Marilena Cafe & Raw Bar in Victoria

Amazing place. I visited a few days ago but I will never forget it. I will visit again. Charlie was very friendly. Thank you.

This was my second time dining at Marilena, and once again it surpassed all expectations. The staff are approachable and friendly from the moment you walk through the doors, the table service is outstanding and the food is exceptional. Charles, in particular, was incredibly hospitable and knowledgeable, making our group feel immediately welcome, and truly enhanced our experience. We can t wait to return!

We recently dined in at the main dining hall, which offers multiple dining areas to suit different preferences. The main hall has a lively ambience, though it can be a bit noisy. For a quieter experience, the covered patio is a great option, while the atrium provides a more intimate and tranquil setting. The food was exceptional. The jumbo shrimp with shishito peppers was a highlight rich, buttery, and perfectly moist. The salmon oburi sushi was equally impressive, and the cod fish in miso soup was cooked to perfection, though slightly on the salty side for those with a milder palate. To top it all off, we were treated to a complimentary dessert, which was a delightful surprise. The staff was courteous and attentive, enhancing the overall experience. Highly recommend this restaurant for both the quality of food and the thoughtful service.

Almost a great experience but for a server who should be working in a diner, not a sophisticated restaurant.

What an Amazing night, truly a decadent treat. From the time we walked in to the time we left it was wonderful! Great drinks and appetizers. We had an Old fashion and French 75 with brussel sprouts and mushroom soup. Also tried the Lobster tacos and every bite was heavenly. We also had Miso Sablefish, it was perfection and finished with Meyer lemon creme brulee. Make reservations ahead of time or you may not get in! It will always be my First choice when visiting Victoria!

Top notch experience tonight at this restaurant! Great service. Great food. Great atmosphere. Will definitely be back.

Admittedly, we ordered sushi, which was likely not a wise choice at a restaurant with a 5-star chef. However, the sushi didnt live up to the hype.

A pretentious and unremarkable experience. For the price point, this fell short of the standard of excellence. Salmon crudo looked good but insufficient food on the plate to even taste. As was the case with the tuna - miniscule. The beef tenderloin lacked any creativity in both flavor and presentation. Incredibly ordinary. The potato puree was over salted. You could count the number of pieces of the ricotta gnocchi on the plate and with zero effort on presentation. Same with the roasted wild mushrooms. Jumbo shrimp a la plancha, laying on their side in garlic butter - yay. The desserts were tasty but lacked in presentation. Merilena is a one and done.

**A Perfect First Solo Dining Experience at Marilena Café** I recently dined at Marilena Café for my very first solo dining experience, and I couldn t have asked for a better place to start. Going in, I was nervous about feeling awkward, but the staff made me feel so warm and welcomed that any hesitation quickly melted away. The service was impeccable one small example being when I dropped my napkin. Not one, but three different staff members noticed and ensured I had a fresh one almost immediately. Little gestures like this made the experience feel incredibly thoughtful and attentive. My waitress was an absolute gem. She was so helpful in guiding me through the menu and described each dish with such detail and enthusiasm that it made choosing my meal a joy. A special shoutout to the octopus dish! I was initially worried it might be too bitter, but it paired beautifully with the gigante beans, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Overall, my evening at Marilena Café was truly wonderful and well worth the splurge. I m so glad I chose this restaurant for my first solo dining experience it s a place I ll fondly remember and would highly recommend to anyone looking for exceptional food and service!

Michelin restaurant with reasonable prices .

Absolutely fantastic from start to finish. James was our server and wow what a server he is! The food, ambiance, service & vibe were all top notch. A must go when in Vic.

May be my new favorite restaurant in Victoria. Chic environment, ridiculously good seafood tower and attentive service. I will be back.

Amazing experience every time I ve been. Wonderful food, atmosphere and service. Can t wait till the next time I get to go.

Amazing dishes, ands service was top notch highly recommended

Amazing dinner last night. Shared a bunch of small plates, rolls and cocktails with a friend and every single dish was a 10/10. Service was also great and restaurant is beautiful! Absolutely worth the price in my opinion and cannot wait to come back and try the larger plates. Thank you!

mazing experience at Marilena Café & Raw Bar! The seafood was fresh and delicious, and the service was fantastic. The atmosphere is modern and upscale, making it a great spot for a special night out. Definitely worth the visit!

The service in this place is absolutely brilliant! Very nice team !! This Restaurant has the best food in Victoria!! Food

Was pretty mid. Came here on a trip from Vancouver. Service was unremarkable. Food was okay but some dishes were incredibly oversalted. I would say the food was also overpriced for the quality, esp the seafood - didn t taste too fresh. Best thing is probably the ambience, it was beautiful inside.

I went to this restaurant to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary. The place was beautiful the whole vibe was just amazing. Ive never been to such a fancy place before. Our server, Jessica, was the best! She was super friendly and made sure we had a great time. I was really touched by her service and Im so grateful that she made our night unforgettable.

I dont know really what to say about this place. The food is definitely good for Victoria, of that. There is no doubt. However, the fact that there were multiple mice running around our table, including bumping into our legs, was quite remarkable. What was even more amazing was the blase and rather dismissive attitude of the the restaurant staff. I cant imagine that they are in compliance with the food safety requirements, with multiple mice in the restaurant. I really was disappointed in how the organization dealt with it. It struck me that they had canned answers to the concern that was being expressed pretending there was nothing of concern and that we were really imbeciles for raising the issue. I would say that this place is to be avoided until this issue is addressed. To add insult to injury, with only one bottle of wine, the cost of the dinner was $600 for three people.

The food is excellent but the evening was ruined when I saw a mouse running between the tables

We had very great time yesterday night at Marilena! Good place, good service and good food! We had the chance to speak with the sommelier who gave us much appreciated advice on a BC excellent wine! Definitely recommended !

very elegant and tasty

Food presentation was impeccable as usual. The glazed shoyu sablefish and the squash were particularly impressive, with unusual combination of flavours and textures that we would not have thought of ! Service was incredible as usual - attentive refilling of glasses, explaining to us about the food and different options. We loved the more open atmosphere of the heated patio, especially on a chilly autumn evening. Thank you again !! Dietary restrictions: Gluten free bread is actually pretty great. Olive oil is incredible instead of butter for dairy intolerant people

Very good service, very good food. One of the few fine dining places in Victoria that is worth the money.

Wonderful dinner for my Birthday.

The food and service were excellent but the experience was ruined when we saw multiple mice running around underneath the tables. Many people saw mice crawling around and the staff seemed to not care. When we complained, they tried to normalize it saying that its Victoria, we have mice... rodents in restaurants should NOT be normalized. Gross!! Made a complaint to the health authority.

Worth the hype. Good, service and cocktails met expectations.

I waited to make a review after having been here a few times, I wanted to know if what I experienced was a one off or was the level the operate at every night. Happy to say, Ive never had a bad experience here. One of my partners and mine top places to eat. Marilena does not disappoint on any level. The food is amazing, the level of service is unmatched, the ambiance on their patio makes for a great date night. What you get is worth the cost. Dietary restrictions: I myself am Celiac and have had no issues here. The fact they have gluten free bread that is house made and the best gluten free bread Ive ever had. Makes this a top spot for Celiacs to have a date night.

This place BLOWS our mind!

One of the best dining experiences of our lives.

Very disappointed with the restaurant. Very noisy. Lobster was tough and dry. Fish dish was swimming in watery sauce. Staff did not handle complaint well about the food. Partners plate and area were cleared while I was only half finished my meal leaving me to eat alone. Overall, I will not be back.

Marilena is a must. The food is perfect. The service is top notch. I try not to give restaurant reviews until I have been a few times. Every time I have been, Marilena has been consistently top of the restaurant game. The cocktails are some of the best in the city. The food is perfection. Simple when needed and complex when you want it too be. Service the staff could work in any restaurant in New York or London. High level of thought going into how, when, and where. They are nailing it.

We celebrated our 20th anniversary here tonight. Nolan, our server, pulled out all the stops to ensure we had the perfect night. We enjoyed the seafood tower with drinks that complimented. We enjoyed dessert and they wowed us with this plate! Thank you for such a memorable evening We will be back!

Great place and great food! Would love to go back there again!

Absolutely gorgeous restaurant, the atmosphere, the food and service was outstanding. As a Vegan I had the most wonderful Garden roll and then the tastiest zucchini dish ever finished with a lovely sorbet.

Another fabulous spot by this restaurant group! It was pricey but such a vibe and the food was delicious. However I wouldn t recommend for solo travellers.

One of our best dining experiences of all time. Our server David was amazing, the food was out of this world, and the atmosphere was great. Couldnt have asked for a better way to celebrate our 40th anniversary together. Well definitely be back.

Server Miriam was exceptional, and we know great service.The food was superb.Fantastic night. Chef Christian even had time to say hello. A birthday treat! Food

okay.

My new favourite restaurant in Victoria!

Celebrated my wife s 50th at Marilena last night and had a wonderful experience. Our server Kasha was delightful and every dish was excellent. Standouts were the Assorted Sashimi, Octopus, Yellowfin Tartare, Fall Squash Gnocci, Steelhead, Sablefish and Tenderloin. Thank you for a great experience!

Beautiful restaurant, incredible food and superior service. We celebrated a birthday in the private dining room last night and had the time of our lives. Thank you to Erin and Kristian and everyone for taking such great care of our group. We will definitely be back as soon as possible.

The restaurant is beautiful. I cant say enough good things about it. Food is incredible, staff are phenomenal! The kitchen is open to view while dining and is immaculate. Food

This place is a 5 star restaurant all day, food is great. I ve been almost every week since opening and at my last visit one of the staff made me feel like I was just a complete moron. I don t care how good you think your food is, what s right is right you don t get to make up your own definitions to argue the kitchens mistakes.

Absolutely worth the hype! They nailed it all and brought Victoria a truly Metropolitan restaurant. It s expensive but I would now rather go out twice a year for an amazing experience than lower my standards for sub-standard food and cranky service. Had the 2-tiered seafood tower which had it all and was so so fresh and flavourful. Beef tenderloin was spot-on, mushroom soup and Brussels sprouts. The sushi was unique and perfect - they grill press it? But it was the Skyline cocktail and Crème Brûlée desert that I can t stop thinking of. Even if you and a friend just go to the bar and have a cocktail and sushi - it s worth it Vibe is upscale but accessible- you don t feel like it s snotty and elitist. Thank you Marilena for a truly amazing dining experience

The meal we had was phenomenal, and the service was absolutely outstanding!!!

We celebrated our anniversary here, and overall we enjoyed it. The food was great, especially the halibut. The wine list was good. The service is where things fell apart. Our server was extremely nice but seemed pretty green. For example, he struggled to manage the service, and it took 40 minutes for our first drinks to be delivered to the table. I asked if it was a busy night and the server happily responded no, it was a relatively calm night. At a restaurant like this, bad service really stands out. Wed probably give it another shot and hope this was a one-off (although poor service does seem to be the main theme of the critical reviews).

One of the best meals I ve ever had. So ambient, diverse menu, amazing service, delicious food. Couldn t have asked for anything better

This is always our top pick when visiting Victoria. Creative dishes, fresh ingredients, classy ambience, and amazing servers.

Beyond the best. Mary was our server and she was super professional and elevated our experience to the next level. Food

It was brilliant. The effort that went in the food, service and ambience was obvious. Our server Josh was a star. Top of The Mark!

Consistently good food with professional service. Crispy sea bass is very good.

The service and the food was exceptional, celebrated my wife s birthday it was a memorable evening. Highly recommend for any occasion.

The food and staff at Marilena truly are above the rest. The service from the moment we walked in , seating us at a chique and comfortable quiet little corner , was perfect for our anniversary dinner. Kasia ,our server , is passionate about the food industry and making our experience unique and memorable. She was very pleasant, personable and professional. Adding unique touches to our desert with personalized writings really made the added level. The food , would speak for itself , decadent and tasty. The flavours were so rich and refined. Serving sizes perfect. A true piece of culinary art. The cocktails again didn t disappoint. Well mixed and presented and tasted bit of a perfect evening. Thank you Marilena kitchen staff and Kasia for a superb evening.

Top shelf all the way!!! Every aspect of the meal was excellent! Service and food both so good and so memorable! Will be back 100%!!

You must make a reservation here And I made a reservation at least three weeks ago. Its more luxurious.This is one of the best restaurants Ive ever been to. The waiter was kind and I dont know much about wine, so I asked him to recommend it to me, and the wine was delicious. I tried a week ago to go again, but I failed. I recommend that you make a reservation with plenty of time. But I recommend it when you go to a family gathering or a couple.

This is the best restaurant in Victoria, I ve been in the industry 20 years. The. Best.

10/10

Exceptional drinks, food and service! We were sitting right across the bar and you could see the care that went into making each and every drink as well. The seafood was fresh and perfectly made. Go hungry so you can try a bunch of dishes. That s a regret of mine. I wish I lived here so I could go more often.

Gud

Best chutoro ever

My son booked 2 months in advance for my visit to the island. He raved about it before I arrived. It did not disappoint.

This was the biggest surprise I ve had in a long time. I was expecting above average for Victoria anyway, but this place blew those expectations out of the water. The table had Oshi, small plates of octopus, large plates of sablefish and sea bass. Every dish was perfection. The professionalism of the staff was evident and a treat to be taken good care of. I think I have a new favorite restaurant.

Our first visit to Marilena Cafe and Raw Bar did not disappoint. It was my birthday evening, we had reservations (recommended) and were greeted promptly and seated at a nice table. Juan was a pleasant, attentive and knowledgeable server and was able to answer all our questions. Service 9.5/10 We started with the grilled octopus. It was perfectly cooked and served with a spicy sausage sofrito and broad beans - 10/10. If you re ordering the seafood tower you must get the signature three tier tower. Starting with Tier 1, a dozen oysters; the local kushis were fresh and served with a lovely mignonette. The chilled jumbo prawns were also delightful. The mini Tabasco bottle was also very thoughtful. Tier 2 consisted of seared hamachi and albacore tuna tartare which were both amazing and perhaps the two best items on the tower. The halibut ceviche and Manila clams were quite good also, while the mussels escabeche were very tasty and smoky. Tier 3 featured 2 lobster claws and tails beautifully shelled and presented, as well as a chopped scallop roll and spicy tuna roll. I d give the seafood Tower a 9/10 overall and recommend it for three guests rather than two. The chocolate molten cake and espresso was on point and a delicious way to end, 9.5/10. The only critique of the evening is that our server was not aware that it was my birthday even though the host acknowledged it when we arrived and I had noted that on the reservation. It was busy so I didn t say anything until the end of the meal but a free dessert would have been nice

Extraordinary restaurant, exceeds all expectations. The food is impeccable (I recommend the sablefish), and anyone who gives this under 5 stars is wrong.

Every dish was superb. Our best meal of the year, by far. Among all the excellent dishes, the burrata, the jumbo shrimp and the albacore crudo were outstanding starters. The steelhead salmon main was world class and the truffle fries were perfect. Joshs service was the best. This place deserves a Michelin star and clearly earned its award as the best new restaurant in Canada. Dont visit Victoria without dining at Marilena!

We celebrated our anniversary here with an exceptional dinner! The food was delicious and the service was outstanding. Every food detail was star quality and I was really impressed with how sincere and caring the staff were. Thanks again for such a great night!

Absolutely incredible! Everything was 5 Stars, great experience!

One of the best dining experiences Ive ever had. This restaurant is highly recommended.

Incredible food and service highly recommend

First time dining at your restaurant. All the food we tried was amazing, but the best part of the experience was our server Esther. She was so attentive, knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. It was the perfect balance of professionalism while being light hearted and was a pleasure to interact with. I will come back and recommend all my clients come for a meal based on her service alone. Obviously the food was top notch as well. Overall, best dining experience I ve had in my 4 years living in Victoria.

Immaculate service every time. Sommelier picked a perfect wine for our intended dishes. Heavily recommend the Pork Belly & Shrimp a la Planche. Marilenas rates a star, Michelin just hasnt visited yet.

Delicious food and enjoyed the ambience of the atrium seating! Highly recommend.

Awesome staff, ambiance and food!!

Such good food! Great menu for seafood and raw bar lovers. The atmosphere is cool and upscale. The staff was fantastic and everything was delicious. Will definitely be back

If they put you on the patio on Douglas St, immediately asked to be moved the noise is unbelievable the street is very sketchy the location ruined our meal.

All the great things you ve been hearing about Marilena are true - had an incredible experience at the chef s counter where we had the privilege of speaking with exec chef Kristian who gave us fantastic recommendations and was such a pleasure to chat with! You can really taste the quality of the ingredients in every bite, very thoughtful menu, inventive flavour combinations, cocktails and wine were on point, service was impeccable (and our server Abigail was such a sweetheart!) In summary: very very good would recommend to a friend. Thank you for a great night!!

Phenomenal restaurant experience. Stopped by after seeing it was the number 1 best new restaurant according to AMEX. We ordered the seafood tower and it lived up to the hype. Everything was fresh, clean, nothing was overcooked. It came with local oysters, maki rolls, ceviche, tuna tartare, mussels, clams, and more. Every single part of the tower was delicious and I had 0 complaints. Add on top of that our server Kalia who was so friendly and kind, joking with us through the night. The overall ambiance of the restaurant is perfect for a special occassion. Note its darker than in my photo as google night sight was active. It is dark in there more for a date night or romantic/low-key ambiance. You will not regret going to Marilena as it lives up to the hype!

Let s start by saying we ve been tortured with cruise food for the past 7 days so perhaps our perspective is skewed but this meal was great. The restaurant kindly accepted our ask to delay the meal (stuck on the boat), they welcomed the two kiddos we had with us with crayons and coloring paper, and they treated us with kindness. There is something to be said about offering equal hospitality to all diners - not only were the adults spoiled but Marley (who was our incredible server) went above and beyond for the two kids to make sure they were happy understanding that their happiness directly impacts our ability to relax and enjoy. This kind of service is rare and, as folks that own and operate restaurants with this same mentality, it s sincerely nice to be on the receiving end of the same care. The food was good - the oysters were well shucked, the miso sablefish was fire, the espresso martinis were incredible. The only distraction was the raw preparations (and he beef) were a bit lacking in seasoning but . Surely that s subjective, no? An easy solve when there provided Maldon to the table. As a restaurant that is undoubtedly inundated with the worst kind of guests (having just received the best in Canada nom) this place preformed incredibly under pressure on a Saturday night, and did so with effortless style. Points to the host stand (so pleasant!!!) and the service team for incredible kindness at every turn < THIS is what separates good from great. Good food is available far and wide, but care and the professilism to match, y all have done it. Thank you for giving our family a much needed night out where food and experience didn t have to suffer because we roll with a stroller. We appreciate you more than you can know. And Marley, thanks for all the cheese.

A fantastic experience. I sat at the bar and had oysters and then sashimi, both were delicious and extremely fresh. Good value for the quality of food. Service was wonderful, great spot, I shall return.

Very good hospitality driven staff. Their som & bar team had great knowledge. Loved what their pastry chef is up too, she made us the most beautiful dessert!

Sorry was disappointed. Food was not exceptional. Presentation lacked finesse. Food was either dry oily or salty. Surprised after being named Canadas best New restaurante.

Service is amazing, staff is very knowledgeable. Food is nothing special could make most of it blindfolded at home. I dont think they know what seasoning is.

Marilena offers an incredible dining experience with a fantastic atmosphere and top-notch service. The food was absolutely delicious, living up to the high standards weve come to expect from the Toptable Group, just like Blue Water and Elisa in Vancouver. You truly cannot go wrong here highly recommended!

Josh is a great server who is very knowledgeable about the menu and had plenty of recommendations. All the food we tried was great especially the miso glazed sablefish and the torched sushi. Overall a wonderful experience and look forward to eating here again when I visit Victoria!

Its always a great experience.. The food, cocktails, and service are all fantastic. Try the lobster tacos.

Short review and I will keep it simple. Go to this place and sit at the Chef s Station. Service is incredible, food is incredible. GO NOW!!!!!

The food and service were fantastic. The outdoor patio was horrendous. The noise from highway 1 was obnoxious. At numerous times, our server had to stop talking because of the busses going by. There was almost nothing dressing up the patio at all. The flower pots were completely empty, and there was nothing to link it to the interior at all. We paid the same amount as the people sitting inside the beautiful restaurant, but sitting basically on the road. You shouldn t seat people on the patio . We were very disappointed.

Very special place The food was very very well conceived and executed Food

Beautiful restaurant, very attentive service. Food was stunning. Only reason for 4/5 stars on the food, was our lobster had a shard of shell in it. Will go again for sure. Fabulous dining experience!

Very good customer service , and gorgeous food :)

Go here! All around outstanding and great spot for a blind date :)

Can t say enough great things about this restaurant. I ve been here four times and the quality has consistently been amazing. My favourite out of their chain of restaurants!

Had dinner at Marilenas this evening. Jessica was our server and her help and advice for dinner and wine were great. We had several small plates, wine and dessert all of which were outstanding. Marilenas service and food is great. Ask for Jessica!

I never seen any restaurant that is very attentive to details. Foods are impeccable!! Not to mention that service is also solid 11/10. Staffs are very informative towards the menu. They provided me the small chair to put my bag. They kept my glass filled of water. They folded my napkin when I went to washroom and when I accidentally dropped my napkin they grabbed it right away from the floor and changed it. When the customer bumped to the staff, the staff will stop to let us pass. Washroom, instead of providing the tissue they provide the hand towel. Overall i have to say that I am IMPRESSED!!

Exceptional service! Recommend sitting at the sushi bar and watching the chefs do their magic. The nigiri was amazing as well as the lamb leg.

Just another place hyped for no reason. The food is good but thats about it. Not clear why it is so expensive other than their need to pay for the rent (Downtown must be pretty expensive despite all the problems and danger from the homeless). We ordered from the Sushi Bar, and the server kept pushing us to order more. Of course in all restaurants servers try to upsell, but here it was so obvious that it did not feel nice. And when we did not order any alcohol, you could almost see how the server got disappointed. The portions are small, the prices are high, the quality is ok. Overall, this ratio is not that good. For people who did not like the Atrium: this is the only place where you can actually talk to each other and dont have to scream. Maybe, it depends on the timing. We were there on a Saturday night which must be one of the busiest nights for them. But still, if you want to sit and look at the decor and the kitchen work, the Atrium is not for you. If you want to have a nice conversation, it is a right choice. A separate word on bathrooms: they really need to check on them more often. The one I went into had only ONE clean towel left. All the used towels were piled in the basket and the floor around it. A roll of toilet paper was sitting on the counter soaking in all the water from peoples washing their hands in the sink. Not sure why not to use air-driers? They are cleaner and more Eco-friendly. The look that bathroom had was not something you expect to see in such an expensive place. To sum it up, it is a nice place, but our mistake was that we expected so much more from a place which made to the Top 100 restaurants in Canada. I guess we will stick to the restaurants which are not that famous.

Absolutely amazing food and experience! The service is over and above!

Beautiful experience! Food was delicious. Dining room is sophisticated and elegant. Service was top notch. Food

My wife and I went here for the first time for dinner to celebrate our wedding anniversary, as friends had highly recommended it as a place for a special occasion. It truly didnt disappoint! Ill get the one negative out the way : it is spenny. A standard dinner for two with a first course and main plus (very nice) caraf of wine (approx 2/3 of a bottle) and tip is going to hit around the $300 mark. That out the way though, I feel you get what you are paying for. A very, very enjoyable evening, with absolutely delicious food, ambiance and a killer drinks menu. We were served by Josh, who may well win the award for best waiter weve ever had the pleasure to meet. He was extremely knowledgeable of not only the food and drinks menu, but the ingredients that went into each dish. We started with the slightly eclectic mix of the wild mushroom soup and a side of roasted and brussel sprouts, which we shared. They were both delicious, but the mushroom soup in particular was stellar! My wife had the lobster spaghetti and I had one of the specials which was a lasagna. Both were outstanding! The wine list, heavily geared towards the middle to higher end of wine, was actually very fairly priced if compared to what they retail for in the liquor stores. As for the scotch , bourbon, gin etc etc offerings, lets just say they are very extensive and well curated. The ambiance and lighting is just right also and we never felt rushed to finish our meals or pay the bill. They even brought out a little tray of treats to say happy anniversary to us. All this to say, Victoria has been crying out for this caliber of restaurant and its now a firm favourite of ours! We wont be able to afford to go as often as we would love to, but for special occasions this is at the top of our list. We cant wait to go back and try more on the menu. Highly, highly recommended

Fantastic dining experience!

This fine dining was certainly the finest. Kelsey was our server and she checked every box. Personable and continuous cue searching to make sure we were having a great time. Thank you Kelsey. we finished our incredible meal with strawberries and cream dessert, unreal!!! Definitely recommend it. You all nailed it.

Drinks, service, and starters were absolutely amazing. Highly recommend the octopus & onion rings! For a main I got the Agnolotti. If youve got the taste palate of a baby or are otherwise a truly picky eater, youre gonna love it. Otherwise avoid it! The only tastes are potatoes and peas. Every other main course menu item is so much more flavourful & will leave you satisfied, unlike the Agnolotti.

No wonder it s the top new restaurant in Canada. Outstanding experience. The food was incredible, great service, beautiful space.

Make Reservation for best experience Food for two:$500 (include drinks and 5oz Waygu). Positive: Fantastic service, fantastic selection of food, and wine selection. Strange to say this but go check out the restroom. Neg: Sommelier drop his smile, stop interacting with us, and pouring our drinks because he couldnt upsell another bottle wine to us. Lead hostess rolled her eyes when my wife refused to coat check her hangbag. Food for though: there is no dress code but prepare for older demographic (think Church attire) which is who they are trying to attract. Bread is free and delicious. If you are overwhelm with choices and do not have shell fish allergy, get their lobster tacos. I know they like to throw around Top Table but its just another chained restuarant that serve fantastic food and services.

The food was fantastic and our server Nolan was wonderful. Highly recommend!

My husband took me here for our 7 year anniversary a lil type over a week ago. The waitress (I m SO sorry I can t remember your name!) was such an Angel We had the best time! The food was amazing! And we re excited to go back

My partner and I came here for a birthday dinner and we loved it. Everything tasted great and the portions were good. We sat at the chefs counter and we really liked watching them prepare different dishes in the open kitchen. Would definitely recommend.

Great experience overall. Was hoping for a little more creative food but top notch ingredients well executed, beautiful room and fantastic service.

Great place to dine, food was excellent. The bar was very well put together.

Amazing place highly recommend, from the atmosphere really elegant place to the service we had josh as our server and he was amazing very helpful in gluten free options as my fiance is celiac, the food is amazing really good they even have gluten free bread which is delicious very light and fluffy very hard find in gluten free( I Want the recipe ;)..) the food was so delicious definitely would go back amazing time the drinks were good just overall 5 stars

Very nice and stylish restaurant. and I expected a 5 star experience reading the reviews prior to trying Unfortunately the service was a disaster. They forgot to bring bread and butter and only brought it in the middle of our main course. the food though was ok, nothing extraordinary .

Ive never had a meal like this in Victoria. Hands down best food ever in this beautiful city. Hand the pleasure of being at the chefs counter tonight and it did not disappoint. All the flavours worked well together and it was such a pleasure. Cant wait to go back

Delicious food, excellent ambience and good service, just a slight mistake on the order kept this from being perfect!

Our waiter Nolan made our meal here phenomenal I cant wait to come back. Every bite was delicious

Marilena cafe was awesome! Highly recommend the sablefish sushi. Our server Cole was very attentive and recommended some top notch drinks. We will be going back!

Great experience at Marilena tonight. The food and drinks were excellent and our server Cole had some great recommendations!

This place is amazing. My fiancée and I went for our anniversary dinner earlier this evening and were served by Esther. The food was AMAZING. Super fresh and delicious. The service was immaculate. Esther was personable, professional and knowledgeable. Esther gave us great recommendations and had a great personality. Esther made our experience come full circle. Extremely friendly and made our experience for our anniversary one to remember. Esther, thank you for the magical night. We will be back to see you very soon.

Overall, the dishes were very well presented and the food quality was impeccable. The only disappointing dish is the Bass. Honestly speaking, the XO sauce and yu choy were not the best combination with striped Bass. The XO sauce needed some work and yu choy was overcooked. Grilled octopus is a must try! Definitely will go back again.

Food was decent, waiter was garbage. Sat with finished plates at our table for 20 plus minutes and watched the neighbor table be cleared and fed dessert while we waited. Food

Birthdays Dinners we loved, My niece Jenna suggested this spot for my 1st day in town. Spectacular! The best dish on the table and deserves a full star steelhead on greens. The martinis special mention.

Had a nice evening for dinner. Tried some sushi rolls, oysters, pork belly, and a main of chicken. Everything was delicious we are excited to go back and try more of the menu. Atmosphere and service were very pleasant.

We had such a wonderful experience, I had a question about the wine and the server, James, arranged for the sommelier Shane to come buy and help us pair a bottle for the food. Throughout the whole meal our service was phenomenal. All of the details were on point, and couldn t have asked for a better meal.

Food was great and very well managed. Here is a pic of their goofy manager !!

Best service Ive ever experienced. Delicious food. Highly recommend to food people who dont care so much about the price tag. The price tag is worth it.

Absolutely fabulous menu. One of the best we ve had in Canada. Highly recommend sitting at chefs table and letting them pick for you! Special shout out to Chef Jack!

Amazing + attentive service, delicious food, and I really appreciated the special care to my dietary restrictions as a celiac (never have I received fresh warm gf bread - which was delicious- to ensure I could be included in the complementary bread + butter). Dietary restrictions: Amazing Gluten Free attention and plenty of delicious options. Servers are very informed and follow proper protocol. No separate deep fryer though.

Was recommended by the hotel manager, sorry but we left quickly as the dish is small and portions are small, the prices are too high. As for the tastes, we did not find anything special and delicious at all. Definitely would not recommend!!

The most incredible place to dine. The atmosphere is amazing! Our waitress Sage was nothing short of a pure pro! Engaging, knowledgeable and on point in every way! The food was very impressive and so delicious. If you have the chance, I highly recommend dining at Marilena! Thank you

Probably the best spot in Vic. If you have any food allergies, they do such a good job to ensure you have a lot of options and alternatives. Dietary restrictions: Gluten Free and Celiac

Marilena Raw Bar and Cafe in Victoria is an exceptional dining experience that I wholeheartedly recommend. While the pricing may be on the higher side, the quality of the food and the superb service more than justify the cost. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The decor is stylish and modern, creating a perfect ambiance for both casual dining and special occasions. We were promptly seated and our server was attentive and knowledgeable, guiding us through the menu with ease and enthusiasm. We started our meal with a selection of oysters from the raw bar. They were incredibly fresh and flavorful, served with a delightful assortment of accompaniments that enhanced their natural taste. It was evident that Marilena takes great pride in sourcing the highest quality seafood. For our main courses, we opted for a variety of dishes to share, each one more impressive than the last. The seared scallops were perfectly cooked, tender and succulent, complemented by a rich and creamy sauce. The grilled octopus was another standout, with a smoky flavor and tender texture that showcased the chefs expertise. The highlight of our meal was undoubtedly the seafood platter. A lavish spread of lobster, prawns, crab, and more, it was a true feast for the senses. Every bite was a testament to the freshness and quality of the ingredients, and the presentation was nothing short of spectacular. Despite the higher price point, we felt that the overall experience offered great value. The portion sizes were generous, and the attention to detail in both the food and service was impeccable. Marilena Raw Bar and Cafe is a place where you can truly savor the art of fine dining. In addition to the fantastic food, the staff at Marilena made our visit memorable. They were attentive without being intrusive, ensuring that our glasses were always filled and that we had everything we needed. Their passion for their work was evident in every interaction. Overall, Marilena Raw Bar and Cafe is a gem in Victorias dining scene. If youre looking for a place that combines exceptional food, outstanding service, and a wonderful atmosphere, this is the place to go. Yes, it may be a bit pricey, but the experience is worth every penny. I cant wait to return and explore more of their delicious offerings.

Honestly some of the best food we ve ever eaten. Service was incredible. Atmosphere amazing. Portion sizes were bigger than I expected.

This was the final night in Victoria and the Consierge at The Fairmont recommended it. We walked to it and were wondering what we would find based on the part of town we walked through. We entered a beautiful, magical place where the atmosphere, food and service were truly extraordinary. Best restaurant and experience we had on our 3 week cruise/vacation. In fact the best place I have eaten in years.

The meal, the service and the food where perfect. One of the best meals I have ever had

Exceptional service. My partner and I have been to Marilena four times now, and each occasion has been outstanding. The staff are sociable and knowledgable, the wine list is amazing and the decor and atmosphere in general will keep us coming back.

Nice large space with varied seating options. Very attentive and friendly staff\servers. Delectable dining experience... We tried a variety of dishes from nigiri to lobster tacos to gnocchi to local steelhead, and an non-traditional creme brulee for dessert! Fancy bathrooms too!

Great food and service

Great seasonal food. Staff are excellent. Highly recommend.

Took my wife here for a date night. Great service and excellent food. We had the beef carpaccio and lobster tacos for shared starters and then had the steelhead and halibut for mains. We will definitely come back

Best meal in a long time. Service was top notch and loved the atmosphere.

Front to back, top to bottom. Marilena s made our Anniversary meal special! Incredible ambiance, food and service!! Highly recommended. This is what fine dining is all about.

Our experience was amazing ! Seafood was perfect and really tasty ! A big shoutout to our server Abe who was really careful and kind !! 100% recommend this restaurant

Spectacular dining experience! From the moment we walked in to the moment we walked out, the service was impeccable. The food was so beautifully plated and our waiter made some great recommendations and we really appreciated how well each dish was described. I think the interior is more beautiful but we opted for the patio because it was quieter. Every single thing we ordered was amazing and we are so glad we ended up going!

Abigail was an excellent hostess - the food was superb too!

Excellent choice for dinner. Everything was delicious. Service was excellent and great ambience! I highly recommend!

The food was exceptional, and the service was the best we encountered in Victoria. A nasty little dog was allowed by the restaurant at table next to us, which really disgusted us. We couldn t believe such a great restaurant would allow such silliness. Really detracted from the experience, honestly.

Best scallops I ve had in years but the cauliflower vanilla sauce around it not so much. My broccolini order was bland and undercooked. Very expensive restaurant not great service and my husband s mushroom soup was not very good. Altogether a big disappointment. We won t be back.

Everything was great... raw oysters, lobster spaghetti,Taco Lobster, wonderful drink ,Best restaurant in BC

Honestly as close to perfection as I ve seen a restaurant come in all aspects. Food, service, vibe. They made our engagement dinner feel really special.

Unreal food, very happy with our experience!

Fantastic food, room and above all, amazing and unpretentious staff. A worldly spot in Vic that we didnt know we were missing it they arrived!

Food amazing and service is fantastic

Yet again, the Toptable Group has delivered a culinary tour de force. The food was nothing short of sublime, with the lobster tacos stealing the show they were absolutely to die for. Every dish, from the impeccably cooked steak and vegetables to the exquisitely crafted sushi, was a testament to the chefs mastery. Each bite felt like indulging in a slice of heaven. The service was exceptional, with the staff demonstrating a level of attentiveness, charm, and professionalism that elevated the entire evening. They were on their game from start to finish, ensuring a flawless dining experience. And let s not forget the cocktails! The Beautiful Stranger, with its blend of Estancia Raicilla, Lustau Bianco Vermut, Lime, Sencha, Coconut Water, and Orange Blossom, was easily one of the best cocktails I ve ever had the pleasure of consuming so much so that I ordered it three times. The Lovefool also impressed, with its refreshing yet delightfully boozy nature, much to my wife s enjoyment. If you find yourself in Victoria, dining here is an absolute must.

One of the best culinary experiences of my life. Food, service, ambience. Worth every penny. My wife and I went to celebrate her birthday and we were looked after very well, the quality ingredients and flavors as well as the service to match left us wanting to come back again. Well done. Dietary restrictions: Celiac friendly menu

From beginning to end where the attentive and engaging staff led us through a wonderful dining experience.

Outstanding restaurant, everything was perfect from the ambiance, to the friendly and informed service, and the perfectly cooked and presented food. My pork belly small plate was well cooked and very meaty, and my summer squash main was excellent - crispy pea falafel and squash on a bed of zucchini. The falafel was the standout, crunchy on the outside, soft and flavor packed on the inside, a real taste of early Summer. And the service is great, never intrusive, and very knowledgeable about the menu. Victoria has a good restaurant scene, Marilena is the icing on the cake.

The seafood tower, service, and atmosphere were great! Book ahead- it was so busy but we still didnt wait long for food or drinks

Came here with a large group a few weeks ago and honestly everything we tried was incredible. Service was great, too. Highly recommend saving room for dessert!

Better to have a reservation before coming. Otherwise you will bee put somewhere outside even all the tables are open.

A total culinary experience! Food is not only delicious but also extraordinary presentation, fresh vibrant colours and flavours. Staff are enthusiastic, fun, knowledgeable and work as a dream to provide perfection. A must have is the scallops.

I wish the food was as good as our server Jessica. Very nice restaurant with a relaxed upscale vibe. We had the salmon sushi to start and it was delicious. Our other dishes were not quite as good. The prawns were not BC prawns and were chewy and with out the provided sauce they were flavourless. The sable fish was very tender and buttery, but neither of us liked the miso broth that they poured all over it. I m glad we had the experience, but for us it wasn t in our top dining experiences.

We went to Marilena last night for the first time. It was my birthday and we were quite surprised at how full and busy it was for a Wednesday. Our plans had been to visit 6 months ago after hearing race reviews but we kept being unable to visit on our previous bookings. I believe that even with all the hype we were well satisfied with Marilena. We splurged and order the tour 3 teared seafood tower (see photos) which they deconstructed for us. All the seafood seemed fresh and delicious. The only hiccup was the waitress mis-heard my partners tea order and brought the wrong tea, but they struck it off the bill at the end. All in all of you want a solid, if expensive, meal or have some cash to celebrate a meal or want a good business dinner I would recommend Marilena.

Came here for my birthday dinner. After hearing so many rave reviews from others in my life I had high expectations and Marilena delivered on all fronts. The patio is lovely and quiet. The service was impeccable- Nolan really helped make our evening. So knowledgeable and attentive - Our evening was perfectly paced. We had the carpaccio, lobster tacos, lobster spaghetti and Parmesan crusted chicken. The food was definitely some of the best we have ever had. Portion size was perfect and flavor profiles were unique and well executed. The Lovefool cocktail was also well balanced and beautifully presented. Marilena will become our new go to for special occasions moving forward- highly recommend.

My husband and I recently celebrated our wedding anniversary at Marilena, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, the General Manager went above and beyond to ensure our evening was special. We were seated at the nicest table in the restaurant and treated to impeccable service throughout the night. The food was absolutely outstanding, making our celebration even more memorable. We felt truly special and appreciated every detail. Thank you, Marilena, for making our anniversary so extraordinary!

Absolutely amazing!!!! The food is the best in the whole city. Seafood 10/10. Will be back soon! Cannot believe how good this place is.

Amazing! It s insane how large the menu is and how absolutely everything is done phenomenally. Not too loud in the restaurant, and amazing service. Would come again and again.

Absolutely loved every aspect of this meal, our server, Marlee, was exceptional and the food was so fresh and delicious, cant wait for next time.

World Class Dining! Marilena is a phenomenal seafood focused restaurant and the best fine dining restaurant in Victoria. I have eaten at Michelin Starred restaurants in Europe and the United States and Marilena is of the same level!

Amazing service made the experience.

Amazing value! Highly recommend sitting at the Chef s bar.

Incredible food and service. As good as most Michelin 1 star restaurants I have dined at. Can t wait to go back.

I had very very high expectations for this restaurant. I was a little disappointed. Service was just ok. Our server was lovely but at this level and price point ... not attentive enough. Food was ... good. Better than ok but not best restaurant in Victoria. Im not sure if I need to return for $500 for 3 people.

2nd time to try! They keep their high food quality. The octopus, pork belly & Hailbut are very tasty! It s really hard to cook Octopus but it s so tender & Halibut is so juicy & fresh! Love their plating & the arrangement of bday desserts! They even replace another drinks for me as I forgot I m the driver tonight! New driver s bad! Their desserts are another level! The mango coconut like Thai mango sticky rice, cheesecake with yuzu sorbet always the best, chocolate with choco ice cream that the taste is not over sweet as the ice cream just light choco taste & peach, strawberry & sour cherry ice cream sorbet that are perfect match! The servers and the Chef are nice!

Had a lovely first experience at Marilena. Upscale dining at its finest. Miriam gave us exceptional service. Would highly recommend.

My fiancée and I recently had the pleasure of acquainting ourselves with the esteemed establishment known as Marilenas, an establishment that had been discreetly whispered about among our discerning circle of acquaintances. Finding ourselves downtown on business, we decided to partake in its offerings, and from the moment we crossed its threshold, we were enveloped in an aura of exclusivity and sophistication. Upon our early arrival for our reservation, we were graciously received by the attentive staff, who promptly ushered us to our elegantly set table. Our evening commenced with a selection of finely crafted cocktails, complemented by a pristine array of Oysters. The Chefs selection of Sashimi followed, a masterpiece of culinary artistry, paired with the exquisitely composed Stamina Sushi Roll. Our palates danced with delight as we indulged in the Grilled Octopus, a sublime creation, and the Crispy Brussels sprouts, a testament to culinary ingenuity. The impeccable service extended to the well-orchestrated timing of each course, ensuring a leisurely and delightful progression through our gastronomic journey. Every dish, presented with meticulous attention to detail, tantalized our taste buds with a symphony of flavors that transcended the ordinary. As we plan our return visits to Marilenas, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to savor the splendor of la tour, a dish that, by all appearances, promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. To the dedicated team at Marilenas, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for curating an experience that has swiftly ascended to the upper echelons of our culinary pursuits. We shall enthusiastically recommend your establishment to those with an appreciation for unparalleled service and epicurean excellence.

We had a group of 8 and had a fantastic time! The food was excellent. It is a great atmosphere, and the service was excellent. When in Victoria it is a must visit.

Great small plates, recommending for a share-sy meal with friends.

Great food and service. The kitchen and toilet areas are so clean too. You may find it a bit pricey, but its worth every penny

WOW completely speechless! The food, ambiance, service, drinks and well pretty much every square inch of that place is amazing! It was our 1st Wedding Anniversary so we were looking for a new place to celebrate. Marilena came recommended and so we thought we d give it a try and this is now our new favourite restaurant!

Top tier service, friendly and engaging staff with exceptional food and drink knowledge! The menu was diverse with a seafood leaning menu, all the dishes were prepared and presented to perfection!

A beautiful venue, excellent service, and stellar food. Easily one of, if not the, best seafood restaurants in Victoria. Perfect for a special night out. Vegetarian options: Its more pescatarian focuses than vegetarian, but plenty of delicious veggy dishes are available

Visiting from Alberta for a few days, my sister (who lives here) insisted we make Marilenas one of our dining choices. We are so happy she did, The food was phenomenal, service was excellent, the atmosphere was unique and inviting. All the dishes were meticulously prepared with attention to detail and flavor. We ordered several dishes to share as a table and all of them were exceptional, I would definitely recommend. Thanks so much for dinner! I pictured all the dishes we ate and it is hard to pick a favorite

Service and food quality are outstanding!

Highly recommend checking out this restaurant as It was really well done. Went in for dinner and had some fantastic cocktails to start the evening off and went into appetizers. The beef carpaccio was so good we ordered another one and the sushi was fresh and delicious. We got a huge bottle of wine which was great to split with our party of 10 people so highly recommend doing this. The main course all came together and was amazing so we topped It off with dessert. The bathrooms are very clean and have neat toilets so check that out and the walk to them is awesome to see the kitchen and all the wines. Can t wait to come back and enjoy a great dinning experience with this team. Thanks

Incredible service paired with delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere! Highly recommend the Sable fish pressed sushi, any grilled item and the cheesecake with a yuzu sorbet. Food : 5/5

Dinner was absolutely incredible tonight. We sat on the patio and Nolan was our server and took fantastic care of me and my girlfriend. Nolan was a special server and the food was fantastic as well. Would recommend!