Our Story

In 2009, fresh off a big market crash, Marination owners Kamala and Roz decided on a new kind of investment: running their own business. Big Blue — their first food truck — took to the streets of Seattle in June, with smiles for miles and a unique Hawaiian-Korean fusion cuisine in tow.

After millions of tacos, thousands of malasadas, and over 15 incredible years, Marination has grown into an ono-filled restaurant ohana. Marination Ma Kai sits on the shores of Alki in West Seattle, boasting some of the best waterfront views in the city — looking out over Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains.

Our commitment to serving up Everyday Aloha extends throughout each of Marination's locations and is reflected in the community lifted up in each space. We believe in fun. We believe in flavor. We believe in delivering daily Aloha to Seattle.

We support these beliefs by hiring vibrant, joyful people to prepare, cook, and serve our saucy and delicious fare; to connect with our customers and share a smile or a joke; and to facilitate our events and catering operations. Featured in local and national press, Marination's success grew organically through word-of-mouth — and we're proud of that.

Want some scratch-based street food that's bursting with flavor? A great place to meet friends and enjoy the city? Look no further — mahalo!

Marination has always been about more than food. From the very beginning, Kamala and Roz built a business centered on the people who've taken them to where they are — the customers, the staff, and the neighborhoods they call home.

A strong social media presence has allowed the team to stay connected with the awesome people who love the food, bring their friends, and cater their events and meetings. But more importantly, it's the face-to-face connections at the counter and on the patio that keep the spirit of aloha alive every single day.