Marino Reviews

Marino's is an old fashioned forward looking restaurant. You are greeted old style at the door by Mario, Jr - second generation - and you are simply overwhelmed with the gracious and FABULOUS choice on the menu from his brother and chef, Sal (formerly of Il Grando fame). There are many booths ala comfort and privacy from years ago. The wait staff is really knowledgeable and the bar is excellent. We have eaten here many times, even are holding a large family style birthday gathering in their separate side room, and everything has been wonderful. Sal's menu offerings reflect local current availability. Every year he has a tomato festival with more varieties than you even knew possibly existed - many from his own garden. The wine menu is FULL. Bread and olive oil to die for. Lots of places to find good Italian food in LA but Marino's is my choice.

The restaurant is not in the poshest area but his design is very up-scale and Italian. We were greated very friendly by the owner and got a nice table. As an appertizer we went for a chef recommendation: avocado with crab - divine! We also had some wonderful three color tomatoes with mozzarella. As a main course I had wonderful soft veal scaloppine with mushrooms and vegetables. The vegetarian ravioli and the chicken parmegiano were great too. We tried some othe Italian restaurants in Beverly Hills with much higher prices but if you care for real and excellent Italian food, try out Mariano!

I have been here many times--it is a neighborhood spot for me. The food has gotten really good. The wine list is very good with something for everybody. And the waiters and Maitre d' are very friendly. It is run like a classic traditional Italian restaurant--service is impeccable. I highly recommend this restaurant. Love the pollo vesuvio and the Osso buco is unbelievable.

Excellent food, quiet environment and good service. Because it si quiet it is a great place for qa business lunch!

Can I write chicken vesuvio 100 times for a review? This place has the authentic classic service you come to expect from such a high rated establishment and the food is second to none. Definitely don't miss on a trip to la

Read good reviews and decided to try while at AFT teachers convention. Excellent food and service. Valet park. Good choice for good Italian food. Good wine list as well

The food is very tasty but the portions are small. We ate outside in a garden next to the restaurant which was very nice. However, we had to wait a long time to eat the appetizers, I think they forgot our order... The wines are too expensive and also the food. But everything is fresh and very tasty, indeed!

I met my cousin here because it's convenient for both of us - neither of us had ever been to Marino and had no idea what to expect. I arrived about 30+ minutes before my cousin and was promptly seated and offered wine, which was wonderful. Our waiter was very attentive throughout our dinner, and it didn't seem to bother him that we just split a salad and a pasta. I'm looking for an opportunity to return. There were some wonderful plates and specials that I would love to try on a return visit. It's so unusual to have such excellent service and food all in one place. This is a great find!

I have passed by this restaurant twice a day for ages and decided to finally give it a try. My mother was visiting so we thought it would be a nice place to take her. WOW! We were treated like royalty from the moment the door opened. Mario was so gracious and inviting. He seated us at a very nice table even though we had no reservation. Patrick was our server and he was fantastic, so attentive, seeing to our every need. The food was excellent, probably some of the best Italien food I've had in a long time. It was nice to see that many of the dishes on the menu weren't heavy pastas. We had just been to Paris and we loved the European pace to our meal, we had time to enjoy our food conversation. Matino's is definitely a place to take loved ones.

We selected the restaurant simply because the had veal piccata, which is one of my wife's all time favourite's. Right from the beginning it was a 10 out of 10 experience, we were greeted warmly by Mario the manager who paid special attention to making our 4 year old son feel welcomed. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. The Gazpacho, and caprese we had to start were outstanding and showed how tuned the chef was to the humble tomato with multiple varieties I'd never had before. We both had different but fantastic veal escalopes that left us wanting more. I only wish this restaurant was in my neighbourhood on the other side of the Pacific, They would have table permanently booked for me.

We went for dinner and found the food to be excellent and the service was also. I reserve 5 stars for the very top places or would have given it 5. It is a bit old fashined which is not derogatory here. It had that quiet classy vibe that has diminished in today's noisy, "energetic" places of favor.

good service bad food, cool interior. Was expecting more from my Chicken and Peppers order. It was awful.

We live in the neighborhood and come here often. There are many Italian restaurants in the area but none like Marino. Marino is not trendy and you can almost always get a table. It is family owned. They do better with the traditional Italian dishes than the specials in our experience. Our group started with the Caesar salad or arugula salad, both fresh. Linguini and clams, pappardelle bolognese, and the mushroom pasta were all outstanding. The sorbets and gelatos are homemade and change regularly and a great end to the meal. This is a place that has reliable food and is a comfortable place to spend time with family and friends.

Horrible experience! They were mean to me and barely served me. There were 2 women next to me and staff was laughing & giving them special treats. When they spoke to me they were condescending. I’m not used to all of the prejudice we have in large cities now. I couldn’t wait to get out of there & the food is just average. The owner stopped by every table but mine. When I left this creep stared in my face like I was the dumbest person he has ever seen while I was very gracious. I will never go back. If you are a person of any color but white, don’t waste your time. The valet overcharged me for parking as if this night wasn’t already the worst.

I have not had sole cooked to such perfection anywhere else. The ambience was beautiful, the wait staff totally professional and we were greeted by the owner to be sure we were happy with our meals.

This is a warm, friendly place located In Hancock Park, just a few miles south of Hollywood. We live in the neighborhood and have been coming here for at least 15 years. The host always greets you wamly (no attitude) and the recently remodeled dining room is both comfortable and attractive, and it also has an intimate feel to it. Service has always been good, and sometimes they've fixed me Italian dishes that I like but were not on the menu--that's a gracious establishment! The food has always been consistently good and reasonably priced (not ultra cheap, but a fair value with other comparable restaurants). We'll continue to go there for a good rmeal in a relaxing and friendly environment.

Marino is a family run institution in the Hancock Park neighborhood. Food is quite good - particularly pasta and other standard Italian fare. Wine list is decent, though not exceptional. Prices seem a little high for a local family joint.

The ambience is charming, Italian and authentic. Have a stop at the bar before dinner. They take care of you like a visiting relative. The food by Chef/owner Sal Marino was highly touted by a friend who is a regular there. The place was even better. Impeccable and seamless service, with food creations that were not only exquisite but every bit as delicious. Wine is everywhere and on every table which says a mouthful. What I would give up to have this place close to home. If you are seeing an off-the-charts experience, with a chef who insures every diner is happy with their food and service, this is a really unique eatery that is worth dealing with the traffic to get to.

Consistently great food and outstanding service. You are greeted like family and treated like royalty. Highly recommended if you are looking for old school traditional Italian cuisine.

Good decoration and nice ambience. Good food. Every detail has a fashionable touch. Good price for the quality.

`Cozy and friendly with good traditional Italian dishes. I had a very good house salad and good (not exceptional) veal scallopini. Very good wine list and full bar. A little on the pricey side for a local joint.

I have been coming here for years and LOVE IT!!! From the food to the service to the private dinner room! Marino's makes their own Marinara Sauce which is the best marinara sauce seriously EVER!!! Definitely get the mozzarella marinara to start!!!

Absolutely great experience! Everything was delicious from appetizers to dessert. And great service, as well. Thank you Mario and Sal for taking care of me and my family!

Although I don't live in the neighborhood, I love going to Marino whenever I can. The atmosphere is warm and friendly. Mario always makes you feel at home. I love the food, especially the fresh fish (there are usually one or two on the daily specials). If you're going to see a play at the Pantages, Marino is a great place to go for dinner beforehand.

We lo e coming here. Mario is always happy to greet us. And we live the ambiance. The food is exceptional. Love the squid appetizer. Love the chicken parmigiano. And for me...the crusty bread. Cannot stop eating it. A wonderful night. Yes indeed!

Mario greets you like you're an old friend rather than a customer. I felt like I had been coming here for years and it was my first visit. Intimate dining room, and you can have a conversation. The prosciutto appetizer with mozzarella is very generous and scrumptious. I ordered lamb chops which were made to perfection, so delectable I cut in between the bones and began eating the meat right off the bone, didn't care if it was the proper thing to do or not, better yet, no one else there seemed to care either. I love a place where you can feel at ease enjoying your meal! Very classy place and great food!

This is a great Italian restaurant. The food was outstanding, from the bread to the lasagna, halibut and pasta with scallops and shrimp. Every dish was perfectly prepared and served. Very extensive wine list. The service was impeccable and the atmosphere is classic old school Italian. Go, you will not be disappointed.

Great discovery of this family run (2nd generation) Italian restaurant in Hollywood. Naples inspired cuisine in a fine dining, yet relaxed atmosphere. Among others, we had fresh pea soup, ricotta filled zucchini blossoms, foraged cauliflower mushroom with pistachios, pizza with black truffle, and linguine with crab meat. Still thinking when I had it better even in Italy! Very attentive staff, guided by co-owner Mario, also being flexible with a 12 year old that maybe just wants penne with tomato sauce. And the wines from the list curated by co-owner and head chef Salvatore rounded it all up perfectly. Hope not too many follow my recommendation, since then I might not be lucky to get a table again next time ;-)

Years ago I used to visit Marino for lunch with a friend who had a business in the area. It was always a family affair with Mr Marino greeting you at the door, the sons were the waiters ,a warm greeting and enjoyable meal. I saw an ad on Restaurant.com and thought I would return for dinner. I was not surprised when I called for a reservation to find the warm greeting is still there with Mario Marino now at the door as his father had passed on. The good classic Italian food is still there and I was pleasantly surprised at the depth of their wine list with Italian wines from all the good regions of italy and some good domestic choices all at reasonable prices. The service remains great and we had a very nice experience .

After a lucky accident we went to Marinos during lunchtime for a drink. The extreme friendly feeling made us directly book for out last night in LA. The resturant is run by the brothers of the family restaurant. Food is exeptional, staff is prompt and friendly. I can highly recommend a visit you will not regret. I will be back! Alexander Tennström

Narino's is the best little secret in town. It just celebrated its 30th birthday and the food is better than ever. The room has been updated but has kept its old world charm without making it dated. Mario is just the best! He sincerely loves what he is doing and runs the restautrant as if you were eating in his home. Momma shows up occassionally now but her presence as well as Mr. Marino senior is in the dining room all the time. For consistent great home made dishes where the owner cares, go to Marinos. I do, every chance I get!

Absolutely love coming back to this restaurant. Service and food are just fantastic. It can get hectic towards the weekend. It is nevertheless worth it any day.

Nice atmosphere, impeccable service amazing food. Salvatore suggested the menu. He sent out 8 or 9 courses and we were delighted! We had a terrific experience. I'll say Italian nouvelle cuisine at its best!

So how many top restaurants in Los Angeles do you know that are still family owned and run? Marino's is the only one I know of, and it is a pleasure to eat here. The service is impeccable and friendly, the background music pleasing (not loud, not rock), and most important of all the food is utterly delicious. Try the truffled pizza, drink a gin and tonic with Italian lemon-gin (so delicious!), let the tiny gnocchi melt in your mouth. It is going to be our go-to restaurant when we want to splurge (on calories too). Highly, highly recommended.

We took friends from Manhattan Beach all the way across LA on a Friday evening to eat at Marino at the very end of a two week ski trip to Colorado. They were reluctant at first to drive all that way but later thanked us for the opportunity to see 'another part of LA'! We valet parked two cars and then entered the restaurant through a rosemary garden on the street-front. We were warmly welcomed and shown to a long table for the nine in our party. We quickly had menus and winelists, cold water for the table and dense, rustic Italian style bread with oil/balsamic to nibble while we chose. I was hosting so I chose an Allegrini Valpollicella (the third bottle was the best!!) for the wine drinking seniors while the gen Yers ordered all manner of cocktails. The menu, while not vast is most varied and everyone found something to their taste. Pasta, pesce, vitello, arragosta, superb dishes all, my veal tomahawk stuffed with crab and prosciutto, breaded and fried was both novel and memorable. We finished with a sample of the dolce menu, just three dishes that everyone had a taste of, we couldn't manage more. Marino has that pleasant ambient hum that good Italian restaurants generate, the staff were attentive without being overbearing and Alex, the maitre d' was a delight and struck up a rapport with our Italian speaking Argentinian/American friends. We waddled off at about 11, amongst the last to leave on what was just an excellent night out. At about $70 a head we thought Marino, if not inexpensive, was good value. We would very definitely go back on any future visit to LA.

This is a wonderful restaurant. Location on Melrose was close to the Pantages Theatre. Ambiance is old school traditional, my favorite. Veal piccata was delicious. Slightly disappointed with caesar salad I thought it was made tableside however it was only tossed tableside. Highly recommend the peach appetizer. This is a restaurant I will definitely revisit.

Had dinner with adult children here --- small restaurant with intimate feel. Very good service and excellent food. Nice bar. Ambience especially comfortable.

We often went to Il Grano in West LA, and we were sad when it closed some time back. But we were delighted to find that the owner, Sal, had joined his brother Mario at the family's Marino restaurant, which their parents had opened back in the 80s. The restaurant has a relaxed and comfortable feel. Every dish we've tried, both at lunch and dinner, has been delicious. Some of our favorites are the linguine with clams and the gnocchi with black truffles. We've taken friends there, and they have also been impressed by the great food, service and ambiance. We look forward to dining here again, soon!

Finally a real Italian restaurant in the USA. The food is excellent, it feels like being in Italy, both for the quality of the raw materials and for the sublime way in which they are treated. A restaurant at the level of the best Italian starred restaurants. The staff is excellent, classic Italian friendliness and kindness combined with professionalism. I highly recommend you go and eat at this beautiful place.

When do you get personalized attention from the owner, hostess, waiter...spectacular dining experience. Lobster pasta and gnocchi with truffle are to die for. This meal was a highlight of our two week vacation.

Great service and food . Friendly welcome by Mario Marino. A restaurant where you can actually have a conversation

delicious food. First class, old school Italian. First rate service also.

We came here for lunch with a friend who has known the family for years. Mario is the perfect host and Sal is an outstanding chef. Both are wonderful people who truly love to please their guests. Sal prepared a tasting menu focused on the amazing tomatoes that come from Sal's garden. At least 7 dishes with tomatoes in the center (and probably at least 12 different kinds of tomatoes) that never got the least repetitive. So good that we also cleaned our plates of 4 different, huge servings of desserts. Standouts were the chilled gazpacho of which we got three different versions, from different tomatoes. Wonderful to showcase the subtle differences of the tomatoes. A grilled tuna with tomatoes, basil and corn and some amazing pasta with a fresh tomato sauce. When it comes to dessert figure out how many you think you can eat and order twice that. While we were dining with friends of the family that cannot in any way improve the quality of what you get served. You may get an extra dish here or there but there is no way a restaurant can suddenly say, make this tomato or this tuna better quality. So if you go to Marino you will get the exact same quality that we got. In other words, don't hesitate a second to go the this restaurant. Even if it means a trip across town. Even out kids, 18 and 21, said it was one of the best meals they have had anywhere, and we've been to Italy and France with them many times before. Thanks again to Mario and Sal for their big hearts and to John for a wonderful day and some amazing wine.

I have been to Marinos many times over the years. Its a local restaurant and I have seen it go through a few iterations in terms of design,and more recently Sal taking over the kitchen. What has always been great is the service. Mario is in charge of the front of the house and he is always incredibly gracious and welcoming and the waitstaff are all very professional. With Sal taking over the kitchen, though, Marino's has really stepped up their food. It is fantastic. The crudo is sublime, the pastas are great, and the specials are always amazing. Highly recommend.

Deinitely the best Italian I have ever been to in LA and probably the entire USA. Family owned so amazing personal service, where they shake hands when you enter and leave the restaurant. The food was extremely good as well but my personal high of the evening was when I had a look had the wine menu. They have an extremely nice collection reaching from 40 $ a bottle up to extremely rare vintage 1959 bottles of 10000 $. There will for sure be a great wine on their list for any occasion, meal and budget!

I was traveling for business and brought co-workers who are very much non-foodies with me. Their version of dinner was a burger at McDonalds. Fortunately they trusted me to find a restaurant which was new to all of us. They followed my lead and ordered the pear, cheese and arugula salad which did not disappoint! The cheese was a little much for one eater, but the rest of us enjoyed ours immensely. For my entree, I ordered the black cod which was pared with fingerling potatoes and a butternut squash puree. Hands down this dish was one of my all-time favorites! I wish I lived in LA because I would visit regularly. Of course, seeing Noah Wyle (actor in ER) at the restaurant was also a major bonus!! The service was top notch and the food was memorable! Do not miss eating at this very authentic Italian restaurant!!!

they have a new Chef Son of the Owner server highly recommended the Chop it was thin overcooked taste like leathe no one came to check on our meal party of eight very expensive had good meals in the past

The food is good old fashion Americano/Italiano! The decor is so tired, and the service is impeccable!

The manger here was great, warm, inviting and offered great advice with the food and wine. After seeing slow cooked oxtail pasta on the menu I knew this was the real deal and was in for a treat. The pan fried calamari, something else I find hard to see on Menus these days was tender and beautifully cooked. I'm by no means an Italian expert but have travelled through Italy on a few holidays. This was a pleasant Italian experience.

We were treated like old friends our first time here by Mario our host. Excellent service provided by Patrick from Marche region of Italy who indulgently spoke to us in Italian despite our poor facility in that tongue. The room is elegant and intimate--very welcoming and quiet. We all loved the food, so, all in all, highly recommended.

It was a great meal. We went out to have a romantic dinner. The atmosphere was nice. Some very loud guests, but thats not on the resturant. I had the ravioli and it was very good.

Marino is Italian very well done. It is old school in the way that you never know who sat in your booth--Paramount and Capitol Records are near by. The pasta with meatballs my trigger dependency. The branzino presentation is a work of art. Even the pizza is perfect. Marino is a family run joint that welcomes everyone as such--you will feel at home.

Everything we ate we loved, we ordered entrees strong dishes and everything really surprised us every dish, very friendly staff Good coffee too!

Have eaten at Marino every time we visit area and will continue to do so. Quality of food and service are consistently high. Special requests have also been honored.

Super busy and yet never neglected as a customer by anyone on its fabulous staff, Marino continues to thrive in a very competitive market of so many Italian restaurants. No phony glamor. Just great food, superb service and fabulous clientele. It is a neighborhood place in one of the greatest areas in Los Angeles.

Mario is the consummate host. The food and atmosphere are both traditional and very different from the newer italian restaurants in L.A. Our favorite starter is the antipasto plate. The pastas and classic menu items are better choices than the more trendy specials. This restaurant is comfortable and relatively quiet, even when busy. The service is old school, but can be slow.

If customer service and incredible food are important, then this is your restaurant. I love this place!!! It never disappoints. The staff treats you like family...the good kind.

This place would be a premium restaurant even back in Italy. Fresh, quality ingredients with an expert chef. Not necessarily inexpensive, but worth every penny.

Our 3rd visit, great ambience, service was absolutely fabulous, it’s the feeling of being part of the “famiglia!!” Every entre was prepared with the authentic Napolitano touch,from appetizer to desert. Tonight was their tomato freshly harvested from their farm. We had pineapple with thinly sliced tomatoes and tuna tartare carpaccio, grilled octopus with specialty homemade sauce, close your eyes and flavor Napoli, that’s all I can say. My entré was fettuccine with lobster and cherry tomatoes, and dear hubby had wagyu with their magical sauce which is very hard to describe, we traveled a lot all around the world, and we will definitely be back for the best authentic Italian cuisine

You could walk the length of this extremely long street on a clothes shopping spree and find endless numbers of boutiques you had never heard of before. However, take an Uber (or walk) to this small family restaurant Marino on Melrose Restaurant and stop by for some of the best Italian food you’ll have had anywhere. Marino was packed with locals and a smattering of stars as is everywhere good in this city. The food is superb. Try the gazpacho if you’re lucky enough to be there in season, the linquine alla Pescatore and the gamberi Posillipo if you love shellfish but anything will be very good.

For those of you who loved Villa Capri and Martoni's, the family tradition lives on in Marino on Melrose. They'll make anything you want, exactly the way you like it, but their menu is so wonderful you usually end up ordering from there. It is some of the finest Italian food ever--it rivals San Fran and NY. And, although you may see stars there, it's a private, quiet restaurant with excellent service and prices. I love them.

I've been a regular at Marino since it opened some 30 years ago. While I don't live in LA any longer, whenever I'm in town I make a point of stopping here to eat. Marino combines the faithful and flawless execution of traditional Italian specialties with innovative new interpretations -- thanks to the addition of Sal in the kitchen. The hospitality that awaits, from Mario who works the front of house, is unrivaled in any restaurant. Whether you're a frequent diner or a new visitor, you're treated like family. My favorites include the antipasta (best anywhere), the mozzarella marinara, any of the pastas, the chicken vesuvio, the pesce spade, and stuffed veal chop. You should stick around for an after-dinner drink and the amazing tiramisu. Marino is like an old friend that you can always count on. May it continue to be an enduring institution long into the future.

Marino is amazing,from the valet parking to the service to the fine cuisine.Dinner there was the highlight of our 4 day trip to Los Angeles. I wasn't sure restaurants like this existed anymore.

We arrived at 7:30 on a Tuesday night, without a reservation. Only a few tables were occupied, and the owner seated us good-naturedly. Bread and butter were brought promptly. There were only two red wines on the list below $40. I asked our waiter about a wine listed as both Zin and rosé. Our waiter seemed as confused by that as I, so I asked to see the bottle. The owner heard “rosé” and appeared with one just as the waiter brought what turned out to be a white zinfandel. I asked the waiter for the other sub-$40 wine, a Terrabianca Chianti, which, at $36, is an excellent value. The waiter brought the chianti promptly, but the owner, evidently heard me say “Zinfandel,” and appeared at the same time with a Zin not on the list. I said the Chianti would be fine, which seemed to upset him. He didn’t speak to us again for the rest of the evening, although he chatted with the other tables. He did, however, loudly call our waiter an obscenity a few minutes later. My friend had clams with linguine, I ordered the special wild mushroom risotto. We split a Caesar salad. The salad came immediately, however it was a full 30 minutes before our entrees appeared. We barely had a taste before the waiter asked how everything was. My friend said fine. I was noncommittal--my plate gave off an unpleasant odor, like mildew, and had an off taste. He left and didn’t come near our table again for an hour. It only took two more bites to decide my entrée was seriously off. The clams in my friend’s linguine were good, but the pasta tasted of burnt garlic. About fifty minutes later, the bus boy asked if we were done. We said we were, and he took my full plate without comment. Ten minutes later the waiter appeared, asking if we wanted coffee. We said, no, just the check. I told him my meal was inedible, and he said it would be taken care of. It wasn’t—it remained on the check, and no one at any time asked why I hadn’t eaten my entrée. I can’t remember a more unpleasant dining experience.

Sal Marino has come over from his high-end West side restaurant and has already started to add his touches to the menu. Crudo, grilled octopus, duck breast...new menu items and they are all fabulous.We started with crudo, had grilled octopus, pasta with scallops and jumbo shrimp, then duck for our main course and proftiroles to finish off the meal. It was billed as a tasting menu and was a fantastic value. Every single dish was exceptional. The food here is now really great. The service is as warm and professional as always. Highly recommend doing the tasting menu.

Sal Marino is now back hosting, chef-ing and the like at his tried and true family ristorante and our experience was top flight marvelous. We were a party of 8 raucous wine geeks pairing old, and I mean very old vintages of bubbly, Bordeaux and burgundies,with 7 or 8 delicious courses of fine fresh veggies, pastas and meat and fish dishes. Hospitality, ambiance and cuisine blended into a fine evening. Thanks to Sal and staff.

I am a big fan of Marino's for its classical style Italian Neapolitan cuisine, but Mario and his brother Sal have taken the restaurant to a different level....Pomodorologia...or Tomato Wednesday. How cleaver, a whole meal dedicated to fresh and in many cases Sal's garden tomatoes! We are talking about a gastronomical feast here and its fun as well. I started with what has to be the best Bloody Mary I have ever had. Why? Because it is made with fresh tomato juice, who knew? Follow that with a rainbow of heirloom tomatoes and Bufala Mozzarelaa from Italy and its melt in your mouth fantastic. There is a selection of fresh seafood all matched with tomatoes some way and I had the carpaccio of Scallops with Green Zebra, just a great match of tastes. Then I settled for my favorite a personal sized Pizza Margherita again with only fresh tomatoes in the sauce. The meal ended with a peach tomato marmalade tart which was not too filling and a perfect end to a great experience. I hope that the <Marino brothers continue this type of creative menus as I would attend everyone, even if its a new featured ingredient every night.

We have been coming to Marino since it opened in 1983. Every menu item we have enjoyed over the years has been delicious and authentic Italian cuisine. Just like we experienced in Italy and France, our waiter always allows us time to enjoy our wine before rushing to take our order...there is no rushing at Marino...you are having a true dining experience...something missing in restaurants today. On our recent visit, we had the burrata mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes and olive oil and cracked pepper...it was a-ma-zing! Then my husband enjoyed the Filletto alla Sinatra and it was so delicious he scooped up every last remaining bit of sauce he could with the delicious bread that accompanies each meal. The filet itself was like butter and the sauce was scrumptious, as were the vegetables. I had the Pappardelle alla Bolognese with fresh shaved parmesan and made the sign of the cross as I went to heaven. If you want to step into Italy right here in Southern California and enjoy the best Italian food in town, you must run to Marino. There's a reason it's been here for 29 years. Buon Appetito!

Marino's is right across from the condo where we live. Every three or four years we try it again in the hope that the menu has changed or that there has been some upgrade. Not so far. The menu has a caeser salad made at the table. Not so. We don't do that anymore. And the salad is frankly old. Pasta is OK but calamari is stingy and not great. But they have a following and there must be something we are missing.

Hurry before theSeasonal Tomato Menu ends. Superb service as usual. Excellent food. Great ambience. The host/owner and his team always make you feel like you are part of the family. Can't wait to go navy.

Fantastic food, new exciting tastes, and the owner and staff when FAR out of the way to constantly make sure we were served well. The owner even gave us a SECOND entrée to taste, 'cause hey we're big guys from outta town. Fantastic little place!

Was invited there for friends b-day. The owner was very cordial & friendly and seated us. Our friends arrived and we ordered. They had an appetizer that they raved about. Wife & I had one of the best Caesar Salads ever. I ordered off the menu, which was no problem, saltimbocca. It was over the top good. My wife had pasta and said it was excellent. Finished with custard profiterolles and we were astounded at how good it was. Best Italian this side of Rome.

Honestly, the food here is good. But the service was really slow. This place is small. Our waiter was a grandpa. He was a bit hard of hearing. He had trouble with what we were saying sometimes. Or maybe we talk too soft but I doubt that. The calamari was delicious! And they give you so much! It seemed like it was bottomless. By the time we were done with our calamari, we were all so full! We also ordered the ravioli and one other pasta with a salad. It says they make the salad in front of you but that didn't happen. The food was overall pretty good though. The appetizer size for the calamari was way bigger than the pasta dishes itself. All in all, we had a good experience. But I think I prefer other Italian restaurants better. Most of the people coming to this restaurant are older. You're not going to see much young people here.

Family run and owned. This is said to be one of the last Hollywood Italian places to take future collegues and seal a deal while breaking into good Italian bread. Leave with a smile and take the Canolis.

Went last night and it was so so good. can't wait to go back and try more of this amazing menu. thank you

My husband and I have been coming to Marino for over twenty years.It has become a tradition for us to come here for our anniversary, and we visit often during the rest of the year. Their caesar salad is always excellent; the clams oreganate just like the way we like them in NY, and all their pastas are terrific. We especially like the lasagne, and the canneloni can't be beat.They usually have a speical stuffed veal chop that is wonderful, but we often get the veal sorrentina which is like veal parmesian but not breaded and very light. My husband loves the lamb chops which are smothered in tiny marinated hot peppers-although he asks for half hot and half sweet peppers and they are always accomodating. The house made cheescake is very traditional Italian ricotta cheescake and absolutely delicious! A wonderful restaurant that feels like home!

Polite and professional staff, and very good food. I would definitely recomend this restaurant to everyone who visit LA.

I've been going to Marino for many years but since moving out of the country haven't had the opportunity to visit as frequently. So I was happy for the chance to return during my last stay in LA, and I was glad I did as the food, service and overall experience was outstanding. Brothers Mario and Sal have once again teamed up, building on the solid foundation established by their parents but taking the restaurant into a new, exciting direction that would seem hard to match elsewhere in LA. What you'll find here are perfectly executed Italian standards -- particularly the sublime antipasti -- but also inventive cuisine -- think squid ink pasta with fresh sea urchin -- that departs from tradition but stays true to their roots. Sal is relentless in his pursuit of the freshest ingredients possible, including his daily runs downtown to source the best fish and the cultivation of vegetables and herbs from his own garden. And in the front of the house, you won't find a warmer welcome and more attentive oversight of your meal than what you'll receive from Mario. I can't wait to return.

My husband and I decided to celebrate Valentine's Day with a dinner at Marino's. We had a 8PM reservation, and arrived right on time. We were greeted by friendly staff and we were seated immediately. The service was fantastic. The food, not so much in my opinion. We started with calamari and mozarella marina. The latter of which I did not enjoy at all. My husband enjoyed his chicken parmisagna and my linguini pomodoro was average. Nevertheless, we did have a nice evening.

I went to Marino's the first night they opened way back when. I was alone and it was late. The Marino family was sitting in a booth near.the entry. They invited me to sit down and have a glass of wine and have some of the Lobster di able they were having. It was the best I have ever had. I have been a customer for almost 30 years...let me recommend the anti pasta, the fish is always fresh that day but the angel hair is my favorites. Mr Marino died last year but his son Mario is just as charming and a wonderful host. by the way...best Martini in town.

My husband and I went there for dinner with friends on a recent Friday night. We were greeted by the lovliest, warmest, most delightful gentleman who made us feel like we had just arrived to have dinner in his home. The service was OUTSTANDING, as lovely as was our greeting and it added so much to the enjoyment of the dining experience. All of our meals were delicious, including the best cheesecake for dessert that any of us had ever eaten. Marino is a gem and it will be a joy to return.

We had the tomato tasting menu for 2 with 4 courses. Every singel dish was perfect. I highly recommend this restaurant. True italian food. Not pricey, 49$ per person for the menu. Hollywood is expensive. You have to visit!

Mario, the host-owner , is so gracious. The food and service OUTSTANDING They have. Secret family recipe for Bolognese- yummy Anything you want they will make Romantic and also family friendly Mario makes you feel like a guest in his home

i guess this place has been around for a long time. It's located right next to Providence but that's not an area that easy to access. anyway the food was amazing, the service was outstanding and the place is extremely nice and upscale. I will definitely go back. They are willing to accommodate any request

Greeted and welcomed immediately. Waiter personable and friendly. He knew his wine! And our meals were wonderful. The calamari was super. Very nice place. We'll go back.

We encountered with pasta which was tasty and cooked perfectly. It had sort of a meat and sausage sauce which was delicious. Service was prompt and attentive. I would definitely recommend this restaurant for the homemade pasta. Next time will eat dessert as well.

From the owner's welcome to the final sip of Cappuccino, Marino's is a delight. Mario is a host that welcomes you to his restaurant as if you were a guest in his home. The menu is replete with fine pastas and main courses. I am a fan of their branzino, a fish served lots of places but still remains special here. . Tried and true recipes that leave no question that you are dining in a proven Italian restaurant. Lots of neighborhood folks, but definitely worth a visit by out-of-towners who want to pay attention to a fine meal more than the 'scene' around them.