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Mare Culinary Lounge Reviews List

Mare Culinary Lounge

Following the success of the Alessá family of three restaurants, award winning Chef Alessandro Pirozzi opened his new Mare Culinary Lounge in May 2012. Mare, the fourth restaurant in Alessandro Pirozzi’s Culinary Collection, is intimate, chic, and the perfect place to pop into for martinis and scrumptious appetizers. The hip, internationally inspired décor and imaginative cuisine brings haute dining to a piquant new culinary level. Among the recent phenomenal changes on the Laguna Beach dining scene, the most extraordinary was the late spring emergence of Mare Culinary Lounge.
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85 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
(85 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 85 reviews
5 stars
(36)
4 stars
(27)
3 stars
(13)
2 stars
(7)
1 star
(2)
Food 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Noise Level
2.5 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • fit for foodies(47)
  • neighborhood gem(38)
  • special occasion(28)
  • vibrant bar scene(23)
  • great for outdoor dining(20)
  • notable wine list(19)
Mare Culinary Lounge Reviews List
Review 1 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Italy meets Laguna Beach

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/15/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"A lovely evening overall. We felt like we were back in Italy. From the quality of the food and wine to the friendliness of the staff, this restaurant matches the best you can find in Italy."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Best Pasta Ever

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Mare's pasta is incredible! My wife had eggplant infused and mine was spinach infused with lamb shoulder ragu sauce. Always perfectly al dente."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 3 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

All good!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Parking was easy in parking lot. Reservation was on time. Feels nice and plush inside. Outdoor patio is cute and quaint. No beach view but still get some sun out there. Food was delish. Can't complain!
We were a party of 6 for Mother's Day brunch. Mom was happy. :)"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 4 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Loved our waiter Luigi. Hes very accommodating and knows great detailsof the menu making it easy to order."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 5 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 4/27/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Hard to find if you don't know is located at the Holiday Inn hotel."
Dined on 4/27/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, romantic, special occasion
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Review 6 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great food, nice ambience

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My wife and I had a nice anniversary dinner at Mare. We were very impressed with the food. I had the seafood linguine, my wife had their lemoncini infused pasta with lobster. Both very good! We sat outdoors in their courtyard, which is part of the pool area of the Holiday Inn--was a nice evening to be outside but a little odd having people entering their hotel rooms looking down at us and our meal from the level above."
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2006
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 7 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Loved the stuffed fried olives

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Loved the stuffed fried olives and appreciated the very good service."
Dined on 04/13/2013
 2009
0points
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Review 8 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

amazing chef preparing food...

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
"amazing chef preparing food... and friendly service. we'll be back!"
Dined on 04/08/2013
 2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great Restaurant experience...

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great Restaurant experience... Food is excellent, good quality, love the décor. Will definitely dine at Mare Culinary Lounge in the very near future...."
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 10 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The BEST service too!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"A really fabulous dinner (and three days later, brunch as well!) made over the top great by the service. Ask for Luigi. He is a PRO!"
Dined on 03/03/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 11 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Mare has it all

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Service and food are outstanding. Fish is perfectly prepared and every dish was very tasty. Seven of us dined here recently and every single one of us raved about the food. Prices are very reasonable and wine selection is also great."
Dined on 03/28/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
+1point
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Review 12 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

It was very busy when we arrived

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"It was very busy when we arrived and it took 15 minutes to get some attention but when Yvette showed up she was fantastic; extremely personable, efficient and made some great recommendations. food was creative, tasty and extremely well priced, and NO CORKAGE. Gluten free pasta available too."
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2001
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Very disappointed. Tacky decor,

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Very disappointed. Tacky decor, very noisy, awful furniture, food was fair. Pasta was fresh, but nothing in it that was memorable or special. Also in a Holiday Inn Express!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2008
0points
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Review 14 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ohhhh, what a treat...

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Yes, they are located in a Holiday Inn - That is where any possible negative stops. From the second you walk into the beautifully appointed restaurant to the amazing starters to the delicious homemade pasta's and the knowledgeable staff, everything is a hit. I highly recommend Mare and it will definitely be a must for me every time I visit Laguna Beach."
Dined on 03/22/2013
 2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
+1point
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Review 15 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, late-night find, notable wine list, special occasion
0points
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Review 16 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Absolutely wonderful. Celebrated

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Absolutely wonderful. Celebrated my 60th b-day here with family - party of 10. Service was impeccable and food delicious. Still dreaming about the burrata appetizer. Thoroughly enjoyed the dinner. Without prompting, they brought me out a birthday dessert and complimentary dessert for the entire table!! Can't wait to go back."
Dined on 03/07/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
0points
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Review 17 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

This was a last minute find

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This was a last minute find on a Sunday night at it was exceptional. Rudy, our server, was very sincere and gave some excellent recommendations. The sea bass and lamp chop specials were excellent. We paired our butter nut squash ravioli with an italian white wine and both were delicious compliments to each other. To top it off, there was a live jazz band in the bar (only on Sunday nights). Definitely recommend this place for a date night or any special occasion. It can get crowded on Friday and Saturdays, so make a reservation. Sunday it was very mellow."
Dined on 03/10/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Best meatballs ever. Great

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Best meatballs ever. Great service."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
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Review 19 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Not worth the hype!

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Pastas were all rather ordinary. Quite noisy but fun. Overall, not worth the hype as the overall experience was somewhat forgetable."
Dined on 03/08/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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Review 20 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Jazz band at Sunday brunch

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Jazz band at Sunday brunch was very load and made conversation difficult. The varietyon the menu was limited and not much of a "Sunday Brunch"."
Dined on 02/24/2013
 2010
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Review 21 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food was great! Has a

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food was great! Has a full bar and a decent wine list (even by the glass selection is large). The service was excellent! The ambiance is a little eh - it's nice, but cheap nice and noise carries through the place very easily so if there's a loud table you can't hear your own conversation."
Dined on 02/28/2013
 2008
Special Features: late-night find
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Review 22 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

substandard service, mediocre food,

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We requested a nice table but were seated at the worst place- in the bar. They took 3 tables meant for 2 each, and turned them sideways to smash in the 10 of us. The bar was so noisy that we couldn't hear anyone at the other end of our small table; they shouldn't seat anyone there that has a reservation. It was made worse by the awful waitress we had. No personality, no smile ever and she did not take our dinner order for over one hour. We had asked on several occasions if there any specials, and each time, she replied "yes" and then walked away. The fish and risotto entrees were good but everyone who had pasta said it was pretty bad. They didn't even have fresh paremesan, just the Kraft powdered type. The 10 of us will not return."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find, hot spot
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Review 23 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great Flavors

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We really enjoyed the food! Great flavors. Lots of fun energy!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 24 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Our new favorite spot

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"What a great little restaurant. Food, service, ambiance make this our new favorite neighborhood spot. The limoncello infused malfadine is a must as a great entree or to split. Go early, this place gets busy fast."
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 25 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Unique menu. Ideal for the

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Unique menu. Ideal for the adventourous"
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 26 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The food and service from

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food and service from our waiter Alessio amazing. Tiramisu to die for! However,we were first seated at a small 2 top that required us to sit extremely close to the tables next to us. It was so loud inside that we were yelling just to hear each other and by the time our appetizer came out we requested to be moved by a nice hostess.The hostess in the black sweater however was a whole different story. As she walked by our table, she complained loudly about people who had also requested to be moved, "It's a freakin restaurant get over it!" (what I heard) Then our salads came out and we smelled nail polish all of a sudden. My husband went up to the hostess who rudely said "yes I spilled nail polish, it's cleaned up now!""
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 27 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Go for the food and service.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Amazing Italian food and excellent service. Well-rounded list of wines to choose from; by the bottle or the glass. The only negative is the decor. It was out of place; no connection to the Italian food. Having said that, we will definitely be back -- often -- for the food and service."
Dined on 02/12/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch
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Review 28 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

HAD A GOOD TIME

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We went for Valentines. They had a set menu reasonably priced ($49) with an entree , main course (filet mignon and lobster among the choices) and dessert.The food was really good. The place is a cool place. The servers were also good.
It was not too noise either. Need to come back to give a full appreciation revue (I was having a good time with my wife, so everything else was secondary) but above all I had a really good feeling about the place.
"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 29 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The pre-fix menu was simple.

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The pre-fix menu was simple. Going out on Valentine's Day is always a bit of a mess. It was crowded. I wish I had went when there was no pre-fix. I was surprised it was apart of the Holiday Inn Hotel, but didn't seem like it. The interior is quite nice."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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Review 30 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I took my wife to Mare for

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I took my wife to Mare for her Birthday on Friday night. She's an amazing cook herself so good food reviews are a must. Mare meets its billing as a culinary lounge! The peppers stuffed with goat cheese and walnuts and the fish carapacio were perfect starters to an outstanding meal. The service was outstanding as well. Our waiter was from Italy and nothing tops off a great food experience like a regionally relevant accent, The biggest surprise is the location, took us a minute to locate the front door. We've been to Cucina Alessa and this newest location is equally as good yet a completely different atmosphere. Bravo Chef!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 31 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We went here for the first

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We went here for the first time and it was excellent on every level.
The heirloom tomato salad was exactly what we like to eat -- quality vegetables, creamy burratta and high quality prociutto.
The staff was attentive and helpful.
Great dining experience."
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 32 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

We went on a Sunday night

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We went on a Sunday night to listen to jazz and dinner.... There was a large party..... Restaurant very noisy and out of items we wanted.... And music was too loud.....apparently trying to drown out the large party noise..... They should have told us when we made reservation"
Dined on 01/27/2013
 2010
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Review 33 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Very pleasant dinning experience

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Very pleasant dinning experience with good food and service. Reasonable pricing in Laguna Beach."
Dined on 02/10/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 34 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food was very good... service

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Food was very good... service wonderful.It is noisy in there and very little privacy.. but overlooked with everything elseI will return!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 35 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Overall a very good place.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Overall a very good place. The food is awesome. My fist visit was great and prompted a second visit. The second visit proved that they still have to work on service a bit. I had to wait quite some time for our server and others to attend to us. I am hoping it was just an off night. Since the food is so good I am going back but if I get the same service then I might look for another place. It did get a little noisey once the bar filled up and the noise flows right into the eatting area. So if you are looking for something intimate this is not the place."
Dined on 02/09/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 36 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

We were very disappointed

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We were very disappointed about this restaurant after several people recommended it. We had previously been to another Alessi restaurant in Laguna Beach and it was good.
The service was awful; the pasta seemed to have been recooked or reheated and the pizza was disappointing.
"
Dined on 02/09/2013
 2012
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Review 37 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Don't let the location in

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Don't let the location in the holiday inn deter you from eating here. Went there for the first time for lunch last week. The food was amazing. Luigi, our server was as good as it gets....very attentive, very knowledgeable about the menu, provided great recommendations for what to order. he really made the experience wonderful. started with vegetable soup and buttnernut squash ravioli. had the fish special of the day. luigi sent out a variety of desserts so we could have a small taste of everything. everything was delicious! can't wait to go back!"
Dined on 02/04/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for lunch
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Review 38 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

We had a nice dinner here.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We had a nice dinner here. The only feedback that was negative was we ate here on a night where they were having a cooking class, so we were seated in the bar area instead of the restaurant. It was not the experience we were used to here. We were waited on by the bartender so the service didn't feel like it usually does. The food is really good, but we didn't care for the Caesar salad because it tasted too much like anchovies. (The menu did warn us, but we tried it anyways) We will go back but next time we will ask if the dining area is open."
Dined on 01/28/2013
 2004
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 39 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The atmosphere in the restaurant

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
"The atmosphere in the restaurant was very nice but the food was just ok. Our service was good despite the servers slightly irritating personality. Out of our group, 2 people liked their food, 1 thought it was ok and 1 thought it wasn't good. They should definitely improve the bread that they provide. Perhaps something more rustic instead of what are essentially oversized crutons."
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, hot spot
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Review 40 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Terrible Hostess

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The hostess either forgot about our reservation or did not get it. We did not get that great of a table. The dessert was not good at all."
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2008
Special Features: notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 41 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Top notch food and service

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Top notch food and service from the folks that bring you Alessa. This attempt at up-market dining seems to be working and working well. Ive been there a couple of times and have tried a few menu items and have consistently been surprised at the quality and taste. The servers have also been trained well to match the upmarket food. A great dining experience...a great night out"
Dined on 01/25/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 42 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Amazing food - seabass to die for!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food was excellent! We started off by ordering two appetizers: calamari and carpaccio - both fantastic, especially the dipping sauce for the calamari that had a slight kick to it! We also ordered two salads -- ceasar salad was traditional, and radicchio salad was perfect, very refreshing and light! They brought out fresh, warm bread - so delicious with the basil/oil pesto dip!!! For entrees, my niece and I had the lobster limencello pasta signature dish, and it was fantastic (fresh pasta infused in limencello); my niece's boyfriend had the lobster ravioli (he polished off his plate); and my sister had the seabass special with eggplant tapenade - she said it was melt-in-your-mouth good, cooked perfectly. Highly recommend!!!"
Dined on 01/19/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 43 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Augie

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Food was excellent. Friendly server. Beautiful crowd."
Dined on 01/19/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 44 for Mare Culinary Lounge
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Awesome

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Loved our waiter, Luigi. He was very attentive and informative with the menu."
Dined on 01/18/2013
 2012
Special Features: late-night find, great for lunch, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Mare Culinary Lounge
Based on the average of (41) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Service 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Ambiance 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Noise Level
2.5 / 3
Energetic