Marlena is an open-air restaurant, café, and bar on Naples Island in Long Beach that brings the spirit of Mediterranean dining to the Southern California coast. The kitchen balances a transportive, Old World Mediterranean culinary perspective with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients — creating a menu that feels both rooted in tradition and distinctly Californian.

Working closely with owners Robert and Jen Smith, the design translates their vision of a welcoming hospitality destination  — where “wanderers are always welcome” — into an environment that encourages curiosity, exploration, and connection across indoor–outdoor dining.  

The design married warm natural woods with limewashed walls, weathered metal accents, and planted terraces to create a relaxed and inviting coastal aesthetic. Thoughtful dining groupings with varied seating types, and breezy circulation support both intimate meals and communal gathering experiences under the same (louvered) roof. 

Let us know when you’re headed in, we’ll happily meet you for a glass of wine + anything from the Josper Grill!

Photography: Sterling Reed

Architect: Environ

Art Direction + Branding: Elizabeth Reyes