Best of the Beach 2022: Thai Southeast Asian, Sunday Brunch, Tapas/Small Plates

Thai Dishes announced the arrival of Thai food in the beach cities with its distinctive pagoda. Easy Reader file photo

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

thaidishesmb.com

 Runner-up: 

Phuket Thai Restaurant

901 N Pacific Coast Hwy #100 

Redondo Beach

(310) 374-9598

Phuketthairedondo.com

  

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

eatdrinkvida.com   

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

eatrockefeller.com

    

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

gabijamesla.com

Runner-up:

Vida Modern Taqueria

1723 S. Catalina Ave.

Redondo Beach

(310) 430-7787

eatdrinkvida.com

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