Marina Cafe Ventura is a beloved coastal dining spot that combines fresh, locally sourced ingredients with innovative recipes. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning marina views, the cafe offers a diverse menu designed to satisfy a wide range of palates.
Whether you’re craving seafood, classic American dishes, or refreshing beverages, Marina Cafe Ventura has something to delight every guest.
The menu is thoughtfully crafted to highlight the best of the region’s produce and seafood. Seasonal changes ensure that the offerings remain fresh and exciting throughout the year.
This article explores the full menu in detail, breaking down the appetizers, entrees, beverages, desserts, and more.
Starters and Appetizers
Begin your dining experience at Marina Cafe Ventura with a selection of appetizing starters. These dishes are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a light first course.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Calamari Fritti | Crispy fried calamari rings served with a zesty marinara and lemon aioli. | $12.95 |
| Avocado Bruschetta | Grilled baguette topped with smashed avocado, cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze. | $9.50 |
| Clam Chowder | Creamy New England-style clam chowder with tender clams, potatoes, and fresh herbs. | $8.75 |
| Marina Nachos | House-made chips layered with cheddar, jalapeños, black beans, sour cream, and pico de gallo. | $11.25 |
| Seared Ahi Tuna Bites | Fresh ahi tuna lightly seared and served with wasabi mayo and pickled ginger. | $14.00 |
“The calamari at Marina Cafe Ventura is perfectly crispy without being greasy — a must-try starter for seafood lovers.” – Local Food Blogger
Salads and Light Fare
For those seeking a lighter option, the cafe offers a range of fresh salads packed with flavor and texture. These dishes emphasize crisp greens, seasonal vegetables, and house-made dressings.
| Salad | Ingredients | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Caesar Salad | Romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, croutons, and Caesar dressing. | $10.00 |
| Marina Garden Salad | Mixed greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and balsamic vinaigrette. | $9.50 |
| Grilled Chicken Cobb | Grilled chicken breast, avocado, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, blue cheese, and mixed greens. | $14.95 |
| Quinoa & Kale Superfood Salad | Kale, quinoa, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, feta, and citrus dressing. | $13.75 |
Tip: Most salads can be customized with your choice of grilled salmon, chicken, or shrimp for an additional charge.
Main Courses – Seafood Specialties
Given its waterfront location, Marina Cafe Ventura prides itself on premium seafood entrees. Fresh catches are prepared with care, balancing classic and contemporary flavors.
| Entrée | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Pacific Salmon | Fresh salmon grilled to perfection, served with roasted vegetables and lemon butter sauce. | $24.95 |
| Fish & Chips | Battered cod fried golden with house fries and tartar sauce. | $18.50 |
| Seafood Linguine | Linguine pasta tossed with shrimp, scallops, clams, and a garlic white wine sauce. | $26.00 |
| Miso Glazed Black Cod | Delicate black cod marinated in miso, served with sautéed bok choy and jasmine rice. | $28.50 |
| Cioppino | Hearty Italian-style seafood stew with crab, mussels, clams, shrimp, and fish in a tomato broth. | $29.95 |
“The Cioppino at Marina Cafe Ventura is a bowl of pure comfort, brimming with the freshest seafood and a flavorful broth that warms your soul.” – Food Critic
Main Courses – Pastas and Classics
Beyond seafood, the menu features a variety of classic dishes and pasta options. These entrees offer a comforting taste with a gourmet twist.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Marsala | Pan-seared chicken breast with mushroom Marsala wine sauce, served with mashed potatoes. | $21.95 |
| Spaghetti Bolognese | Traditional spaghetti topped with hearty beef and tomato ragù. | $18.75 |
| Vegetarian Penne Primavera | Penne pasta with fresh seasonal vegetables in a light garlic and olive oil sauce. | $17.50 |
| BBQ Ribs | Slow-cooked pork ribs glazed with house BBQ sauce, served with coleslaw and fries. | $23.95 |
| Beef Stroganoff | Tender strips of beef in a creamy mushroom sauce, served over egg noodles. | $22.50 |
Burgers and Sandwiches
Marina Cafe Ventura’s burgers and sandwiches offer a satisfying, casual option for lunch or dinner. Each is served with a side of house fries or a small garden salad.
| Item | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Cheeseburger | Juicy beef patty, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles on a brioche bun. | $15.95 |
| Veggie Burger | House-made black bean and quinoa patty with avocado, sprouts, and chipotle mayo. | $14.95 |
| Grilled Chicken Club | Grilled chicken breast with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and garlic aioli on toasted sourdough. | $16.50 |
| Fish Tacos | Three soft tortillas filled with grilled fish, cabbage slaw, avocado crema, and pico de gallo. | $17.25 |
| Roast Beef Sandwich | Thinly sliced roast beef, caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, and horseradish sauce on ciabatta. | $16.75 |
Signature Drinks and Beverages
The beverage menu complements the food perfectly. From handcrafted cocktails to specialty coffees, there is a drink for every occasion.
| Beverage | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Marina Margarita | Tequila, fresh lime juice, triple sec, and a salted rim with a splash of orange juice. | $11.00 |
| Sunset Sangria | Red wine blended with fresh fruit, brandy, and a hint of cinnamon. | $9.50 |
| Espresso Martini | Vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup shaken to perfection. | $12.00 |
| Craft Beer Selection | Rotating local and international craft beers on tap and in bottles. | $7.00 – $9.00 |
| Freshly Brewed Coffee | Premium blend coffee, available hot or iced. | $3.50 |
Desserts
End your meal on a sweet note with one of Marina Cafe Ventura’s decadent desserts. Each dessert is made fresh daily using quality ingredients.
| Dessert | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Key Lime Pie | Tart and creamy with a graham cracker crust, topped with whipped cream. | $8.00 |
| Chocolate Lava Cake | Warm chocolate cake with a gooey molten center, served with vanilla ice cream. | $9.50 |
| Seasonal Fruit Tart | Buttery crust filled with pastry cream and topped with fresh fruit. | $8.75 |
| Classic Cheesecake | Rich and creamy New York-style cheesecake with a graham cracker crust. | $8.50 |
| Affogato | A scoop of vanilla ice cream “drowned” in a shot of hot espresso. | $7.00 |
Kids’ Menu
Marina Cafe Ventura caters to younger diners with a kids’ menu designed to be both tasty and nutritious. Smaller portions and familiar favorites make it easy for children to enjoy their meals.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tenders | Crispy breaded chicken strips served with fries and ketchup. | $8.50 |
| Mac & Cheese | Classic creamy macaroni and cheddar cheese. | $7.75 |
| Mini Cheeseburger | Small beef patty with cheese on a soft bun, served with fries. | $9.00 |
| Grilled Cheese Sandwich | Golden grilled sandwich with melted cheddar cheese. | $7.50 |
| Fish Sticks | Breaded fish sticks served with tartar sauce and fries. | $8.75 |
Gluten-Free and Vegetarian Options
Marina Cafe Ventura understands the importance of catering to dietary preferences and restrictions. The menu includes several gluten-free and vegetarian dishes clearly marked for convenience.
- Gluten-Free Options: Grilled Pacific Salmon, Quinoa & Kale Salad, Miso Glazed Black Cod, and select pasta dishes with gluten-free noodles.
- Vegetarian Options: Avocado Bruschetta, Vegetarian Penne Primavera, Veggie Burger, and Garden Salad.
Additionally, kitchen staff are happy to accommodate special requests to ensure a safe and satisfying dining experience for all guests.
Seasonal Specials
The menu at Marina Cafe Ventura evolves with the seasons to highlight fresh, local ingredients and culinary creativity. Seasonal specials are updated monthly and feature unique dishes that showcase the best produce and seafood available.
Past specials have included:
- Summer Lobster Roll with citrus aioli and fresh herbs.
- Autumn Butternut Squash Risotto with sage and parmesan.
- Winter Braised Short Ribs with root vegetables and red wine reduction.
- Spring Asparagus & Pea Soup with crème fraîche and mint.
These specials provide an exciting reason to return and explore new flavors throughout the year.
Catering and Private Events Menu
Marina Cafe Ventura offers catering services for weddings, corporate events, and private parties. Their expert culinary team customizes menus to fit any occasion, from casual buffets to elegant plated dinners.
Sample catering packages include:
| Package | Features | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal Breeze Buffet | Assorted seafood, salads, artisan breads, and dessert platter. | $35 per person |
| Classic Ventura Dinner | Three-course plated meal with choice of entrée and dessert. | $55 per person |
| Light Bites & Cocktails | Passed hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails for cocktail parties. | $30 per person |
Marina Cafe Ventura’s event coordinators work closely with clients to tailor each menu, accommodating dietary needs and personal preferences.
Conclusion
The Marina Cafe Ventura Menu is a celebration of fresh ingredients, expert craftsmanship, and diverse flavors. From light starters to hearty entrees, refreshing drinks to indulgent desserts, the menu offers something for every craving and occasion.
Its dedication to quality and innovation, coupled with the stunning marina setting, makes dining here a truly memorable experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Marina Cafe Ventura invites you to savor the best of Ventura’s culinary scene.
Discover the menu for yourself and enjoy a meal where every bite tells a story of coastal charm and culinary excellence.
