Marlene's at Sevastopol Station

I had a fantastic dining experience at this restaurant. The service was excellent and the cocktails were very good, with the refreshing addition of an orange slice. The complimentary appetizer of a frozen white chocolate ball filled with carrot juice and sea salt was a unique and delicious combination of flavors. The chef's creativity in infusing different flavors and spices was evident, and I highly recommend trying the risotto as an appetizer. The pork and scallops we ordered were both delicious, with the scallops in particular standing out for their infusion of sauces and flavors. The pork was tender and flavorful, though the portion size was not large. The only downside was the lack of ventilation in the building. Overall, I would recommend this restaurant and would definitely return to try more of the chef's creative dishes.

We had a great meal at Marlene's and will be back. The food was delicious, creative, and unique. Great service.

Marlene’s is, in my option, the best restaurant in Des Moines. Compared to “top tier” restaurants in the area, dishes and service are equivalent, if not better. When entering the restaurant, you are typically greeted by the owner, who instantly makes you feel at home. The wine list is simple, affordable, and they also offer free corkage at certain times. The menu offers a wide variety of lighter to heavier dishes, but isn’t overwhelming with options; it’s fairly easy to try everything on the menu in a smaller group. Ingredients are extremely fresh and plates are always presented elegantly. I can’t recommend Marlene’s enough!

The food was fantastic. Classic dishes with a unique flair. Really recommend the risotto!

My husband and I had been wanting to try Marlene's for awhile and were excited to go. The restaurant is nestled nicely in a small neighborhood with great views for people watching. The food was all very unique, with lots of options, all beautifully plated. We had the small plates of octopus and pork belly (both delicious in their own right), and we shared the scallops which were the absolute best we have had. Our favorite bites were actually items not on the menu, but brought to our table from the chef. First was a white chocolate bite with carrot juice inside, which must be eaten in a specific way and was incredible. The last was a dessert bite served in a terrarium for a cool and fun wow-factor. That evening, we had recommended Marlene's to a few friends, and plan to go back with some foodie friends for a fun night out. We loved our experience!