Marina

The story

Marina Restaurant Oostende: Three-Generation Italian Dining Since 1973

Lineage and Italian cooking

Ristorante Marina has anchored itself in Oostende as a dedicated Italian dining room since Domenico Acquaro opened its doors in 1973. His daughter Vida joined the kitchen in 2016 and now leads the daily operations following their relocation to Hendrik Baelskaai in March 2019. The current menu follows a strict third-generation framework that prioritizes traditional techniques over modern experimentation. This steadfast commitment to authentic Italian cuisine earned the establishment a 14 out of 20 rating from Gault&Millau shortly after the move.

The third-generation menu

Guests navigate the dining experience through three distinct pathways: the standard a la carte list, a focused lunch menu served midweek, and the signature Menu 3° Generazione. The kitchen deliberately structures these selections to highlight seasonal produce and time-honored recipes rather than fleeting trends. While vegetarian modifications flow naturally across the offerings, the team notes that strict vegan preparations conflict with the foundational methods used here. Diners seeking this particular style of Italian cooking will find consistency across every service period.

The room and surrounding spaces

Attire expectations set a clear tone at the main dining floor, where smart city clothing remains a standing requirement for evening service. The interior maintains a quiet professionalism that extends to their guest policy, which routinely welcomes well-behaved dogs directly beneath the tables. Just steps away, the team launched Osteria Marina in early 2026 as a more relaxed counterpart. This adjacent brasserie and wine bar invites walk-in patrons to sample lighter Italian specialties alongside carefully curated bottles without requiring a reservation.