PLANTA Cocina — Restaurant in Marina del Rey

We live within walking distance. We love fully plant-based options. The ambiance/decor is without a doubt impressive. The food across the board (and we were working our way through the entire menu...made it about 2/3 of the way) is delicious and brilliantly thought out. The service, I'm afraid, just cannot be counted on for consistency or attentiveness. Tonight was the closest I have ever come to just walking out of a restaurant without another word.

We have visited a total of 4x since the opening. The first time was impressive. Service was INCREDIBLE, food was incredible. We listened in to the service at other tables...also INCREDIBLE. It was a Tuesday though. They were far from busy. They do not seem to thrive when busy.

The second time, the food - still impressive, the service - not bad, but not great. We assumed this was just because it was a Thursday and busier than the Tuesday. They were still nice although there was a lag and at one point we thought we were forgotten.

The third time, we didn't make it past the front door because the hostess was perhaps have some sort of day. She could barely acknowledge we were standing right in front of her for a solid several minutes. When she did...ohhhh, it was an insufferable tone. Okay...an off-night. Irritating, but an off-night.

The FOURTH time, a solo adventure to the bar: horrible mistake. While the hostess this time was fine (given I addressed here instead of waiting to be greeted - be extra Alph for results here!) the rest of the service irritated me to my core. 45 minutes after my appetizers with no asking if there was anything else needed (another drink or maybe the actual dinner I went there for and subsequent dessert I wanted to take home) decided we have given this place all we can. Should have known when the bartender went all in on making plant-based converts of the couple that were sent in by friends (I am guessing as a joke) who laughed at plant-based then wanted more Prosecco because the Aperol Spritz tasted like gulp Aperol - then went on his break without checking in with the customer who was all in on the menu.

The fastest first to worst in the Marina. Be extra obnoxious and high-maintenance if you decide to eat here. It is the only way anything will get anything done based on what I have seen.

And if you are still reading, things I would rather do than eat at Planta Cocina again:

Mix up the recycling bins with my OCD neighbor and watch events unfold. Rattlesnake patrol in the Ballona Wetlands. Call cell phone carrier with high hopes for quick results. Slam a finger in a drawer. Eat corn on the cob during a dental...

Oh, where do I even begin with Planta Cocina in Marina del Rey? This place is an absolute gem, a plant-based paradise that somehow makes you forget meat ever existed! From the moment you step into this chic, waterfront haven, you’re greeted with an atmosphere that’s equal parts trendy and serene, with a breezy, upscale vibe that screams coastal elegance. The design is a total knockout—think lush greenery, sleek modern touches, and a stunning patio with marina views that make every bite feel like a mini-vacation. It’s the kind of place where you want to linger, sip, and savor every second. Now, let’s talk about the food, because wow. We ordered the Black Garlic Tofu, and I’m still dreaming about it. The tofu was perfectly crispy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth tender inside, and that black garlic glaze? Pure umami magic—rich, savory, and just a little sweet. It’s the kind of dish that converts tofu skeptics on the spot. Then came the Firecracker Roll, a vegan sushi masterpiece that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With Japanese sweet potato, avocado, unagi, and a kick of gochujang mayo, every bite was a flavor explosion—spicy, creamy, and crunchy all at once. The presentation alone deserves applause, but the taste? Next-level. The real showstopper, though, was the special: oyster mushrooms that tasted like scallops. I’m still not over how they pulled this off. The mushrooms were tender yet meaty, with a delicate sear that mimicked scallops so perfectly I had to double-check the menu to confirm it was 100% plant-based. Paired with a spicy sweet corn succotash and a hint of cilantro, it was a dish that felt both indulgent and fresh, like a love letter to the ocean. The service was impeccable—attentive, warm, and genuinely excited to share Planta’s plant-based vision. Every dish felt like a celebration of flavor and sustainability, and the fact that it’s all vegan just blows my mind. Whether you’re a die-hard vegan or just curious, Planta Cocina in Marina del Rey is a must-visit. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that leaves you inspired, satisfied, and already planning your next visit. 10/10,...

it was an absolute dissatisfaction with dinner experience on May 10th. Everything was perfect at the beginning we had wonderful and delicious starters that we shared 3 of us, and the main course served for 2 of us after 20 minutes. I waited my order, and asked 10 minutes later, the server answered that it is on its way, another 5 minutes later another server came with take-away package if I ordered for "duck " and I said yes, and she disappeared. my two companions finished their meals and 45 minutes later, I asked the bill and asked the server to cancel my order which is forgotten or served another person. No comment from her. Although the order submitted through their hand device electronically, and I asked after reasonable time for the follow up, they even couldn't provide any explanation. I shared my frustration and disappointment about the service with the server who was supposed to take care us, and her reaction was blank, without any caring face, she asked if we wanted to talk the manager, I explained her talking at that stage will not bring the meal that I order. after paying the bill another server came with packed meal that I ordered with an apology and told me they are not charging the meal and asked me to take it with me. I refused to take it and told him to give to the people who are in need on the street, or to the manager if they want to eat it. based on observation during my long waiting time; the servers were serving around eight tables, and many people didn't ask additional order after their initial one, but I was difficult a moment of curtesy and hospitality smile in our server face neither while she was taking our order, nor in our later communications.

it shouldn't be so difficult to share some possible issues that happened in the kitchen, propose another meal, but they don't have the basic and essential of service industry curtesy which is communication and attentiveness.

I can't give one star, as I could see the effort of kitchen staff on the preparation and visual beauty...