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Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

SALT Restaurant & Bar 8.2
Marina del Rey
SALT Restaurant & Bar, opened in 2015 inside the Marina del Rey Hotel, focuses on California seasonal cooking with an American bent, from chowder to braised short ribs. Diners come for polished plates, cocktails, and one of the better waterfront dining rooms on the harbor.
Must-Try Dishes: Marina Clam Chowder, Shrimp & Grits, Braised Short Rib
Scores:
Value: 6.4 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 8.9 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Hotel waterfront restaurant marrying seasonal California dishes with marina views.
Who should go: Guests wanting upscale American plates in a scenic setting.
When to visit: Sunset or weekend brunch for peak atmosphere and light.
What to order: Marina Clam Chowder, Shrimp & Grits, Braised Short Rib.
Insider tip: Book brunch and ask for a window table facing the harbor.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is available at the Marina del Rey Hotel (typically $12–$18 depending on time), with limited metered marina-side spaces that fill quickly during sunset and brunch hours.
Dress code: Smart casual; polished denim is fine, but most guests lean dressy for sunset dinners and weekend brunch.
Noise level: Moderate; the dining room maintains a steady buzz, but conversation at a normal volume is comfortable, especially at window tables.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for waterfront tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though patio seating may require a short delay on sunny days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — salads, appetizers, and a rotating seasonal entrée typically offer plant-forward options.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; expect 1–2 vegan-friendly dishes plus modifiable salads.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes are marked gluten-free, and many proteins can be adapted upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the marina backdrop, polished plates, and calm-but-buzzy atmosphere make it ideal for a relaxed but elevated first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly during weekday lunch, but evenings and brunch fill up fast. Walk-ins may wait for patio or window seats, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids; the setting is refined, but staff accommodate families. Younger children are fine during brunch or lunch when the vibe is more relaxed.
Best For
Better for: Scenic waterfront dining with polished California-American dishes and a more refined vibe than nearby casual marina spots.
Skip if: You want a fast, casual meal or very budget-friendly pricing — the experience here leans upscale.

Hours

Monday7am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm
Tuesday7am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm
Wednesday7am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm
Thursday7am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm
Friday7am - 2pm, 4pm - 10pm
Saturday7am - 2pm, 4pm - 10pm
Sunday7am - 2pm, 4pm - 9pm