Marmalade Cafe

3.5 star rating
91 reviews Rating Details

Category: American (New)

3894 Cross Creek Rd
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 317-4242
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:
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Brunch
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Noise Level:
Average
Ambience:
Casual
Has TV:
No
Caters:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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91 reviews in English

  • Review from Jodi W.

    • 0 friends
    • 17 reviews

    London

    UK
    4.0 star rating
    3/19/2012

    We were tourists in LA and used Yelp to find this place. If we were locals we would definately come here on a regular basis.

    We came for breakfast, got a table straight away and whilst the service wasnt the friendliest (not unfriendly just not super friendly) it was certainly efficient.

    It's certainly a casual place but lovely decor and a great vibe in the restaurant.

  • Review from Lauren K.

    Livermore, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/10/2012

    Although I come here a good amount, I am not really a huge fan. It is more out a lack of options that I decide to eat at Marms.

    I think what irks me here is that the prices do not fit with the portion size and/or quality of food. If the food is REALLY good, I'll pay a premium. Similarly, if there is a lot of it, I am will to pay extra because I will have leftovers. It is just average food for high prices.

    The service isn't bad here... It just depends on the waiter you have. The restaurant is narrow, so the tables are rather close, but that's not a deal breaker for me.

    The breakfast is better than the dinner if you ask me. And I do like the variety to choose from here. but I just haven't had a dish yet that made me fall in love.

  • Review from Rob V.

    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/21/2012

    This place is the best in Malibu!  

    The manager and staff were very busy, and yet found time to ask our opinion of service and quality of our meal experience.  This place is hoppin' around brunch, so be a little patient.  The food was mostly great, and just a small complaint got an item removed from our bill without hassle.  

    We will continue to visit!

  • Review from Lars J.

    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    PACIFIC PLSDS, CA

    1.0 star rating
    5/6/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Sucks again. What's going on here... Use to be great. How come Sherman Oaks can get it right and Malibu can't? Really? Come on people. Lived in Malibu for most of my life and always find it interesting to notice how we locals rate places. It's the people driving thru that like Marmalade. Wish they would take it with them...

  • Review from Erica M.

    • 17 friends
    • 32 reviews

    Santa Monica, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/27/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Best brunch in Malibu! Salmon and eggwhites is my favorite!

  • Review from Prong P.

    • 11 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/17/2012 2 Check-ins Here

    I went there on Monday for Bruch, Our server was really nice, I wish i know here name..
    The place is very cute, big and look really clean. The staff is constantly very friendly! The food is excellent

  • Review from Dave F.

    Santa Monica, CA

    3.0 star rating
    3/10/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I had the sashimi salad for lunch last Sunday. The service was slow as the restaurant was packed. I thought it was an "OK" salad for the price. Sure wish Malibu had more options! This is Denny's-like atmosphere with better food and cleaner.

  • Review from Ken B.

    • 3 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Thousand Oaks, CA

    3.0 star rating
    4/3/2012

    Mediocre food priced pretty high. Very slow service. I have eaten there many times and hve never been very impressed. Just OK in my book. They do however have a good breakfast selection.

  • Review from Shirley G.

    • 0 friends
    • 72 reviews

    Pacific Palisades, CA

    1.0 star rating
    3/24/2012

    Breakfast.  I need coffee.....bring me coffee.  I had to stand up and wave my empty cup in the air to get more coffee.
    That's not nice.
    I ordered bacon - crispy.
    It came soggy.
    I sent it back.
    Never saw it again....
    I ordered an English muffin, toasted WELL.
    Half of it was.
    the other half was pale and sad.
    Way too crowded.
    So go eat someplace else.  Blech.

  • Review from Midas M.

    • 0 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    2.0 star rating
    3/21/2012

    Went for brunch. Food was not tasty. The "chicken sausage" tasted like cased nutraloaf.

  • Review from Craig R.

    West LA, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/12/2011

    A couple of friends in town from NYC ask me to meet them at the Malibu Marmalade Cafe because it was empty...for once. MC is the perfect locale for old friends to reminisce over food and drinks. Saturday's late lunch/early dinner included:

    6 Raspberry Lemon Drop Martini's - ($9.00/glass)
    2 Long Island Ice Tea's - ($9.00/glass)

    Lobster, Shrimp, & Scallop pasta - ($20.99)
    In a lobster Chardonnay sauce and served on linguine this was my favorite. The shrimp and scallops were large, fresh and succulent. The bits of lobster were very good but I could have had a little more in the pasta. The Chardonnay sauce was smooth and buttery - not a dish for those watching their waist. I could personally eat this daily and sop up every morsel with any bread available!!

    Salmon Tropicale - ($20.00)
    Grilled filet of Atlantic salmon topped with a tropical mango salsa served with steamed Jasmine rice and seasoned vegetables. The salmon was cooked to perfection; flaky with a slight crisp to the exterior and moist interior.  However, the mango salsa on top softens and cools the fish too fast. I would definitely order it again but I will ask for the salsa to the side. The Jasmine rice was fluffy and moist without being soggy. The veggies consisted of sautéed broccoli and carrots cooked just right.

    Colorado Springs Lamb Burger - ($14.99)
    Flame grilled chopped lamb burger, provolone, arugula, tomato & red onion on a Cibatta bun. Served with a choice of sweet potato fries or a mixed green salad. The burger was damn good. There's something extra special about the flavor of lamb, it has a more unique natural flavor than a traditional beef burgers, and this one was cooked to a perfect medium.  The Ciabatta bread it was served on was toasted perfectly. As I crunched through the freshly baked bun through the red onion and into the ground lamb patty, I didn't miss a traditional beef or turkey burger at all. The sweet onions complimented the slightly sweet lamb meat.

    I was dining with two vain, health-conscious industry women so you know Craig ate 98% of all 3 meals. They pretty much ordered just to watch me dismantle food like Homer Simpson. Just like old times.

    The food is solid, the portions large enough to share, and contrary to many yelp reviews the staff is very friendly and warm.

  • Review from Paul H.

    • 0 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Santa Monica, CA

    2.0 star rating
    4/15/2012

    Usually Marmalade's food is well prepared. May not be a culinary adventure but the price is reasonable, the portions ample. This last visit the food wasn't well prepared. Ordered a French Dip which is a roast beef sandwich with dipping gravy (a light juice supposedly from beef drippings).  The juice was so salty I suspect it was made with water from The Dead Sea. A good French Dip is served on a roll that is lightly toasted. The toasted texture adds to the eating experience and soaks up the juices. The bread my roast beef sandwich was served on was not toasted at all. When dipped in gravy it kind of drooped and melted away. A very soggy mess. A good roast beef is a heavenly experience. Usually the meat is slow roasted and served thin sliced medium rare. My meat at Marmalade was thick cut against the grain. A clear sign the cook had not a clue.  By cutting the meat against the grain the meat was tough and stringy. More like an overdone brisket.  Extreme disappointment this visit.

  • Review from Talisha M.

    Miami, FL

    5.0 star rating
    7/3/2011

    Hooray for scrumptious brunch!!

    Crowded for Sunday brunch on a holiday weekend, but well worth waiting every minute! The huevos rancheros are probably one of the best I've had because it comes with a chicken enchilada! I also had the French toast, which was pure yumminess topped with fruit. My friends had the eggs Benedict which they loved. The only down side was we didn't spot any celebs...but they were in the shopping center...like Rachel Zoe and others.

    I love Malibu and brunch at Marmalade!!!!

  • Review from Sharon T.

    • 1 friend
    • 38 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    5.0 star rating
    2/18/2012

    The staff is constantly very friendly! The food is excellent and the Vanilla Chai Latte is delicious. The interior is beautiful and I like coming back. The girl, server, was very friendly.

  • Review from Michael S.

    Marina del Rey, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/31/2011 3 Check-ins Here

    Marmalade Cafe is a regular spot for lunch when in Malibu for work because some of my peers love the place.  The restaurant is for more than just celebrity watching (although I've seen several just quietly enjoying there meals).  It also has decent menu choices for brunch and the service is extremely friendly.  It helps to go with regulars and I usually do... so, I can't complain.

    Lunch Recommendations:

    Entree:
    * Santa Fe Skirt Steak with Chipotle, Cilantro-Orange Sauce and Roasted Potatoes and Steamed Veggies.
    OR
    * Wild Mushroom Fettucine with Porcini, Shitake, and Button Mushrooms in a creamy Alfredo Sauce.

    Salad:
    * Mamalade's  Classic Cobb with mixed Greens, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Chicken, Avocado, Bacon, Egg, and Provolone & Blue Cheeses.

    Sandwich:  
    * Black Forest Ham Sandwich - Comes with Swiss Cheese, Onion, Tomato, Lettuce, Mayo, and Salad or Fries (Fries for me).

    Soup:
    * Filet Mignon Chili. Ok, it's not "technically" soup and doesn't count towards the 1/2 sandwich special, but it's the best option.

    Dishes to Skip:
    * Canadian Bay Shrimp Salad.  My co-worker loves this mixed salad with tomato, bacon, and anchovies, but it just doesn't blend well with the mediocre shrimp.
    AND
    Lobster Ravioli.  Reads like a dream with Lobster Chardonnay Sauce and Crab. It's a nightmare. This isn't the kind of dream you want to have.

    Overall, I actually like Marmalade. Malibu has so few choices for a relaxing lunch and thanks to the outgoing service the 3-star food gets bumped up to a 4-star review.

  • Review from Marissa B.

    Marina del Rey, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/16/2011

    This is personally my favorite MC!!! And I have been to 2 others....

    Went here for breakfast this morning. I was tempted to order my usual, Eggs Benedict, but the lady server made me behave when I ordered yogurt with granola. I was being a bit adventurous today & happy I had my servings of fruit....

    Service was exceptional, I love this Marmalade the best (better than Palos Verdes & Santa Monica) only because of the size & location, although the Palos Verdes one has the cutest ceilings!

    I am definitely coming back to splurge on a Tuesday or Wednesday to take advantage of Lobster Fest and the free corkage Wednesdays.....

    And it wasn't too crowded this am, which I like the best!

  • Review from Jen H.

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/28/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    Note: Another Restaurant that won't seat you until your entire party arrives. So if someone's late, discount them and maybe they can sneak in a seat next to you when they arrive :)

    This is my first time at Marmalade Cafe. I wanted to kick myself because Groupon had a coupon to this chain *sigh* Here's what I ordered:

    Egg Benedict, they give you three choices of meat. I got Smoked Salmon (the egg was not runny, too cooked for my taste, the Hollandaise sauce was too light=overall lack flavor, but still okay)

    Marmalade Potatoes - Super Good....it comes with most brunch entrees

    OJ- It's fresh, but not a lot of pulp

    French Toast - They give 3 full slices topped with Banana, strawberries, and blueberries. I enjoyed it. it's a bit different than the normal French toast. They use a bread that's a little harder.  The texture is more stiff than the normal soft bread, but still delicious!

    Decor is nice. A long stretch dining area, which reminds me that they won't move their tables to let your party sit together. We didn't want to wait any longer, so side to side table was okay with us.

    It's a great place for breakfast, would definitely recommend. We made reservation around 9am for 1pm with no problems on a Sunday, good luck!

  • Review from Ariana F.

    • 1 friend
    • 19 reviews

    Santa Monica, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/29/2011

    Was just here last night, a Wednesday.  Definitely go on a Wednesday, because wine is half off all bottles!  My roommate and I shared the Echelon Pinot Noire, which we both loved.  Our friends got the Rosenthal Cabernet Sauvignon.  Our waiter told us it came from a local brewery up (or down?) the street, which was a nice tidbit of info.  Very tasty.  BUT there was a piece of cork in my wine glass which was super unprofessional.

    Kind of disappointing that a wine and beer establishment has not one single beer on tap. Only bottled.

    Food was very bad (not atrocious, but almost there). I got their house salad, which had candied walnuts, goat cheese, romaine lettuce and balsamic vinaigrette, pretty much the same salad my boyfriend makes for me all the time and I freaking love it, but not here.  The walnuts were barely chewable (is that a word? it should be).  The goat cheese came in massive chunks that were hard to separate and just got my fork covered in it.  It was also sour.  And there was just way way wayy too much dressing.  I could hardly eat it.

    My roommate got the flour tortilla soup.  She said it really was not that great.  I had some; it was better tasting than mine, but you can get a better tortilla soup at Salad Farm.  

    Our friend got a filet mignon chili, which she neither raved nor complained about and the other got the poached salmon nicoise salad, which she liked (but note: no one ate more than half of their food and we were hungry hungry hippos... the warm bread they placed was gone)

    If you want a great deal on nice wines, especially of the local variety, definitely check this place out on Wednesdays.  I would go there to drink wine again (not beer), and maybe grab a bite to eat somewhere else before or after.

  • Review from Charles P.

    • 131 friends
    • 137 reviews

    Arcadia, CA

    2.0 star rating
    7/16/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Since this place is situated in Malibu I had high expectations because many people told me that the food here is great. Seriously the food is just like an Apple bees or a Chili's, there is nothing special about the food. They do give you big portions but the food here is nothing to die for. I tried the various sandwiches and I didn't enjoy any of them, I think this is a good place to go just for breakfast.

    The service is great and even gave each and everyone of us (13 people) a separate check.

  • Review from Robert K.

    • 48 friends
    • 352 reviews

    Thousand Oaks, CA

    4.0 star rating
    12/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    I've been a fan since opening day in the early 90s and they have remained consistently good.  Servers come and go, but the food is great.  I've always enjoyed their soups the most and my favorite sandwich is the tuna melt, with diced jalapenos.  When you are done eating, take a nice stroll across PCH to the lagoon and enjoy the scenery for a bit.

  • Review from Andrea L.

    • 1 friend
    • 3 reviews

    Beverly Hills, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/13/2012

    Yummy fries!! Decent service.

  • Review from Paul V.

    Agoura Hills, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    Oh God... you're at a sit-down in Malibu?! At least you brought your first born with you to barter for a meal.  You didn't?!? This is bad. At least tell me you're famous? NO?! Dear God...

    Luckily, next to only a select few other locations in Malibu, Marmalade Cafe is actually very reasonable. Good call!

    Star 1 - How was the service and atmosphere?

    I've probably been to Marmalade Cafe ten or so times in the past three years, and on average, my experience there has been a very pleasant one. The location is convenient, the atmosphere pleasant, and most of the people very, very nice. However, there is one glaring exception that I need to point out.  While I don't know his name, Marmalade employs a male server who has literally ruined my dining experience on at least three separate occasions.  A bigger, dark-haired Greek looking man likely in his late 30s or so, this server is absolutely awful, and in the past has literally thrown my bill at me, circled the "tip" line with pen multiple times, and tonight shouted "JUST DROP IT!" when I was trying to put my credit card in the little slot inside the check book. Marmalade higher-ups, if you're reading this, fire this man immediately; and friends, if you really want to get the best out of your experience just say you're more comfortable with a female server. I'd grant a half star if I could, but as this is but one employee, Star Granted.

    Star 2 - How were the portions relative to the cost?

    This is where Marmalade really shines. Tonight I opted to go with a half portion of the Garlic Scampi, and after tax and tip only paid $14.00. While I forgot to take a picture, the portion was more than enough, and I've found this good price to portion ratio applies across virtually Marmalade's entire menu. Especially when you compare Marmalade to 80% of the sit-down restaurants in Malibu, this is an excellent deal. Star Granted.

    Stars 3/4 - How was the food?

    One of the most difficult challenges associated with Marmalade is answering the question of what kind of restaurant it actually is.  With menu items ranging from Enchiladas to Seafood and a plethora of pasta dishes and burgers, Marmalade really has a bit of everything.  While that's a good thing, as is often the case with places that have a wide menu, nothing is absolutely out of this world. Besides their sweet potato french fries, I don't think I've ever heard anyone say that Marmalade was "known" for this or that.  While everything is good, they don't really serve the absolute best of anything.  For the price? That's absolutely fine.  Single Star Granted.

    Star 5 - Would you eat it every day if you could?

    If Marmalade were located literally anywhere else in the world, I'd say no, I wouldn't eat here every day if I could.  However, Marmalade Cafe is located in Malibu, and if you've been there, you know Malibu is located within a bubble detached from the rest of the world where $35 will typically get you a piece of lettuce that's special because the farmer was specially trained in forty-seven languages how to pick and pamper a piece of lettuce.  Alas, as the town is absolutely devoid of reasonable dining options, Marmalade Cafe really is a gem that shines from breakfast all the way to Dinner, and it became a staple for the two years that I lived in Malibu.  Star Granted.

  • Review from Andrew Y.

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/24/2011 3 photos

    Staff and management are pleasant at this semi-chain restaurant.

    This used to be my work meeting spot - came here for a mid-day or evening food fix and decent enough atmosphere for conversation and business discussions.  I've ordered from their menu and then compiled side items and have consistently been satisfied. The quality of food is expected, can't speak much to it, other than the cakes tend to be on the dry side (I'd suggest trying the other desserts).

    Brunch times can get super crowded so come early.

    Note: They will NOT seat you unless your entire party is present.

  • Review from V. W.

    • 30 friends
    • 207 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/3/2011 3 photos 2 Check-ins Here

    My favorite Marmalade Cafe by far.  I have been going here for a couple of years and have failed to write a proper review.  Forgive me please, MC.

    Cons
    -this place is small in comparison to the others in the chain so it can get crowded quickly
    -unless you live in the area, the drive up PCH can be brutal during certain times

    Pros
    -the staff is SUPER friendly and attentive
    -they have a bakery that offers a HUGE variety of cake & pie choices (mmmmmm red velvet & banana cream!!!)
    -the decor has a country cottage feel to it and it just feels a little more homey
    -the food is standard menu offerrings but they have small variances based on the chefs style (their chicken tortilla soup is broth based and not cream based like some other locations, a healthier choice, etc.)

    Overall, I love bringing the family here.  On our last visit the BF had the filet mignon chili, beef pot roast and red velvet cake.  My daughter had the chicken tortilla soup & steak with fries & veggies and banana cream pie and I had the lobster bisque and lobster ravioli + red velvet cake.  EVERYthing was so darn good!!

    Our handsome waiter was just so attentive and nice.  I never receive the same service when I go to the other locales and will actually drive out of my way for the 'Bu' location.

  • Review from Dawn M.

    • 150 friends
    • 72 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/19/2010 4 Check-ins Here

    The only location, I know of, where you can get their delish Black Bean soup.
    Oh, is it good.
    With pico de gallo and sour cream, you can't go wrong.
    I crave this soup.
    And then there's the bread.
    Quite possibly the best bread around.
    Rolls that are chewy outside and scrumptiously moist and doughy inside.
    Served with butter.
    Yum.
    Perfect rainy day meal!

  • Review from Kim M.

    Bloomingdale, IL

    3.0 star rating
    3/28/2011 1 Check-in Here

    This place was good. I expected a little more I think. The juice was fresh, and the service was ok. The atmosphere was alright. The bathrooms you basically need a flashlight to see in.

    The blueberry pancakes were not that hot. They weren't fully cooked in the middle so they stuck together and I could not even butter my pancakes. And my husband ordered a medium-well done steak and got a medium-rare steak.

    But all in all, just "A-OK".

  • Review from Great P.

    • 2 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Malibu, CA

    4.0 star rating
    11/20/2010

    Marmalade Cafe in Malibu is a decent place to have breakfast.  The staff is nice and the service is decent.  

    We had the buttermilk pancakes and Cross Creek Breakfast - both were good.  The hot chocolate was the best.

  • Review from Michael T.

    • 2 friends
    • 90 reviews

    Manhattan, NY

    4.0 star rating
    8/3/2011

    I really enjoy Marmalade Cafe...Being that I live by this one, it's the only one I have been too, but it is great in my opinion. Nice decor on the inside, the staff is friendly and attentive and if you go often they seem to remember your name and what you like which is always nice. The food won't blow you away, but it is Good, Tasty and you always leave full. The portions are very generous and they have great bread to start with, always warm and toasty. Tonight I got the Chicken Fajitas and they were great!! Good temperature, very tasty, good pico de gallo salsa and the beans were actually my favorite I think.  All in all, Marmalade is always consistent, can't seem to go wrong, nice staff, good tasty food with plenty of options. Yes, it can seem pricey but believe me, you will not leave hungry, take that from a personal trainer with a big appetite! Enjoy!

  • Review from Daniel L.

    Ames, IA

    3.0 star rating
    8/2/2010 5 photos

    My search for the most perfect eggs benedict took me and fellow Yelper Tony Y Jr to Marmalade as we arrived just before the end of their brunch hours. Located in a strip mall among plenty of stores and boutiques, the venue has a large salad and pastry counter to go with a ceiling hang full of baskets to couple with floral paintings and countryside photos that clustered from wall to wall. The tables are stacked close to each other while the busy interior is well matched with an expansive menu with a range of sandwiches, pasta, pizzas, salads, and hot entrees.

    My Eggs Benedict ($14.95) came with thick, golden hollandaise sauce dressed over three perfectly poached eggs with plenty of runny yolks to cover my choice of smoked salmon and two open face English muffins. I supposed the extra egg yolk gave cause for the steep price but it didn't do much to contribute to the overall flavor while it looked odd sitting in between two muffins without a third to accompany it. The muffins were very stiff and difficult to cut into, but otherwise the rest of the benedict was quite delicious as the hollandaise sauce and runny egg yolks perfectly intermingled. My side of potatoes was bland and required a good amount of salt and ketchup in order to keep me interested. My Coffee with soy ($2.85) was decent and occasionally refilled until the bill was settled.

    Our server was friendly and attentive. Considering the few limitations, it was a solid eggs benedict nicely executed but the price was too high for what I got in return. Comparatively, this place does not come close to Brenda's, and still pales in comparison with Blu Jam as a second tier restaurant when price and ingredients are considered. I would only recommend this place for those who are in a rush to finding a rest stop in the area. With so many other brunch places to try, I will not be coming back.

  • Review from Joe R.

    • 5 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    2.0 star rating
    5/17/2011

    I have been to Marmalade at the Grove, and was at this one years ago. I went there Monday and although the food was good. I found the service to be a bit lacking. I am not hard to please, not rushing and not too picky. I have worked in the industry and can be quite forgiving as some things are out of the waiting staffs control.
    However when silly things like not offering or bringing bread. Not asking how the food is at some point, or refill of the drinks.
    I found that the staff seems to have another agenda. My wife and myself had been out for a hike in the Malibu hils, maybe we didn't fit in with the smart set; maybe we just didn't look rich or cute enough for the area.
    Bottom line the food is ok, but you need to trend up a bit to get good service!
    I will stick to the Grove location, much nicer staff!

  • Review from s o.

    • 0 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Malibu, CA

    3.0 star rating
    2/28/2012

    I've been eating here for years, and if I hadn't dined at the WLV Marmalade Cafe, I wouldn't have known that the WLV is superior in service, plating, and cooking. It is pretty good for lunch, and great for a family meal with kids at dinner. Fine dining it is not, and that's okay when one wants only a change of pace from other Malibu eateries and the kids are in tow. The prices are moderate, the food portions a bit too large, and the staff are friendly enough. I just wish the kitchen would do their fish justice.

  • Review from Steve W.

    • 5 friends
    • 34 reviews

    Inglewood, CA

    4.0 star rating
    4/25/2011

    Love the deli food. I think the coffee here is with out a doubt the best. Who knew? The food is terrific. Sundays are a blast and is a usually thing with my friends and I. Almost every Sunday we're here with kids and all.

    Mimosa all afternoon....   Zzzzzzz

  • Review from Matt P.

    • 138 friends
    • 200 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    1.0 star rating
    3/14/2007

    To the people who actually enjoy meals here, I'm going to apologize in advance. This review will be incendiary. It will be controversial. It will leave a taste in your mouth so unpleasant, that you might mistake it for lunch at Marmalade. Forgive me. Here is what I think of the Marmalade Cafe.

    Burn it. That's right, burn it to the ground. Let it crumble, baby. My father once took us to dinner here EVERY NIGHT, for 3 long years. When the Beauty Supply on the other side of the complex set on fire last year, I can't tell you how excited I was. I was like, "OMG, FINALLY! MARMALADE IS BURNING!" And then, as God has a sense of humor, Marmalade survives... and we lose the Movie Theater, Ben & Jerry's, and Casa Escobar. Ha ha, God. Very funny.

    And I have to disagree with people on this one -- I've eaten at Marmalade in Westlake, I've eaten at Marmalade at the Grove -- those are FINE. I grant them amnesty. THIS location, however, has been on the long roll downhill for 10 years. The chicken is drier than a Siberian Winter. The vegetables, the steak, the potatoes, the bread... it all just has that nasty ass Marmalade taste, and you KNOW you know what I'm talking about.

    My favorite [and I use that term loosely] item on the menu is the Mozzarella Marinara. The cook, however, cannot melt the cheese to save his life. It is painfully obvious to me that Marmalade is serving frozen food and forgetting to thaw it out, first. This theory would, incidentally, account for the funk which is universal to every dish in this franchise. I used to send my plate back and ask them to heat it up enough to make me forget that it had freezer burn; eventually I just gave up and settled on bringing my own crackers and a cheese knife. For the record, my Mozzarella Marinara is always melted, at the Grove.

    Of course, I am magnanimous. I do have one nice thing, to say about Marmalade. The busboys take immense pride in their hair. Whenever I try to use the men's room, I find it locked... 10 minutes later, a busboy walks out looking amazing. Hmmmm.

  • Review from Tanya D.

    Laguna Beach, CA

    3.0 star rating
    8/13/2011 1 Check-in Here

    My first Marmalade experience, and it was alright. But patrons beware: make sure you build your own omelette! My friend got the Italian omelette and felt uneasy while digesting. The service was wonderful, the decor kind of trippy ... not a terrible spot if you're in Malibu at 8 a.m.

  • Review from Keisha A.

    • 425 friends
    • 181 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/10/2009

    I like Marmalade Cafe.  There's something comfortable and unpretentious about it even though it's in a prime location in Malibu.  I've been here several times for brunch, lunch and now dinner.  I like their brunch selection: everything from the basics like scrambled eggs and bacon to healthier options like a tofu and egg white scramble to more inventive choices like the Filet Mignon chili cheese omelet.  Personally, I prefer to the Cross Creek Breakfast because I do not think one should have to choose between eggs and french toast when you can have both.  

    The lunch and dinner options consist of lots of salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, burgers, steak and fish.  

    The decor is french country style.  There's a table in the back corner with a pillow back bench that's nice and cozy.

    There's also a bakery up front with many delectable looking desserts. I haven't made it to dessert yet because by the time I've gorged myself with french toast, eggs, bacon and fruit, there's no more room in my belly.

    They've recently expanded their alcohol selection so they now offer margaritas, martinis and cocktails in addition to beer and wine.

    Service can be hit or miss and sometimes it can be too crowded for breakfast - but I find that's the case with most places offering brunch.

  • Review from Stephy S.

    • 4090 friends
    • 2579 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/2/2007 1 photo

    So you think you've been to one Marmalade and I probably you think you've been to them all, but not quite. This location is a stand out. Not only for their friendly staff (which the others seem to have as well), but it's alllllll about this location.

    I am a Huuuuge fan of brunch. Especially ladies liquid brunch and if you are too, then I highly recommend making the trek out to this location and enjoying a 2 to 3 hour sit down and gossip session with your gal pals.

    The dishes are tasty, the mimosas are flowing and it's Malibu. And considering it is beautiful and sunny 350 days out of the LA year, how can you possibly go wrong?

  • Review from Andrew K.

    • 4 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    2.0 star rating
    10/10/2011

    For the prices, the food should be a whole lot better. I paid $15 for a generic egg scramble I could've easily made at home with better ingredients. Also they screwed up our bill and charged us for additional items we didn't order. You can do a lot better than this place.

  • Review from toni A.

    • 13 friends
    • 72 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    3.0 star rating
    9/13/2011

    Been to Marmalade both in Malibu and Sherman Oaks. It is a good brunch place, you will get a good meal nothing more, nothing less. Don't expect to be blown away, but you will enjoy yourself.

  • Review from Barbara M.

    Redondo Beach, CA

    3.0 star rating
    4/21/2009 1 Check-in Here

    The chicken, cheese, jalapeno and fresh spinach omelet was delectable!

    The "rough around the edges" hostess with the deep voice, was a sweet gal....I think that she almost smiled "once".

    The servers and busboys were very pleasant, constantly coming over to refill empty glasses.

    So, I was sat wayyyy in the back, right near the restrooms, well, someone has to, right? Not worry, I got to see all of the action, by action I mean the constant slew of people tugging it back and forth, to and from the John.(Great)

    Not to worry...because that day...this gal was riding her Harley, the weather was gorgeous and I had not a care in the world!

    All in all----believe it or not. I recommend this place. Stupendous grub!

  • Review from Mia T.

    • 631 friends
    • 194 reviews

    Santa Monica, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/27/2009

    Filet Mignon Chili! Yummmmmmy.  Perfect on a chilly (unintentional play on words)  :) evening.

    I like grabbing a 1/2 booth in the back where it's a little quieter and father from the door because there can be a little bit of bustle near the deli and door.  

    The french onion soup is pretty good as well! Pretty reasonable prices, imo.

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