Marelle, the signature restaurant inside Santa Monica’s Sandbourne Hotel, is a California shoreline dream mixed with carefree Mediterranean breeziness. The name means "star of the sea," and is a not-so-subtle nod to its oceanside location. Here, relaxed coastal vibes pair with sophisticated elegance to create a relaxed ambiance that charms. Dine in your best finery, or walk in off the beach in flip flops; either way, everyone is warmly welcomed.
The restaurant and its décor are exactly what first-time SoCal visitors might imagine of the region. Just steps from the sea, it’s got that easygoing Santa Monica energy—elevated, but not at all stuffy. An al fresco patio overlooks the hotel’s pool and the nearby beachy expanse. Inside, a carefree aesthetic includes woven fibers, earth toned linens, and soft illumination from clay pendant lamps handcrafted in Oaxaca. Designer Gulla Jónsdóttir clearly desired the space to feel grounded yet slightly ethereal. Her mission is well accomplished.
Chef Raphael Lunetta, a longtime Santa Monica fixture, helms the kitchen, sourcing ingredients directly from the nearby farmers market. He draws inspiration from his global travels and a commitment to using the freshest ingredients. The result is a menu that feels deeply local and seasonal, without trying too hard. This is California cuisine at its truest—vibrant, fresh, and full of flavor.
Start with a cocktail, natch. A good choice is The Hive of Paradise, which utilizes honey from the hotel’s own hives. A mix of bourbon, lemon, and house concocted mango thyme honey, it’s served with a picturesque sprig of fresh thyme. Also utilizing the house honey is the Honey Bee: mezcal, yuzu liqueur, and lavender infused sweetness. If the sun is shining brightly, consider the La Vie en Rosé: tequila, mommenpop lime, aperol, guava, and bubbles, served with a side of rose-colored sunglasses. (Truly.)
Our group started with a panoply of Shared Plates, the vibrant colors of which created an artist’s palette upon the table: Whipped Feta with blistered tomatoes and cured black olives; Cannellini White Bean Hummus with bountiful market crudité and grilled pita; Melons and Burrata with Prosciutto di Parma; and Ahi Tuna Tartare with crispy, garlic shallot crunch, citrus soy and grilled sourdough. Appetites—and eyes—completely satiated, we could have stopped here, but the Signature Dishes called our name. A succulent New York Prime Strip Steak served with blistered shishito peppers, and Pan Roasted Chicken with charred plum condiment and white wine chicken jus were enjoyed family style with sides of the completely original Loaded Baked Potato with house-made cheese whiz (yum), and zesty sauteed broccolini with Fresno chili and Meyer lemon.
Marelle may be new to Santa Monica, yet it already feels like it belongs. Readily beloved by locals as well as visitors, it’s not simply a hotel restaurant; it stands on its own as a desired destination, with its own mood. And it’s a great mood, elevated Friday and Saturday evenings and weekend brunch with a sultry soundtrack spun by a DJ. With its breezy California-meets-Mediterranean decor, hyper-local menu, and a seriously good tunes, it’s a linger longer kind of spot; the sort of place where you sit down for brunch and before you know it, it’s golden hour.
Photos courtesy of Marelle
1740 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica
