Vino Mar Opens on Olympia’s Waterfront

If you're looking for a new waterfront dining option in Olympia, there's a new restaurant officially open along the boardwalk.

Vino Mar has opened in the former Dockside Bistro location, bringing a fresh concept to one of downtown Olympia's most recognizable waterfront spaces.

The restaurant comes from Valentina Flores, who many locals already know from her downtown restaurant, Valentina's. While that restaurant built a following around elevated Mexican cuisine, Vino Mar takes things in a different direction.

🌊 A Coastal Latin Concept on the Water

According to the restaurant, Vino Mar's focus is coastal Latin cuisine, blending seafood, fresh ingredients, and flavors inspired by Latin American coastal regions.

The waterfront setting naturally plays into that vision.

Guests can enjoy views of the marina and Budd Inlet while dining on a menu designed around seafood, wine, and shareable dishes. The location's outdoor patio places diners directly along Olympia's boardwalk, creating one of the few true waterfront dining experiences in the city.

For many residents, the former Dockside Bistro location has long been considered one of Olympia's most desirable restaurant spaces, making this opening particularly noteworthy.

🍷 Wine, Seafood, and a Different Experience

While Valentina's has become known for its vibrant downtown atmosphere, Vino Mar appears aimed at a slightly different experience.

The restaurant emphasizes:

• Coastal Latin-inspired cuisine

• Fresh seafood offerings

• Curated wine selections

• Waterfront patio dining

• A relaxed but elevated atmosphere

The goal appears to be creating a destination where locals and visitors alike can enjoy Olympia's waterfront while experiencing something unique within the city's growing restaurant scene.

📈 A Positive Sign for Olympia's Waterfront

The opening comes at a time when Olympia's waterfront continues to evolve.

New housing projects, public investments, and restaurant concepts have gradually brought more activity to the area. Openings like Vino Mar help strengthen the waterfront as a destination, giving both residents and tourists another reason to spend time downtown.

As Olympia grows, many community leaders have emphasized the importance of activating waterfront spaces with businesses that encourage people to gather, dine, and explore the city.

Vino Mar is the latest example of that trend.

📍 Now Open

Vino Mar is now serving customers at the former Dockside Bistro location.

Reservations are available through Google Maps or by contacting the restaurant directly.

For anyone who enjoys waterfront dining, seafood, or simply trying something new, it may be worth adding to your list.

📬 I'm Aaron Thomas, a local realtor — I live & work here in the South Sound.

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