Café del Rey is one of those places where the term “stunning view” is not a cliché. This full-service restaurant sits marina-side and keeps overhead lighting to a minimum to highlight the spectacular sunsets.
“It’s about the views as much as the food,” Manuel Rios, manager, Café del Rey, said to Boating Times in an interview. The leisurely service adds to the feeling of serenity — plan to spend the entire evening soaking in the views and savoring freshly made dishes.
In the dining room, the evening begins with homemade focaccia bread and luscious olive oil. The herbed focaccia sets a bar of excellence for the rest of the menu. Like the focaccia, almost all of Café del Rey’s menu is made in-house — from the ice cream and sorbet to the raspberry jam on the cheese board. This impressive fact is a testament to the staff’s attention to detail and this mentality extends from the server to the host.
Executive Chef Adrian Vela describes Café del Rey’s cuisine as a blend of Mediterranean, French and Californian influences. He works deftly with the flavors of the day to create ever-changing cheese plates, seasonal desserts and lush seafood dishes. Each dish looks like a work of art — the cheese board is served on a genuine oak slab and the desserts are lovingly plated. Despite the chef’s meticulousness, Café del Rey offers modifications within reason, yet there are very few vegetarian items and almost no vegan options.
The menu changes daily but some items have become mainstays. The rich truffle pizza has been a favorite for more than 15 years and it’s easy to see why. The soft, flaky crust has layers of cheese, bits of truffle and onions that take this simple, white pizza from good to gourmet. It pairs well with the lightly dressed baby greens salad.
Despite the restaurant’s proximity to the marina, Café del Rey does not have reserved boat parking — guests arriving by boat should park in the marina across the street. Guests arriving by car are subject to a $4 mandatory valet fee.
Café del Rey is an experience; not just a place to stop for a meal. Rios confirmed customers return multiple days a week. Spend the evening and you’ll see why.
Café del Rey
4451 Admiralty Way
Marina del Rey, Calif. 90292
310 823 6395
Read This Next
Russian River Brewing Co.
Restaurant
Oct 15, 2015All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Mar 27, 2024Earn a Free Night with BWH Hotels This Spring
Earn a free night with BWH Hotels this spring by being a member of its Best Western Rewards loyalty program. Through May 5, BWR members who stay two nights (do not need to be consecutive) at BWH Hotels properties in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean will earn one free night to be used for stays through Aug. 25. Register for the promotion prior to the completion of your first stay online or with the hotel directly. The awarded free night is eligible at any Best Western-branded hotel in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, and members can only earn one free night via the promotion.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Products / Technology
Mar 27, 2024Getting to the Airport Just Became Easier with FlyPool
A new service launched last month that may make your trip to and from the airport just a little easier and less costly. FlyPool is an online platform and app that facilitates carpooling, specifically to airports around the world.
Destinations / North America
Mar 26, 2024Car Enthusiasts Head to California for La Jolla Concours d’Elegance
Head to La Jolla, California, this April for the 18th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance. The automotive and lifestyle festival offers car fanatics a variety of free and paid events. This year’s theme showcases the roaring 20s and glamorous 1930s. The event takes place April 19–21.
Sponsored Content
Travel Tips to Help Protect Your Health and Your Trip
Five Tips to Help Minimize Potential Travel Problems
Surveys
Mar 26, 2024Study Discovers Destinations Where Hotels are Cheaper Than Home Rentals
For the longest time, travelers touted home rentals as an affordable alternative to hotels. However, is that really the case? Do you really get more for your money when you book an Airbnb versus a hotel room?
ShareThis