Marina Dockside — Restaurant in Berkeley

My parents and I checked out Marina Seafood for their soft opening last week. The ambiance was inviting from the moment we walked into the patio, and we were seated with a view of the harbor.

We shared a few dishes family style - the kampachi crudo, pappardelle, tempura shishito peppers, cioppino, dockside burger and furikake fries. I ordered a blueberry lemongrass mocktail as well, a refreshing drink that harmonized with the diverse flavors on the table.

My absolute favorite and a must-get is the tempura-battered shishito peppers, which comes with a yummy gochujang mayo sauce. The kampachi crudo came in at a close second - it was a beautifully plated masterpiece of freshness with vibrant flavors. I learned from our server that the pappardelle pasta itself is house-made! The pasta was perfectly cooked, and the combo of mussels and shrimp with the sauce transported us to seafood heaven. The dockside burger is also noteworthy, with a bacon onion marmalade sauce that made it so unique.

What truly set this dining experience apart though was the impeccable service. Our server Jill was attentive and hospitable, and made our evening memorable with her warm demeanor and helpful suggestions. When she brought back my boxed leftovers, she even suggested that I warm it back up in the oven at 350 degrees for several minutes and that it'd taste just as good that way. This is something I hadn't experienced before at a restaurant - I was so pleasantly surprised. She made me feel like a guest in her own home!

If you're in Berkeley and crave a seafood experience that goes beyond the ordinary, this restaurant is a must-visit. The culinary expertise, stunning views, and exceptional service make it a true gem...

WINNER!!! Beautiful setting, friendly servers, creative chef, and delicious food!

The Beet Salad was fresh and unique, made even better by the Blueberry Spritz, Furikake Fries with gochujang mayo appetizer, super warm heaters, light Bay breeze, large open windows/patio, and beautiful Waterfront views.

I loved everything about Marina Seafood Dockside Patio. The Beet Salad, Blueberry Mocktail, and Furikake Fries with gochujang mayo are stars. A few notes:

(1) Staff are friendly, engaging, genuinely care, and we even got a visit from the manager. They should be super proud – and its only their second day!

(2) Setting: Gorgeous Waterfront setting, spectacular views, adjacent to the Berkeley harbor and walkable pedestrian pathway around the Waterfront.

(3) Ambiance: warm and bright, simple/hip design, skylights, views, cozy intimate indoors. Great music. Fresh, current.

(4) Beet Salad: Yum! perfect pairing of tangy citrus/vinaigrette with creamy goat cheese, slightly sweet beets, and crunchy pistachios. Will have it again for sure. (5) Blueberry Soda Mocktail. Also Yum! With a sprig of rosemary on top, unique flavor profile, and locally sourced soda from Berkeley’s own Tractor, not Coke or PepsiCo.

(6) The gochujang mayo Kennebec Fries were incredible. Salty, sweet, a tad spicy, and very unique.

Congratulations on opening, Marina Seafood! I can’t wait to come back to try the rest...

Forced to sit against the wall despite everything being wide open and guests coming in told to “pick wherever you want”. I order the fries appetizer, then quickly ask a few minutes later if I can just get the burger and fries. Was told I would have to order the burger separate, so essentially two orders. I say no thanks I’m not paying $35 for a burger and fries when you could just toss a burger on my appetizer order and call it a day. Also mind you the waiter said he asked the owner and the owner said no can do 😂. Wait not done yet - I asked for a little more dipping sauce with the fries, get it, then the bill comes and it’s $2 for special order sauce.

Save your money, go to Skates, or go somewhere cheaper. I won’t be coming back here; this place last a lot of business due to a couple simple requests….and I would have been happy with even just one, but I got nothing. Only positive I can say is the servers...