Foodies in the east Metro, rejoice! A new restaurant in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, has opened, and it fills a culinary void that’s plagued this part of the Twin Cities since the pandemic: the lack of a restaurant serving upscale fusion cuisine. Fortunately the owners of MARMA – a portmanteau of their first names, Marcus (Clark) and Max (Basaker), that, fortuitously, also happens to be the Sanskrit word for “essence” – are cut from fusion cloth and built up their culinary chops in this part of the world. So I, for one, expect, that MARMA will be welcomed with opened arms by east Metro residents.

MARMA took over the former No Neck Tony's space in Lake Elmo and opened its doors to the public in April 2024.
MARMA/Facebook
Its owners cut their teeth at Marx Fusion Bistro, a longtime Stillwater institution that closed just before the pandemic. So, in many ways, MARMA fills the void that Marx left behind, although with a more modern edge to the menu and bar program.
After stints at other respected eateries in the Metro, Clark and Basaker fused their experience and passions into MARMA.
MARMA/Facebook
Clark, who oversaw the openings of and helmed The Velveteen and The Wild Hare in Stillwater, brings his top-tier craft cocktail game to MARMA.
zap zap/Google Reviews
You'll find inspired drinks, including mocktails, as well as carefully-curated wine and beer lists at the eatery.

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With nearly a dozen small plates and appetizers to choose from, you'd be forgiven for simply enjoying a drink and some snacks.
Brittney Mueller/Google Reviews
But I recommend moving a little deeper into the menu, so you can enjoy the restaurant's vibrant, flavorful mains.
Tara Ernst/Google Reviews
International inspiration and fresh ingredients drive MARMA's menu, and you'll find your tastebuds tantalized by most of the options.
katelynn conover/Google Reviews
And always save room for dessert - it doesn't miss!
zap zap/Google Reviews
The flourless chocolate cake is delicious, but if the banana rum cake is on offer when you go, don't pass it up.

If you haven’t had a chance to dine at MARMA, I recommend you stop depriving yourself, and head over to this new restaurant in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, right away! For the restaurant’s hours, its menus, or for the phone number to make a reservation, visit MARMA on the web. Check out the restaurant’s Facebook page for updates. Why not book a hotel room in nearby Stillwater, Minnesota, and make a weekend of your trip to MARMA?

Have you had a chance to try MARMA in Lake Elmo? If not, do you plan to go? Let us know in the comments!

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MARMA, 11127 Stillwater Blvd, Lake Elmo, MN 55042, USA