$Thai
Vanda Asapahu has taken on the role of chef in this family-owned and operated restaurant started by her parents. Wood tables and chairs decorate the interior, and a patio also welcomes diners.The menu is packed with everything from tried-and-true pleasures to more inventive items, and the kitchen caters to your spice preferences. Start with their classic papaya salad with a bold and flavorful kick and make sure to get a curry, perhaps the green curry that's made with a fresh chili curry paste and coconut and your choice of protein. Don't ignore their pastries, which incorporate a bit of French
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.1/5 · 80 reviews
Ayara Thai, located near LAX, is noted for authentic Thai cuisine and a diverse menu. Reviewers frequently praise the food quality, highlighting dishes like green curry, Tom Yum soup, and seafood Pad Thai. Service experiences vary significantly; while some find it professional and fast, others report errors in ordering, slow pacing, or poor attitude. The venue is small with limited indoor seating, often requiring waits or standing lists. Outdoor dining areas, particularly during lunch, have been criticized for basic amenities like folding chairs and disposable utensils, along with occasional cleanliness issues. Despite these mixed reviews on ambiance and service, the restaurant remains popular for travelers seeking convenient, flavorful meals before flights.
Suitable for travelers near LAX seeking convenient authentic Thai food; reservations or patience for waits are advised, with caution regarding outdoor seating comfort.
$$$Californian
Working with local farmers and suppliers to highlight seasonality along with California's bounty, Tomat features all-day dining, but it's in the evenings when the cooking turns more serious. The design feels as farm fresh as the ingredients, with red-orange leather seat cushions set against a pale green backsplash. Kick things off with their barbari bread with roasted tomato powder-dusted butter before savoring appetizers like charred seasonal vegetables over a smooth ajo blanco. Main dishes are meant for sharing, and the half Liberty Farms duck is a perfect choice. Deftly cooked with crispy s
$$$Seafood
This tight and warm seafood spot is located just down the block from the ocean. Inside, it has a decidedly beachy vibe, flooded with sunlight and colors that make it feel cozy even when it's loud and busy. Raw bar dishes comprise half the menu, and if the list of first-class oysters, clams, and lobsters seems overwhelming, the friendly staff will help make sense of it all. Dishes such as wild New Caledonian prawns with garlic butter and fragrant lemon jasmine rice or seared diver scallops with Japanese curry sweet potato coulis are indicative of the delicious, decidedly uncomplicated cooking a
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Manhattan Beach, Fishing with Dynamite is praised for its fresh seafood and attentive service. Reviewers highlight the quality of oysters, scallops, and fish dishes, noting their freshness and flavorful preparations. Staff members like Shelbi and Sophie receive commendations for their knowledge and friendliness. The atmosphere is described as cozy and intimate, though outdoor seating can be chilly at night. Criticisms focus on slow meal pacing, portion sizes not matching descriptions, and high prices. While isolated complaints regarding service efficiency exist, the consensus remains positive, making it a solid choice for seafood enthusiasts seeking a reliable local dining experience.
Ideal for seafood lovers willing to pay a premium, with reservations recommended to manage pacing.
$$International
Just a stone's throw from Manhattan Beach Pier, this restaurant is big and buzzing. It's almost always packed, especially with plenty of young families, and they're all here for a taste of Chef/co-owner David LeFevre’s globally minded creations with a clear California point of view. Head-on Caledonian blue prawns ajillo atop diced potatoes with saffron mayonnaise. Beeler's Farm pork porterhouse is grilled and accompanied by Asian pear kimchi and a black mustard sauce. Everything revolves around gathering, conversing and sharing, and portions lean small, so plan your ordering as a group to expl
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Manhattan Beach Post holds a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor based on 80 reviews. Food quality is a primary strength, with dishes like Grilled Skirt Steak, Ora King Salmon, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, and Bacon Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits receiving praise for flavor and preparation. Service is consistently described as professional, warm, and attentive. However, the ambiance is polarizing; while the interior is attractive and lively, high noise levels frequently detract from the experience, particularly for older guests. Some negative feedback highlights issues such as limited holiday menus, malfunctioning outdoor heaters, and underwhelming coffee quality. Value is mixed, with some finding portions small relative to expectations.
Suitable for young travelers or families seeking vibrant dining experiences who prioritize food and service over quiet ambiance.