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Frutti De Mar Grill
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
47 reviews for Frutti De Mar Grill
Review Highlights
"Clam chowder rivals the Grotto's."
(in 10 reviews)
"I had the special, sea bass with lobster cream sauce."
(in 3 reviews)
"It's a little place, but well worth it."
(in 4 reviews)
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47 reviews in English
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Review from Terry M.
Pleasanton, CA
1/3/2012
My husband and I were staying in Salinas, had driven down to Big Sur and were looking for a place to eat dinner in Marina before heading back to Salinas. I pulled out my iPad and searched for seafood in Marina, CA --- Frutti De Mar Grill came up...I read a few positive reviews and that was it. We arrived 15 minutes later and had the BEST meal of our entire 5 day getaway!
This is not a fancy restaurant, but it was almost full (glad we called ahead) --- and we got the impression this is a local favorite. I had the special, which was grilled salmon atop linguini, accented with spinach and sundried tomatoes. The sauce was a simple, light white wine sauce that was the best choice to complement the salmon. We eat out often, and I eat a lot of seafood pastas, and lots of grilled salmon, and this was truly perfection.
My husband was very happy with his order of seafood linguini. The wine list offered several good choices, none over-priced. The service was a pleasure --- friendly, unobtrusive, knowledgeable. We were hungry, so very glad the service was quick, but not rushed.
We live in the SF Bay Area and love visiting the Salinas/Monterey area --- we are already looking forward to our next visit to Frutti De Mar Grill --- wish we had this restaurant near our home! -
Review from John C.
Salinas, CA
8/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
We were very happy to come here. Great service. I had the special, sea bass with lobster cream sauce. My son loved the ravioli with pink sauce. The calamari was good too, not the best I have had, but very good. The clam chowder was good, but not as good as some of the other reviews here. Fishermans Grotto owns the best in the Monterey Bay area.
Only ten tables. We called ahead which helped. No place really to wait in the small restaurant.
We will come back. -
Review from John L.
Seaside, CA
2/9/2012
Went here last night with a few colleagues after a long day at the office.
Menu selection was decent - heavy on pastas, naturally, but with a range of choices for those who prefer their animal protein to be land-based, sea-based, or absent.
The food was plentiful, and very good. The special was priced in-line with the regular menu offerings. Food costs overall seem a little below average for the Monterey Bay area; wine & beer prices are about average.
It's definitely on our go-back and recommend-to-others lists.
Reservations definitely recommended - we got there a few minutes after opening (at 5pm), and by the time our entrees arrived, I don't think there was an open table in the place. -
Review from Jamie M.
Marina, CA
1/28/2012
I had the mushroom lasagna, and it was GOOD! The lasagna pasta was fresh and don't know if I've ever had that before. The tomato sauce on it was also fresh--or it seemed fresh. My boyfriend had the scallops, shrimp, and crabs fettuccine and remarked that the seafood was not overdone. The prices were higher than we usually pay for food, but I felt the price was well worth it for the quality of the food. Even the bread with bruscetta was amazing!
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Review from charley w.
Monterey, CA
12/15/2011
This is a good find for those who are really interested in the food, but less in the location and ambience. Sort of a little hole in the wall, but the food is excellent. Lots of great seafood dishes, well cooked and presented. We had the grilled seafood with shrimp, salmon and seabass and it was outstanding. The vegetables were fresh and it came accompanied with rice. We also had the crab ravioli, and it tasted as if the ravioli had been freshly made today, and the crab just came off the boat. Reasonable pricing.
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Review from Joshua M.
12/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really wasn't expecting much, it's kind of a hole in the wall, and the staff didn't exactly look Italian. But the clam chowder and the crab ravioli were excellent, and the service was great.
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Review from Jean A.
Monterey, CA
12/22/2011
Great hole in the wall restaurant. The location (between an Asian market and laundromat) isn't the best, but the overall dining experience makes up for it. The service is great as is the food. Very reasonable priced (the early bird special for $12.95 includes soup or salad). Free bruschetta to start off a meal is always a nice idea. Love the calamari steak and the cannelloni, which comes with a red and white sauce. Worth giving this place a try; you will not be disappointed.
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Review from Maya B.
Marina, CA
8/12/2011
As far as Italian eateries in Marina goes, Fruitti De Mar Grill is good. If you're feeling lazy and don't want to make the drive to Monterey, Frutti De Mar Grill will appease your appetite. I don't want to write a review just based on comparison to the restaurants in Monterey, so I won't. When my husband and I went, they were packed and there was only one waitress. We were told to call back in about 30 minutes to see if they had any open tables yet. We did because we really wanted to try it and it was okay.
I wasn't a fan of the pricing, it reminded me of Olive Garden's pricing but even the food wasn't near as good as Olive Gardens. I remember the alfredo sauce was very thin, which in my opinion should be thick, but maybe that's just their recipe. Like I said, I'll go back there if I'm super hungry and am too lazy to head out to Salinas for Olive Garden or to Monterey to the other eateries. -
Review from Denise S.
Monterey, CA
6/21/2011
Super tasty! I have not been here in years, but it was just as good as it was before.
They are only open for dinner (5-9p) and we got there about 5:30. Right off the bat we were given warm ciabatta bread with oil and vinegar and personal servings of bruschetta on the house. Sooo good.
My boyfriend and I shared a bowl of the "Famous" clam chowder. It's killer. Seriously good stuff. I got the Chicken Piccatta which came with rice pilaf and steamed veggies. The chicken was light and tender and came with artichokes, tomatoes, onions, and capers.
My boyfriend got the Fruitti de Mar Fettuccine with scallops and shrimp.
The dessert menu looked good, and they have a special right now: a chocolate eruption cake and glass of port for only $10. If I wasn't so full, I would have ordered it. -
Review from Alice W.
Danville, CA
11/16/2011
Found an advertisement for cheap eats in the newspaper and found out they had an early bird special! When we first got there it looked like a hole in the wall in a small shopping strip mall. But we went ahead and walked in anyway! For $12.95, we got a small cup of clam chowder and entree choice of calamari steak, tilapia, chicken or lasagna. My husband had the calamari in a 'pink?' sauce which was excellent, my daughter, her boyfriend and me had the tilapia was was lightly fried to a nice golden crunch! That was excellent, too! They gave us free courtesy on the house brushetti's that was excellent and bread with the meal, too! The service is served with a smile! But they looked hispanic more than Italian, but no matter the food was good and you felt welcomed! I will be back whenever I am in this area again! !
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Review from Matt A.
San Leandro, CA
9/13/2011
Terrible little hole in the wall! The food may be great, but I wouldn't know, since they double-booked our large party and never even apologized!! We went right out the door and had a lovely dinner at Dishes right down the road.
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Review from Heather H.
Monterey, CA
7/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great hole in the wall. Went there on a whim, with the MIL. And it was 17 after 9 pm. Which they close at nine, but the very nice waitress put us at a table anyways. We both got the Crab Ravioli with Lobster Cream Sauce! OMFG! It was soooo good. And it was a good size portion. Then we ordered my husband Cheese Ravioli with Pink Sauce (tried it when I got home) It was so good! And we also ordered the FIL the Lasagna(didn't get a chance to try it, because it was gone so fast). It was a very clean little place. They are open from 5-9pm. I highly recommend this place!!!!!
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Review from Eddie W.
Updated - 9/27/2010 8 photos
Went here about two weeks ago for dinner with a former co-worker. The first time I came here everything was sensational but sadly this last encounter left me empty and wanting more.
Ordered the Calamari and Crab Cake for appetizers. Last time I had the calamari the seasoning was sensational and served with an amazing spicy tartar sauce. However, this time around it tasted like every other calamari I have tried in the area. As for the tartar sauce, it resembled nothing of its former glory and instead tasted like something you could get at your local supermarket.
For the main course I ordered the Fucilli Pasta con luganega sausage and chicken in a pink sauce ($14.95) while my dining companion ordered Cheese Ravioli mozzarella, parmesan and ricotta cheese with meat sauce or pink sauce ($12.95).
The pasta was cooked al dente with just the right bite. As for the pink sauce, I wished there was more of it to try. The lack of sauce resulted in the dish becoming dry and bland. What little of the sauce I had, I liked the subtleness of the flavors and thought it complemented well with the robust flavors of the luganega sausage. Finally, the chicken was cooked well and had decent flavor.
Despite being an Italian restaurant their prices are fair and portions are sufficient.
Overall Thoughts
One good experience, One bad experience...third time is the charm???1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/23/2010
I have driven pass Frutti De Mar Grill at least hundreds times and never realized that it was a… Read more »
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Review from Michelle C.
Monterey, CA
6/13/2011
I think this restaurant is one of the few jewels that Marina has to offer. From the street it looks like a hole in the wall, however, when you go inside it's a clean and cozy little hideaway. The cannelloni was amazing and the staff is always friendly. We have deemed this our Tuesday spot to go after my daughters ballet class. Love it!
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Review from J R.
Pacific Grove, CA
9/3/2010
Up around 4.5 stars. I ordered the nightly special--grilled seafood (shrimp, salmon, local sea bass) w/rice & veggies. Nearly perfect. Everything was incredibly fresh. The veggies were nice & al dente. The seafood portions could have been a bit bigger, but with the chowder & amazing bread I had to start the meal, it was plenty. My date had the Frutti De Mar Fettuccine (shrimp, scallops and crab
sauteed in garlic cream sauce), which was very good. Great service, and a nice atmosphere for a quiet weeknight dinner. -
Review from Ria J.
Oakland, CA
9/14/2010
5 stars - clam chowder, seafood special, Monterey sand dabs, flavorful olive oil served with bread
4.5 stars - Service is attentive, if a bit friendly
4 stars - The decor is attractive.
3.5 stars - lava cake (nice presentation, nothing special)
A great value if you love Italian or if you snag a http://restaurant.com certificate.
The location next to a laundromat was a plus, since it was also between the beach and our hotel which had no laundry. The people in the laundromat next door are nice too. They will do your laundry for you or just move it from washer to drier. -
Review from Andrea M.
Windsor, CA
7/18/2010
With a weekend at the Aquarium about to begin, we found ourselves looking for a decent place to eat on our arrival in Marina. After checking with YELP from our cell phones, both my husband and I agreed on this place.
On walking in, I was worried it wouldn't be a good match for our tantrum throwing 2 year old and our "all of a sudden picky eater" of a 7 year old. It's a small little place with about 10 tables max. The kitchen is right "there" and the quarters are tight so immediately I was worried. But, the hostess (who I suspect may be one of the proprietors) assured me it would be fine and indeed, it was.
After being sat we were set up with a free order of bruschetta that was so yummy, I'm dreaming of it now. Not being one to order/or make this, it was a real treat. You could taste the garlic clove that had been rubbed into the toasted bread. It was great and made even better because the kids didn't want any of it so we devoured the four pieces ourselves!
With the reviews of other yelpers on our mind we both ordered the cannelloni which didn't disappoint. The cream sauce was wonderful and the cannelloni them selves a good portion. (Though I have to say, I wish I hadn't been able to see the kitchen in the process of making our plates. Think microwave.) The kids split the child sized chicken parmesan and they seemed happy with it. We stole a few bites and it was pretty good.
I'd say to travelers and locals alike, give this little gem a try. The staff was really great and the food was tasty too! We'd go back in a heart beat, though I'd love to try it with out kids! -
Review from Kay P.
San Diego, CA
12/14/2010
Came here for a belated bday dinner with my sis and parents on a Thursday. The restaurant itself is fairly small. There were probably about 8 tables squished into one side of the restaurant. The other side was the kitchen area. It was comforting knowing how clean it was in the kitchen.
We had the mussels for an appetizer and the light sauce was so yum. After the mussels were gone, I took the complimentary bread and dipped it into the sauce. Mmm. Besides the complimentary bread and vinegar/oil, we received bruschetta! We all agreed that it was good except it could have been a bit spicier. For my entree, I ordered the misti de mar which consisted of rice, veggies, and crab, shrimp, and scallops. I love seafood so it was the perfect dish! My dad ordered the calamari steak, mom ordered the salmon special, and my sister got a pasta dish. Both my parents enjoyed their entrees but my sister thought her pasta dish was quite bland. All in all, a decent place that we will most likely visit again! -
Review from Kim H.
8/3/2010 6 photos
Excellent Hidden Gem in Marina!
Fabulous Italian dishes, friendly service and very reasonable prices. Quaint place has an odd location between a laundry and Asian grocery store in a old strip mall, but the food was very delicious! Thank you! -
Review from Jeff Q.
Marina, CA
3/23/2011
I can't believe I can get the awesomeness of the warf so close to home! Great food if not better than the warf! Clam chowder rivals the Grotto's.
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Review from Jason D.
Port Orchard, WA
4/7/2011
Outstanding service, food and presentation. Was supposed to be in Monterey for just one night but we found this little gem on here and was really looking forward to Italian food. We ended up extending our vacation staying here for two nights just so we could go eat here again.
We ate the Carpaccio for an appetizer. It has a unique taste and appeal but was very good.
For the entree we had the Cannelloni. Outstanding! It was recommended to us by our waitress and mentioned that it was the top seller; I can see why.
They had a dessert special that was decadent! Not sure if they do it all the time but it was a molten cake and ice cream with a raspberry drizzle, accompanied with a glass of Port. The molten cake wasn't the high light but the combination of the cake, ice cream and wine was delish!
Check out their menu items online as well as prices for more info if you would like.
And as I mentioned the presentation on every dish was very very nice!
Price is as noted on yelp... average. I promise you they could charge a whole lot more and still have people coming in. It is that good! TRY IT! -
Review from Mike G.
Salinas, CA
7/2/2010
I don't know how many times we've driven by this restaurant, occasionally commenting about how we should look it up on Yelp and see if it's any good. Well, I'm glad we finally did! This restaurant absolutely lives up to the consistently good reviews that you see on Yelp.
This is now our "official" favorite Italian restaurant between Salinas and Monterey; typically if we want Italian we go to Gino's or Casa Sorrento (which, by the way, has great pizza and several good pasta dishes). However, you can't beat Frutti de Mar for top-notch gourmet quality dishes at a reasonable price. Their food will have you talking for days, if not weeks afterward.
Highly recommended! -
Review from William W.
Marina, CA
5/1/2010
I was suprised the first time we tried Frutti De Mar, pleasantly so. Who knew Marina had it's very own neighborhood Italian restaurant. I am quite pleased with their food, service, and specials.
Well worth the drive from Monterey or Carmel. -
Review from John A.
Moss Landing, CA
5/1/2011
This place is a real find. Everything is great.
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Review from kate g.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
7/7/2011
My husband and I are locals and have been hearing about Frutti De Mar Grill in Marina. We went there last night and had a wonderful meal and experience. The ambiance is nice and the service spot on. We had the calamari and crab cakes to start which were both tasty. The crab cakes came with a lobster cream sauce that was flavorful and light. Then we had the sea bass and mussels. Yum! We will be back!
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Review from adam b.
11/3/2010
This place wouldnt last a month in LA. I had the seafood pasta. The noodles were good and the sauce was lacking much flavor. The mussels were inedible and the shrimp was clearly frozen. The rest of the seafood was average. The bruschetta tomatoes were not fresh and that ruins the rest of the appetizer. The bread was very good and the calamari was just good. I would never go back and I am astounded by the good reviews. My friend didnt like his steak very much either.
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Review from Cameron H.
Marina, CA
10/8/2010
I was definitely impressed by Frutti De Mar and I'm hard to please.
The appearance of the restaurant from the outside isn't much, but the food is great. They brought out free sourdough bread and oil/vinegar, which was great, and then they brought out some complimentary bruschetta. It was easily the best bruschetta I've ever had, with the bread being perfect. We had water to drink, which wasn't that good, but you can get something nicer.
When the food came I was also impressed. My wife had the cannelloni, which was excellent - a 5. I had the Pasta de luganego or something, which was pretty good, but didn't wow me - I'd give it a 4. We weren't going to get but dessert, but then gave in and got the creme brulee. Wow! It was absolutely fantastic. A 5+!.
We'll be going back. My wife mentioned it's probably the best restaurant in Marina that we've tried and we've tried a bunch. -
Review from Nicole W.
Iselin, NJ
5/12/2008
This Place is soooooo good. Everything I've had from here was delicious. I'm going here for my birthday and I'm looking forward to ordering their Pecan Cake with Cinnamon ice cream for dessert, it's heavenly!
It's a little place, but well worth it! -
Review from M. F.
Oakland, CA
8/10/2008
Everything was exquisite. The seafood was fresh, the pasta was perfectly al dente, the fish was delicious. Very impressive for small scale restaurant. It's got high-end feel with affordable prices. Dessert was excellent (creme brulee).
I hope that this restaurant makes it big!
Best clam chowder ever! -
Review from Steve S.
Torrance, CA
5/3/2009
I was a little suspicious about the reviews that I read here---nothing within the last nine months; one that had disappeared; and the three remaining ones were all 5*. And I couldn't find reviews anywhere else online. Plus the restaurant is in a non-descript strip mall, next to a Korean grocery store. It's nothing to look at on the outside.
BUT........................we went in, and the reviews posted here were all right on the mark!!!
This is a great place, especially for little Marina! If it were in Monterey, it would favorably compare with some of the top restaurants there.
Many locals come here. The place was full by 7PM (although there are only 10 tables). Great food; real good value!!
We had the fish and pasta, both of which were wonderful. Dessert, creme brulee and tiramisu, were delicious.
Service was good, and everyone is very nice.
There is a 3-course early diner special for only $17.95--an exceptional value.
Come here before this hidden gem gets discovered, or they move to more expensive quarters!!! -
Review from Jun O.
Antioch, CA
8/7/2009
For our anniversary, my girlfriend and I decided first to eat at the Sardine Factory in Monterey. I looked on yelp for a great place around Marina (we stayed at the Sanctuary Beach Resort) because we wanted to see the sunset. This place had great service and great food. It's a small place with huge rewards. I had the pollo alla parmigiana and it was fantastic. The breading was outstanding and it made me want more. The greedy person that I am I wished I could of had a bigger portion but I think the price for the dish was very decent. My girlfriend had the Frutti De Mar fettuccine and that was lovely as well. The sauce consisted of soft creamy Alfredo that went deliciously with the prawns, scallops, and chopped up clams. This food was so good that we forgot to take a picture of the food before it was gone. I recommend this place for everyone.
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Review from James P.
Morgan Hill, CA
5/18/2010
As others have said, it doesn't look like much form the street, but inside it is a nice little dining spot. It's a bit cozy, so if you go during a busy time expect to be part of the next table's conversation.
The food was good and the service was excellent. If I find myself in Marina again I'll definitely stop by. -
Review from Katie L.
Allen, TX
7/16/2011
Ever since we ate at Fruitti De Mar, I can't stop thinking about it! I was talking to my husband about taking another vacation to California just so that I can eat there again. This is a small restaurant, casual restaurant, but it is a true gem. The marinara sauce is the best that I have ever tasted. Unfortunately, that was what my husband got and not what I got, which might be the reason why I can't stop thinking about it. Every part of our meal was delicious. Their bread was crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. it was perfectly for dipping in the sauce. The bruschetta was light and delicious. I started off with the clam chowder, which was amazing. My husband had the Carpaccio, which was just the right amount of flavor. He loved it. For dinner, my husband ordered the seafood linguine with marinara sauce. I can't rave enough about his dish. It is the type of flavor that you dream about. I ordered the fruitti de mar fettucini, while it was a good dish it was probably my least favorite of our meal. Next time I will definitely order the seafood with marinara sauce. I can't wait to go again!
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Review from Raina C.
Monterey, CA
11/7/2008
This place doesn't look like much from the outside, but i recommend you go in.. you will not regret it. The food is spectacular and service is great. Our food came out in a timely manner, and oh did it smell good... it tasted even better. I love this place, and will definitely be going back when i get a chance.
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Review from belle v.
San Francisco, CA
7/25/2009
I totally forgot to write a review after coming here on Valentine's Day. This place is worth the try since it's so delicious AND especially since they have GREAT CREME BRULEE!!
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Review from Lily Z.
Marina, CA
9/17/2010
Food and service are great. Hole in the wall place, but interior is clean and decor is nice. I had the lasagna and my Dad had Raviolis off the specials menu. Frutti De Mar has made me a fan of Italian food again. And it's great that I don't have to go all the way to Monterey for it!
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Review from Kerry H.
Monterey, CA
3/10/2010
Excellent choice if you are into cozy restaurants. The pride of ownership shows through, it's clean, friendly and smells GREAT from the moment you walk in the door. I was impressed by everything and would return in an instant. Keep up the great work!
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Review from Vivian W.
Pasadena, CA
1/29/2010
They're open on Christmas Eve for dinner! Yay!
This is one of those hole in the wall restaurants next to a Korean market that I would totally overlook but it was Christmas Eve and my dining options were limited. Well, I was pleasantly surprised.
We were the only ones in the restaurant but it was cool. The wait staff was extremely attentive and really really really polite.
The food was great too. :] They gave us a bruschetta appetizer on the house and I typically don't like bruschetta, but it was bomb. I loved it and the fact that I hate tomatoes was totally disregarded. The bread was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The clam chowder was also great. Every clam chowder seems to have its own flavor and personality depending on the place, but this one wasn't particularly thick. It was slightly salty but nothing that I minded.
Main entree was the Frutti de Mar Fettuccine. The sauce had just enough flavor and the seafood flavor wasn't overwhelming. It was definitely a perfect blend. -
Review from Genie B.
Watsonville, CA
3/31/2009
Went there last night for dinner with my husband and two young kids. The food was AMAZING and very reasonably priced. The kids menu was great and the staff was terrific. I had the Chicken Parmigiana that was fabulous. My husband had the pesto fettuccine and he finished his plate quicker that I have ever seen him eat. My son had the crab cakes as an entree and enjoyed them. My daughter got the noodles with butter and cheese, I tried them and they were great.
For dessert, chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce. OMG!!! -
Review from richard r.
Victorville, CA
8/3/2011
unassuming, small but what a treat. always satisfied, owners are very friendly. have been here a few times with my daughter and friends..and they all loved it! great wine and food...service is top notch.....if i am in marina i make it a point to come here....yum
