After 10 minutes of still not seeing the waiter or my drink, I flagged him down and asked about the other diet coke, to which he said, "What? They should have brought that!"
Our waiter came back to quickly take our order, offered an appetizer, was short with every response and had a weird unfriendly face on him the entire time. After taking our order of a hand tossed (at the table, as advertised) caesar salad and zucchini, he brought out a soggy caesar salad that was definitely not tossed table side. The zuchinni was okay, it was a bit lumpy and the ricotta inside was cold.
Then the meal came, in between that, our drinks hit rock bottom several times. The best service we received was from a very friendly water guy/busser, incredibly nice! Our meals arrived and the food was absolutely fantastic! I mean, really really good. I got the pork chop and my fiancee got the mushroom fettucini. We went on and finished our meal, and he brought a dessert menu, again, not a single smile or friendly word whatsoever. We waited 20 minutes and he never came back to our table. By the time he came back to the table he had our ticket with him, not a question about dessert until he realized he hadn't done that yet.
I was in a full suit, my fiancee was dressed beautifully from head to toe. When we left that place we didn't hear a single "thank you" or a "goodbye" or a "go to hell" or anything. Just, nothing. The only reason I decided to write this review was because that was such a special night for us to share together to have Marino ruin it like this. And here is the REAL sinker. When we were walking through Larchmont later having Salt N Straw Ice cream, she turned to me and said, "You know what, I feel like those people at the restaurant really didn't like us..." Their is nothing worse to hear after spending $150 and a very important evening together than that. To think, we gave a business our money and time and we talked away feeling un-liked and unappreciated,...
Read moreMy brother, sister, and I visited here on 10/28/24 while on a trip to Hollywood. I meant to write this earlier, but better late than never.
Marino's was one of the highlights of our trip. From the moment we walked inside, we knew we were in an establishment that focusses heavily on customer service. It was absolutely incredible. The owner greeted us as we walked in, shook our hands, and welcomed us into the restaurant. This right here is very uncommon, but very much appreciated. To be honest, we were probably a little underdressed, but Mario made us feel at home nonetheless.
I don't recall what my siblings had, but I tried the Macceroncini Amatriciana. This was, hands down, one of the best dishes I've ever tasted. It was an explosion of flavors with the tomatoes and oxtails, and one I would highly recommend. Hats off to Chef Sal on that one. For dessert we had the cannolis and tiramisu. Both were well made, and definitely a hit to cap the evening.
Service was top notch. I didn't jot down the young man's name who took care of us, but we wanted for nothing. He was very personable, had attention to detail, and made sure we weren't short on anything. He also made me crave my meal by describing it. He knows that menu very well.
As we left Mario met us at the front door, shook our hands, and thanked us for coming in. This right here is what stands out in a restaurant. Customer service and being personable goes a long way for us, and we will definitely be back to visit next time we fly out to CA. Thank...
Read moreTimeless Elegance and Culinary Excellence at Marino Restaurant
Marino Restaurant, a cherished institution in Hancock Park, stands as a beacon of culinary reliability and exceptional dining ambiance. Every aspect of Marino—from its old-world charm and decor to the consistently outstanding service and the divine food—exudes a level of quality and comfort that is increasingly rare in the bustling dining scene of Los Angeles.
One of my personal joys is choosing to dine at the bar, a perfect spot for those times when I crave a top-notch meal without the typical LA fanfare. The bar area provides a tranquil, yet elegant setting that complements their exquisite menu offerings, making it ideal for both contemplative solo meals and intimate conversations.
The food at Marino is nothing short of spectacular, with each dish crafted to perfection, showcasing both classic and innovative culinary techniques. It's this commitment to maintaining high standards in every plate served that has cemented Marino’s reputation as a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly remarkable dining experience.
Marino Restaurant isn't just a place to eat; it's a destination where every visit is memorable, making it deserving of all the love and accolades it receives. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, Marino promises and delivers an unforgettable dining adventure, time and time again. If you haven’t yet dined at Marino, you’re missing out on one of Hancock Park’s...
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