though we may be a bit biased as Belgians ourselves :) … Every starter we tried was excellent, and the brownie was simply to die for.

Service was equally impressive. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, and the whole experience felt like dining at a friend’s home — though that friendly, welcoming vibe seems to be part of Itacaré’s charm.

A special shoutout to Kevin, the owner, who took time to sit with us and share wonderful stories from his 15 years in Itacaré. His warmth and personality made our evening even more memorable.

Last point: if you like red wine, the Dry red from South Africa...