You know that feeling when you're craving a Thai Chicken Pizza but you also really just want to stare at some expensive boats? That’s basically the entire vibe of the Marina del Rey California Pizza Kitchen.
It’s weirdly specific.
Most people think every CPK is the same—a cookie-cutter mall staple with yellow booths and open kitchens. But the one sitting right on the water at the Waterside shopping center (located at 4325 Glencoe Ave) hits different. It’s one of those spots where the salt air actually reaches the patio, and honestly, that changes the whole dining experience from a "quick lunch" to a "local hang."
The Waterside Factor: More Than Just a Shopping Center
If you’ve lived in LA for more than five minutes, you know that parking in the Marina is a nightmare. But the Marina del Rey California Pizza Kitchen is tucked into the Waterside at Marina del Rey. This isn't just a random strip mall. It’s owned by Caruso—the same guy behind The Grove and The Americana—which means the landscaping is aggressive and the atmosphere is upscale.
You’ve got the marina itself just a stone’s throw away.
Think about it. You can grab a pizza and then walk five minutes to look at yachts you'll never own. It's great. The restaurant features a significant outdoor seating area which is basically mandatory in Southern California. On a Saturday afternoon, this place is packed with people in athleisure who just finished a harbor walk or a session at the nearby Equinox. It’s a microcosm of the Marina lifestyle: casual, slightly pricey, and very sun-drenched.
What to Actually Order (Beyond the BBQ Chicken)
Everyone knows the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza. Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax started this whole thing back in 1985 in Beverly Hills, and yeah, that pizza changed the game. It put cilantro and smoked gouda on the map for suburban America.
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But at the Marina del Rey California Pizza Kitchen, the menu has evolved way past the 80s classics.
The Cedar Plank Salmon: It sounds like something you’d get at a fancy steakhouse, but CPK actually does it well. It’s roasted in their hearth ovens. It’s usually served with some sort of succotash or asparagus. If you're trying to be "Marina healthy," this is the move.
The Kung Pao Spaghetti: This is a polarizing dish. People either love the weird fusion of Italian noodles and spicy soy-ginger sauce, or they think it’s a crime against culinary tradition. Honestly? It’s delicious. Just don't tell your Italian grandmother.
Wild Mushroom Pizza: If you’re over the BBQ chicken hype, go for the mushrooms. They use shiitake, portobello, and white mushrooms with a bit of truffle oil. It feels a bit more "adult" when you're sitting on that patio with a glass of Chardonnay.
The beverage program here is also surprisingly robust. They’ve leaned heavily into the "California" part of their name lately. You’ll find local craft beers on tap and a cocktail list that doesn't just rely on sugary margaritas. Their "Beehive" cocktail with honey and lemon is a sleeper hit for a warm afternoon.
The Logistics: What Most People Get Wrong
Don't just show up at 7:00 PM on a Friday and expect to walk right in.
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Even though it’s a "chain," the Marina del Rey California Pizza Kitchen is a high-volume location. It’s a hub for the local tech workers from "Silicon Beach" (the area covering Venice, Playa Vista, and the Marina). Pro tip: use the CPK app to join the waitlist before you even leave your house. It saves you from standing awkwardly near the hostess stand while holding a vibrating pager.
The Parking Situation
The Waterside lot is free, but it’s a chaotic maze.
You’ve got a Whole Foods right next door, which means people are constantly fighting over spots. If the main lot is full, there is usually parking further back toward the bank, but be prepared to walk. Honestly, if you're local, just take an Uber or bike down Fiji Way. It’s easier on the soul.
Why This Specific Location Matters
The Marina del Rey California Pizza Kitchen represents a specific era of Los Angeles dining. It was the "fancy" pizza place before the artisanal, sourdough-crust, $30-per-pie movement took over. While places like Gjelina in Venice get all the foodie hype, CPK remains the reliable workhorse.
It's consistent.
You know exactly what that crust is going to taste like. There is a comfort in that. For the residents of the high-rise apartments nearby—like the ones at Marina City Club or the newer luxury builds—it serves as an extension of their kitchen. It's the place you go when you don't want to cook but also don't want to deal with the pretension of a "concept" restaurant.
Navigating the Rewards and Deals
If you’re going to eat here, you’re a fool if you don't use the "CPK Rewards" program. They’re pretty generous with the "points." You get a free small plate just for signing up, and they usually send out birthday rewards that are actually worth something (like a free dessert or pizza).
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Also, keep an eye out for their "Take and Bake" options.
During the pandemic, this became a huge part of their business, and it hasn't gone away. You can get your favorite pizza—like the California Veggie or the Pepperoni—unbaked and chilled. You take it home to your apartment, throw it in the oven at 450 degrees, and you get that hearth-baked taste without the soggy delivery crust. It's a game-changer for movie nights when you don't want to leave the Marina.
The Verdict on Atmosphere
Is it a romantic date spot? Maybe for a casual first date or a "we’ve been married for 10 years and just want a salad" kind of night.
It’s loud.
It’s family-friendly.
The lighting is bright.
But the Marina del Rey California Pizza Kitchen succeeds because it doesn't try to be something it’s not. It’s not trying to be a Michelin-starred bistro. It’s a place where the servers are usually pretty fast, the water is always refilled, and the food comes out hot. In a city where service can often be "performative" or dismissive, the efficiency of a well-run CPK is actually kind of refreshing.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To get the best experience at the Marina del Rey location, follow these specific steps:
- Avoid the Lunch Rush: Between 12:15 PM and 1:30 PM, the place is swarmed by office workers from the nearby tech hubs. Go at 2:00 PM for a much chiller vibe.
- Request the Patio: Even if there’s a slightly longer wait, sitting outside at the Waterside is the whole point of visiting this specific location.
- Check the Seasonal Menu: CPK rotates items frequently based on California’s growing seasons. Right now, look for anything featuring California avocados or seasonal berries in the salads.
- Park Near the Back: Don't waste 15 minutes circling near the Whole Foods entrance. Drive toward the back of the lot near the bank and walk the extra 60 seconds.
- Join the Waitlist Online: Seriously. Download the app. It's the difference between eating in 10 minutes or 45 minutes.
The Marina del Rey California Pizza Kitchen remains a staple because it bridges the gap between the old-school Marina and the new Silicon Beach energy. It’s reliable, the views of the surrounding greenery are nice, and let’s be real—that BBQ sauce is still addictive after all these years.
Next Steps for Your Marina Trip:
Check the current operating hours for the Glencoe Avenue location before you head out, as holiday hours or private events can sometimes shift the schedule. If you’re planning a large group dinner (more than 8 people), call the restaurant directly rather than using the app, as the Marina location is often better at accommodating big parties with a bit of a heads-up. Finally, take advantage of the "Waterside" perks—grab a coffee at the nearby Starbucks or browse the shops after your meal to make it a full afternoon out by the water.