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Restaurant Reviews List > California Central Coast Restaurant Reviews > Monterey / Carmel Restaurant Reviews > Carmel Restaurant Reviews > Californian Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Reviews for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge

Marinus - Bernardus Lodge

415 Carmel Valley Rd
Carmel Valley, CA 93924

Marinus features California-natural cuisine, created by celebrated chef Cal Stamenov, featuring local organic, seasonal produce as well as regional seafood and artisan farmed meats. Guests enjoy magnificent garden and mountain views as they dine either in the restaurant or on the outdoor terrace. A stunning, 12-foot-wide fireplace with a raised hearth adds to the restaurant’s old-world charm. The four-star restaurant was named Zagat’s “Top Restaurant in Bay Area” 2004 and received Wine Spectator magazine’s “Grand Award” since 2001 for its wine cellar, an honor bestowed every three years. The cellar houses 1,850 different wines and a total of more than 30,000 premium bottles, including 10,000 bottles from the Bernardus Winery & Vineyard near the resort. Be sure to inquire about the dining opportunities located at the Chef's table where you are in the middle of all the action or dine in our spectacular wine cellar.

Dining Style: Fine Dining
Price: $50 and over
Parking: Valet
Cross Street: Laureles Grade
See more Marinus - Bernardus Lodge details
Average Diner Rating
Overall Rating 4.3 out of 5 4.3 out of 5 (27 Reviews)
Food 4.4 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 4.5 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 4.3 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.3 out of 3 (Quiet)
Summary of Special Features

Diners classify this restaurant as:

  • fit for foodies (22)
  • romantic (22)
  • special occasion (22)
  • notable wine list (18)
  • scenic view (3)
  • good for groups (2)
  • great for outdoor dining (1)

Marinus - Bernardus Lodge Reviews List
Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Love this restaurant. Food is top notch, as is the service."

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/13/2010
(review submitted 02/24/2010)
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Review 2 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge

Overall Rating 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
"there was only one option for tasting menu (6 course for $90) on the evening I ate at Marinus, so my fiancée and I both ordered it with the wine paring ($75). From the start, the meal was rushed. We both found the menu items uninspired. The main entree was a veal rib eye that should have been excellent but was, instead, very overcooked and over salted. I usually expect a 6 course meal to take at least 1 1/2 hours, but the meal was so rushed that we were done in under an hour. The best part of our dinner was the after dinner drink we had at the bar across the hall from Marinus. Our bartender, Jose, mixed the most wonderful basil gimlets. Overall, I wouldn't recommend Marinus if you want a quality dining experience."

Food 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/20/2010
(review submitted 02/22/2010)
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Review 3 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge

Overall Rating 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
"Marinus is very overpriced for what they deliver. The wine list used to have a lot more affordable and very good wines. Carmel/Monterey has lots of places where your dollar could be better spnet."

Food 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/13/2010
(review submitted 02/17/2010)
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Review 4 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"This is an extraorinary restaurant. The tasting menu with wine pairing is the way to go. It nears perfection."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/14/2010
(review submitted 02/17/2010)
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Review 5 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge

Overall Rating 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
"Service was below par. Waiter was plating a dish while carrying the dish to our table. Waiter forgot to put utensils down for one of the dishes so he had to put the dish down on a table and then get utensils and then got the dish. Also the waiter picked up my wifes plate before she was done and tried to take mine even though I never touched it yet. Food was okay nothing out of this world."

Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/31/2010
(review submitted 02/02/2010)
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Review 6 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Wonderful place, elegant service and presentation, but a LOT of $$$ for those tiny, fancy bits of dinner."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/02/2010
(review submitted 01/07/2010)
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Review 7 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge

Overall Rating 1.0 out of 5 (Poor)
"when we made the reservation thru Open Table the Marinus web site said they had a 3 course pre-fix dinner. When we got to the restaurant they had 4/5/6/8 course dinners. There was nothing on the menu that appealed to either one of us. The wait staff was very gracious-but, we left for some place with items on the menu that was more appealing-"

Food 1.0 out of 5 (Poor)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/02/2010
(review submitted 01/05/2010)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Review 8 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Definitely a great special occasion restaurant, especially if you are an adventurous foodie. We did the six-course tasting menu; which was a lot of fun because we got to try a lot of different items. Every thing was excellent and we tried some things we wouldn't have chosen on our own (wood pigeon, for example). It was a lot of food, though, and it took a long time. Also, the most expensive meal I've ever eaten. So if you want to do the tasting menu--which I definitely recommend--plan for it to take at least a couple of hours and be prepared for the check."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/27/2009
(review submitted 12/30/2009)
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Review 9 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"The best meal and dining experience my wife and I have had in a long time...excellent."

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/27/2009
(review submitted 12/29/2009)
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Review 10 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Extraordinary cuisine, service and setting. 8-course tasting menu is epic, spacing of service and courses appropriately paced and portions are just right to add up to an incredible and filling meal.

Solidly deserving of 2 Michelin stars (from someone who has dined at one, two and three star Michelin establishments in the U.S. and overseas)."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/26/2009
(review submitted 12/29/2009)
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Review 11 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"WOW!! THis was our second visit for a special occasion (anniversary) and it more than lived up to our memory of it. Wonderful staff and scrumptious food."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/12/2009
(review submitted 12/14/2009)
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Review 12 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Very good. Great food. Try the tasting menu."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 11/13/2009
(review submitted 12/10/2009)
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Review 13 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Marinus is a delightful dining experience; everything is beautifully prepared and presented and the food is both high quality and inventive. We did a 6-course tasting menu which was well-chosen and delicious, though I did miss some of my (admittedly decadent) menu favorites: portabello mushroom soup with goat cheese and white truffle oil; seared Hudson Valley foie gras; and profiteroles with warm chocolate sauce. They charge $35 corkage, but for every bottle you order off of their wine list, they let you have one of your own bottles, corkage-free. Nice touch if you have some great wine you want to experience with this lovely meal."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 11/21/2009
(review submitted 12/06/2009)
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Review 14 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"This was possibly the best meal I've ever had in my 46 years of life. Perfect portions, outstanding flavor combinations, presentation made it almost sad to cut into the food. Also, special kudos to pastry chef."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 11/21/2009
(review submitted 12/06/2009)
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Review 15 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"We had a wonderful meal. Very, very expensive so would be hard-pressed to return due to high prices for entrees."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 11/29/2009
(review submitted 12/04/2009)
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Review 16 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"The food was spectacular, the service was attentive and prompt. The wine list is extensive and the sommelier was knowledgable and helpful. Overall outstanding experience."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 11/28/2009
(review submitted 12/03/2009)
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Review 17 for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Wonderful service, setting, staff, and knowledgeable chef. I appreciated the value and attention given to the vegetarian menu."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 11/28/2009
(review submitted 12/03/2009)
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Marinus - Bernardus Lodge Based on the average of (10) ratings-only reviews
Overall Rating 4.2 out of 5 (Very Good)
Food 4.4 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 4.3 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.3 out of 3 (Quiet)
160*600 Advertising Space