Meet Navio's Masters
Discover the passionate team behind Navio, the iconic ocean-view dining experience at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Celebrated for sustainable seafood, provenance-driven plates, award-winning wines, and brunch spectacles amid nautical elegance and Pacific panoramas—dedicated to unforgettable coastal gastronomy. Come see why our elite restaurant Half Moon Bay ocean view dining experience is rated among the region's best.
Dominique Lemercier
With more than four decades of distinguished experience in global luxury hospitality, Dominique Lemercier is an accomplished dining and operations leader with a career spanning Michelin-starred restaurants, iconic fine-dining institutions, and five-star hotels across five continents. His journey began at the legendary three-Michelin-star La Tour d’Argent in Paris and evolved through leadership roles alongside renowned culinary figures such as Roger Vergé and Alain Chapel, as well as senior positions at Le Méridien (Singapore and San Francisco), The Ritz-Carlton, Muscat, and The Peninsula Hong Kong, where his teams earned Forbes Five-Star recognition. Most recently, Dominique served as Restaurant Operations Manager at a Michelin Star restaurant, leading high-performing teams and overseeing sophisticated dining operations with a focus on efficiency and guest connection.
As General Manager of Navio at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, Dominique brings a global perspective, refined operational expertise, and a service-driven leadership style grounded in thoughtful hospitality. Fluent in multiple languages and experienced in cross-cultural luxury environments, he is dedicated to elevating the guest experience through genuine care, exceptional team leadership, and a commitment to creating memorable, world-class dining moments.
Marco Mendoza
With over 17 years of distinguished experience in the fine dining sector, Marco Mendoza is a seasoned hospitality professional specializing in luxury service within Forbes Five Star resorts across California. Throughout a career dedicated to excellence, Marco has consistently delivered sophisticated and memorable guest experiences, cultivating a deep expertise in wine service and hospitality management.
Exposure to elite dining environments sparked a passion for wine, leading Marco to pursue rigorous certifications through the Court of Master Sommeliers. Currently a Certified Sommelier and Certified Specialist of Sherry, Marco is actively advancing toward the prestigious Advanced Sommelier Certification. Serving as the Resident Sommelier at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, Marco brings a wealth of experience from prestigious establishments including Montage Laguna Beach, St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, Hotel Irvine, Hotel Maya, Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles, and The Mayfair Hotel. Marco Mendoza's dedication to hospitality excellence and wine mastery positions him as a valued asset in luxury dining environments, committed to creating exceptional guest experiences through expertise, professionalism, and passion.
Reviews
"Above all, my first and highest commitment is to quality. By valuing sustainability and community footprints, we are able to attract guests who feel the same way we do."