Romantic dinner
Chart House
The Chart House is a favorite place for wedding receptions, and perhaps some of the romance from those occasions has infused a sort of psychic energy into the building. Or perhaps that’s backwards – maybe the space has been the scene for so many romantic evenings that people decide to have their weddings there. Either way, the ocean view, cool low-key atmosphere, and old school steak and seafood dishes somehow combine to create a place to make memories, and to celebrate them with anniversaries and family events thereafter.
Chart House
231 Yacht Club
Runner-up:
The Bottle Inn
26 22nd St.
Hermosa Beach
Specialty salad
Tower 12
There’s nothing more refreshing than a salad, and the chefs at Tower 12 have come up with five exceptional offerings. They’ve reinvented the century-old Waldorf salad, based on green apple, nuts, lettuce, and grapes. Tower 12’s version uses cranberry vinaigrette instead of mayo, and raisins instead of grapes, making it more attuned to the flavors of our era. They also make an excellent Niçoise, the classic Provencal mix of seafood, vegetables, and egg, and a seasonal vegetable salad that’s a harmonious blend of the best from the farmer’s market. There’s also a kale and rotisserie chicken combo and a loaded Italian, so if you feel like grazing on something wonderful with a view of the beach and plaza, this is the place to go.
Tower 12
53 Pier Ave
Hermosa Beach
Sandwich shop
Mickey’s Italian Delicatessen & Pizzeria
If you’re a regular at Mickey’s, sooner or later you must try a sauce sandwich. That’s what this place became famous for in the 1960s, when a roll with marinara sauce was sold to hungry surfers for a nickel. It’s $2.95 now, a bit more with mozzarella, and it’s simplicity itself on a roll. If that sounds too plain, they have over 30 other options, including eggplant parmesan, their famed homemade meatballs, and Chicago-style Italian-style beef. A small sandwich is plenty for one person, a large one will feed someone who is starving, and if you get the deluxe versions they’re loaded with vegetables and extras. This has been the place for old-fashioned deli sandwiches since the 1950s, and it’s easy to imagine Mickey’s lasting a century.
Mickey’s Italian Delicatessen & Pizzeria
101 Hermosa Ave.
Hermosa Beach
Runner-up:
Rieras Place
1908 S Pacific Coast Hwy
Redondo Beach
Special occasion restaurant
The Strand House
When you’re celebrating something big and want to treat business partners, friends, family or just yourself, the Strand House stands out. The environment is spectacular, the food modern, creative, and stellar, and the service is professional, yet warm. The staff makes every visit there a special occasion, so it’s doubly fitting to make them your choice when there’s something wonderful happening in your world.
The Strand House
117 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Manhattan Beach
(310) 545-7470
Runner-up:
Chart House
231 Yacht Club
Redondo Beach
(310) 372-3464
View
Chart House
There’s nothing between you and the ocean at the Chart House, and you have your choice – do you prefer a seafront table with the hypnotic movements of the waves as the background, or do you prefer a table that allows you to gaze along the beach and appreciate the city lights stretching around the bay? There really is no wrong answer, because wherever you are, it’s a peaceful, relaxing vista that is nothing like what you have at home.
Chart House
231 Yacht Club
Redondo Beach
(310) 372-3464
Runner-up:
The Strand House
117 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Manhattan Beach
(310) 545-7470
