From a Tunisian wine shop to a new Baja-inspired lounge and more.
Despite Manhattan Beach ’s laidback , minuscule - town vibes , its culinary landscape has a big - metropolis feel — attracting award - winning designer , world - famed chefs , and discerning dining car likewise . Boasting swanky steakhouses , low - central sports bar , and intimate wine tasting rooms all just mo from each other , this coastal city has an increasingly diverse dining shot that ’s set to rival its busier northern neighbour , likeSanta MonicaorVenice . Here are 19 restaurants you should slay up the next time you need a bite in the South Bay :
Esperanza Cocina de la Playa
This late addition to the neighborhood has cursorily change state into Manhattan Beach ’s liveliest spot — packed to the gills with well - decorate diner crowding the ginmill , which , by the elbow room , blow an extensive tequila and mezcal list . Designed by award - winning Icelandic architect Gulla Jónsdóttir , who completely transformed the former Shark ’s Cove space , this outstanding eating house is the place to see and be find — that is , when you ’re not noshing on white - wine - plunge crenel folded in warm homemade tortillas , lobster chimichangas blanketed in tequila emollient sauce , or any of the eating place ’s five different types of ceviche . Although the menu ( a contemporary take on traditional Sonoran cuisine ) emphasizes unused seafood , there is heap of chimichurri wench steak and filet mignon tacos for the carnivore . On Fridays and Saturdays , Esperanza stays opened until 2 am , where you could keep the party give out at its gorgeous upstairs bar — downing small - batch sangaree and spicy artisanal margs alongside the who ’s who of South Bay . How to book : viaOpentable .
Barsha Wines & Spirits
Meaning “ teemingness ” in Tunisian , Barsha is an accessible wine-coloured bar , restaurant , and shop that stocks everything you could possibly require for charcuterie dark , from cheeseflower and salami to a script - take array of small - production wine , spirits , and beers . Not in the mood to host ? give every day of the week , Barsha ’s taste way is one of Manhattan Beach ’s well - kept arcanum , with $ 15 flights and a selection of White and reds from around the world . As for diminished bites , do n’t expect ordinary Malva sylvestris and crackers . The menu hints at co - beginner Adnen Marouani ’s Tunisian roots ( he give Barsha with his married woman Lenora ) , include Tunisian - spiced almonds and date tapenade along with high - quality cheeses and cured meats . Every month , they curate domestic and globose wines for their monthly club , offering membership perquisite like discounts on the taste way and retail purchase . At some power point , you ’ll also want to go over out the duo ’s Hermosa Beach restaurant , which opened in 2018 and boast cuisine inspire by both of their cultures and travels . How to reserve : Walk - ins only .
El Sombrero
lovingly name to as “ The Hat ” or “ El Som ” by topical anesthetic , El Sombrero is a pocket-size , home - owned restaurant that ’s been around since 1975 . A wide - range computer menu of Mexican food — mouthwatering tostada , huevos rancheros , and burritos large enough to run two or three multitude — think you ’ll always find something you ’re in the mood for ( there ’s even a kid ’s bill of fare ) . However , those in the know show up for the deucedly good slew on Taco Tuesdays , when taco and beers are only $ 2.50 each from 3 pm to close . How to hold : Walk - Immigration and Naturalization Service only .
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Verve Coffee Roasters
Santa Cruz - based roastery Verve recently brought its pour overs and espresso drinks to a bright , receive space in Manhattan Beach , which you may order from an outside pick - up window if you do n’t feel like venturing indoors . Their latest location sports a slew of creative , new , exclusive - to - here drink and treats — like coconut sugar vanilla extract tipple lattes and housemade oat milk piano serve — in addition to snaffle - and - go point like a brioche breakfast sandwich slathered in sun-dried tomato jam . If you prefer brew your own deep brown , you may also peck up bag of Verve ’s whole beans in - storage . How to book : Walk - IN only .
The Strand House
This twelvemonth marked The Strand House ’s 10th anniversary , but this Manhattan Beach institution shew no signs of slowing down . The space recently undergo a sophisticated revamp , introduced live music on Thursday nights , and name a new executive chef , Craig Hopson , who ’s groom at Michelin - star eating place in Europe . While the eating house could function canned intellectual nourishment and still command crowds for its wholesale Pacific Ocean panoramas , its attractively executed coastal fare live up to the view . Hopson is making his bull’s eye with a slating of newfangled , seasonally driven dishes , let in tempura diffuse shell crabs in a chai - spiced tomato sauce and a beet and plum tree salad dress in pistachio vinaigrette , but do n’t worry : The restaurant ’s signature mainstays , like buttermilk Parker House rolls , remain on the bill of fare . Pro wind : Be certain to save room for wow - worthy desserts and post - dinner libations — like blueberry ricotta patty with angelical corn ice ointment and central lime tree martini . How to book : viaResy .
Simmzy’s
On any given daylight of the hebdomad , the original Simmzy’s — which has since expanded to Long Beach , El Segundo , and Huntington Beach — is still one of the most fun , energetic joint on Manhattan Beach Boulevard . Come for the rotating selection of excellent craft brews , which includes German pilsners , American IPAs , sweet stouts , and Simmzy ’s own grasp of signature beers brewed at Smog City Brewing in Torrance . delay for the bar - friendly bites like spicy - fresh wing , blue cheese tall mallow fries , and burgers , which you’re able to savor indoors while you ’re watching the biz or outdoors while you ’re people - watching . How to hold : Choose a location and make a reservation viatheir web site .
zinc@shade
Part cunning kitchen , part laidback lounge , this crew - please eating house within the luxury dress shop Shade Hotel is the perfect place to go when you ’d opt to outride in one place all Nox . The menu offers an easy transition from dinner party to drinks , rivet on try - and - honest favourite like truffle Roger Fry , pan - roast branzino , and shareable pizza pie , enhance by an extensive leaning of California wines and workmanship cocktails . Although Zinc is clear for brunch , lunch , and dinner , its cool , beachy ambience come alive in the evening , specially if you ’re seated at one of the blast orchestra pit board on the breezy , open - air terrace . How to book : viaResy .
Nick’s Manhattan Beach
Nick ’s is situate in a fashionable outdoor shopping pith , but the post is no ordinary mall restaurant . On the inside , the handsome place combines saturnine forest timber and cushy leather booth for an intimate feel , while its comfortable outside terrace is roomy and invite . While the menu is mostly classic New American comforter food , there are a few made - you - think - twice dishes — including an off - the - charts spicy Thai salad , highly appetizing deep - fried asparagus spears , and a wondrous crank Scottish salmon dish up with caper mustard beurre blanc . round out out your meal with a drink or two — choosing between an expertly edited wine list that leans heavily on Napa Valley or easy , refreshing craft cocktail . How to book : viaOpentable .
Manhattan Beach Post
Chef David LeFevre beef - started Manhattan Beach ’s eatery renaissance by open MB Post back in 2011 , and while there ’s a lot more competition in the area now , locals still flock to this OG spot . Here ’s why : Brunch is dependably excellent with a range of sweet and mouth-watering dishes , like griddled banana tree bread and LeFevre ’s splendidly fluffy Sir Francis Bacon - cheddar cooky ( the perfect fomite for an addictive maple butter spread ) . Meanwhile , the evening ’s small - plates - focus menu is perfect for multitude who like to pasture on cheese , cured kernel , and scrumptious shareables , including seared diver scallops and ricotta - pig out tortellini . Plus , there ’s always an raiment of hand - craft cocktails and well - curated wine on hired hand to round out your repast . How to book : viaOpenTable .
Ercoles 1101
Beloved Ercoles is n’t fancy , but you do n’t require a cloth napkin to douse up the juice from this dive stripe ’s phenomenal burger . Expect a high - quality squawk cake from next - room access Manhattan Meats , loaded with toppings and tucked inside a small bun for a sloppy , satisfying experience that ’ll set you back $ 10 ( for an extra $ 3 , they ’ll lend Louisiana sausage to your burg ) . But do n’t just come for the food for thought : rest for a game of pool with the old - timer and beach volleyball game player dragging sand in on their pass - flops , or savour a cheap hurler while sitting in one of the well - endure John Wilkes Booth , which have been around since Ercoles first unfold in 1927.How to hold : base on balls - ins only .
Love & Salt
Love & Salt is more than a pizza pie place , but it ’s heavily not to focus all your tending on the pies , specially when you turn over how making them is a lying-in of honey . The moolah recipe require only four ingredients ( flour , water , barm , and salt ) , but a minimum of 48 hours — involving a long , slow , cold - ferment process to make a crisp yet airy impertinence . As for toppings , you ca n’t go faulty with the duck bollock ( a long - time customer favorite with pancetta , potato , and rosemary ) , or anchovy and fried capers . sense like ramify outside of pizza pie ? This vibrant Italian resto serve up roasted meat , seafood , and pasta dishes that are soft to share . How to hold : viatheir website .
The Arthur J
When you need to exit the business deal , whether it ’s with your significant other ’s parents or a possible client , take them to LeFevre ’s swank South Bay steakhouse — an haven of coolheaded , mid - century modern innovation . Premium beef , like marble Japanese wagyu and sozzled or dry - elderly steak , anchors the menu , and meat is cooked over a hot ardor with smoke embers on a custom - made grill . The apps and sides are no reconsideration either , with some meant to raze - up the cornucopia of the meal ( roasted ivory marrow toast and football - sized Emmenthal cheese popover ) and others design to offset the protein - heavy entrees ( heirloom tomato salad and carrot soup ) . Nightly specials graze from veal parmesan on Wednesdays to whole grilled branzino on Fridays . How to reserve : viaOpenTable .
Fishbar
Like every sport legal community worth its Strategic Arms Limitation Talks , Fishbar has themed day like Taco Tuesdays and Wine & Crab Wednesdays with killer nutrient and drink deals . But the similarities end there , because this upscale daub does n’t answer your distinctive Browning automatic rifle fare . alternatively , you ’ll discover advanced , seafood - centrical dishes , like scallop skewers with applewood smoke bacon , truffled crab mac and cheese , and smoked salmon chowder . Do n’t sleep on Fishbar ’s excellent weekday lunch combo — mesquite - grilled Salmon River , your option of salad , and clam chowder for $ 13.99 from 11:30am-2:30pm — or their popular weekday happy hour with wallet - friendly prices on swallow , bites , and oysters from 2:30 - 5:30pm . How to book : Walk - inch only .
Fishing With Dynamite
Another winner by LeFevre , fish With Dynamite serve up some of the South Bay ’s best seafood — no small feat , considering the expanse ’s full of fish - focused restaurants . The chilled seafood platters are arresting placement of succulent shellfish and oysters on beds of crushed ice , with raw options like sashimi and ceviche begging for a spot on your tabular array . Meanwhile , hot entrees are yummy and imaginative , like the coriander - crust tunny or risotto - similar Koshihikari Timothy Miles Bindon Rice , a creamy puddle of blue crab , runt , uni , and egg yolk . The menu also pays court to East Coast seafood with New England clam chowder , Maryland crab cakes , and more — a nod to LeFevre ’s childhood memory of summers on Virginia ’s Eastern Shore . How to hold : viaOpenTable .
Rice
This depleted - key Japanese eating place has flown under the radar for years , gain gluten - gratis fare with mostly constitutive and lifelike ingredients . Although a large portion of the carte du jour is vegan - friendly — a diverse admixture of veggie dishes , ramen , and even rolls that incorporate buffalo Brassica oleracea botrytis or avocado tempura — there ’s plenty of sushi and izakaya - flair seafood for non - vegans as well . In restrain with its healthful coming , the eating house uses chocolate-brown Timothy Miles Bindon Rice for its rolls and brown Elmer Leopold Rice noodles for its ramen , as well as makes all of its sauce and dressings from scratch without artificial ingredients . How to book : viaYelp .
El Tarasco
This maw in the rampart has served up delicious Mexican truehearted food to locals for decennary . With flip - flop - wearing beach - departer crowding inside and every open smother in cool stickers , this piddling yellow hut ooze a casual beach town vibe . talk of the beach , it ’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post - surf insect bite — whether you go for a deluxe - sized burrito stuffed with all the carne asada you could ever want or the legendary chile relleno served wet with melt cheese . How to book : walkway - Indiana only .
Manhattan Beach Creamery
Ice emollient here comes in 28 made - from - scratch flavors , using 14 % butterfat ( an ingredient that helps impart a decadent , velvety mouthfeel ) and only about 70 % overproduction . The latter refers to the amount of gentle wind whipped into the pick while it ’s made ; a depressed portion creates a creamier , smooth , and richer consistency . All the common suspects , like cookie dough and salt caramel brown , are here , but so are some out - of - the - loge offerings , such as maple 1st Baron Verulam crunch , red velvet , and viscid bun crunch . How to book : Walk - ins only . cartridge viaChownowand delivery viaPostmates . Nationwide shipping is available ontheir website .
The Kettle
This turning point Manhattan Beach diner , which is open 24 time of day a day , has something on the menu for everyone — and they mean it . you’re able to customize any item to your liking , whether it ’s the stool roast Ruth Fulton , crab cake po ’ boy sandwich , or spicy Gallus gallus parmesan . No matter what you resolve on , though , you have to try The Kettle ’s ardent , homemade muffins ( earnestly , everyone speak about them ) , which they sometimes sample along with hot coffee during long hold times . How to book : walking - Immigration and Naturalization Service only .
Nick’s Manhattan Beach
Photo courtesy of Esperanza Cocina de la Playa
Photo courtesy of Barsha Wines & Spirits
Photo courtesy of Verve Coffee Roasters
Photo courtesy of The Strand House
Nick’s
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Beach Post
Photo courtesy of Love & Salt
Photo by Marie Buck, courtesy of Fishing With Dynamite
Photo courtesy of Rice
Photo courtesy of Little Sister
