Marilena Cafe & Raw Bar — Restaurant in Victoria

I have been waiting for 5 years for this place to open because I used to frequent Blue Water Cafe, their sister location in Yaletown. Due to this context, the scoring I am giving on this review is based on the comparison of Marilena's compared to what I expect is Toptable Group standard. Trust me, I've been itching to do this review for a very long time.

For a place like this, I was dressed really bougie like my former Yaletown frequenting days (formerly with my ex-boyfriend who can go eat asphalt at this point), accompanied with a very special +1 who would understand this kind of food, ambiance, and class 💞 on what is my belated birthday dinner (6 days post; we had too crazy of a scheduled weekend the week of my birthday)

True attentiveness of the servers at this restaurant is not all there for a place of this price point. The server dropped utensils more than once, the clearing of tables to keep it flawlessly clean and comfortable was nope. There are a few restaurants in Victoria at a lower price point who have a higher level of care than this, and at BWC, the servers who remember each of my visits are like hawks clearing empty plates and going through tables with crumb sweepers, ensuring the experience was throughly a welcoming one. Of course, there's other servers pouring glass and checking on us, but BWC level is that you never see the servers with empty hands, as how my father who was a retired floor manager of a very established restaurant in this city used to taught me.

The food was very good, plating is excellent and gorgeous as expected. My only qualm is the sauce for the Crispy Skin Stripped Bass is a bit salty for the dish and the yu choy doesn't quite soak up all the oiliness of the sea bass... Kinda wonder if a very small bed of rice would've helped the dish a tad more? In hindsight, I wished I ordered the Sablefish which I know was a classic hit at BWC and when my +1 allowed me to sample, it was made to the deliciousness of what I remembered in Yaletown. 😁

Bill was 💸 because when the server asked tap or sparkling, it was my cloud nine idiocy which let my guard down and okayed my +1 who didn't totally clue in as well sparkling water was an added cost. San Pellegrino x2 = $28! I'm sorry but tap should be offered as default for anyone still deciding on the drink menu and I thought that was a slight underhand trickery.

The washrooms are very nice, with very tall floor to ceiling water closets. My only concern is that sometimes there's a bunch of loud and obnoxious customers howling away in laughter with ridiculous locker room talk directly outside the stalls while waiting for occupant which doesn't not allow you to have the peace of mind while doing one's powdering of the nose to put it lightly. I love the use of hand towels because it gives me the chance to thoroughly wipe down the countertop and faucet after drying my hands to ensure cleanliness for the next user as I expect clientele in this restaurant to maintain the level of respect and care to other patrons. I was mildly bummed that though the toilet have self opening/closing seat lids with illuminated lighting and warmed seats, it was not a bidet like those I've seen in upscale restaurants in Vancouver. 😂 Fooled me for a moment there!

Still a wonderful place to experience which I highly recommend, especially those who never leave the Island to try top notch restaurants. I understand this restaurant is still new with room for improvement and I hope that'll happen over time so it'll match the caliber that BWC delivers. The ambiance is nice which really sets the mood for me to listen to my +1...

This newly opened spot has quickly become one of the most talked-about restaurants. With all the buzz surrounding it, we walked in, expecting an exceptional dining experience. While the atmosphere and service were top-tier, the food didn’t quite justify the hype—or the price tag.

One of the restaurant’s strongest aspects is its interior and atmosphere. The open-concept kitchen allows guests to watch the chefs at work, with dedicated stations for sushi preparation and a cocktail bar. The design is sleek, modern, and clearly intended to impress.

Service was exceptional. The hosts, bartenders, and waitstaff were professional, attentive, and consistently checked in to ensure we were having a great experience. From a hospitality standpoint, they delivered exactly what you’d expect from a high-end establishment.

We sampled a variety of dishes, and while some were solid, most didn’t live up to the premium pricing.

Nigiri – okay-ish. The fish was fresh, but nothing remarkable. The restaurant offers multiple nigiri/sashimi options, including tuna, snow crab, and wagyu beef, but these are fairly standard and available at many other high-end spots.

Rolls & oshi – Disappointing. The spicy salmon roll, supposedly a menu highlight, was bland and unmemorable—especially at $25+ per roll. The oshi pieces (salmon, sablefish) had too much rice and not enough fish. That said, sablefish oshi was an interesting find, as it’s not something you commonly see. Worth trying for the novelty, but not something we’d order again.

Beef carpaccio – unremarkable. The presentation was visually appealing, but the flavors weren’t well-balanced. It lacked depth, leaving the overall dish feeling somewhat forgettable.

Cocktails – acceptable, but average. They weren’t bad, but they also weren’t anything special—just what you’d expect from a high-end restaurant, not a dedicated cocktail bar.

Miso sablefish – decent (4/5). Cooked well but lacked that extra touch to make it truly exceptional.

Milk bun rolls – loved em.

Lobster tacos – surprisingly good. Given the restaurant’s upscale and polished vibe, tacos weren’t something we expected to see on the menu, but their take on them was unexpectedly delightful. It's definitely worth trying.

Cream of mushroom soup – Outstanding (5/5). Easily the best dish, rich and flavorful.

To sum up, despite the polished atmosphere and excellent service, the food doesn’t justify the hype or the cost. While it shares the same restaurant group as Araxi in Whistler—which is genuinely fantastic—this spot feels more trendy and posh than truly exceptional in terms of taste.

Would we return? Unlikely. If you’re looking for a stylish, upscale experience, it’s fine. But if you’re after mind-blowing food, there are better options at a fraction of the price, which, in our case, was $500ish+tips...

Marilena Raw Bar and Cafe in Victoria is an exceptional dining experience that I wholeheartedly recommend. While the pricing may be on the higher side, the quality of the food and the superb service more than justify the cost.

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The decor is stylish and modern, creating a perfect ambiance for both casual dining and special occasions. We were promptly seated and our server was attentive and knowledgeable, guiding us through the menu with ease and enthusiasm.

We started our meal with a selection of oysters from the raw bar. They were incredibly fresh and flavorful, served with a delightful assortment of accompaniments that enhanced their natural taste. It was evident that Marilena takes great pride in sourcing the highest quality seafood.

For our main courses, we opted for a variety of dishes to share, each one more impressive than the last. The seared scallops were perfectly cooked, tender and succulent, complemented by a rich and creamy sauce. The grilled octopus was another standout, with a smoky flavor and tender texture that showcased the chef's expertise.

The highlight of our meal was undoubtedly the seafood platter. A lavish spread of lobster, prawns, crab, and more, it was a true feast for the senses. Every bite was a testament to the freshness and quality of the ingredients, and the presentation was nothing short of spectacular.

Despite the higher price point, we felt that the overall experience offered great value. The portion sizes were generous, and the attention to detail in both the food and service was impeccable. Marilena Raw Bar and Cafe is a place where you can truly savor the art of fine dining.

In addition to the fantastic food, the staff at Marilena made our visit memorable. They were attentive without being intrusive, ensuring that our glasses were always filled and that we had everything we needed. Their passion for their work was evident in every interaction.

Overall, Marilena Raw Bar and Cafe is a gem in Victoria's dining scene. If you're looking for a place that combines exceptional food, outstanding service, and a wonderful atmosphere, this is the place to go. Yes, it may be a bit pricey, but the experience is worth every penny. I can't wait to return and explore more of their...