Marilena Cafe & Raw Bar

This place is amazing. The ambiance is beautiful even if it is a bit loud. They do have an atrium and a patio area if you really want quiet. The service was spot on and the food was incredible. Started with the Sunseeker oysters which were sooo good. My husband has the octopus and the scallops and I had the lobster tacos and salmon sashimi. All of it was amazing. Cheesecake for dessert and you're done. My only negative comments were the dinner rolls. They are your first culinary introduction to the restaurant and they have no lick whatsoever to the cuisine. Look past them and you'll be okay.

This is currently my favourite place to get wagyu steak. My partner took me here for my birthday since we were in town! We got the Aburi Sablefish, Albacore Tuna Crudo, Jumbo Shrimp, Grilled Octopus, 4oz Wagyu Steak, and a Selection of Ice Cream & Sorbet.

The Aburi Sablefish was absolutely delicious! Perfect ratio of rice and topping. I don't know what sauce they laid on top of the oshi about it was so good.. The flavours danced in my soft mouth.

The Albacore Tuna Crudo was okay. The horseradish buttermilk wasn't what I thought it was going to be. The wasabi flavour was still quite strong -- I thought it was going to be muted because of the buttermilk. The charred potato wasn't very potatoey.. and there wasn't a lot of pickled walnut on our dish in particular. The tuna was fresh and amazing though.

The Jumbo Shrimp was my second favourite dish of the night! Shrimp were perfectly tender, not an ounce overcooked. The dipping sauce it came with was really flavourful and the lemon sauce drizzle underneath was the perfect complement. Watch out for the shishito peppers! Take out the seeds if you can't eat too much spice.

The Grilled Octopus was also really delicious. I love the tomato sauce and the beans it came with. Perfectly grilled.

The star of the show, the Wagyu Steak, was divine.. The most melt-in-my-mouth wagyu I've had to date. The red wine jus that comes with it is perfect. My only complaint is that they were stingy on the finishing salt and I wish the slices were cut thinner.

The Ice Cream & Sorbet was nothing special. You get a selection of three flavours--I got vanilla, yuzu, and peach hibiscus. I would not get the ice cream next time but splurged since it was my birthday!

Service was impeccable and the ambiance inside was fine dining yet casual. Very dark in there.

Wow! So glad i found this place! I called to make a reservation and Kathy called me right back to accommodate all 8 of us and everyone was in awe at how delicious this restaurant was! They did not miss a beat! Super vibey inside and with lots of people and super cool you can see all the things happening in the kitchen. Fancy yet casual you feel comfortable in there not to stuffy. And the food HOLI SMOKE! Did not lack in flavor at all, everything was delicious! The oysters were the freshest ever, my fish was cooked perfectly, the sushi rolls were amazing and the carrots are a must! The onion rings thinness was perfection. The Som was super helpful in picking out a great wine and our server was so attentive and helpful with recommendations and all the courses. Definitely a spot you need to visit while in Victoria you will not be disappointed!!

In the vibrant culinary landscape of Victoria, where the bounty of the Pacific Northwest is at every doorstep, MariLena emerges as a beacon of gastronomic excellence. Despite the island's rich access to fresh seafood, it is remarkably rare to find an establishment that leverages this abundance with the finesse and creativity that MariLena does.

During a recent visit, we were so captivated by our first dining experience that we returned the following evening. Having previously spent two weeks in Victoria for work, exploring nearly every notable restaurant, it is with conviction that I assert MariLena is a standout. At the time of my earlier visit, MariLena did not exist, making this discovery all the more exciting.

Our first evening began under the expert care of Parker, whose service exemplified professionalism and charm. We commenced with an array of Nigiri, including locally sourced albacore. This selection, often overlooked in favor of more traditional choices, was a revelation--exquisitely fresh and delicately flavored. Accompanying this were lobster tacos, which were executed to perfection, melding texture and taste seamlessly.

For our main courses, we indulged in sablefish and steelhead, each dish a testament to the chef's skill. The sablefish, in particular, was sublime, cooked with such precision that it has lingered in my memory as one of the finest dishes I have ever encountered. Dessert was a mango pineapple tapioca creation, which, to our dismay, was enjoying its final night on the menu--a loss for future patrons.

The second evening reaffirmed our high regard for MariLena. Opting once again for the impeccable sablefish, we replaced the steelhead with halibut. While the halibut was superb, the steelhead remained the preferred choice. Starters included a spicy tuna roll, featuring the same high-quality albacore, and a sampling of local oysters. The Sunseekers variety stood out, transforming a generally ambivalent stance on oysters into enthusiastic approval.

Service on our second visit was helmed by James, whose personality and expertise added another layer of enjoyment to the meal. His dedication to his craft was evident and greatly appreciated.

In conclusion, MariLena is not just a restaurant; it is a culinary experience that Victoria is fortunate to host. For those with a discerning palate and an appreciation for exceptional service, MariLena is an unmissable destination. Whether you are a local or a visitor, it promises a dining experience that is both memorable and extraordinary.

I wanted to believe the hype about this restaurant. I really did. I've eaten at many fine dining establishments and I don't think this one lives up to its rating. The patio wasn't the nicest. The service was very very slow. From order to food on table was an hour and a half. We asked for more bread 3 times and didn't ever receive it. The food was good but not memorable. Again. I wanted to love it but I didn't.

This placevis a hudden gem. Been here twice and each time the food was amazing and the servers top knotch.

We had a great dining experience here!
We ordered the large seafood tower, pork belly and chocolate cake. We paired it with a glass of local white wine and a non alcoholic rose (which was fantastic). They serve you these incredible sweet/soft yeast rolls with your meal and complimentary yuzu cakes at the end.

Everything was fresh elegant and flavorful. The oysters were some of the best I've ever had- as someone born and raised in Seattle near abundant seafood. Likewise for the spicy tuna and scallop rolls included in our tower.

The pork belly was crispy and juicy with a fantastic sweet tasting glaze.

Our waitress was extremely attentive and kind, she stopped by to check on us and refill our water often. We also got to watch the sushi chef's prepare our rolls as we were seated at the counter. They were friendly fast and professional.

The restaurant itself is stunning with marble countertops, moody lighting and modern decor. It felt very swanky and romantic, but not stuffy or overdone. I saw a few people wearing jeans and casual attire here and there.

We are sure to be back on our next trip to Victoria! It's our new favorite place.

We had an awesome dinner at Marilena tonight!

Husband got the tenderloin with broccolini, I got the chestnut agnolotti with brussel sprouts. We split the carpaccio as an appetizer, and got a couple cocktails and a bottle of wine.

All in all, we had a fantastic evening. The carpaccio was so rich in flavor yet delicate in texture. The fried onions on top added a peppery whimsy to the dish we both appreciated.

My chestnut agnolotti was OMG creamy in the middle with a perfectly tender pasta pouch surrounding it. The brown butter sauce was heavenly and rounded it out.

Husband's tenderloin was a perfect medium rare throughout, and sported a simple-yet-delicious flavor of tender beef.

We ordered the Butter Box beforehand because it was my birthday and we were feeling it, yo. The Somm was so incredibly helpful in selecting a peppery Oregon Pinot noir to really accentuate each of our dishes. Folks - their wine list was put together with intent, and you can tell. Take advantage.

Really, their entire collection of wine and fine liquor was superb. We did not have the Beckstoffer To Kalon on their cab list, but wow I was so tempted. I did indulge in a small dram of Glenrothes 18 to shut it down while my husband closed with a creamy chocolate sorbet.

Our waitress was so friendly and lovely. Very fun to talk to and very knowledgeable about the dishes and wine. She really made our evening that much better.

The dining room is lively, well lit, comfortable seats, a vibrant clientele who know how to dress. We were a bit more casual but didn't phase one bit. Everyone was friendly.

Can't recommend this place enough.

This was the best restaurant experience i have ever had in downtown Victoria. From phenomenal sushi to well prepared small plates and drinks, Marlena delivered on all fronts. The space is beautiful and the service is at the highest level. Will be back.

For a restaurant only open five weeks it is a well oiled machine. Drinks, food, service absolutely the finest.