mar'sel

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Fine Dining by the Sea on the Palos Verdes Peninsula

Mar'sel sits at the edge of the Pacific on the lush Palos Verdes Peninsula, just south of Los Angeles, where floor-to-ceiling views of the ocean frame every table. The name itself sets the tone: a fusion of the Spanish and French words for "sea" and "salt," it signals a restaurant that takes its coastal identity seriously. Forbes Travel Guide recognized that commitment with a Four-Star award, placing mar'sel among a select tier of fine dining destinations in California.

The Chef Behind the Kitchen

Chef de Cuisine Fabio Ugoletti brings an Italian foundation — he was born in Parma — shaped by years in luxury fine dining establishments around the world. His approach at mar'sel centers on culinary tradition and technique, translated through the lens of California's seasons. The restaurant collaborates with local fishermen, ranchers, and farmers, and draws produce from Terranea's own on-site garden, giving the menu a genuinely local character rather than a borrowed one.

What to Expect at the Table

The seasonal menu moves through caviar and fresh West Coast oysters, housemade tagliatelle, succulent filet mignon, and lobster — dishes that reflect both Ugoletti's classical training and the abundance of the Southern California coast. Desserts like the sea salt pot de crème echo the restaurant's name and its proximity to the water. The wine list leans toward California vintages but reaches internationally, with bottles such as a Mark Haisma Gevrey-Chambertin Grand Cru and a Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. A knowledgeable sommelier can guide the pairing, or guests can explore the list independently. Craft cocktails and locally brewed beers round out the bar program.

The Setting and the Experience

Dinner is served nightly, with panoramic views of the Pacific serving as a backdrop that no interior design can replicate. The "From Vine to Ocean" evening series on select Thursdays offers a more structured pairing experience for those who want to go deeper into the wine program. Private dining and outdoor seating options make mar'sel equally suited to an intimate dinner or a special occasion — all within one of the most scenically positioned fine dining rooms on the Southern California coast.