What Dear John’s is to steak, Dear Jane’s will be to seafood. Taking full advantage of the stunning marina view, the focus is on classic American seafood dishes prepared simply with the highest-quality ingredients by seasoned chefs. From Oysters Rockefeller to Shrimp Louie, Trout Amandine and Surf ‘n Turf, the menu hews to those of some of the most legendary seafood restaurants of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. It will feel familiar and upscale, yet updated and approachable. This sensibility will be on full display with roaming carts of Tableside Shrimp Louie Salad, hand-mixed tartare, classic caviar service, and professionally filleted whole fish.
Zan Lee
Originally opened in September 2022, Dear Jane’s is the sister restaurant of Dear John’s, therefore same ownership. Ownership is on record saying: “what Dear John’s is to steak, Dear Jane’s will be to seafood.” It’s located right on the water in Marina del Rey near the boat anchorage so this restaurant has some seriously great views of the harbor filled with boats. Parking is very limited given the location so you’re most likely option will be valet or a pay lot. Inside is quite large with indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a very large private bar area. It’s really dark and moody on the inside and is a great place to spend a few hours. It leans more to the mature and classy side of things so it would also be a great place for a work dinner, in addition to a date spot.
Our server was very polite however it did take some time for our dishes to arrive. It was quite crowded so I can’t fault them too much. I started off with the Wedge Salad and really enjoyed it. It was loaded with toppings and felt that it was a good sized portion. For my entrée, I chose a classic California seafood dish, that being the Sand Dabs. It came with three which were not very large, but that is usual for Sand Dabs, however, they were packed with flavor and overall I really enjoyed it. We finished the dinner with a Passionfruit Parfait, and although I was not a huge fan of it because I don’t like bitter flavors, my girlfriend loved it because she does so that could be a good dish to order if you like those flavors as well. Overall, I would recommend Dear Jane’s to anyone searching for a great date, work, or friend dinner spot and I plan to be back in the future to try their brunch.
… moreTaylor Collins
Such a fabulous gem in the marina with a retro-plush- nautical dinning room, an outside patio tiki bar over looking the boats and a dim lit swanky bar inside with a fire place, great art and tasty tunes that throw you back to a generation you might have never lived, yet still feels nostalgic. Food is an innovative twist on the classics with cocktails that broaden your drinking horizons. Service is great and the hospitality is neighborly. Cool for a place for a sip and a bite, but will easily be your main event for the evening. Highly recommend exploring all the vibes they have to offer.
… moreGrace Na
My mom and I went to this restaurant. We already had a dinner. My mom needs to eat something cos she is taking antibiotics. This restaurant will be my best restaurant in Marina Del Ray. Foods are good. Services are nice and fast. This stunning restaurant and foods are fresh.
… moreLex Z
Came here with my coworkers and the service was awful. Dylan came to save the day when he shouldn’t have – I’m positive he was the floor manager but unfortunately I had to flag him down because our assigned server (who I couldn’t even remember his name) never came to check on us and Dylan saved the day. Why assign a person who was tending to a holiday party , to a table who he clearly didn’t want to serve? He only came to try and make up for it by the time we were ordering dessert (which we didn’t). The calamari was extremely salty and the main dishes were nothing to rave about. Probably only worth it when it’s sunset. Do not spend your money here, LOTS of better places in the area. Thanks to Dylan for trying to save our dinner.
… moreEvery Man
Place has no idea how to handle a patron with no reservation…sat us down and it took over 30 minutes to get an entree that was over salted…this was 1 of 3 visits this past year, the latest debacle of dining out was tonight. Order for a burger medium and scampi was never put in…server ask if we want dessert before we had our entree…30 minutes later get a rare burger with a cold bun (see pictures attached)…avoid this place, so not worth the $50 to $100 a head you are being charged.
… moreMike Su
Just had dinner here after reading that this place was Michelin recommended. Ordered the Vongole which was excellent, cockles were fresh and the sauce was superb. If only the linguine was hand made, this dish would be perfect. Next, the potato crusted sea bass for protein which was unfortunately a big miss. The fish was dry and the presentation was pretty ordinary. I’m pretty sure when the Michelin inspectors ate here they did not get the sea bass. Also had the clam chowder which was good, very hearty. Decent vibes, par for the course for venues on the water. Great for romantic dates as I see multiple tables turning on their phone flashlight to be able to read the menu. Probably the smallest restaurant (unless I missed a closed off section) I’ve been to where parking is valet only.
We did have a very late lunch inside the hotel because we were behind schedule. By the time we realized we were still kinda full it was so close to our reservation time that we decided to go anyway.
Finally, what attracted me to the place aside from the recommendation were their appetizers such as their seafood tower and oysters on-the-half shell. I suspect this is where they really shine. Definitely still worth giving them a try as anyone can have an off day.
… moreNicole Graves
This is an updated review. I’m happy to report that our visit on Friday night was a complete 180 from our last visit. Mike was kind enough to invite us back to make things right this time which he did in spades.
We had a beautiful table facing the Marina and each course got better and better. We started with the crab legs, shared a wedge salad, and sipped on cocktails. We really had fa chance to enjoy the food and the service. We both had the sea-bass which was exquisite. I also appreciate that it was wild caught. We had a delicious sorbet for dessert.
I will definitely come back again. Thank you for making us feel so welcome. My friend and I will be back again.
… moreAmy Yetasook
Really lovely place to grab brunch with friends. Today everyone from the valet, host, and server provided amazing and hospitable service! Cocktails excellent and food was great. Seating outside if you can snag is superb. Definitely will be back!
… moreRyan Hatch
Seafood tower had loster, stone crab, scallops, clams, shrimp, and oysters with four tyoes of sauces. Rockenwagner bread came hot and crispy with a light texture. I asked the waiter for a cocktail with Mezcal and grapefruit, which was delicious. The service was excellent. Tables not too close together. View was great, with yachts floating by. Only negative was the $15 mandatory valet parking fee (no other parking in the area).
… moreRaymond Shadman
Great food and cute setting on the marina. We ordered the baked oysters Rockefeller and lobster roll along with a couple of cocktails. I highly recommend the Pure Passion Margarita, and ask for tajin on the rim.
We were happy with the food and service and will be back to explore the menu. The only issue I had there was a really wet bathroom floor.
Update: we’re back two months later, and this time for brunch with the family. Instead of sitting in the extended dining room, we are now sitting by the window with the marina view.
We started with drinks. My wife had the bottomless peach mimosas, which were quite good. I had the Bloody Jane with vodka. It was surprisingly chunky in a good way and the perfect balance of spicy and savory.
It also happened to be Dine L.A. week, so we all ordered the brunch special with Eggs Benedict and crab cakes. They include a shrimp cocktail and a butter flake croissant/muffin with jam.
The shrimp were jumbo in size, but not completely cleaned, as there was visible waste on the shrimp that I had to remove myself. For that, I removed one star. They give two jumbo shrimp and a sizeable croissant muffin.
Great service too. Robert was our server for brunch.
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