The Marinus Restaurant at the Bernardus Resort

Highly rated, "Marinus" in Carmel Valley, has won numerous awards and is located within the beautiful Bernardus Resort. Because of the multiple attraction of the resort/spa/restaurant, it might be assumed that Marinus has shared its reputation with Bernardus. The opposite is actually closer to the truth. There have been no less than six awards for Marinas, including the Bay area's "worth the trip" award.

The fact that this five star restaurant is located in some of the most picturesque country California has to offer doesn't hurt the reputation. While the location is a tad far from metro San Francisco, those making the trip are not disappointed. Not only is the food well prepared, but the wine list is exceptional, with a distinctively Cal-French cuisine rivaling restaurants in San Francisco of the same venue. Located on a vineyard, Marinas offers over 1,000 different wines. It's no wonder that Wine Spectator's recognized it as one of the best in the world for wine lovers in 2001 and 2004.

Featuring Chef Cal Stamenov's California natural cuisine and superior wine collection, it is hard to compare. The interior surroundings as well as the pristine location make Marinas certainly one of California's best, if not the world's. Certainly world class for all the reasons stated, the reviews continue to remain illustrious. Marinas may just be the best, "little" restaurant in the Bay area that's not in the Bay area.