The northern end of Manhattan just got a massive new restaurant complex and this week, Zagat took the A Train uptown to check out the riverside establishment. Zagat editor James Mulcahy filed the following report.

La Marina is located on a narrow stretch of Parkland known as Dyckman Marina, which is is a short walk from the Dyckman Street A Train. The eatery offers numerous environments, including an expansive sit-down restaurant, a beach area complete with sand and a grill and an outdoor lounge. No matter where you sit, you're guaranteed spectacular views of the George Washington Bridge.

"This restaurant is very unique," says co-owner Alain Chevreux. "It offers incredible views. You feel like you are in St. Tropez or the South of France. You can sit down with your family and your friends and have a fantastic time, especially when the night comes in. You will feel like you're in a resort."

A full menu of casual, moderately-priced fare is served in the dining area and on a riverfront patio. Think mussels doused in white wine, burgers and grilled salmon. Guests throughout the complex can cool down with a variety of frozen and fruit-infused cocktails.

"Our chef is Pierre Landet," Chevreux says. "He is a master chef from France. And right now, the food theme is Mediterranean cuisine."

La Marina plans to stay open year-round but the best time to visit is when it's warm out. Locals have already flocked to the waterfront to enjoy buckets of beers and the view. The restaurant should prove a draw to curious city dwellers looking to experience this area of Manhattan.

"The idea behind La Marina was to attract the population of Manhattan that doesn't know about this area," Chevreux says. "You feel like you are an hour away from the city somewhere. Maybe Jones Beach. But you are really on the beach in Manhattan. The A train will bring you here. The 1 train will bring you here and it is about 5 minutes from La Marina."

For more information about La Marina and other new restaurants, visit blog.zagat.com.