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ZipPicks Awards
Best Ice Cream in Marina Del Rey
Best Romantic Restaurants in Marina Del Rey
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Marina Del Rey
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Marina Del Rey
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Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in Marina Del Rey
Master Critic Review
Cast & Plow
8.1
Cast & Plow at The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey is a waterfront farm-to-table restaurant where housemade ice cream and sorbet headline the dessert menu after harbor-view dinners. Guests linger on the terrace over chocolate lava cake and rotating ice cream flavors that feel more composed and plated than parlor-style.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chocolate lava cake with housemade ice cream, Housemade ice cream and sorbet selection, Seasonal dessert served à la mode
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Hotel waterfront dining where polished desserts lean on housemade ice cream and sorbet.
Who should go: Date-night and special-occasion diners who want dessert with views
When to visit: Golden hour into evening for terrace seating over the harbor
What to order: Chocolate lava cake, housemade ice cream and sorbet, dessert à la mode
Insider tip: Book a later reservation and linger over dessert on the patio to catch the marina lights after sunset.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is available at The Ritz-Carlton (typically $15–$20). Limited marina-adjacent street parking can be found along Admiralty Way but fills quickly during peak dining hours.
Dress code: Smart casual. Polished denim is acceptable, but most guests lean upscale due to the hotel setting and waterfront ambiance.
Noise level: Moderate. Indoor tables can get busier during peak hours, while the terrace offers calmer, conversation-friendly volumes.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30–45 minute wait without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait; the restaurant is far less busy midday.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several composed vegetarian plates plus vegetarian-friendly desserts.
Vegan options: Limited — typically a sorbet option and a few plant-forward starters.
Gluten-free options: Good accommodations; staff can guide GF diners and many entrées can be modified.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The marina views, polished service, and relaxed upscale vibe create an elegant but not overly formal setting, especially on the terrace at sunset.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but weekends and sunset hours fill quickly. Walk-ins may secure indoor seating faster than terrace tables, which often require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids; it’s a refined hotel restaurant with a calmer atmosphere. Younger children are welcome but there are no dedicated play areas or kids’ activities.
Best For
Better for: Waterfront ambiance, polished service, and plated desserts featuring housemade ice creams and sorbets elevate the experience above casual parlors.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quick, budget-friendly ice cream scoop shop or a large range of inventive flavors; this is a composed, restaurant-style dessert experience.
Hours
Monday7am - 10pm
Tuesday7am - 10pm
Wednesday7am - 10pm
Thursday7am - 10pm
Friday7am - 10pm
Saturday7am - 10pm
Sunday7am - 10pm