The Manhattan Beach Dining Edit: The Definitive Shortlist
- GSS Staff
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Downtown Manhattan Beach has a dense but spread-out dining scene. Within a few blocks of the pier, you’ll find chef-driven restaurants, casual spots, bars, and cafés.
Sit-Down Restaurants (Plan Ahead)
These are the restaurants people build their evening around. Reservations are common, especially on weekends.
Manhattan Beach Post - Led by chef David LeFevre, this is one of the defining restaurants in the South Bay. The menu focuses on seasonal, shareable plates and has stayed consistently relevant for years.
Fishing with Dynamite - Also from David LeFevre, this is a smaller seafood-focused restaurant with a strong raw bar. It’s one of the hardest reservations to get in the area.
The Arthur J - A modern steakhouse from the same chef group. More structured, more formal, and one of the most polished dining rooms in Manhattan Beach.
The Strand House - Located just above the beach, this is where people go for a full dinner with a view. The menu leans coastal California, and timing it around sunset is part of the experience.
Love & Salt - Italian-focused, with strong pastas, wood-fired dishes, and a solid cocktail program. Works well for a longer, sit-down meal.
Petros - Greek and California-inspired cuisine made with high-quality, farm-to-table
Nick's Manhattan Beach - One of the most consistently used full-service restaurants in the area. Broad menu, strong execution, always busy.
Toranj - Persian and Mediterranean food that adds range beyond typical beach dining. More low-key, but well regarded.
Tin Roof Bistro - Slightly inland, wine-focused, and relaxed. A steady local option!
Casual Restaurants
These are easier to use without planning but still consistently good.
Simmzy's - A long-standing local staple—burgers, beer, and outdoor seating. This is where people go after the beach or surf.
Slay Italian Kitchen - Known for its pizza, especially the crust. It sits between casual and sit-down and works in both directions.
Dashi Dashi - A smaller sushi and sake bar. Good for a lighter meal without committing to a full dinner.
The Manhattan Beach International Shortlist
Nawa Thai: Modern, refined Thai located on Highland Ave near El Porto. It is the best choice for a sophisticated sit-down meal with authentic, ocean-inspired flavor profiles.
India’s Tandoori: A North Indian staple on Sepulveda. Locals like it for its high-value daily lunch buffet.
Dan Modern Chinese: Located in Manhattan Village, this spot focuses on precision—specifically their hand-made soup dumplings and noodles
Sugarfish: Found in Metlox Plaza, this is the go-to for high-standard, "no-nonsense" sushi. It’s built on a strict quality-control system that ensures the fish is the focus.
Drinks, Wine, and the Bar Layer
This is a core part of Manhattan Beach dining—restaurants and bars overlap.
Esperanza Cocina de la Playa - A more recent addition with a strong tequila and cocktail program. People often start here for drinks and stay for dinner.
Barsha Wine & Spirits - Wine bar and retail shop combined. Smaller, more intentional
Brewco - A long-running beer spot near the pier. Straightforward, consistent, and always in rotation.
Culture Brewing Co. - A smaller brewery-style stop with a rotating tap list. Quick, and casual
Late-Night Option
The Kettle - One of the few places open late. When everything else closes, this is where people go.
Complete Your Manhattan Beach Itinerary:
Plan Your Visit: Visiting Manhattan Beach: The Insider’s Guide to the South Bay’s Gold Standard – Learn the history of the "Waikiki sand," explore the Strand, and navigate the pier like a local.
Book Your Stay: Manhattan Beach Hotel Edit: Where to Stay for Access and Utility – A curated look at the city’s best accommodations, categorized by proximity to the beach and dining hubs.
