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Marinus - Bernardus LodgeReservations
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Marinus - Bernardus Lodge Reviews List
Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Marinus features California-Regional cuisine, created by celebrated chef Cal Stamenov, featuring local organic, seasonal produce as well as regional seafood and artisan farmed meats. Taking full advantage of the resort’s pastoral location, the new design artfully combines modern comforts with the natural elegance of Carmel Valley wine country. Hand forged chandeliers and wall sconces from Normandy add drama while freshly-painted walls in soft shades and natural tones have created warmth. In addition to the signature fireplace, cozy custom chairs, linens and drapery have added texture and depth while bringing elements of the outdoors inside
The four-star restaurant has been named Zagat’s “Top Restaurant in Bay Area” and received Wine Spectator magazine’s “Grand Award” since 2001 for its wine cellar. The cellar houses 1,850 different wines and a total of more than 25,000 premium bottles, including 10,000 bottles from the Bernardus Winery & Vineyard near the resort.
See more Marinus - Bernardus Lodge details
The four-star restaurant has been named Zagat’s “Top Restaurant in Bay Area” and received Wine Spectator magazine’s “Grand Award” since 2001 for its wine cellar. The cellar houses 1,850 different wines and a total of more than 25,000 premium bottles, including 10,000 bottles from the Bernardus Winery & Vineyard near the resort.
50 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 50 reviews
5 stars
(40)
4 stars
(8)
3 stars
(2)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.8
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(42)
- fit for foodies(38)
- notable wine list(37)
- romantic(30)
- neighborhood gem(8)
- good for groups(5)
Marinus - Bernardus Lodge Reviews List
Review 1 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It was the perfect setting for a very special birthday dinner. Everything was more than we had anticipated. We did the tasting menu. It was excellent in every way. We are looking forward to returning for dinner again as well as to stay at the lodge."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 2 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Unbelievable!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Marinus is now in the Top-3 of our all time dining experiences, thanks to the entire staff and the excellent Food & Wine we were served. My wife and I both tried things we have never eaten before, and they were all fantastic! Everyone at Marinus made us feel special for celebrating our Anniversary there with them (even acknowledging the anniversary on the menu they gave us!), and there was not one glitch the whole 150 minutes we were there (we enjoyed every minute)... We only do this sort of dining once a year or so, but as I told the staff; "you make us want to do this more often"... It was a perfect night!"
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 3 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A great experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The decor at this place is simply elegant. Mark, the sommulier, was a great help in selecting the perfect wines for our various courses. The chef's creations showed creativity and origionality and made good use of the local ingredients. A bit pricy but considering the whole experience it was a terrific value. Regret we live in LA and won't be able to get their more often."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 4 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Incredible dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very warm atmosphere....and charming. This place will pamper you beyond your taste buds...the food and wait staff is beyond belief. A dining experience to remember. Its a place you will come back to for that special dining experience. ..we loved everything from the beginning to end....."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 5 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent food but watch your bill
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was top notch; everything was carefully prepared and elegantly presented. Wagyu beef was excellent, but way overpriced. Service was generally spot on, but the waiter was a little too manic and the wine steward was not forthcoming with price when he offered to do a "pairing" for our a la carte selections. We ended up paying $8 for sparkling water and $50 for about 4 half glasses of wine. Still we had a great time, and the setting is wonderful. Just ask about cost before making your choices."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 6 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We went to Marinus for our
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We went to Marinus for our anniversary, hoping to have a nice meal and to leave us with good memories. Our expectations were left in the dust. The ambiance was beautiful and relaxing, the wait staff was perfect, and the food. . . ahhh, the food. It litteraly brought tears of joy to our eyes.
If you are watching your money or don't feel comfortable spending quite a bit, this may not be the right place for you. However, if you want to treat yourself to an amazing evening and if you truly love food that is a visual and palatable masterpiece, then this is the perfect destination.
ps. We each ordered the Chef's Tasting Menu with accompanying wines and it ran just under $600 for the two of us. . worth every cent!!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 7 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delightful from beginning
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Delightful from beginning to end!"
Dined on 04/20/2013
2007
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Review 8 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonder Marinus restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We have dined at Marinus restaurant many times. It is our special occasion restaurant and has never failed to please. The service is good, the food excellent, the ambiance is wonderful. The hotel itself is like an English country estate with large bowels of flowers
strategically placed. I would recommend it whole heartedly."
strategically placed. I would recommend it whole heartedly."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Stunning dishes, friendly service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was excellent, service and ambience remarkable. All the dishes were stunning with unusual flavor combinations, especially regarding the deserts. The service is excellent, friendly and they really know what they are talking about.
Only downside: Portion sizes are rather small (and I'm European, so I don't expect the usual US "family size" portions). I complained about my main course and ordered a 2nd dish because I really was left hungry. My mum's main course (we both had fish) was at least twice as big as mine. Nice touch though: when my 2nd main course was served, my mum was served a lovely soup with it so I wouldn't be eating my course on my own. They also didn't charge for the course that I complained about."
Dined on 04/11/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 10 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Better than the French Laundry.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Better than the French Laundry. I'm not kidding!"
Dined on 04/07/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Incredible Food. Impeccable Service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Incredible, artfully presented food, with impeccable service in a beautiful Carmel Valley setting. Like all fine restaurants, the dinner started with an amuse bouche and finished with a tray of chocolates (hand-painted in this case!). What happened in between was an incredible meal that exceeded our expectations. Even the palette cleanser before dessert was incredible. On the night we ate, they had both an Asst Sommelier and a full Sommelier. My wife and I went to dinner here for our 14th Anniversary and were quite surprised that our menus were printed with "Happy 14th Anniversary" that were hand-signed by the entire staff. What else can I say?"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lovely experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Delicious food, attentive service, comfortable surroundings. Our new favorite in the area."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2005
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Review 13 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The portions Shrank!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Oh dear! This is the fourth time we have dined here. How sad that the portions have shrunk! We were stunned by the small piece of turbot served to us on an enormous and very bare plate! Yes, the fish was very good, but it was NOT a main course size.
It is obvious that Marinus is trying to hold the line on the price of a meal. I think most diners would prefer to pay more and feel full. We left the dining room after two courses, a roll, and an amuse bouche and ate popcorn and fruit in our room to fill up. Shame on Marinus!"
It is obvious that Marinus is trying to hold the line on the price of a meal. I think most diners would prefer to pay more and feel full. We left the dining room after two courses, a roll, and an amuse bouche and ate popcorn and fruit in our room to fill up. Shame on Marinus!"
Dined on 03/20/2013
2005
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 14 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food is fantastic and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food is fantastic and though this is a pricey meal, it compares favorably to other places like Manresa. The Chef's menu had an excellent set of food."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 15 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amy Burk and the attentive
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Amy Burk and the attentive staff make it a memorable experience."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 16 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Give your review a title (optional)
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"fantastique, un tres grand restaurant, Carmel est un endroit merveilleux, et Marinus le meilleur restaurant!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2012
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 17 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Well worth a visit!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Tasting menu and matching wine pairing was excellent, and the service was accomplished. Only 4 stars since nothing blew me away... but an extremely enjoyable meal, and I would certainly return if I'm back in the area."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 18 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent and professional
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent and professional staff, from the hostess to the waiter, sommelier, person who filled our water glasses..just amazing! The food was beautifully presented and tasted fresh and deliciously prepared.
Bernardus is exceptional restaurant and is perfect for a special occassion."
Bernardus is exceptional restaurant and is perfect for a special occassion."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 19 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our second time at Marinus,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our second time at Marinus, better than spected,Cozy, Romantic, Service was perfect and ever dish well timed and paired, We acepted our waitress offer for a kitchen and wine cellar tour.
We will be back."
We will be back."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Tasteful and Tasty
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Quiet, elegant dining experience. Very attentive but not overbearing service. Sommelier agreed to open a bottle for us to try a single glass of 2009. We loved it, but appreciated not having to purchase an entire bottle. Well presented and delicious food. A treat for those who apprececiate a fine meal, and being well-taken care of all evening."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 21 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had the tasting menu at
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had the tasting menu at Marinus during a recent stay at Bernardus lodge. Simple, local, and beautifully prepared food, a warm and efficient staff, and a knowledgeable and unpretentious sommelier. We were there for our anniversary and they printed "Happy Anniversary" on our menus and presented us with them, and a card signed by the staff, at the end of our meal. Duck Two Ways and Crab Salad were the particular standouts to me, though I did not find a particularly off note anywhere in the meal. Wine pairings were very well chosen, and the two Bernardus wines that were showcased were very fine, we picked up a case of the Ingrid's Vineyard Pinot to take home with us."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge
Based on the average of (29) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.8
/
5
6 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.8
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate