In just the last few years, the South Bay has exploded onto the Southern California dining scene and this section features my favorite local restaurants!
Check out these waterfront restaurants in El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, and Long Beach after you’ve worked up an appetite. Food-wise, the South Bay is best known for its excellent Japanese restaurants. While dining, take in the sunset over the ocean or watch the boats sail in and out of the harbor.
Choose a location below to access city specific locations. There’s something for every taste and budget.
I regularly add new listings, so be sure to check in now and then.
Best Manhattan Beach Restaurants
It’s difficult not to feel an odd sense of utopia wash over you as you drive down the coast and into Manhattan Beach. After all, this is the land of…
Best Redondo Beach Restaurants
Redondo Beach is one of three beach cities in Los Angeles County, California, located in the Greater Los Angeles area’s South Bay region. The population was 66,748 at the time…
Best Torrance Restaurants
This South Bay city, with its laid-back vibe and lively shopping centers, provides plenty of opportunities for fun and adventure. This town, like most upbeat cities in California, is packed…
Best Hermosa Beach Restaurants
Here are the best Hermosa Beach restaurants near beaches, ranging from breakfast spots to beachfront spots for a romantic dinner. See the restaurant map above and the list of Hermosa…
Best El Segundo Restaurants
To put it mildly, the South Bay is massive. There are almost as many restaurants as there are beach volleyball courts along the stretch from LAX to San Pedro. From…
Best Hawthorne Restaurants
Eureka!
12101 Crenshaw Boulevard
Hawthorne, CA 90250
(310) 331-8233
eurekarestaurantgroup.com
Cuisine: All American
Located just off the tarmac at Hawthorne Municipal Airport, Eureka offers the best of classic American dishes – gourmet burgers, tacos, chicken sandwiches, a well-rounded selection of salads, adventurous appetizers, signature entrees and a couple of decadent, adult beverage-based deserts (Bourbon Barrel Cake!). They partner with local/regional purveyors, for a farm-to-table dining experience. With regard to adult beverages, Eureka features an impressive selection of craft beer, small batch, all-American, spirits and classic cocktails. Settle into a table near the windows and enjoy a bite while you watch those magnificent men and their flying machines!
Best Gardena Restaurants
Eatalian Cafe
15500 South Broadway Street
Gardena, CA 90248
310-532-8880
eataliancafe.com
Cuisine: Italian
Don’t let the location or warehouse structure fool you – this place makes the most incredible pizza and pasta – I think it may be the best pizza I’ve ever eaten. They now have a liquor license (Hallelujah!) and are serving a nice selection of wine and beer! You have no more excuses.
Exeat by Eatalian Cafe
14842 Crenshaw Boulevard
Gardena, CA 90249
310-516-0121
exeat.eataliancafe.com
Cuisine: Italian
Sister restaurant of Eatalian Cafe. Same menu, same great food!
Jay Bee’s Bar-B-Q
15911 South Avalon Boulevard
Gardena, CA 90247
(310) 532-1064
facebook.com
Cuisine: Memphis BBQ
An unassuming little place located sorta in the middle of the street selling mouth watering Memphis style BBQ. ‘Nuf said.
Best Palos Verdes Restaurants
Luna Rossa Ristorante
550 Deep Valley Drive
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
310-377-0202
lunarossaristorante.com
Cuisine: Italian
Classic Italian dishes done exceedingly well and reasonably priced. Fabulous and extensive wine list. Some of the best service I’ve ever experienced!
Mama Terano
815 Deep Valley Drive
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
310-377-5757
mamaterano.com
Cuisine: Italian
The chef from Chez Melange, the fabulous Robert Bell, has opened this eatery as an homage to his grandmother’s cooking. The food is amazing and the prices are more than reasonable.
Nelson’s
6610 Palos Verdes Drive South
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
310-265-2800
www.terranea.com
Cuisine: California comfort
The food, setting and views don’t get any better than this. One of my favorite places to eat on a Sunday afternoon. Casual, comfortable, fabulous!
Yellow Vase Cafe
810 Silver Spur Rd
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
310-373-0013
51 Malaga Cove Plaza
Palos Verdes Estates
310-378-0013
Rancho Palos Verdes (Golden Cove Center)
31248 Paols Verdes Drive West
Rancho Palos Verdes
310-377-8813
Cuisine: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Bakery, Flowers
This charming establishment now has four locations in the South Bay and I understand they’ll soon be offering dinner as well. Delicious panini, omelettes, soups, salads and crepes. A South Bay favorite for specialty cakes and desserts.
Best Lomita Restaurants
Bites & Bashes
25600 Narbonne Avenue
Lomita, CA 90717
310-892-9801
bitesandbashes.com
Cuisine: Californian
A terrific little cafe offering a tour of Los Angeles ethnic food staples – from Korean and Mexican, to Italian, Vietnamese and more. Bites & Bashes has an all day menu (along with all day breakfast) offering salads, sandwiches and entrees and a small, yet varied, brunch menu (Nutella Sea Salt French Toast, Churro Pancakes, Tortilla Soup and Bibimbap Bowl). They also serve beer, wine and craft cocktails. Much of their produce is sourced from the family farm in Palos Verdes, making it truly farm to table fare. The bright, modern decor provides a comfortable spot for a bite and is a great addition to the neighborhood!
