Restaurants near El Marino Park

New Years Day and we wanted some place that we knew would be fantastic, so where else but Gjelina? It was busy but the hosts and servers were unfailingly polite. We ordered 6 things from the menu. My wife's vegan so she had the vegetable sandwich (she had to fight me for it, it was so good). Brussel sprouts, grilled fennel, and the frites were all great. My son and I split the anchovy and burrata toast - a first for me - and it's my new favorite. Finished with the excellent pomodoro pizza - no cheese and none needed, because the jammy tomato confit is the star of the dish. I love this place. It never lets me down. Happy 2025!

First, I wanna say thank you to our server Hassan T. He was great and saved me from being disappointed in ordering how I was going to order. I still got what I wanted but in a way it made sense. You have to appreciate a person that does that. He was doing his job but it didn’t feel like a job. He wasn’t overly friendly but wasn’t matter of fact. He was warm and fun. Observant as well. Good at reading the room. I ordered the lamb shank, collard green lasagna and the parker house rolls. Let me say that the collard green lasagna ISNT a lasagna. I thought it was along the lines of pasta with collard greens. It’s more like a spinach artichoke dip and instead of eating it with chips you eat it with the bread. IT WAS FIRE but I wouldn’t suggest it as an entree. It is definitely a starter. The rolls were fluffy and light. I’m not a fan of truffle butter but the butter on the parker house rolls was just the right amount. It came with butter on the side but I didn’t use it so I can’t rate it. The lamb wasn’t for me. The sauce it was in was good. It was cooked well just light on the flavor. The polenta was not good. It wasn’t horrible I just didn’t like it. I had the Sir Davis drink. Very good. The music, ambience and energy was very good. When I made my reservations I knew I was going to put on “real clothes” and it was nice to see my community is a space that makes them want to put on “real clothes”. I loved that I didn’t have to go far to have an upscale experience. I loved seeing elderly couples dressed up and enjoying themselves, knowing they didn’t have to drive far either. Overall it was just BAHM experience. I can’t wait to go back I brought the rest of my collard greens and rolls to my grandmother and she loved it. She’s ready to go try it lol. I guess she’s about to make her own reservation.

Excellent. I have been there 30 years ago and it was a delight to go again it was a very nice experience. Loved the sand dabs fish and they serve the best mash potatoes! The steak fries are to die for. My son said it was the best New York steak he ever had. He was turning 14 years old. He will always remember Dear John’s and his bday celebration. The cheese cake was delicious. And the wine list is exquisite. I just can’t wait to go back !

The restaurant was super busy, and yet the staff from the receptionists to the wait-staff were amazingly efficient and helpful. The Cadillac Margaritas were excellent, as was the food we ordered (guacamole, street tacos, poblanos relleno, Tres Leches Cake) We were impressed by the attentiveness and helpfulness of our waiter, Jose! Extensive menu and we hope to explore other items in future visits There is no valet parking, and a sign directing one to public parking near the entrance would help - street parking (free) is available, but it took us a while to find a spot.

This is a great neighborhood hidden gem - great service, wonderful ambiance, really nice for getting together with friends.