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Asian Fusion: Little Sister
Chef Tin Vuong has rocketed to stardom like no other chef in the history of the South Bay. Just two years ago when he took over the kitchen at Abigaile, nobody had heard of him, and now he is one of our local stars. His passion for artfully combining Asian foods has flowered at Little […]
Best romantic dinner: La Sosta Enoteca
Simple décor, candlelight and the smell of rustic, authentic Italian cuisine make cozy La Sosta a go-to spot for couples celebrating birthdays and anniversaries or just seeking a romantic evening out together. Salumi specials fill many of the tables, as do bottles of wine from an ecletic, esoteric wine list, grilled meats and fish, housemade […]
Best view: The Strand House
Mike Zislis’ Strand House is another success story for the South Bay restaurant giant. Locals enjoy fine, albeit expensive, cuisine, inventive cocktails, and selections from an impressive wine list. However, the greatest draw of the three-story restaurant and bar is its location on Manhattan Pier, offering panoramic views of the Pacific from its tables, bar, […]
Best ice cream parlor: Manhattan Beach Creamery
Manhattan Beach Creamery continues its reign as favorite ice cream shop in the South Bay with an unwavering commitment to fresh, inventive homemade ice cream and baked goods. Now that they have welcomed Cupcake Couture’s signature cupcakes into the store, there is even more reason to get your sugar fix here. What goes better with […]
Best yogurt shop: Yogurtland
South Bay fro-yo fans are loyal to this independent spot that offers a glut of flavors and toppings that you use to build your own sweet creation. Always immaculately clean and always well-staffed with smiling faces, Yogurtland satisfies sugar cravings without packing on the pounds. And eating red velvet soft-serve without any guilt is about […]
Best bagel shop: Noah’s New York Bagels
The South Bay has enough New York transplants to grant credence to the winner of best bagel. Noah’s has beat out the competitors once again, with an eclectic menu of over 25 bagel varieties, sandwiches, and coffee and espresso drinks that draw local bagel enthusiasts to the Manhattan Beach store in droves. If you need […]
Best independent coffee house: Java Man
For 20 years and counting, Java Man has been a popular spot for South Bay locals to enjoy coffee, homemade soups and sandwiches, and breakfast entrees. The coffee shop has comfortable seating for catching up with friends or getting work done out of the office. The gentlemen behind the counter are always welcoming and accommodating, […]
Best coffee house chain: Starbucks Coffee Company
With a dozen locations around the South Bay, Starbucks continues to be locals’ number one spot for daily caffeine injections. Now that the chain has added hot sandwiches and packaged foods to go, more and more folks are choosing Starbucks for a quick bite to eat, as well. Each store has a different layout and […]
Best bakery: Becker’s Bakery & Deli
Now in business 71 years, Becker’s continues to delight locals with a colorful array of cookies, cupcakes, and specialty cakes that draws fan of all ages to the sweet-smelling Manhattan Beach storefront. With cupcake varieties like maple bacon, Becker’s keeps up with the changing palate of foodies and keeps its place as the top bakery […]
Best Sushi Chef: Sanji, Sushi Duke
Sushi Duke owner Sanji is a beloved member of the South Bay community just as much for his warmth and commitment to hospitality as for his incredible sushi creations. Patrons swear the secret to his unrivaled flavors is his signature sauces that remove any need for soy sauce, ginger, or wasabi on the rolls. The […]
Best Vegeterian: Green Temple
The entrance to Green Temple is one of visual delights of the South Bay. You enter from either a nondescript courtyard on Avenue I or a side alley off Catalina, neither of which looks particularly impressive. Pass that door and you are in another world, a secluded courtyard next to a comfortable dining room, both […]
Best Thai/Southeast Asian food: Phuket Thai
Phuket is a town in Southern Thailand that is famous for a great beach and hospitality to match, assets the South Bay also proudly claims. Phuket restaurant doesn’t have a beach view but makes up for it with excellent service – the people here are happy to assist diners who have questions, whether they are […]
Best Tapas/Appetizers: Mediterraneo
Mediterraneo is much more than a Spanish restaurant; though authentic tapas have been served since the place opened a decade ago, so have innovative items based on the same bold flavors. Whether you’re a traditionalist or an adventurer, the pattern here is the same; order as many plates as there are people, with beverages to […]
Best wine bar: Friends of the Vine
One must feel envious of the owners of Friends of the Vine – they make a living by hosting a civilized house party five nights a week. (On Sunday and Monday, you’re on your own.) This wine bar in a wine shop offers a cozy environment with comfortable sofas and chairs near the bar – […]
Best restaurant wine list: Bottle Inn
Whether you are in the market for a rustic, full-flavored wine for an everyday meal or a bottle of something magical to celebrate an anniversary, corporate triumph, or just the fact that you really enjoy great wine, the Bottle Inn has what you are looking for. The owners have been collecting fine wines for over […]