Restaurant Review - Marinero Lounge, Ipswich Waterfront

Alexandra Oliver

I recently paid my fourth visit to this quirky restaurant and decided to write up a little review!

Marinero Lounge is described as an "All-day neighbourhood café" - a relaxed café bar serving food all day, enjoy your home from home!

I would say this is a fairly accurate description, I have always felt relaxed in there.

When you first walk in there is a sign that advises you to please wait to be seated. While waiting, you look around and notice the quirky decor. The back wall is filled to the brim with portraits, and the whole room has an industrial feel, with high ceilings and big light fixtures; it is vintage meets modern.

A member of staff greets you and takes you to a table, giving you a choice if there are a few available. They ask if you have eaten with them before and explain the ordering system - basically you can look at the menu and order at the bar, or scan the QR code to place your order online, which is the option I have used on each occasion. Ordering at the bar means you can relay any allergies you may have.

The website interface for ordering is fairly intuitive and I found it easy to navigate, and quickly placed our order. The drinks came out super quick, and the range of options is impressive! From cocktails to mocktails, smoothies and healthy shots, milkshakes, hot drinks, soft drinks and even bubble tea, you will be spoilt for choice.

The food menu has Gluten Free and Vegan options but I haven't had these on my visits so I won't comment on them, but it’s good the options are available.

The times I have eaten here I have ordered from the main menu and the tapas choices and have never been disappointed. The food and drinks always come out really quickly, piping hot and delicious, the options are so varied you can have Thai one visit, Mexican the next, a fusion if you desire, the options are wide!

At my last visit I enjoyed the Super Grain Salad with the added option of herby chicken breast and grilled halloumi. Justin was with me and he had the lamb kofte flatbread with fries. When our food arrived, he decided he actually did want to add the side dish of breaded fried halloumi with chipotle chilli jam, so I jumped back on the website to order while we started our food, and decided to also add a cheeky pork belly bao bun for myself. (I had tried it on my previous visit and loved it so much I wanted it again!). As we had made a start on our food, we expected the extras to turn up as we finished our mains, but they came out so quickly we were able to enjoy them with our dinner.

The food was all cooked brilliantly, tasted delicious and you just can't fault the speed of service, friendly staff, and excellent atmosphere. As I said at the start, this was my fourth visit and the reason I keep going back is I love good tasty food at reasonable prices, and speed in restaurants always impresses me when it doesn't impact the quality!

Overall, I would say this restaurant is a good addition to Ipswich waterfront and I would highly recommend it.

5 stars!