Thai Southeast Asian
Thai Dishes
The people who brought Thai food to the South Bay are still best at serving it, say our readers. Thai Dishes remained popular through the pandemic thanks to pleasant outdoor patios at the side of the restaurant and in their parking lot, and that’s still some people’s favorite seating even though concern has receded. Their menu of classics rarely changes, but that’s fine with people who have been coming back for decades to relish the fruity, sour, and peppery flavors of the breakout success of Southeast Asian cuisine. Look for the pointy roof next to the post office on PCH – you can’t miss it.
Thai Dishes
1015 N Sepulveda Blvd.
Manhattan Beach
(310) 546-4147
Runner-up:
Phuket Thai Restaurant
901 N Pacific Coast Hwy #100
Redondo Beach
(310) 374-9598
Sunday Brunch
Vida Modern Taqueria
As creative as the crew at Vida is at dinner, they top that during weekend brunch. Who else thought of making tres leches style French toast, or making a waffle churro style and topping it with berries? Or making eggs Benedict using masa sope shells instead of muffins? A few of the Mexican items you’d expect are here, such as chilaquiles and a breakfast burrito, though there’s birria in that burrito instead of the usual bacon. They’ll also make American classics if you prefer a standard breakfast like pancakes or eggs with potatoes, bacon or sausage. Whether you like your brunch adventurous or a classic well made, they have you covered.
Vida Modern Taqueria
1723 S. Catalina Ave.
Redondo Beach
(310) 430-7787
Runner-up:
The Rockefeller
418 Pier Ave.
Hermosa Beach
(310) 372-8467
1707 S Catalina Ave.
Redondo Beach
(424) 350-7862
1209 Highland Ave.
Manhattan Beach
(310) 545-5810
Tapas / Small Plates
Gabi James
Spaniards invented tapas, the small plates designed to complement glasses of wine, and the South Bay’s only Spanish influenced restaurant honors that tradition. Americans tend to regard the small plates as the prelude to a meal, while Spaniards will fill the center of the table with dishes and keep ordering wine and food until everyone has had enough of both. At Gabi James, those who love variety will eat as a Spaniard, those who prefer American style meals will have a few starters and then move onto a large dish, and everyone will leave happy.
Gabi James:
1810 S Catalina Ave.
Redondo Beach
(310) 540-4884
Runner-up:
Vida Modern Taqueria
1723 S. Catalina Ave.
Redondo Beach
(310) 430-7787
