MARELLE Santa Monica — Restaurant in Santa Monica

I tried to have a decent birthday dinner here but the overall service from the manager ruined that for me, and I will never be coming back.

I called almost a month in advance to make a reservation for July 27th, but the host explained they do not do reservations at the moment and that the restaurant is typically not that busy around night time. I asked if they would be able to seat a large party for a birthday dinner, the host explained that would not be a problem and its first come first serve basis, there may be a wait. I understood.

When my friend arrived ahead of me at the restaurant, they asked what name the reservation was under. I explained to her that they told me they did not do reservations. When she stated that there was a party of 12, she was advised by the host that they are not able to seat large parties. That would have been something to know ahead of time when I called, but being given this misinformation was very confusing.

I spoke with the manager and he basically tried to sit my party in the waiting/lounge area near the bar (see photo) and said that we should only try to order appetizers and small meals but dinner entrees wouldn't really be an option. I was misinformed when I called and now my party has to be denied entree items because of that? This just did not seem fair especially since I tried to be proactive and abide by restaurant policies in advance when I called.

The manager was very rude and snarky about this and I had to make my request clear several times. We ended up waiting almost an hour for a table even though it was not that busy for a Saturday night. The food was good but manger's customer service was horrible.

Overall, the aesthetic is cute, and the servers are trying their best, but the manager definitely needs some work in regards to proper customer service and communication to his staff. Also to be rude and trying to deny guests of entree items is just unacceptable. Hopefully your experience will be...

I would like to start this review by expressing my gratitude to Beni and the amazing team at Marelle on 1/25/25. I had the pleasure of hosting my bridesmaid proposal in a gorgeous private room within the restaurant, and the experience was nothing short of incredible. I have been to Marelle multiple times and have enjoyed myself with each reservation. Prior to my visit on the 25th, I was in communication with Beni regarding the logistics of the day and requesting permission to bring in outside decorations to set up the table for my guests. He was extremely helpful and had excellent communication throughout the entire planning process. Since my party was small (just five guests), I did not have a preset menu. However, I was allowed to arrive an hour before my event to set up, which was perfect. I was able to decorate the space with balloons, florals, table linens, a complete table setting, and a welcome sign. Additionally, I was allowed to bring my own bottle of champagne (with a corkage fee). The staff was beyond accommodating, and I truly didn’t find myself wanting for anything. My server was attentive, assisted with the table setup, and ensured I had everything I needed throughout the event. After brunch, we were able to leave behind any disposable items, allowing us to continue our day without worrying about cleanup. I cannot thank this team enough for making this special moment for my friends so smooth and enjoyable. I will definitely be hosting more events here in the future and highly encourage others to do the same. Thank you, Beni—you...

Possibly the best meal of my life!! I went there tonight as a guest of a friend for a special one year anniversary dinner prix fixe menu… with a guest chef (from Hawaii) along with the original chef collaboration and it was insane from the amuse poke starter to the crudo dish to another fish dish accompanied with this pork and shrimp I don’t even know how to explain it with all their amazing sauces and then a lobster dish which was so tender and left me looking for any other piece of meat on this thing… anywhere!! Then they give a little interlude of a type of radish with a lychee gel and spice on it… a palate cleanser before the short rib entree… JESUS H!!! Melt in your mouth meat with this beautifully spicy just right sauce underneath it in case ur too sensitive to spice… everyone’s plates were completely clean from every dish and then to be topped off with this amazing light whipped pie mousse sorta cake to end the whole night. I literally felt so comfortably satiated. The menu and portions and flavors and just all of it were so incredibly amazing!!! I hope they do this menu again at some point cuz it was pure perfection! And I will...