Open for just two months, Marlena has become a success and a welcome addition to the restaurants on Naples Island. The team at Marlena proclaim: “Driven by seasonality and local ingredients—our kitchen artfully balances Mediterranean culinary traditions with unexpected wood-fired flavors meant to transport your senses.” For those who have been, these words ring true.
The dinner menu is extensive. Two different types of Focaccia Bread, Small plates to share, salads, pastas, and mouth-watering items from the grill including Grilled wild swordfish and 14-ounce prime Creekstone ribeye. Then there is the pizza… eight kinds with some unique ingredients and can be made gluten free.
There is an interesting wine and beer list, plus those in the cocktail scene will find an intriguing selection of libations.
Restaurateur Robert Smith, a graduate of CSULB, has combined the best of his experience at Pizza Antica in the Bay Area with his and his wife Jen’s culinary adventures. Marlena comes from Marlene, Jen’s mother’s name.
You can start off your day right at Marlena with Stereoscope Coffee and Paper Moon Bakehouse pastries. The coffee bar is open from 9-5 daily. Have an espresso with a chocolate croissant or an afternoon pick me up beverage with a salted chocolate chip cookie.