Best dining experience anywhere Great owner and staff Excellent food and service Local gem read more

Very convenient location, just off of I95. The restaurant itself was very nice, lots of decorations and nice lighting. The food was good, portions slightly smaller than expected but not enough to keep you hungry after. The service was good but it definitely was a bit slow, especially towards the end. We waited a good while for the bill after our plates were clear. Overall, a pleasant experience and I imagine we will be back again. read more

La Marea - Chicken Parmesan, Margherita Pizza - Italian Near Me - Old Saybrook, Connecticut

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Overall, disappointing. The food is very good. It is also overpriced for size. We are not looking for quantity over quality. But this is priced as a high end place not a neighborhood restaurant. The service was definitely substandard with us having to get up to find our server. So, take a pass. read more

The food here is incredible, I recommend getting the eggplant appetizer, their homemade pasta and don't leave without dessert.

Nice decor. Only 2 star service, the wait staff, bar tender and the owner had rude personalities. Their lack of friendliness surprised us. Unfortunate for a place that has great food. We will not recommend unless you like being snarled at. read more

We enjoyed our lunch very much! The gnocchi was fantastic, very light...not heavy at all. We'll be back!

I have ordered from La Marea a couple of times . Food is good , consistent , a bit overpriced . Coming from Manhattan , I find La Marea has New York prices although not as good as similar places in the city . Last week was the first time I dined in. Again , food was good but the service was a bit slow . Maybe because was Saturday night and there were very busy . I will go back , ambience is good and wine is good too read more

Basically all we're looking for is tasty, clean, healthy meals that we can know would be safe for us. Lately, my wife is in a lot of trouble with some food establishments with the quality of the ingredients has really caused some issues so we've been a little weary about the restaurants we choose to go to. This is one restaurant we could say is both delicious and has high-end ingredients in all their meals. The staff is exceptionally courteous and helpful. You feel like you're always being taken care of throughout your entire dinner experience - can't ask for anything more. read more

Consistently good food and service. I enjpy the eggplant appetizer. The pork chop is my go-to meal!

The hostess for starters. We walked in shortly after 5:00 to eat at the bar. The bar was empty. We chose the two corner seats at the end of the bar that faced the entrance. Immediately upon sitting, the hostess ran over and told us the seats we were sitting in were reserved - that someone had just called to reserve them. There was no reserved sign. We were seated! She offered the corner seats at the other end - the seats we had passed up - because I don't like my back to the entrance. And the way she delivered the message was abrupt and unapologetic. We were not given the option to stay in our chosen seats. I have no idea what time the people who reserved were coming. We probably would have been gone within the hour. But we didn't stay. And we won't be going back. read more

The food was ok but portions were small and very overpriced. Our server was ok she had a strong accent and we couldn't really understand her and she couldn't understand us, which led to wrong drinks being ordered. She also wasn't very friendly and was not conversational. The restaurant itself was very nicely decorated but sort of noisy. The main thing that I was discussed by was the high prices and the little portions, you are definitely not getting what you're paying for. I will probably never go back to this place again. Would not recommend it. read more

La Marea is a "special event" type of place. The prices out pace the content. Inside, the place is lovely. A bit loud and tight, but nice decor and welcoming feel. Everything felt fresh, new, and clean. The dishes were small and the prices were large. This felt like Manhattan dining. The gnocchi were done very well though and I finished it off. The Brussel sprout salad (Insalata di Cavoletti di Bruxelle) had one piece of walnut and a few slices of apple and no dressing whatsoever. It was very very light. I ate it as is assuming that's how the salad was intended to be. It needed more tartness and would have been better if the sprouts were roasted gently first. The best part of the meal was dessert. The sfogliatelli were surprisingly very good. Crispy and warm and the filling was done well. The most likely baked them frozen on site, but they are sourcing them from a good bakery. All in all, this is a very special occasion kind of place and if you are in the area and ok dropping $100/person for ambiance and a decent meal, then try this place out. If you are going out for ladies night, like I did, try a place where the food is cheaper and the drinks are stronger. read more

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We had a wonderful meal at La Marea last night. The food was exceptional and the service warm, welcoming, and attentive in an Italian kind of way -- neither too rushed or too slow which made for a lovely, relaxing, and thoroughly enjoyable evening. We will definitely be back! We loved the roasted chicken and pork chop. The warm olives were amazing and the cocktails delicious. Bravo read more

Myself and friends have visited this establishment on many occasions, and enjoyed both the food and atmosphere. However last evening, that wasn't the case. While the food was excellent as always, the service was not very good at all. Our waitress seemed uninterested in any type of banter or conversation. She seemed to want to rush our orders. It was all business, with our drink and food orders. While I ordered two appetizers and asked for them to be served with my friend's entrees, she went ahead and served them with the salad course, talking over me when I tried to request differently. I have never experienced poor service in this restaurant and thought it deserved looking into. And also, as always, your host and other staff were friendly and very interested in making our experience a joyful one. read more

Great pasta, great service. It seems to be a well kept secret. Glad we decided to try it; we will definitely be back.

I ordered takeout from this place, which is located 2 min away from my house. I ordered a burrata tomato salad and pasta special. The food was ok, not exceptional, but ok. What stood out was the minimal amount of food I received for $55. Very disappointing. Will not return. read more

Finding a casually elegant restaurant that's open for lunch on a Saturday is a rare thing. We recently had the good fortune to find a restaurant of this caliber - La Marea. that is open for lunch AND is right off of I-95 !!! Impressions: The chefs at La Marea lean into Italian/Continental fare with confidence & an abundance of creativity. Their slightly abbreviated lunch menu covers all bases & includes many different dessert options. We like that there are several different types of salads offered. We started with a Caesar salad, easily shared between 2; it was good although it could have used a bit more anchovy umami & fresh lemon to really make it pop. My dining companion's margarita pizza was delicious as was the spinach & ricotta stuffed crapes. My lunch special of pan seared halibut was perfectly cooked, delicate in texture, the fish being exceedingly fresh in taste. This dish was paired with whipped potatoes & a fresh vegetable -asparagus-charred nicely too ! End of meal espresso & cappuccino were sublime & served hot & in tandem with our desserts - a very good thing. The restaurant's inside dining areas are well appointed & comfortable. Service is both professional & genuinely friendly. Visitors to Connecticut's eastern shoreline will find great food & hospitality at La Marea. We are looking forward to returning to La Marea for dinner very soon. read more

La Marea - Margarita Pizza & Fresh Halibut lunch special - Italian Near Me - Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Pizza crust similar to store bought frozen. Sausage on pizza tastes like pancetta. Portions small and pricey. Lots of friendly staff, yet service was poor? Bar seemed fun, lots of drinks being served. If you're looking for great Italian food however, keep looking, sorry. read more

Came here while on vacation in the area since we wanted some Italian. My food was good I just think a meat sauce would've been better with like penne or something :P I could've asked for that, just didn't. Our son enjoyed himself and it was a nice place. Waitress was super nice and fast when we wanted to get out of there because our boy was expecting his routine of if you eat dinner, you get ice cream! Lol. read more

La Marea - the entrance to the restaurant - Italian Near Me - Old Saybrook, Connecticut

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Excellent food selection, friendly staff and good ambiance. Will go there any time. Canton go wrong.

Friendly staff and owner! Made our sister feel special for her birthday and accommodating with my vegan diet.. lovely atmosphere! read more

La Marea - Owner was so nice!! - Italian Near Me - Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Another visit here and I loved it even more... we had a pasta dishes today and they were phenomenal! read more

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Let me start off by saying the food is excellent, however the portions are very small. The waitress's accent was very difficult to understand and she seemed uninterested. There was no eye contact, a smile or any conversation. Just cold. When I questioned some of the wines she didn't know anything about wine. I was on my own to figure it out. My husband and I wanted to share a salad and asked how big it was and she couldn't answer. Little did we know our bill came with an extra $2.00 charge for splitting the salad into two plates. We didn't ask for this to be done nor were we told there was an extra charge. A big turnoff of the restaurant was that we barely finished our plates or wine and it was taken off our table immediately. There was a waitress/busser hovering around the seating area or near the edge and watching for someone to be finished and then ran right over. Just a little over the top for my liking. Make it feel rushed. Probably won't be back. read more

Well I will say the pizza was probably the best I have had! It was definitely in my top 5! read more

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Expensive for what you get. Price of the seafood dishes was unrealistic. Maybe in a high end restaurant in some destination!

Visited La Marea for a birthday dinner and was not disappointed. Restaurant decor is rustic but gives you a feeling of being modern with a little old country. Staff was attentive to all your needs and friendly. The food was great, we had the spinach and ricotta crepes, eggplant parm and fried calamari to start. We had pork chop, chicken Milanese and bolognese and pasta. Then some cappuccino's, tiramisu and cheesecake for dessert. Definitely will visit again read more

Really enjoyed this place. Very comfortable and a pretty atmosphere. Pizza was good and can't wait to try more. We will be back!

Terrible: food was cold, SO LOUD, service was a nightmare . I truly have nothing positive to say about this experience. We were extremely disappointed read more

The food was very authentic. Delicious! The service was very prompt, courteous, and professional. Ambience gave you a feel of being in Italy. I would really highly recommend " La Marea " you won't be disappointed! read more

Excellent drinks (major props to the bartender)! Everyone was very friendly but service was very slow even before the dinner rush and the servings are way too small for the price! read more

I was so excited to try this restaurant and to say i was underwhelmed is an understatement. From the very beginning the waitress was rude. When telling us the specials we had a question and she said "if you will let me finish....." and after informing us they were out of clams and artichokes we inquired about scallops she said " we are out of what I said we are out of". We had to ask for bread while every other table got it immediately upon being seated. We ordered a second round of drinks that we had to ask about after waiting over 10 minutes. Once the food was brought out by someone other than a server, she never checked on us. My eggplant was cold and blah. If it had one thing I would chalk it up to a bad night, but unfortunately it was bad in many areas. The first time will be my last time. read more

The food wasn't the best Italian homemade sauce or pasta I have had. The kitchen is beautiful. A bit odd to see the wife of owner sitting at bar drinking then going around to see how the customers food was. I actually make homemade pasta, sauce and felt there's was nothing special. read more

This place was great! Dinner drinks a service were awesome! We got the pizza (which was a great GF option) and some pasta

I ate here with my parents tonight and we couldn't be happier. This restaurant is a hidden gem in Old Saybrook. We walked in without a reservation on a Sunday night and they got us right in, and the place packed up quickly. I'm surprised by some of the other reviews - the servers were attentive with plenty of water refills and helpful notes. We didn't feel rushed nor like we were waiting an inappropriate amount of time. The pasta portions were a very reasonable size, I ended up taking mine home. The salads could be considered small if not for the fact that they are appetizers. I'm a vegetarian and they were very accommodating, offering a few options that were not on the menu. I opted for a primavera pasta with a cream sauce (and no mushrooms) which was delicious - and I'm used to nyc pasta. Definitely give it a try for yourself! read more

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We were in the area for lunch and have been wanting to try La Marea. The servers were very attentive. The pizza was delicious. Crisp and flavorful. We also ordered the gnocchi with eggplant for $16.00. As I read the other reviews, we have the same opinion. Great flavor, but much too small. Come on - it's pasta - add another couple of tablespoons and make your customers happy. Would I return - perhaps to grab a pizza to go, but if the other entrees are similar to the gnocchi we had - definitely not. read more

Delicious! Loved the food and the ambiance here. It was so festive and decorated for Christmas. The furniture and decor made the place look new and updated. We enjoyed fabulous pizzas here before heading down the street for the North Pole Express experience from the Essex Steam Train. It's super close and convenient to that, and I would highly recommend this place for dinner before or after!! read more

Beautiful outdoor dining space for COVID. I have been to this restaurant several times and they never disappoint. Their homemade pastas and espresso martinis are my favorite. FYI- Their menu is currently limited (as of 8/12/20) due to COVID read more

La Marea - Tagliolini con Aragosta - House made Lemon tagliolini topped with Lobster sautéed in a Lemon, brandy cream sauce - Italian Near Me - Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Incredibly small portions at incredibly high prices! Not worth it when you can get huge portions elsewhere at the same or lower price. Service was fine - nothing special. I don't feel any need to go back. read more

Went here last night with my husband and every part of our experience was great. I'd like to start by saying that throughout our entire dining experience the waitstaff all had on gloves (that were regularly changed) and masks and we could see everyone putting in a considerable effort to sanitize everything. I've only been out to eat a few times since things have reopened and this is definitely one of the cleanest and safest restaurants. We sat outside and the new outdoor seating area is very comfortable and looks great with all the fresh flowers and garden lights. We started with the burrata and my husband had a Caesar salad. Everything was incredibly fresh and the quality of the cheese was very impressive. For dinner I had a fresh pasta in a lemon-brandy sauce with lobster. I was incredible impressed with the amount of lobster meat in the dish and the sauce was creamy but had a really nice fresh finish because of the lemon. My husband had the spaghetti and clams and he loved it. The clams were fresh and cooked perfectly. To be completely honest, the homemade pasta and sauces are comparable to meals I've had in New York City and Italy. We normally don't get dessert out but our experience here was so great that we had to try the famous house made cheesecake and it did not disappoint. This is a place I would 100% recommend to anyone. The service, food, wine and atmosphere are some of the best I've experienced. read more

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On the spur of the moment we decided to stop here for an early dinner. We have driven past several times and returning home from a meeting we just didn't want to cook. So the first thing we found out is that they are only open for dinner and open the doors at 4:30. So we waited 10 minutes, no biggie. The place is very fresh looking inside, nice tables, chairs and linen napkins. Good lighting and very comfortable. The music was a bit too loud and not very Italian. It sort of faded once we settled in with our cocktails. They have an interesting cocktail menu with unusual ingredients. They are following the trend of using a single large ice cube in the rock glass however I believe the cube was not kept in a freezer so 32 degrees rather than 0 or 5F. The drink seemed warm. So there are a few minor negatives. How then do I give 5 stars? Mostly due to the house made gnocchi which were light and the sauce which was rich and flavorful. Caesar salad was extraordinary with a well blended dressing so nothing overpowering. My wife had short ribs which were uber tender with their own rich sauce. They have a well kempt and attentive staff so all in all we will return. Though I'm afraid I may not stray from the gnocchi next time. read more