Situated on the southwestern shore of the picturesque Punta Banda Estero, La Marina Restaurant at Baja Cove offers patrons a rare view of one of the last virtually unmolested intertidal zones on the Pacific coast. This vital habitat hosts a plethora of organisms; including numerous invertebrates, Mollusks, Crustaceans and fish species, as well as a wide variety sea birds such as the spotted sandpiper, western grebe, osprey and blue-winged teal. Needless to say, there is a lot for guests to see just beyond the restaurant’s large, plate glass windows and big semicircular bar. When the weather is right you can even dine alfresco on the outside patio, within a mere stone’s throw of the sandy cove’s small launch ramp.
Formerly the home of the original Old Mission Pizza & Brewery restaurant, this venue has had its ups and downs over the past few years, but with the addition of new management and staffing, has happily rebounded with a greatly improved menu.
Gone are the bland salads made with iceberg lettuce; replaced by a light spring mix of flavorful greens. Fresh, locally caught fish are also featured to ensure their diners satisfaction. There new rotating bill-of-fare includes everything from popular home style comfort foods like authentic European-style stuffed cabbage rolls and barbequed chicken breast to Pescado Veracruz and gourmet specialties such as coconut shrimp, rib eye steak and fresh cannelloni made from scratch and topped with a rich béchamel crab sauce.
Perhaps the one person most responsible for this tasty culinary upgrade is Manager, Judy Anderson, along with her new chef and revitalized kitchen staff. A seasoned chef in her own right, Judy helps to craft and oversee the creation of each of their new entrées. She also enjoys the reputation of being one of the most prominent and popular members of the Punta Banda community in regard to her many gastronomic contributions over past years. And, of course it never hurts to have a strong local following.
In addition to flavorful food and refreshing libation, live entertainment is generally featured on weekends. The restaurant’s large, high ceiling design also makes for a roomy setting that is perfectly suited to accommodate a bevy of dancers and listeners alike.
First timers should not be concerned by the short stretch of dirt roadway leading toward La Marina restaurant and the Punta Banda Estero Reserve that is encountered immediately after turning right off of the La Bufadora highway; the paved road begins again within a few hundred meters.
La Marina restaurant is presently open Tuesday through Sunday Brunch, but will expand their hours during the summer season. For more information, call (646) 154-2162.