Marelle Restaurant in Santa Monica offers a great dining experience- April 2025
A Truly Memorable Dining Experience at Marelle, Santa Monica. Marelle is situated within the Sandbourne Hotel at 1740 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Chef Raphael Lunetta, a renowned Santa Monica native with 35 years of culinary experience, leads Marelle. They serve Coastal California cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
From the moment we arrived at Marelle, we were struck by the beauty and serenity of its design. The space, imagined by the acclaimed Icelandic designer Gulla Jónsdóttir, is a true reflection of the natural surroundings of Santa Monica. With an organic color palette inspired by the sand and sea, the restaurant exudes warmth, elegance, and a sense of calm. The use of natural materials and thoughtful, flowing architecture creates an inspiring atmosphere that feels both refined and welcoming.
We were warmly greeted by the host and manager Enrique, whose hospitality set the tone for the rest of the evening. His genuine kindness and attentiveness made us feel right at home.
For starters, we chose the Whipped Feta—a delightful blend of creamy feta with blistered tomatoes, cured black olives, and open sesame crackers. The freshness of the tomatoes, sourced from the local farmers market, really stood out and added a beautiful brightness to the dish. We also tried the Ahi Tuna Tartare, which was equally impressive. The crispy garlic and shallot crunch, paired with the citrus soy and grilled sourdough, added incredible texture and flavor.
To drink, we had the Hive of Paradise cocktail, a perfectly balanced combination of bourbon, mango thyme honey, and lemon. Knowing that the honey comes from Marelle’s very own beehive made it even more special—and yes, it was fantastic. Also tried their Mai Tai.
For our mains, we enjoyed three standout dishes: the Shrimp Scampi Orzo, featuring Blue New Caledonia shrimp and a market vegetable soffrito in a roasted tomato velouté; the Roasted Alaskan Halibut with purple baby artichokes, Bloomsdale spinach, and Meyer lemon herb breadcrumbs; and the Cherry Tomato Cavatelli, which was bursting with flavor from roasted baby eggplant, Sicilian rooftop tomatoes, lemon basil, and crispy capers. Each dish was beautifully presented and full of vibrant, thoughtful flavors. I paired my meal with a glass of Viarae Prosecco, which was light, crisp, and the perfect accompaniment.
To finish, we shared two decadent desserts: the Huckleberry Cobbler with vanilla ice cream and Meyer lemon strawberry coulis, and the Butterscotch Budino with bourbon caramel and salted cashews. Both were rich, balanced, and the perfect end to an extraordinary meal.
The service throughout the evening was impeccable—friendly, professional, and perfectly paced. Our server Elias was professional and kept checking on us during the meal.
The portions were ideal, leaving us fully satisfied but not overwhelmed.
We left Marelle feeling incredibly happy, grateful, and eager to return. It’s rare to find a restaurant that nails every element—from design to service to food—but Marelle does it effortlessly. A must-visit in Santa Monica.