Best Breakfast omelet: Martha’s
The competition for the best omelet in the South Bay is always fierce, and Martha’s almost always wins. It’s more than the picturesque beach view patio (though that’s quite a draw) or the generally cheerful, efficient service (the smiles are almost as much of a wake-up as the coffee). Martha’s does interesting things with eggs […]
Best Clam Chowder: Fishbar
It’s so rich and buttery and creamy that it almost qualifies as a dessert, but the clam chowder at Fishbar is usually served at the beginning of a meal rather than the end. It’s mild rather than peppery, tasting of clams rather than bacon or the other condiments that are often present in chowder, and […]
Bar food: Sharkeez
As any evening goes on, Sharkeez is jumping – both the location in Manhattan and the Pier Plaza version in Hermosa are full of people enjoying Mexican-styled appetizer platters, grilled chicken, salads, burgers, and other delights. The mesquite grill gets a workout grilling steaks, chicken, and fish for tacos, plus tri-tip that make appearances in […]
Best Ethnic BBQ: Silvio’s
Brazilian barbecue is less complicated than traditional Southern barbecue; instead of the flavor layers of rub, sauce, and smoke, it’s all about the natural flavors of quality meat, seasoned with salt and the most moderate dash of herbs. Silvio’s is different from most Brazilian barbecues in Los Angeles, which offer unlimited food at a high […]
Best Coffee house (chain): Starbucks
There’s a certain irony that fans of Peet’s and Starbucks get so worked up about the merits of their favorite chain – when Starbucks was founded in 1971, they bought their coffee beans from Alfred Peet, who had taught them the business. Our readers say that the student has surpassed the master, as Starbucks has […]
Best Vegetarian Restaurant: The Spot
The people at The Spot are proud of the fact that their vegetarian restaurant has lots of customers who aren’t vegetarians – they are meat-eaters who just happen to like the food.The flavors are as rich as any other dining experience in the South Bay, but it’s better for you – you can enjoy a […]
Best Gourmet Burger: Simmzy’s
When you order a burger at Simmzy’s, they serve it with three napkins. If the Queen of England were to dine here, she would use at least two – this burger is that juicy and delicious. The standard version is a big char-broiled patty with plenty of grill flavor, topped with lettuce, smoked onions, garlic […]
Best Thai/Southeast Asian Restaurant: Phuket Thai
Phuket is a resort town in the South of Thailand, and if you go to this restaurant and ask for a specialty of the region they will suggest chicken with spicy mint. That’s a good representative of the cuisine served at this restaurant – hot and spicy but more than just hot – it’s fragrant […]
Best Waiter: Beau Dieda, Palmilla Cocina y Tequila
Pretty sure you’ll always find this guy smiling! It’s like he just can’t help it. He has a contagious smile and a spirit that oozes joy. “I feel good inside knowing people had a great experience and that I was a part of it.” Somehow, Beau’s tattoos just make you want to hug him even […]
Best independent Coffee House: Java Man
Once upon a time, the big chain burger joints, restaurants, and coffee places were probably little local institutions that got very popular because they had a quality products, good ideas, and a connection to a community. Java Man is now what they once were – a place where the servers know your name, where they […]
Best Yogurt: Yogurtland
Yogurtland’s slogan is “Keep it Real,” and they like to remind people that they use as many natural, organic ingredients as possible. There are real fruits and nuts rather than flavorings in their soft, slightly tart frozen yogurt, and those who prize pure foods have a variety of options – not just in flavors of […]
Best Crepes: Crème de la Crepe
As amazing as it may seem to those who remember the early days in their small Hermosa Beach shop, there are now six locations of Crème de la Crepe. After conquering Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo, they’ve spread to Culver City, Long Beach, and Pasadena. The formula of traditional food expertly prepared has been a hit, […]
Best Tapas / Appetizers: Mediterraneo
More than one person has stopped in to Mediterraneo their way somewhere else and never made it to their original destination. You sit outside watching the activity on the plaza, thinking you’ll just stay for a few minutes, and the sunsets over the beach while you snack on Spanish-style bruschetta, or perhaps some cheese and […]
Best Restaurant View: Strand House
A restaurant’s view is more than just a matter of the real estate they occupy –it’s about the environment that is created by the design, and about the meals that are really the center of attention at every visit. Strand House has a panoramic view of the beach and a balcony that gives an unparalleled […]
Best Waitress: Teri Lee at Charlie’s Italian
Customers say Teri is special because she is able to order by matching the menu with a customer’s preference. Teri says she is proud of her ability to recognize regular customers and make everyone feel like family. Though relatively new to Charlie’s, she earned many fans during her eight at Cantina Real. Charlie’s Italian : 601 […]
Best Specialty Salad: Rock’N Fish
We have to admit that we’re not quite sure which specialty salad our readers are referring to when they award the laurel to Rock’N Fish. Their blue cheese wedge is by most accounts the one ordered most often, and it is head and shoulders above most renditions of this popular salad, but their shrimp and […]