I Get What For $12.50?? Marlin Darlin in Belleair Bluffs

I had heard good things about Marlin Darlin, and decided to try it out for myself. It is located in Belleair Bluffs. I had thought I made an online reservation, however when I got there, I found out that the online reservations are not checked after three, so my reservation was never made and I had to wait with everyone else. I was in a good mood, so it was no big deal.

We started the meal with 2 appetizers- the french onion dumplings (based on a friend’s recommendation) and the stuffed mushrooms. Both were excellent. The 2 for 1 mojito I was enjoying was also very good- not too sweet. I could not believe it when I looked at the menu for my entree- they had a special where you chose an entree from a list, chose a salad, and got a dessert for……drum roll please…….$12.50. Then, when I looked at the list of choices for the entree, I got even more excited- lamb chops?? Really?? This threw my idea of ordering seafood out the window. My dining companion also did the $12.50  deal and chose a crab cake. The crab cake was huge, and mostly crab meat, not a lot of filler. My lamb chops were excellent, and came with real mashed potatoes, and a skewer of grilled veggies. I was really happy when there was also a cute spoon of mint jelly to go with my perfectly cooked lamb chops. I don’t know how they can sell this much food for twelve dollars!

Service was promt, welcoming and not rushed. Parking was a little strange, as I parked on the side of a closed up bank which shared the building.  But, in general, I would definitely go back, and definitely recommend the restaurant.  But, be warned, it is very busy, and make sure you make your online reservation before 3.

Check out Marlin Darlin in Belleair Bluffs.