mar'sel at Terranea Resort

mar'sel at Terranea Resort reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Los Angeles4 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on 9 March 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   My husband and I booked a last minute brunch reservation as we happened to have a sitter for the afternoon. Upon arriving to the resort we found ourselves in a very long valet line. We probably waited 10-15 minutes before we were able to drop off our car. We had planned an early arrival to walk around a bit before our meal but ended up without time to do so. After arriving to our reservation we were quickly seated and enjoyed the beautiful live music and stunning ocean view. Unfortunately, despite ordering a starter of a dozen oysters, we waited a full hour prior to being served our appetizer, followed by our first course. Our server was very apologetic. Evidently there was a large wedding party at the restaurant that afternoon, needless to say we were starving by the time our food arrived. Also, unfortunately, despite the long wait, we were ultimately disappointed by our 3 course meals. My hamachi crudite felt overly doused in oil, and under seasoned, while my husband’s cauliflower soup tasted odd with the white chocolate addition. Well, we both enjoy the paella, we were very underwhelmed with our desserts. The puff pastry I ordered was honestly gross. When our server asked if we were enjoying it, I was politely honest, and he sort of laughed and walked away. Overall, we had a wonderful time due to the beautiful views, ambience and opportunity for a child free meal. I would not necessarily say the food was worthy over $400 tab. I I would perhaps try again for a dinner reservation, but wouldn’t necessarily recommend brunch menu.
   

   • 

   Is this helpful?

2. S

   Stephanie

   Chicago7 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 22 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Beautiful views of the Pacific from our outdoor table. Both food and service were outstanding. We will be back!
   

   Is this helpful?

3. S

   Savannah

   Chicago1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 19 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Everything was wonderful, the perfect way to end an amazing trip!
   

   Is this helpful?

4. E

   Erin

   Nashville2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 18 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This oceanfront gem of a restaurant is always such a wonderful experience for our family. Chris has been our server many times and he is like an old friend when we see him. The food is amazing and gourmet and even the children’s menu is on point! My husband and I enjoy their beautifully presented cocktails (we always get the one that they smoke at the table) and I’ve never ordered a meal we didn’t enjoy off the menu. We sit outside when we dine since we have young children and the restaurant staff is so welcoming. We really enjoy our time here and the food and cocktails make our trip more memorable.
   

   Is this helpful?

5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Los Angeles1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 16 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Our experience was Amazing . The atmosphere was perfect. We cannot wait to return.
   

   Is this helpful?

6. F

   Foodie

   San Diego21 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on 9 February 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   We stayed at the resort and loved it. We expected much more from this restaurant. Service was good, but the food was just okay. We enjoyed dining at Nelson’s much more.
   

   Is this helpful?

7. J

   Jennifer

   Orange County3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 9 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   By far the best dining experience we’ve had in So Cal in a very long time. Our server treated us as if we were VIPs. Each menu item ordered tasted better than expected. The octopus starter, the crispy fingerlings, the Branzino and the chocolate pot de Creme were all show stoppers. Kudos to the chef and also management for keeping service quality very high. Will definitely be back.
   

   • 
   • 
   • 

   Is this helpful?

8. K

   Kelly

   Los Angeles18 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 21 January 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Wonderful service, delicious food and presentation. Views and ambience outstanding.
   

   Is this helpful?

9. M

   Michael

   Orange County5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 19 January 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Always an exquisite time and always enjoy the curated menu, we always enjoy the level of service. Mar’sel is our go to each time we visit Terranea. We appreciate the staff and the service. Thank you
   

   Is this helpful?

10. L

    Larysa n Daniel VIP

    Los Angeles9 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on 18 January 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5

    Beautiful presentation but none of the dishes tasted really good … my branzino was okay, mushrooms were nasty, lamb guanoche had just a sprinkle of lamb, beets salad was weird with beets in some sauce with a few leaves, traditional desert was nasty… sorry but the food was nasty. We are locals and go there sometimes for special menus (Valentines etc) and it’s a first time we went just for a date and paid about $300 for nasty food. And in addition I got an upset stomach. Please change your chef, but we won’t be back that’s for sure.
    

    mar'sel at Terranea ResortResponded on 18 January 2025

    Good afternoon Mr and Mrs. Akhavan, My name is Ben Levy. I am the assistant manager of mar'sel. Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your experience with us. I am deeply sorry to hear that the food was not up to our standards. We implore all of our guests to let us know if they are not enjoying any of their dishes so that we can rectify it immediately. I will be reaching out to you directly to discuss further if you'd like. All the best.
    

    Is this helpful?