Best of the Beach 2016, Best Seafood soup: Hermosa Beach Fish Shop
Most South Bay restaurants that feature fish offer either chowder or cioppino. At the seafood specialist Hermosa Beach Fish Shop you have your choice. There are two variations of the chowder, either with or without Andouille sausage, which adds a gentle smoky kick. The chowder is thick and creamy, the seafood finely chopped so it’s in every bite. Subtle flavors of pepper and herbs accent but don’t obscure the natural flavors. The Fish Shop stew has a bolder broth with fresh tomato zest, a dash of garlic and herbs and big chunks of fish. Whether you like your flavors relatively unadorned or zippy, there’s something for you at the Fish Shop.
719 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. (310) 372-3480.