You know a restaurant is great when its wait staff is on first name basis with locals – especially after having only been open for six months in a neighborhood home to some of San Francisco’s most loved and well known eateries. This is the case for the newly opened Marino Mexican Restaurant in Hayes Valley.
For a neighborhood seriously lacking in down-to-earth Mexican cuisine, or any Mexican cuisine at all for that matter, Hayes Valley seems to be enthusiastically welcoming the new little restaurant with new big taste into its famous culinary landscape. Only a few blocks west from Citizen Cake, Absinthe Bar and Brassiere, and Stacks on Hayes St., the restaurant certainly doesn’t let having famous neighbors overshadow its potential to become a true neighborhood institution.
Marino, specializing in authentic Mexican seafood, is appropriately designed to look like a south of the border coastal port, with tall rustic wooden tables and stools lining the blue sea breeze colored walls. Bright glass art and ceramics line the restaurant’s huge front windows, on display to the residents and shoppers strolling the sidewalk outside, encouraging them to come experience a hearty lunch. And on a warm day, the fantasy of Marino’s atmosphere is only enhanced by sunlight pouring through the doors and pleasant neighborhood vibes.
Greeted by a friendly wave of a young waiter, beckoning guests to their window side tables, the restaurant offers casual and confident service from the very moment you walk in the door.
Guests of Marino enjoy a feast of complimentary starters before their drinks even arrive to the table. Steaming chicken and vegetable soup, fresh tortilla chips and pico de gallo, and spiced cucumber and carrot shoots instantly satisfy hunger and set the stage for the main course - day’s special entree of fresh fish tacos with rice, beans, salad, and giant slice of lime. And Marino’s traditional horchata, a creamy cinnamon flavored rice drink, can quench your thirst and ease your sweets craving all at the same time.
While Marino offers an extensive menu, ranging in price and portions, ordering a seafood inspired dish is the best way to enjoy the restaurant’s unique and quality cuisine. Ordering the daily specials, a popular trend among the local customers who frequent the restaurant, also gets you a great meal at an affordable price.
One thing is clear: More and more people are discovering Hayes Valley’s new dining experience at Marino Mexican Restaurant. So try it out before you can’t even get in!
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