Marinus - Bernardus LodgeExcellent food but watch your billFood was top notch; everything was carefully prepared and elegantly presented. Wagyu beef was excellent, but way overpriced. Service was generally spot on, but the waiter was a little too manic and the wine steward was not forthcoming with price when he offered to do a "pairing" for our a la carte selections. We ended up paying $8 for sparkling water and $50 for about 4 half glasses of wine. Still we had a great time, and the setting is wonderful. Just ask about cost before making your choices.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMWe went to Marinus for ourWe went to Marinus for our anniversary, hoping to have a nice meal and to leave us with good memories. Our expectations were left in the dust. The ambiance was beautiful and relaxing, the wait staff was perfect, and the food. . . ahhh, the food. It litteraly brought tears of joy to our eyes.
If you are watching your money or don't feel comfortable spending quite a bit, this may not be the right place for you. However, if you want to treat yourself to an amazing evening and if you truly love food that is a visual and palatable masterpiece, then this is the perfect destination.
ps. We each ordered the Chef's Tasting Menu with accompanying wines and it ran just under $600 for the two of us. . worth every cent!!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMWonder Marinus restaurantWe have dined at Marinus restaurant many times. It is our special occasion restaurant and has never failed to please. The service is good, the food excellent, the ambiance is wonderful. The hotel itself is like an English country estate with large bowels of flowers
strategically placed. I would recommend it whole heartedly.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMStunning dishes, friendly serviceFood was excellent, service and ambience remarkable. All the dishes were stunning with unusual flavor combinations, especially regarding the deserts. The service is excellent, friendly and they really know what they are talking about.
Only downside: Portion sizes are rather small (and I'm European, so I don't expect the usual US "family size" portions). I complained about my main course and ordered a 2nd dish because I really was left hungry. My mum's main course (we both had fish) was at least twice as big as mine. Nice touch though: when my 2nd main course was served, my mum was served a lovely soup with it so I wouldn't be eating my course on my own. They also didn't charge for the course that I complained about.4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMIncredible Food. Impeccable ServiceIncredible, artfully presented food, with impeccable service in a beautiful Carmel Valley setting. Like all fine restaurants, the dinner started with an amuse bouche and finished with a tray of chocolates (hand-painted in this case!). What happened in between was an incredible meal that exceeded our expectations. Even the palette cleanser before dessert was incredible. On the night we ate, they had both an Asst Sommelier and a full Sommelier. My wife and I went to dinner here for our 14th Anniversary and were quite surprised that our menus were printed with "Happy 14th Anniversary" that were hand-signed by the entire staff. What else can I say?3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMThe portions Shrank!Oh dear! This is the fourth time we have dined here. How sad that the portions have shrunk! We were stunned by the small piece of turbot served to us on an enormous and very bare plate! Yes, the fish was very good, but it was NOT a main course size.
It is obvious that Marinus is trying to hold the line on the price of a meal. I think most diners would prefer to pay more and feel full. We left the dining room after two courses, a roll, and an amuse bouche and ate popcorn and fruit in our room to fill up. Shame on Marinus!3/20/2013 12:00:00 AMAmy Burk and the attentiveAmy Burk and the attentive staff make it a memorable experience.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food is fantastic andThe food is fantastic and though this is a pricey meal, it compares favorably to other places like Manresa. The Chef's menu had an excellent set of food.3/1/2013 12:00:00 AMLovely experienceDelicious food, attentive service, comfortable surroundings. Our new favorite in the area.2/23/2013 12:00:00 AM