Cafe del Rey: This isn’t your grandma’s Marina!

I’ve driven by Café del Rey in Marina del Rey several times before, but I never thought to have dinner there because it seemed way to formal. Everything has changed though thanks to executive chef Daniel Roberts who’s ushered this 90’s favorite into the new millennium and keeps it packed even on a Tuesday night.

Although I had a full dinner , the most fun part of the meal for me was the cocktail hour and small bites.

Café del Rey has Happy Hour from 4-7 AND THEN AGAIN from 9-Close! The happy hour menu offers drinks that range from 3 dollars to 15 and some of the most inventive cocktails are only $6 dollars apiece! I highly recommend the spiced strawberry margarita.

There is an extensive small bites menu and everything is a spin on traditional Mediterranean dishes.

The House Cured Salmon involves a 3 day process and is maybe the best salmon I’ve ever had in my life! These little slices of sunshine are served over buck wheat blini’s and topped to perfection with crème fraiche and caviar. If you’d rather stay veggie, then make sure you try the falafel bites or the olive and mozzarella skewers. The truffle pizza is also a decadent treat and I should mention that all of this food is very easy to eat—so it’s perfect first date food!

If you can manage to peel yourself away from the lounge, there’s a gorgeous dining room with surrounding views of the marina.

Here are some of my dinner highlights. I can’t believe I managed to fit it all in!!

Wagu Beef Tartar made picadillo style with truffle chips (still haven’t met a truffle I didn’t like)

Basted Salmon over a crispy vegetable pancake.

Cheesecake with Figs; Carob Brownie with Bacon Ice Cream; and Neapolitan Bread Pudding

Café Del Rey is still a great place to have a private party or a special occasion dinner, but it’s also perfect for affordable drinks and appetizers.

Oh and the view isn’t so bad either…