MARMA — Restaurant in Lake Elmo

I had an unbelievable experience at Marma. I had the opportunity to get a reservation right when they opened. I wasn’t expecting to be “wowed” on first time because they were brand new and figured they had some kinks to work out. For starters. my wife and I ordered the tuna tartare, which was not too sweet or salty like a lot of places. The tuna tasted very fresh as well. The shrimp fritters were also unbelievable. A lot of places seem to rely on the sauce for a tasty fritter, however, I tried one without the sauce first and the flavor was tremendous. We also ordered the wings and both my wife and I thought they were some of the best in the St. Croix valley. They were not drowning in the sauce when they arrived and had the perfect amount of sweet heat to them. Both of us ordered the Linguine Rosa with shrimp and were blown away. The linguine was cooked to a perfect al dente. The sauce had an excellent consistency, not too thick and not too thin. The sauce also didn’t overpower the taste of the vegetables it came with, which also had the exact crunchy, soft texture I hope for. Th grilled shrimp were outstanding. They were fresh, packed with flavor and had the perfect amount of char on them. I don’t remember what the dessert was called but it was kind of like a chocolate cake w/ berries that was the cherry on top of our dining experience. I highly recommend this place as it will be our favorite new spot. The prices I felt were very reasonable for the quality of food, service and...

First time here. It started out delightful, but through the course of our meal things declined. The appetizers, whipped feta and the crostini du jour were delicious, although the bread could have done with a bit of toasting for both appetizers. One mocktail and one cocktail, both very tasty. Entrees: Primavera with chicken and Thai noodles with chicken. This is where things start to go south. The Primavera was exceedingly briny with far more capers than one might expect for a single entree. Not nearly enough fresh tomato and needing another fresh element, a bit more olive oil and perhaps a squeeze of lemon. The Thai noodle dish was overly sweet, and we couldn't quite figure out why. Moving to desert, the creme Brule was sold out so we selected the desert du jour a Carmel vanilla cake(?) Which had an odd texture. It was nearly like a cookie which could have made sense if it had been soaked like a tres leches cake. But it was overwhelmingly dry. We were glad to have ordered coffee to accompany it. The atmosphere was okay. A bit too dark in our little corner by the entrance. It was loud - as it is just an open room with a bar and only a few booths, there was little to deaden the sound, it was difficult for us to carry on a conversation. Other people seemed to be enjoying themselves though. If we were to return it would be for...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Marma, and I must say it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality. The Bahn Mi Sandwich was tasty! The combination of tender grilled meat, pickled veggies, was a flavor explosion. Each bite was a delightful dance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes. As for the Beef Tenderloin, it was cooked to perfection—juicy, succulent, and seasoned just right. Hats off to the chef! The staff at Marma deserves a standing ovation. Attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, they made us feel like honored guests. Our water glasses were never empty, and they anticipated our needs without being intrusive. Kudos to the entire team! The restaurant’s layout is intriguing—a long L-shaped bar dominates the space, creating an intimate yet lively atmosphere. The dim lighting and cozy booths set the stage for a fun evening. Marma is more than a place to eat; it’s an escape. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply unwinding after a long day, this gem delivers. We left with full bellies, happy hearts, and memories to cherish. Next time you’re in the mood for exceptional food, impeccable service, and a lively ambiance, make a beeline for Marma. You won’t be...