South Bay residents are a social, festive bunch of folks. Between the climb in dining out-versus-in among millennials and the typical social vibe associated with beach culture, a rise in award-winning eateries has sparked talented, often famous, Chefs to arrive on the scene, resulting in high profile critics to take note.
Manhattan Beach
MB Post
The birth of MB Post put Manhattan Beach on the culinary map in 2011 when it was named one of Los Angeles Magazine’s 2011 Best New Restaurants, as well as being a semifinalist for the 2012 James Beard Foundation Award for the Best New Restaurant and Best Chef Pacific categories, and 2013 semifinalist for Best Chef West among many other accolades.
Though years later the bustling eatery is still cranking out amazing food to huge crowds. The lively restaurant embodies a very social communal space to share food with friends from the ever-changing menu of rustic-gourmet farm-to-table ingredients and handcrafted cocktails that keep customers coming back. Co-owned by Michelin–starred chef, David LeFevre, he seamlessly infuses his fine dining background with a dash of keeping-it-real.
Fishing With Dynamite
Next door to MB Post, Fishing With Dynamite, aka FWD, is also a David LeFevre restaurant, that offers outstanding fresh seafood dishes and raw bar offerings in a cozy 33 seat bistro. FWD was recently named Best Oyster Bar by Los Angeles Magazine.
Zagat
In a 2018 post, trusted Zagat listed a handful of other restaurants noted as Best in Manhattan Beach: Love & Salt, The Arthur J, and The Strand House. Love & Salt, recipient of multiple culinary awards, is beloved for its updated Italian fare with a California twist, Chef and Co-owner Michael Fiorelli delights patrons with impeccable presentation of thoughtfully curated dishes and cocktails amid a lively beach chic atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Arthur J-is the cities best place for a succulent steak and handcrafted mixology cocktails set in mid-century modern decor. The Strand House serves many purposes in Manhattan Beach, sweeping oceans views ideal for lunch, sophisticated family-friendly dinner spot, and late-night cocktail bar with dancing by the shore. Enjoyed daily by locals and tourists alike by award-winning Chef Greg Hozinsky and Executive Chef Austin Cobb.
Hermosa Beach
Baran’s 2239
Owned by two brothers, Jonathan and Jason, of a well-known Pasadena restaurant family, Baran’s 2239 in Hermosa Beach is one of the South Bay’s most up-and-coming restaurants. Though off the beaten path for a typical foodie hotspot, this petit bistro has residents and the press talking. From the likes of Los Angeles Magazine, LA Eater, and LA Weekly, critics and patrons alike are swooning over the farm fresh, all in-house-made delightful dishes; hamachi crudo, duck confit poutine, and their famous focaccia bread to name a few. Their Executive Chef Tyler Gugliotta, formerly of The Tasting Kitchen in Venice, embraces his Italian family heritage while making it modern, with a French twist and ultimately…his own.
Steak and Whiskey
Zagat recently featured Steak and Whiskey in Hermosa Beach as part of the 15 Under the Radar in LA. Why it is loved…simple, hand-selected high-quality meat in a Cali-chic style tavern by Blackhouse Restaurant Group. The cozy eclectic ambiance is welcoming and stylish which is the new standard from Blackhouse Hospitality group, and partners Jed Sanford and Executive Chef-Owner Tin Vuong of well-known Little Sister and Abigail.
Redondo Beach
The Hudson House
Owned and operated by Celebrity Chef Brooke Williamson, winner of the Top Chef, The Hudson House has a hit list of gastro-pub meets beach-bistro dishes along with craft cocktails and beer. Williamson also owns other eateries with notoriety, Playa Provisions and The Tripel in Playa Del Rey.
Bettolino Kitchen
South Redondo’s Bettolino Kitchen received accolades as LA Weekly’s Top 10 Restaurants in Redondo Beach. Delight in Chef Fabio’s fresh handmade pasta with an air of feeling at home with their dedication to a welcoming spirit from this family run eatery.
Palos Verdes
MAR’SEL
The oceanfront setting at upscale Mar’sel serves up California Cuisine with a fine touch. Enjoy a getaway at Terranea Resort which is home to the refined eatery lead by Chef de Cuisine Andrew Vaughan who worked working alongside Emeril Lagasse at NOLA in New Orleans, and Daniel Boulud at Restaurant Daniel in New York City. Mar’sel is recipient of the 2018 Diners Choice Award for Open Table, and the 2017 Excellence Award for Wine Spectator.