Redondo Beach is pure Southern California charm. It’s sun-splashed, stylish, and just a little bit glamorous.
But tucked along the marina is one of the area’s best-kept secrets: The Portofino Hotel & Marina, where dining isn’t just a perk, but it’s an experience.
I had the chance to visit the property and to write about its amenities and location, but I also found myself eager to write about their food and beverage options, which my husband and I enjoyed to the max during our visit.
From waterfront fine dining to laid-back lounges made for golden hour, every bite here tastes like the California coast itself, and there is something for everyone to enjoy.
BALEENkitchen: Where Elegance Meets the Ocean
If you love your dinner with a side of ocean sparkle, BALEENkitchen is the showstopper.
The floor-to-ceiling windows open right up to marina views, and every detail, from the flickering candles to the crisp table settings, makes it feel like a night out worth dressing up for.
Expect seafood with soul: buttery lobster tails, scallops kissed with citrus, and local halibut plated like artwork. Meat lovers aren’t left out, because the filet mignon and truffle mashed potatoes are divine.
Even the starters impress, like grilled octopus and fresh oysters that practically taste like they were caught that morning. And yes, dessert is mandatory: that key lime tart deserves to be tried as the perfect ending to your night dining at BALEENkitchen.
BALEENlounge: Sip, Snack & Soak in the Sunset
A few steps away, BALEENlounge offers the perfect mix of coastal cool and marina-side relaxation.
Think cozy lounge seating, music through the night, and cocktails that are almost too pretty to drink.
The menu leans casual chic, featuring ahi poke tacos, sliders with the perfect sear, and crispy calamari with a twist.
Pair your bites with a local craft beer or something from the creative cocktail list (the mixologists here know what they’re doing, so feel free to ask for something off the menu!).
Whether you’re winding down after a beach day or meeting friends for a weekend night out, BALEENlounge nails that golden-hour vibe, one that is glowing, easy, and unforgettable.
The Living Room: Chill, Sip, Repeat
Tucked just off the lobby, The Living Room is Portofino’s most underrated gem.
It’s a space that instantly feels like home, with plush couches, a cozy fireplace, and the best marina views in the house. Come for a drink, stay for the mood.
The menu is small but mighty: charcuterie boards, artisanal flatbreads, and light bites perfect for sharing.
The star of the show, though, is the Portofino Pours tap wall, a self-serve lineup of rotating wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails that turns your night into a fun little tasting adventure.
Whether you’re watching the sailboats drift by or chatting with friends, The Living Room is that perfect in-between, not too fancy, never too loud, and always welcoming as a place to relax and just take in the scene. With yummy sips, of course.
The Takeaway: Taste the Tide
Dining at the Portofino Hotel & Marina isn’t just about food, it’s about the feeling. Every restaurant brings something different to the table. So, expect fresh ingredients, ocean air, and a level of hospitality that makes you want to stay just a little longer.
Here, the menu isn’t just something you read, but it’s a reflection of the Redondo Beach lifestyle: sun, flavor, and pure California magic, one that is hidden away and meant to discover.
The Portofino Hotel & Marina is located at 260 Portofino Way in Redondo Beach, CA 90277. For more information, call (310) 379-8481 or visit https://www.hotelportofino.com.
