From Lobster Mac and Cheese to Garlic Marinated Dungeness Crab, these South Bay Seafood Restaurants Have it All!
Written By: Ashlee Polarek Best South Bay Seafood Restaurants
Spring is in the air, and Angelenos everywhere are ready to hit up the beach and take in the sunshine. We’ll admit it: we don’t do well during long spells of rain, and having to go back inside sounds daunting. But, don’t worry, this list of delicious seafood restaurants in the South Bay with stunning ocean views will have you hooked in no time!
Best South Bay Seafood Restaurants
#1 | A Date With the Ocean
Panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean and pier coupled with freshly-prepared seafood from rising star Executive Chef Austin Cobb, make The Strand House the premier dining location in Manhattan Beach. Cobb, fresh off of Beat Bobby Flay and preparing to cook at the prestigious Beard House in New York this spring, cooks up locally-sourced seafood like no other. Order the Yellowtail Crudo to start and the Pan Seared Branzino to satisfy that seafood craving.
The Strand House
117 Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
310.545.7470
EXP 5/28
#2 | Every Foodie’s Dream
Executive Chef Aaron Robbins creates delectable, California-coastal dishes at Sea Level in Shade Hotel. The restaurant sits on the marina in Redondo Beach with sweeping views of Palos Verdes to Malibu. Head here for a romantic sunset dinner on the patio complete with blankets and fire pits or join the Sea Level team with your gang for their amazing weekend brunch. The Striped Sea Bass and Lobster Mac and Cheese are a foodie’s dream, and you’d me amis not to order the bottomless Bloody Marys.
Native Knowledge: Sea Level hosts a wide array of fantastic events during the year including whisky pairing dinners, tequila dinners, Shade Hour and live music.
Sea Level
655 N Harbor Dr
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
310.921.8940
#3 | Best of Both Worlds
Once you take in the beautiful bar at Rock’N Fish, get ready to enjoy a menu filled with divine food at this laidback restaurant. Enjoy a Navy Grog rum cocktail among the locals who frequent the joint and take in the ocean views from the patio. Food here is cooked on a white oak grill, giving the seafood and meats a unique flavor. From the raw bar, order the Chilled King Crab Legs. If you’re dining with a meat eater, the Kapalua Rib-Eye is marinated for 72 hours and is to die for.
Rock’N Fish
120 Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
310.379.9900
#4 | Sea the View
Playa Hermosa Fish & Oyster Co.
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Located on the Hermosa Beach pier, you’ll find Playa Hermosa Fish & Oyster Co., a hip, art-filled space with fresh seafood. Enjoy ocean views as you knock back amazing oysters, Garlic Marinated Dungeness Crab, Peruvian Scallops or a Swordfish Sandwich. Chef Billy Lansing dishes up Spanish-influenced excellence while Levi Lupercio serves topnotch cocktails like the Mexican Mule: a housemade mule with patron reposado tequila.
Playa Hermosa Fish & Oyster Co.
19 Pier Ave
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
310.504.0088
#5 | Sustainable Eats
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Established in Newport Beach, and now with locations all over the state, Bluewater Grill is arguably one of the best seafood restaurants in the South Bay. They operate their own fishing boat, “Pilikia,” which supplies fresh harpooned swordfish from local waters during the summer season; it’s a sustainable and careful method of fishing to ensure there is no by-catch. The Redondo Beach location has a stunning marina view and gorgeous waterfront patio. While you eat, sip on a High Spot Beer, brewed exclusively for Bluewater Grill.
Bluewater Grill
665 N Harbor Dr
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
310.318.3474
#6 | Basque in Flavors
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For Basque-inspired eats right on the Redondo Beach waterfront, head to A Basque Kitchen. Executive Chef and Co-Owner Bernard uses his Basque upbringing to inspire delicious dishes with both a traditional and modern flair. The front of the restaurant opens up to the marina offering cool sea breezes and prime people-watching. Order the Mejillones En Vino Blanco, or, try the Txipirones En Su Tinta. To complete your meal, opt for the kalimotxo, red wine with coca cola and macerated fruit.
Native Knowledge: If you order Paella from A Basque Kitchen (which we recommend), do it 24 hours in advance. The restaurant requires at least 24 hours for the ingredients to marinate and the reservation must be for a minimum of four people.
A Basque Kitchen
136 N International Boardwalk
Redondo Beach CA, 90277
310.376.9215
#7 | Mahi-Mahi on the Cove
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Sitting atop gorgeous ocean coves, Nelson’s at Terranea is a perfect way to capture some stunning views while chowing down on American classic dishes on the cliff-top. Along with traditional American fare, Nelson’s dishes out some amazing seafood. The Mahi-Mahi Tacos are a must-try. However, if you fancy a little customization, order the Bait & Switch where you completely customize your dish including the type of fish, cooking style, sauce and sides.
Native Knowledge: From 6-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Nelson’s turns up the volume with live music with their “Sound Series.”
Nelson’s at Terranea
100 Terranea Way
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
310.265.2836
#8 | Captain’s Order
Captain Kidd’s Fish Market and Restaurant
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Captain Kidd’s is a Redondo Beach staple and home to some of the freshest fish around. For 40 years, this casual, local restaurant and marketplace has been the place to order seafood. You have four options when it comes to obtaining a meal at Captain Kidd’s: you can customize your own plate by picking out your favorite fish and shellfish; order off the regular menu; order daily specials; or pick out live crabs, lobsters, mussels and clams that they can steam for free.
Captain Kidd’s Fish Market and Restaurant
209 N Harbor Dr
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
310.372.7703
#9 | Bring the Bae
Kincaid’s Fish, Chop & Steakhouse
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For a romantic evening on the water, head to Kincaid’s in Redondo Beach. Since 1986, Kincaid’s has been serving up good food and friendly service. Watch as the waves crash into the breaks just beyond the windows as you dig into your meal. Start with the fan-favorite: Oven-Roasted Crab and Artichoke Dip, and for your entree, go for the Seafood Louie Salad.
Kincaid’s Fish, Chop & Steakhouse
500 Fishermans Wharf
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
310.318.6080
#10 | Calling All Brunch Lovers
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Gather the gang and head to BALEENkitchen located in the Portofino Hotel & Marina in Redondo Beach for some killer brunch. With striking marina views, fire pits and clean and bright decor, BALEEN is tasty and insta-worthy. For brunch, try the Lobster Omelette or the Crab Toast. Follow it up with a Dr. Feelgood—a fusion of Ketel One Vodka, Chareau aler vera liqueur, green apple, pineapple, lemon and mint.
Native Knowledge: Every day of the week features a menu special or an event at BALEEN, so be sure to check their website! You don’t want to miss things like Butcher Block Dinner, Social Hour, Taco Tuesday or three-course prix-fixe.
BALEENkitchen
260 Portofino Way,
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
310.372.1202
Ashlee is a freelance writer with a focus on travel, lifestyle and food. After obtaining her degree in Journalism she took the world by storm teaching in South Korea and giving motivation speeches across the United States. She can often be found on road-trips, plane rides and cooking up her favorite meal from her most recent travels. The anti-homebody loves a good hike, good book and a day spent with friends.
