Marlena Long Beach
A vibrant Naples spot transitioning from a cozy cafe to an upscale dinner destination with Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a lively atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Marlena Long Beach
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Naples spot transitioning from a cozy cafe to an upscale dinner destination with Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a lively atmosphere.
"The food was delicious and well prepared. Altogether, this was a great evening for a very reasonable price."
Reservations Highly Recommended
Book in advance to secure a table, as this popular spot gets very busy.
Explore Seasonal Menu
Discover new culinary delights with their frequently changing seasonal menu.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mediterranean
Price
$$$
Phone
(562) 203-1500
Address
5854 E Naples Plaza, Long Beach, CA 90803, USA
Website
marlena-longbeach.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grilled Spanish Octopus
Tender and perfectly grilled octopus served with a flavorful romesco sauce and a charred lemon.
Wood-Fired Pizza Perfection
Experience artisan pizzas with perfectly crisp crusts and fresh, quality toppings.
Unique Desserts
Indulge in inventive sweets like Orange Fennel Olive Cake and the highly-praised Burnt Basque Cheesecake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Highly Recommended
Book in advance to secure a table, as this popular spot gets very busy.
Explore Seasonal Menu
Discover new culinary delights with their frequently changing seasonal menu.
Brunch Favorites
Don't miss brunch for signature dishes like lemon-ricotta pancakes.
Cozy Outdoor Dining
Enjoy the partially enclosed patio with heat lamps, perfect for cooler evenings.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Highly Recommended
Book in advance to secure a table, as this popular spot gets very busy.
Explore Seasonal Menu
Discover new culinary delights with their frequently changing seasonal menu.
Brunch Favorites
Don't miss brunch for signature dishes like lemon-ricotta pancakes.
Cozy Outdoor Dining
Enjoy the partially enclosed patio with heat lamps, perfect for cooler evenings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Marlena Long Beach is celebrated for its exceptional food, particularly the grilled octopus and wood-fired pizzas, alongside creative desserts. The restaurant offers a lively and welcoming ambiance, especially appreciated for its outdoor seating with heat lamps. While many praise the attentive staff and overall dining experience, some reviews mention potential issues with seating, service during peak hours, and the added service fee.
"We came here for dinner after a day at various places in Long Beach. Plenty of parking. Reservation was made online and we had no wait time at all.
The resultant fees like it is semi-outdoors with plenty of coverage and heat lamps everywhere.
Every dish was great and the desert was phenomenal. We had a great time. The grown up and the kids alike. Highly recommended."
Timothy Li
"I’ve been coming here for special occasions and date nights for a few years and it’s an amazing place! I usually make a reservation but when I haven’t the wait wasn’t too long. I always get the Spanish Octopus, the agnolotti (which changes with the season, the sweet corn is my favorite), the halibut, and the pork chop (which is also changes throughout the year). I had the duck here which was also amazing. I also highly recommend the burnt basque cheese cake for dessert. I really like how their menu will change throughout the year too so there’s always something new to try each time I come here."
Kristinn Borgfjord
"Great place to go on a date night dinner. Amazing food, friendly vibes and attentive staff who took their time to make sure we had a good experience. My favorites were their Crispy Fried Cauliflower and Spicy Salami Pizza. It's the best cauliflower dish I have ever eaten. The Basque Cheesecake we shared at the end of our meal was delicious so was their Espresso Martini. Will be returning to this spot again. Highly recommend making a reservation as this place can get super busy."
Nidhin Varghese
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, as the restaurant can get very busy.
Popular choices include the Grilled Spanish Octopus, Crispy Fried Cauliflower, various wood-fired pizzas, and the Burnt Basque Cheesecake.
Yes, Marlena features a partially enclosed outdoor patio with heat lamps, offering a cozy dining experience.
While not strictly enforced, the atmosphere leans towards upscale, with well-dressed patrons often observed.
The cafe is open in the mornings from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., perfect for coffee and pastries.
Yes, the restaurant offers notable gluten-free options and vegetarian choices are available.
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The 20 Best Restaurants In Long Beach - Los Angeles
Marlena is a rare hybrid for Long Beach—a reliable all-day cafe and a big night-out dinner spot in one. This Mediterranean restaurant in Naples has an open-air dining room where you can order a morning cappuccino, but after 5pm flips into a wine-fueled clubhouse for locals. It’s usually packed with birthday groups, well-dressed people who likely pay dues at the local yacht club, and others who can’t control the volume of their voice.
The essential Long Beach pizza list
One from the man who was once Chef Evan Funke’s right-hand man in the kitchen. Marlena—one of Long Beach’s newest restaurants from newly minted restaurateur Robert Smith, Chef Michael Ryan, hospitality maestro Debra Zelenka, and cocktail connoisseur David Castillo—has quickly garnered a loyal legion of patrons. And while Ryan has a culinary pedigree brag all of his own—he was Chef Eric Funke’s right hand—his former staff also deserves a brag: Waldo Stout (of Due Fiori above) came with quite a few brags himself given his work at two of L.A.’s finest, Bestia and Gjusta.
LA's Best Outdoor Dining Spots
Marlena in Long Beach has a partially enclosed, tin-roofed outdoor patio where you can settle in for creative twists on classic Italian and Mediterranean dishes—think bistecca alla Fiorentina and spicy salami pizza. The restaurant is also known for its lively brunch starring lemon-ricotta pancakes and crispy polenta with mushrooms. Add in creative cocktails, and you’ve got a recipe for one of the best outdoor restaurants in Los Angeles.
The 14 Best Spots to Eat in Long Beach Right Now
Sit down for a Mediterranean-inspired meal at Marlena Long Beach. The daily cafe is open in the mornings from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., making it a great place for WFHers hoping to get out of the house and enjoy a quality cup of coffee alongside some flaky pastries.
Michelin stars return to California. Here are this year's winners
In Northern California, the honors went to Adega, Avery, Marlena, Niku Steakhouse, O’ by Claude Le Tohic, Selby’s, Sushi Shin, and the Shota, all in San Francisco, as well as Barndiva in Sonoma.
Check out these three new restaurants that opened recently
Smith said Marlena is awaiting delivery of a soft serve machine — and should have gelato on tap by this weekend.
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