Marina Restaurant The

I feel sorry for the restaurant. It used to be like the "Premeire" type of fancy restaurant in Bellingham. Then, for some reason, it went downhill. I don't know if they changed owners or what but it's not the same. Actually, the only thing that is the same is the prices. The quality of food has gone down hill considerably. For me, the only good time to go there is with a coupon from the Entertainment book for a two for one. The food certainly isn't awful, just basic and expensive. I have found that the shrimp skewers are pretty good. The atmosphere is okay, besides the beautiful bay view of Bellingham Bay, it is outdated and frequently empty. Mostly a crowd of older folks, and a few at the bar. The music is horrible, service is okay. more

I'm pretty easily satisfied with most dining experiences. Give me decent food at a reasonable price with intelligent service and I'm set. Unfortunately, the Marina Restaurant scored low in all these areas. My wife and I visited the restaurant this past Friday, and thank goodness we were using a gift certificate! If we had paid full price, I think I would have croaked. Let's start with the food. I ordered a New York Steak ($24). I was served a steak with no seasoning, some boiled russet potatoes with no seasoning, and some steamed broccoli with (you guessed it) no seasoning. Fortunately, there was butter and s&p on the table. My wife ordered the Alaskan salmon and it was similarly flavorless. Service: Slow. We had an appetizer and main course and were there for almost exactly two hours. Our waitress was curteous and helpful, but apparently overworked (or maybe the kitchen was understaffed). Ambience: Tired and somewhat dated. Nothing exciting except for the view. We were on a kind of mini-balcony with a table just below us and inches away. I could tell you all about the lives of the people who were at that table. Price: Seriously overpriced for what you get. Our total tab was $62 for 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, and 1 drink. Conclusion: Avoid The Marina and go straight to Anthony's for similar prices and far superior food, atmosphere and service! more