Fratelli Cafe Marina del Rey

🧇 Café comeback or Just a Croissant Doing Overtime?

🔥 Overtime

We came back for a nostalgic brunch cafe comeback…
and left realizing the croissant is carrying this entire situation.


📍 Quick Info

Location: Marina del Rey
Price Range: $15–25
Best For: Coffee + pastry runs, casual breakfast
Parking: Free in lot
Popular Items: Fried Chicken & Waffle, Egg Scrambles, Croissants, Lattes


🍽️ My Experience at Fratelli Cafe

This used to be Café Buna (RIP to a real one), so expectations were not low.

We walked in, got a warm welcome, and ordered at the counter. The space feels the same—just with a much bigger menu now.


⭐ The Food

Let’s talk about the real star—THE FOOD.

My friend got the egg white scramble:

👉 Her official review: “it’s fine.”
And honestly…that’s all you need to know.

I ordered the fried chicken & waffle:

👉 The waffle? Actually really good.
👉 The syrup? Way too sweet and runny—completely hijacked the situation.

The fried chicken:

👉 Smaller portion, needed salt, but overall decent.
Not bad…just not doing the most.

And then—the plot twist.

The chocolate croissant:

👉 Flaky, rich, perfect…suddenly everything made sense.
This is the reason you come here.

The hot vanilla latte:

👉 Beautiful? Yes.
👉 Strong? Also yes…maybe a little too strong for me. Proceed accordingly.


🙌 Service

Warm, friendly, and honestly one of the highlights.


🍴 What to Order

Let me make this easy:

  • Chocolate croissant (non-negotiable)
  • Latte (just know it’s strong)
  • Everything else…manage expectations

👍 Pros & 👎 Cons

Pros:

  • Great service
  • Strong coffee (if that’s your thing)
  • Croissant = main character

Cons:

  • Mains are mid
  • Syrup situation needs a full reset
  • Not the cafe comeback we were hoping for

💡 Tips Before You Go

  • Go for coffee + pastry and you’ll win
  • Skip the syrup overload
  • Don’t come starving with high expectations

⭐ Final Verdict

A brunch spot powered almost entirely by one excellent croissant.

LA Eats Worth It? Maybe. Worth it for the croissant—everything else is a supporting cast.



Recommended Dishes:
Chocolate Croissant, Waffles
Tips:
Free Parking in lot
Location(s):
552 Washington Blvd./Marina del Rey