Hermosa Beach is popular for beach volleyball, surfing, paddle boarding, running, and cycling. While the beach city is known for these fun outdoor activities, did you know that it’s also home to a variety of great restaurants? Travelers and locals have a wide array of options to dine and enjoy global cuisines, including Mediterranean, Italian,Mexican, among others. Hermosa boasts of cafes and bars that match its laidback surfing vibe.
To help you make the most out of your trip in South Bay, I have put together the best dining options around the area. Bookmark this article for your future reference:
1. Esperanza
Esperanza Cocina de Playa is one of South Bay’s newest dining, drinks, and social destination. The restaurant is known for its contemporary twist on traditional Sonoran recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients, not to mention their expertly crafted, playful cocktails! Inspired by both Cabo San Lucas’ beautiful coast and Mexico City’s vibrant cosmopolitan neighborhoods, Esperanza’s sophisticated coastal vibe continues to attract more and more people to experience beach town elegance with a modern cool.
2. Joey Restaurants
Nestled in the heart of Manhattan Village, Joey Manhattan Beach feels like a lush oasis. This Canadian food chain is known for its open kitchens and bars where guests are able to see the culinary team in action at all times. It’s the perfect casual dinner spot that serves pan-regional cuisine that spans from the Mediterranean to Italian, Mexican, and classic American. You should drop by and try these favorites: seared salmon sushi, gyoza, yellowfin tuna salad, and pesto shrimp pasta.
3. Fishing with Dynamite
Owned by the eclectic genius behind MB Post, David LeFevre, opened Fishing With Dynamite in to bring only the most pristine seafood in Manhattan Beach. Inspired by the summers he spent on Virginia’s Eastern Shore and SoCal’s vibrant beach communities, the cheerful 32-seat restaurant features a menu of “old school” traditional seafood fare and “new school” dishes highlighting flavors from around the globe. It’s also recognized as the“Best Oyster Bar” and Best New Restaurant by Los Angeles Magazine, OpenTable’s 100 Best Restaurants in America (2016, 2017 and 2019) and a Michelin Plate in 2019. So if you’re craving for seafood, you know where to go.
4. Un Caffe Altamura
Un Caffe Altamura is a European-inspired Cafe (deli, & wine bar coming soon). The menu is inspired by Alexa Altamura’s strong Italian roots, exposure to different lifestyles and cultures, as well as growing up in California. They serve avocado toast, french style omelettes, croissant, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. One of the owner’s ultimate goals when she put up the cafe was to create an experience of pausing and enjoying. While Americans constantly carry a to-go cup of coffee on the road, Europeans pause and commune over their coffees. So, if you want to slow down, chill, dine, and have a drink, this would be the perfect place.
5. Tacolicious
Tacolicious is a modern, casual Mexican restaurant with a California point of view. It has a few San Francisco Bay area locations and the one in Manhattan Beach opened two years ago. Tacolicious is a favorite local spot any time of the day because of the overall flashy yet chill hipster vibe. They serve incredible tacos, some side items, and drinks that go really well with tacos. Whenever you’re in the area, drop by and try the pastrami and chorizo tacos. And don’t miss the La Fresa margarita!
6. Nando
Nando Trattoria is definitely one of the best Italian restaurants in Manhattan Beach. As a classic Italian trattoria, they offer the feel of fine dining service in a modern casual setting. Which is why I have always loved the warm ambiance here that feels like a casual dining close to the comfort of home. They serve impeccable seafood, home-made specialty pastas, breads, desserts, and an extensive wine list. Experience the coastal flavors of Italy with the highest quality of ingredients from California.
7. Palmilla
Another Mexican favorite, Palmilla Cocina Y Tequila in Hermosa Beach features home-style Mexican cuisine. They serve the freshest seafood and the finest cuts of beef, along with an amazing selection of premium tequilas and globally inspired wines. If you feel like soaking up sea breezes from the beach just footsteps away, you can chill in the lovely outdoor patio area. As for me, I particularly love to dine indoors because trust me, the interior looks and feels like Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
8. Vista
Vista is a new South Pacific Rim and California inspired seafood-forward restaurant and bar, which took over the location of The Mermaid, a now closed classic and prehistoric Hermosa Beach bar. With a refined interior, modern coastal décor, and large windows facing the West for beautiful ocean and sunset views, Vista is just the perfect place to drink and dine. The menu features starters such as jumbo lump crab & yuzu guacamole, coconut tiger prawn cocktail, Kalbi short rib. Entrees include grilled glazed cauliflower steak, chargrilled ribeye steak with shishito pepper chimichurri. Meanwhile, Vista’s bar will offer classic tiki-inspired cocktails with signature house made syrups, and fresh pressed organic juices.