Coffeehouse
Java Man
The march of chain coffeehouses in the South Bay continues, but even though there are big names on almost every corner, the repurposed 1920s bungalow on Pier Avenue remains our favorite. There’s only one Java Man, and if owner Rick Henkus has ever thought about franchising it, he hasn’t mentioned it publicly. It’s just fine if he doesn’t, because locals like the uniqueness of this friendly spot that resembles a college town hangout. The coffee is good but short on the novelty varieties that are offered at chains — it’s good by itself, so why mess with it? Order some and settle in with a housemade pastry, and if you have time to relax, let the South Bay’s oldest coffeehouse work its magic.
157 Pier Ave.
Hermosa Beach
(310) 379-7209
Bowls (Acai or fruit)
Paradise bowl
The acai bowl is a new enough item in our lexicon that plenty of people haven’t figured out how to pronounce it yet. (The correct pronunciation is something like “assai-yee” rather than “akay” or “assay”.) The people at the counter at Paradise Bowls must be used to hearing every possible variation on the name, because they sell so many things that contain that Amazonian berry. The fruit is rich in antioxidants, but that’s not the only reason people rush to eat them. The tart flavor is wonderful when mixed with other fruits, yogurt, nuts, granola, and other ingredients. Paradise Bowls offers acai in six varieties of bowls plus several smoothies, and in each the versatile berry shines. Enjoy it for the health benefits and the delightful flavor is a bonus — or is it the other way around?
1246 Hermosa Ave.
Hermosa Beach
(310) 374-5284
919 Manhattan Ave.
Manhattan Beach
(310) 798-7100
Dessert (restaurant)
The Strand House
Any article about the Strand House’s desserts has to start with the doughnuts — they’re by far the most popular item, and just about everybody orders them. They are fine indeed, a flight of five freshly made morsels of buttery fried dough glazed with vanilla bean, chocolate crunch, strawberry crumble, salted caramel, and orange creamsicle. They’re stupendous, but not the only dessert attraction here. They make their own ice creams and sorbet, and also a fine Japanese style cheesecake with guava-raspberry sauce, to name just two options. The whole list is mouth-watering and worthy of contemplation, so if you’re dining with friends you might order several and share tastes. Any meal at The Strand house is a delight, and the finish is the sweetest part of all.
The Strand House
117 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Manhattan Beach
(310) 545-7470
Bread
Tommy and Atticus
It’s rare for an establishment to win one of these awards in their first year in business, and it’s arguable whether that just happened. Tommy and Atticus was a fixture at local farmer’s markets before their brick and mortar bakery opened last July, but the new location has dramatically raised their profile. The farmer’s market stall often sold out an hour after opening, while the new storefront rarely has that problem. Baker Garrett McPerry attributes the flavor of their bread to his wild sourdough starters, but there are certainly more elements to that perfect crust and the moist, wonderful interior. However the effect is achieved, it’s the best bread in our area, and an inspiration to home bakers everywhere.
1700 Aviation Blvd.
Redondo Beach
(310) 374-2110
Diner
Ocean Diner
Diners used to be actual railroad dining cars that were parked when their traveling days were over, and they were the first places to serve breakfast all day. The Ocean diner doesn’t try to look like it was once on wheels, but does capture some of the nostalgia for an America long gone. You can get breakfast any time they’re open in an ambiance that includes yellowing 1940’s newspapers and memorabilia, with old school jazz and pop in the background. They boast food like grandma used to make, and you’ll enjoy it whether or not your forebears were actually talented in the kitchen. The menu of American favorites is extensive and everything is made in house. Try the meatloaf or chicken-fried steak for a taste of middle America of a century past.
959 Aviation Blvd.
Hermosa Beach
(310) 372-3739
First date
Salt & Pearl
If you’re going on a first date, you may not know a lot about your dining companion, and it might be a good idea to ask whether they like seafood. That’s the centerpiece of the menu at Salt & Pearl, and beginning with some items from the raw bar that are served in twos might start the evening on a companionable note. You can learn about your date as you nibble these together — the flavors and textures give you something to discuss that is rooted in the shared moment. Move from those paired bites to something you can share, like one of the salads, and at least offer a taste of your entrée to each other. Let the intimacy increase if that’s the way the evening goes, and if it doesn’t go anywhere, you will part as friends having shared a great meal.
1719 S Catalina Ave.
Redondo Beach
(310) 372-0122
Special occasion restaurant
Arthur J
A special occasion deserves a special environment, and the Arthur J delivers. The interior is sleek and stylish with mid-century touches, the kind of place where you feel like dressing up to get into the mood. (They’ll serve casual diners because it’s California, but it’s fun to style up sometimes.) The service is impeccable and professional, and they treat your celebratory dinner as an event. The food is superb, whether you choose the steaks this place is renowned for, a seafood item or one of their other offerings. This is the place to commemorate an anniversary, birthday, corporate event, or the fact that your spouse has finally learned how to stack the dishwasher to your satisfaction. What you designate as a special occasion is your business.
903 Manhattan Ave.
Manhattan Beach
(310) 878-9620
View
Strand House
There is no view from a restaurant in the South Bay anything like the view from the Strand House, and that is strange. Surely there must be other spaces where someone might take advantage of a more than 180 degree view of the Santa Monica Bay from Malibu to Palos Verdes, but nobody has built it. It’s mesmerizing in any weather, whether sunshiny or on an evening when the blustery breeze blows the palms below. This is the place for a memorable brunch, lunch, or dinner, and you’ll want to take pictures to send to friends in less picturesque environments. Not too many, please. We don’t want them all to move to California.
The Strand House
117 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Manhattan Beach
(310) 545-7470
