Yesterday I joined a birthday group - 3 tables - and the food was great BUT the service was SO poor that I am writing a review - had to wait for EVERYTHING - ordering (menu in hand 20 min) - drink (took order and didn't bring drink until 30 min later when I flagged down the waiter and asked when I would get it! ("bartender is busy") - and no checking to see how we were doing! This was an expensive meal for the host - an 80th birthday - and I feel badly that they did not get the service deserved. There is NO WAY that I would plan a party there in the future! read more

such a beautiful spot with an ocean view and stunning sunset but loud because the restaurant is right next to a sport bar. The waiter was kind and helpful but rushed me to order my main dish 30 minutes before kitchen closed I had to order take out and I rushed to finish my wine because I didn't want my food to get cold. next day I stop for lunch and the hostes said 3o minutes wait, when tables were empty I mean a lot of tables it didn't make sense to me. really bad service specially for people with kids like us and guests of the hotel. I loved the clam shoulder and ceviche , sunset view but they can afford to have green juices for conscious eaters like me :) read more

Marisol - Sunset view after dinner beach walk - Seafood Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

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I'd like to preface by stating that I typically fight the urge to leave reviews hence my new account. I find the modern "review" culture to be quite nasty & damaging to the restaurant business specifically. All it takes is one bad day in the kitchen, one short staffed shift and one reviewer who has absolutely no knowledge on the topic or grace, types a few words and wreaks havoc on someone's business. I decided to leave a review in hopes that my knowledge and unsolicited advice can possibly improve a business that has such great potential but is most likely falling victim to inflation and supply chain issues. I wanted to help so bad that night, I literally wanted to step in the back and offer a hand. With that being said, here's what I would like to share: I treated my family to dinner (7 adults+) on a Saturday evening in hopes of enjoying a delicious meal while watching the sunset over the ocean on a Saturday evening. After the removal of charges for a few dishes our total was approx $400 with drinks. I had expected to spend upwards of $600. Marisol at the Cliffs does not claim to be a 5 star restaurant, which was not my expectation anyway. Upon arrival the valet staff was friendly and quick to provide service which I appreciated very much. When I walked in, I was greeted with a smile and a warm welcome by staff. Patrons were also quite friendly and chatty. We were seated immediately, we sat in a back corner of the patio which was appropriate being that we had small children in tow. VIEWS ARE SPECTACULAR by the way. Drink & meal orders were taken in a timely fashion and we ordered a variety of dishes which were brought out all at once which I appreciated greatly. My comments below are recommendations for improving the menu and meeting the expectations of your guests from the perspective of a fellow business owner and Executive Chef with years of experience in customer relations. While my recommendations may not be practical for your restaurant, I feel the following changes would have a positive impact on your operations for the back of the house without imposing a heavy increase in expenditures. Steak Au Pouvre $55- NY steak or Ribeye cut if cost effective, (Steak Au Poivre: Peppered Steak) Pepper HEAVILY and salt appropriately, meaning determine the measured amount based on the size of the steak. Use a measuring spoon if you have to. It's critical that the food is salted sufficiently, otherwise you will kill a potentially great dish. Over refrigeration= grey colored steak, no juices = no bueno. Sear, do not fry the crust hard. Also, if you're not purchasing prime beef (not cost efficient at the current price point) a quick bath in butter and fresh garlic and herbs post sear will help improve the flavor. Lightly salted and hint of rosemary won't be sufficient, trust me, your not serving Gordon Ramsay, most guests will appreciate the added flavor. USE AN INSTANT THERMOMETER. It's your friend not enemy. Au Poivre sauce is just that, a traditional recipe. Airline Chicken $34- I would humbly reccomend it is removed from the menu unless executed in perfection. Salt is your friend, if you have to use a measuring spoon than do so. The sous vide at 162 decreased to 140 for 3 hours may be more appropriate. The protein breaks down and becomes a mush when over cooked. 162 and post sear is an ineffective technique. Post sear leaves the skin soft and chewy. I'd stick with a classic sous vide boneless skinless chicken breast recipe and post sear, simple white wine sauce, shallots and mushrooms with bright green garnish. Filet $55- Salt and pepper sufficiently, garlic butter toss at the end. Over searing causes a hard exterior crust destroying the tender cut. Serve pretty side up, presentation is everything, to most patrons. Sides were sufficient, I would assume the mishaps are due to staffing issues and being overwhelmed in the back of the house. I hope my advice doesn't come off pretentious or impractical for your operations. I mentioned my concerns to staff, and dishes were swapped/replaced with ease. Management handled my concerns expectionally well with understanding. The server was excellent and handled the back and forth well despite having to replace a number of dishes. Management offered to remove the dishes from our bill without my request which I thought was a prime example of excellent customer service. (Still tipped as if the items were left on the bill). I could be wrong about everything I mentioned and I caught them during a bad night. I'd love to return one day in hopes there has been some improvements. It's not easy working the back of the house. Every restaurant has their obstacles but the overall atmosphere and customer service is expectional. A few changes in the right direction would really make this place a gem in the Central Coast! Best of luck! read more

Marisol - View from patio - Seafood Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

What Happened? My wife and 5 of her friends wanted to celebrate a special birthday. The "birthday woman" said "let's go to Marisol for lunch and sit on the patio. The view is outrageously good". Marisol doesn't take reservations for lunch, but there was plenty of space. Since the largest individual table had room for 4, my wife suggested putting 2 of them together.....perhaps one for 4 and one for 2. Sounds simple? Unfortunately, the guy they dealt with claimed "we can't put 2 tables together since that would violate the fire code". He showed the group a larger table on the side facing a neighboring hotel, but that defeated the purpose of going somewhere for an ocean view. Then he recommended using 2 round tables inside Marisol looking toward the ocean, but again he refused to put them together. The group of 6 was more than willing to spend big bucks on food and drinks for that special birthday, but decided to move their party next door to the Lido restaurant at the Dolphin Bay Hotel.....where they sat at 2 tables pushed together on their patio facing the ocean. A great time was had by all. read more

I went there a few days ago. 1) Sit inside, but next to one open balcony area, watching sunset is amazing. 2) Decor, look nice. 3) Waiter/waitress is wonderful. 4) Saw there is wedding in one section below, the restaurant. 5) Food is amazing, potato crushed Salmon, almost the vest salmon I ever ate. 6) Appertizer is good. 7) Beer is very good also. Overall, experience is excellent. Hightly recommended for anniversary dinner or bday dinner. If you go to restaurant, the Valet parking is free. But you have to give tips, which is fine. I need to upload a sunset photo sometimes. read more

Marisol - Beautiful sunset in Marisol by the cliff restaurant. - Seafood Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

I don't often do restaurant reviews, but we had such an outstanding experience at Marisol a couple days ago that I had to give credit where credit's due. We used to live in the area (years ago) and frequent Marisol for these mouthwatering ahi tacos they had in the bar area, coupled with homemade chips and delicious guacamole. We hadn't been in a while after moving out of the area, but while visiting for my birthday, my husband went in to see if he could get the ahi tacos and some chips/guac to go. Sadly, the ahi tacos we loved were no longer on the menu, but Sous Chef Sean McCuen actually came out of the kitchen to chat with my husband about them, and vowed to do his best to recreate them. That alone is, wow, way above and beyond great service! But not just that... the tacos we were served (I SO wish I'd thought to take photos, they were gorgeous too) were *even better* than the ones we remember. Like, way better. The ahi was perfectly seared with great seasoning, there was a slaw that had a sweetness to it. And a sauce? salsa? (brownish in color) that really made them pop. We really enjoyed them (and hopefully they put those things on the menu!). The chips were fresh and the guac tasted like they'd just made it minutes ago. Everything came with a huge spread of fresh salsas, green onions, and some sort of really good avocado crema. Wonderful! The staff also sent home a beautiful handwritten Happy Birthday card :) Marisol already had fans in us, but we are lifers now. Thank you Marisol and Chef Sean! We can't wait to be back! read more

Great views friendly staff. Try the kids cheese burger great bang for your buck! You get a free sunset shot if you go right before sunset

Ambiance was quiet and welcoming. Our server AJ was friendly and polite and said that the Halibut (pictured) was a good choice and one of his favorites! read more

Marisol - Seafood Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

After enjoying a hour long massage at the hotels spa my lady friend and I decided to have lunch at same hotel's restaurant. We both ordered the ahi tuna salad with jalapeños. It was yummy. The staff was pleasant and the atmosphere unbeatable. We will absolutely be back. read more

Fantastic, friendly and fast room service from here to our room at The Cliffs. The wedge salad was spectacular! (Hold the corn!) Four stars as the wings on this particular day did not have enough spice or sweet. read more

Marisol - Good wings but four stars as expected more spice or sweet. - Seafood Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

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Delicious restaurant at the Cliffs hotel. Ate both lunch and dinner, along having our Thanksgiving meal (pre fix menu) at Marisol. The avocado chop was excellent. Large portions for the salad and burgers. The patio is dog friendly and has a beautiful ocean view. The service was excellent, friendly, and on top of everything for our table. They also serve local wines including Wolff and Edna Valley. read more

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Had an amazing dinner last night.. had their special short ribs mashed potatoes, fresh veggies. It was absolutely perfectly cooked.. and our waiter server Jose took really good care of us read more

Had the hash brown omelette and it was delicious! Highly recommend! The servers were attentive and helpful. The ocean view is epic! Sit on the patio on a beautiful day! read more

My husband and I went to Marisol twice on our recent vacation. It was our first time there and we found the service, view and food to be excellent. The steaks, pork chop and halibut were innovatively and perfectly paired with sides on our plates, but the mushroom risotto was above and beyond. Parking can be a bit tricky if you don't want valet, but options are available. Prices are high, but reasonable for the area based on the quality of the food and service. read more

Went on a Sunday for brunch and they had complimentary valet, not sure if that's every week but the parking lot is a bit congested so that was helpful. You could dress up or down here. Had the banana brûlée french toast, filet mignon burrito, and a side of fries, along with a couple cups of coffee. Out of there for less than $60 before tip which I thought was a great deal, especially for the amount of food you get. Probably the best meal I've had out in awhile. Our server PJ was wonderful, absolutely loved her, she made us feel right at home and was so friendly. Didn't have a wait time either here, got right in. I've been here for apps and drinks before too and it was an awesome time. Gorgeous ocean view too. 100% recommend it! read more

Great views, great food and great service All employees were very helpful and responsive. We got the lettuce wraps, roasted chicken with mashed potatoes and salmon with veggies! All dishes were amazing! The views were great and patio heaters were enough to keep us warm. We would go back again! read more

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The View is awesome here. The service is solid but our last 2 visits the food has really gone down in quality. Lettuce wraps almost soupy, Club sandwich dry & turkey not fresh, Shrimp soggy & greasy. Wondering if they changed chefs? Or Management? What a great location to MISS a golden opportunity to be a top level restaurant. read more

The food was very good, tasty and filling ! My bf got the wagyu burger and I got the turkey club super tasty and the fries were even better, clean place and nice view from the beach if you also like to eat outside in the patio. Server was attentive! read more

Marisol - Wagyu burger - Seafood Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

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Amazing view, very high quality food The service was amazing, we definitely be back to this place and loved it Highly recommend read more

Marisol - Bruschetta - Seafood Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

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Came here for Sunday Brunch and the.Food, service and ambiance was fabulous. The only downfall was, we waited quiet a bit for our food to come out maybe it was an off day, so that's why they still get a 4 read more

Stopped by Marisol with my family and we were shocked by food! The Breakfast burrito is a must, one of the best ones I have ever had. Great high quality meat. We also gave the Banana French Toast with a side of bacon a try. It was fantastic and hit the spot for breakfast! Great food with an amazing view! The service was amazing as they made sure our waters and coffees were topped off! Please give it a try if you are looking for breakfast in the area! read more

Marisol - French Toast, huevos rancheros, breakfast burrito, coffee - Seafood Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

This was our first time here and the view was beautiful. The food was okay. It was expensive for what the taste was. The soup was a tad too salty. And the bread was cold and did not pair completely well with the soup. The French toast was good but if you're not a fan of sweets it may be too sweet for you. My cousin got the juevos rancheros and he said it tasted as if the beans were from a can. Given it was a Saturday morning the food did take about 30 minute but the servers kept checking in us and refilling our water. Overall I guess we pay for the experience read more

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Food: 3.5/5 Service: 3/5 Ambiance: 5/5 Overall: Expected a little more from the food but I will say the portion size made up for it. The extended review... Food: Banana bread French toast - 3/5 - So the deceiving thing is that the base is not actually banana bread but bananas are put on top. I'd say the flavor was standard fare. The positive it the portion size and that it came with a side of meat. Service: 3/5 - Friendly staff and slightly slow. Ambiance: 5/5 - Beautiful setting as we ate out on the patio with a view of the ocean! read more

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we visited pismo beach so tried this place . it was ok when we went they were closing . they had hardly any vegetarian items . service and ambience was ok too read more

The ambiance and service was great , the food was terrible We ordered the grilled oysters, they had no flavor, they were awful We also ordered the special which was the t-Bone steak, it was cold and tuff, sent it back to be warmed, it came back worse I would not recommend this restaurant read more

We were able to enjoy both dinner and lunch at Marisol during our stay in Pismo Beach. The service was great from the hostesses that greeted us to the staff who waited on us. The halibut was delicious and the lamb chop pops were they perfect serving size. My wife enjoyed her chicken plate and the atmosphere did not disappoint. Would definitely recommend. read more

Marisol - Outside rear of restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

We we welcomed immediately by the staff. I got to be seated by the fireplace. It was perfect because I had been cold all day. Ian was our waiter and he was charming, funny and very helpful. I would come back here again soon if I could. The filet was one of the best I have had in a long time and my husband agreed. We split a wedge of lettuce and both were huge. If you are lucky you can enjoy a sunset ocean view. read more

Marisol - Seafood Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

Beautiful brunch and you can't beat the view. Nice outdoor eating with umbrellas, heaters and even blankets. Service was great too.

I have never felt discriminated in my life until Thursday 10/02/25. I was in a conference that was hosted in The Cliffs Hotel & Spa in Pismo Beach. I told my daughter to have lunch at Marisols while i was at my conference. She got seated in the outside dining area. After my lunch I went to check up on how it was going. She was never asked what she wanted to drink. Since we were talking didn't pay attention to the time, but I did notice 30 minutes had passed by & no one had come to her order. But I see these 2 young ladies of a lighter color get seated, they gave them water & asked "what would you like to drink". I was so angry. She had been sitting there & no one bothered to get her order. I said F**k this, we got up & walked out & no one even acknowledge us. I was so disappointed. Never in my life had this happened to us. I would NOT recommend this place unless you are of certain appearance. Horrible service!!!! I am unable to post this with no stars so I am obligated to give it 1. read more

We had a great experience with our server Jason. He was very welcoming and had excellent suggestions. The staff were kind and we were so impressed that a manager was greeting guests and checking on their meals. The nachos were a tasty dish to share! read more

Visited because we heard nothing but good things about it and we were staying at The Cliffs. On the first night, our waiter was Jonathan and he was super friendly, engaged, and ensured we enjoyed our meal. He also made nice conversation and told us about the area. On our last night we had Jessica and she was nice as well. Engaged in convo and super friendly. The food was amazing, the helpings were generous, and they were not stingy with the drinks. read more

Marisol - Cliffs burger and mahi - Seafood Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

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we had the most amazing breakfast today while we stayed at the Cliffs Resort. I had this same thing a few months ago and couldn't get it out of my mind. Yes, a second time and still amazing. Cherry Jubilee French Toast and Chi Pancakes with amazing bacon! Oh and we just had dinner! Amazing! Plank Salmon and my spouse had the Chicken. read more

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Food was great and view was even better. Service was a bit slow but overall great experience. The breakfast burrito was a bit plain but after asking for their Verde sauce it made it soooo much better. read more

Review is Based On Dining 3 times Lunch, Drinks & Dinner! - Service Always Was Outstanding but..... Food Quality Is Terrible! Some drinks were okay & only fries was the best! Very limited menu! Bad Quality & Over priced! For Lunch, my husband had Wagy Burger, while i had the avacado chop, kids had chicken strips and grilled chicken. Dinner: had Steak , pork shank, carrot cream soup, calamari, chick strips and fries . And in between ordered foor room service, however the food might have tasted okay but my husband and i both had the worst heart burn . Even after the salad and I never have a heart burn! We went down to Dolphin Bay Resort Restaurant- spectacular food !!!! Dont waste your money here or be fooled by pictures read more

Marisol - Burger - Seafood Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

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Yum! After a long hike toward Pirates Cove we were hungry. Didn't want to stuff ourselves though because the hike made us feel light and didn't want to be bogged down. Seated outside on the patio which was glorious this day as the sun was out. The ocean right there allows for your meal with a view. There are lots of paths to the water nearby as well. My friend had a salad with mixed greens and garbanzo beans. I opted for the rice - Ahi Bowl and it was so good. Fresh fruit salsa and rice topped with lightly seared ahi. It had a small kick of spice but would not consider this a hot dish. It was a perfect way to end out day of hiking and not feel overly full. They have a extensive cocktail list and other drinks as well. Fresh, and arrived fast as well. Courteous staff rounded out this great day. read more

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I love this restaurant because of the spectacular views. Whenever I am in or around the central coast I make it a point to go there for lunch or brunch and sit in their patio. They make a fantastic Aperol Spritz ! Service is always lovely. read more

The view and location is spectacular but it took us 30 minutes to be greeted by our server which was a rough start. From there we finally got the food at a reasonable time but the food was just okay. Nothing bad but nothing special to write about. We ordered a few different items from nachos to crab pappardelle pasta -- it was fine. Prices were okay considering the location. I suppose I would be back for the view and drinks but if I care about my meal and better service I would go elsewhere in Shell Beach. read more

Marisol - View - Seafood Near Me - Pismo Beach, California

Met friends for lunch recently. Didn't know that they only provide valet parking and there was a jam up to be parked. They don't charge you for parking if you eat in the restaurant. We were sat at a high top table in the bar area which wasn't very comfortable. Plus it was in front of the outside door and chilly. The staff is very nice and gave us good service but the food was pretty mediocre. I got a salad and considered adding chicken or tuna but it was almost $10 extra which was high. My husband got an ahi tuna "bowl" which was oddly served on a plate with just rice, corn and tuna and the portion was small. We both thought the food was okay but nothing special. We won't be going back since there's so many better restaurants in the Pismo area. read more

Had breakfast on a Thursday around 9 am. We went for the view - they would not seat us on outside upper deck but immediately seated others in the spot requested. Food was ok but service on water, coffee and getting check really slow. Not worth the $$ when you can't get the view. read more

Late dinner on a Sunday. One of the few places with the doors open past 9 that served food still. We sat at the bar and I ordered the nachos with carnitas. The bartender was friendly and helpful when we had questions about the menu or drinks and the area. We had wandered outside to see the view and she even came out to let us know the food was ready and served. It was a bit pricey although it is the coast and everything is expensive. 2 apps one entree and 2 drinks totaled about $100 - food was delicious and didn't disappoint read more

Marisol - Nachos with carnitas - Seafood Near Me - Pismo Beach, California