Marée Proves Its Worth in the California-French Bistro Scene

In the burgeoning California-French bistro landscape, Marcus Jernmark’s Marée has quickly established itself as a strong contender, especially as its sister restaurant, Lielle, earned a Michelin star shortly after its debut in February. While Marée aims for a more laid-back atmosphere, the final bill may tell a different story. Without cocktails on the menu, diners can enjoy a thoughtful selection of wines alongside polished French dishes such as mussels “gratin,” grilled Caledonian prawn cocktail, and a flavorful grilled pork chop with Cafe de Paris sauce.

The restaurant is set in a minimalist space that previously housed the now-closed Picca and the Michelin-starred Manzke, featuring soaring ceilings that add to the lively ambiance. A unique touch is the hand-drawn menus on wall mirrors and an open kitchen that prepares a limited number of hamburgers au poivre each night, attracting a thoughtful crowd. Marée may be fresh to the scene, but it exudes an inviting, established charm.