The South Bay has evolved into a food lover's paradise, where innovative chefs blend coastal freshness with global influences. Whether you're craving elevated comfort food, seafood, or fine dining, the area around Manhattan Beach delivers unforgettable meals. Here are a few must-visit restaurants, including two remarkable spots just minutes away in neighboring Hermosa Beach.
From the creative minds behind MB Post, Fishing with Dynamite, and The Arthur J, Attagirl showcases chef Alice Mai's bold, smoky flavors in a setting that celebrates sharing. The restaurant's commitment to small plates makes it perfect for exploring multiple dishes, and trust us, you'll want to try everything.
Start with the rosemary-smoked salt focaccia, which arrives warm with your choice of four spreads. The hummus, dotted with heirloom tomatoes and preserved lemon, is transcendent, as is the tzatziki made with charred cucumbers, and the spicy whipped feta with smoked Calabrian chilies. Chef Mai's love of charred, smoky ingredients shines through every dish. Don't miss the Skewers from the Embers section: the Hen of the Woods mushrooms and sweetly marinated chicken breast showcase that
primeval, fire-kissed flavor that makes everything taste better. While Attagirl offers larger-format dishes like chicken tagine and roasted New Zealand lamb rack in their "For the Table" section, the small plates let you experience the full range of their creative menu.
Why it's perfect for Sea View Inn guests: Just a short drive or bike ride down the Strand, Attagirl offers the ideal spot for a relaxed dinner where you can sample multiple flavors while soaking in Hermosa Beach's laid- back vibe.
If you're looking for a dining experience that feels like watching culinary artists at work, Vin Folk delivers theater along with exceptional food. The open kitchen reveals chefs Kevin De Los Santos and Katya Shastova—both veterans of acclaimed establishments such as Vespertine, Maude, Somni, and Bazaar—as they assemble each dish with surgical precision.
Request a seat facing the kitchen to watch the meticulous plating process, where tweezers are as essential as spatulas. Every dish that leaves the kitchen is an edible work of art, crafted with the kind of attention to detail typically reserved for Michelin-starred restaurants. The minimalist menu features unexpected combinations that range from nostalgic to avant-garde. You'll find curious offerings like head cheese on Hokkaido milk bread, with sauerkraut and American cheese—a playful nod to tradition with an elevated twist. Vin Folk never fails to surprise, blending high-end technique with approachable comfort.
Why it's perfect for Sea View Inn guests: Located in the former Chef Melba's Bistro space, Vin Folk offers a more refined dining experience ideal for special occasions or when you want to witness culinary craftsmanship at its finest.
Hours: Sun-Thu 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM, Fri-Sat 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM
This tiny 32-seat gem has earned serious accolades, including a Michelin Plate and four appearances on OpenTable's 100 Best Restaurants in America list (2016, 2017, 2019, and 2024). From acclaimed Chef David LeFevre, Fishing with Dynamite celebrates summers spent on Virginia's Eastern Shore and Southern California's vibrant beach communities.
The lively oyster bar anchors the space, offering first-class oysters, clams, and lobsters that the friendly staff will help you navigate. Don't miss the wild New Caledonian prawns with garlic butter and fragrant lemon jasmine rice, or the seared diver scallops with Japanese curry sweet potato coulis. The locally famous Key Lime Pie and Lobstah' Roll are must-tries. Despite the decidedly uncomplicated cooking, every dish showcases the kitchen's commitment to pristine seafood and bold flavors.
Why it's perfect for Sea View Inn guests: Located blocks from downtown Manhattan Beach, this intimate spot embodies the beachy sophistication that defines the area. The sunlit, colorful space feels cozy even when packed, making it ideal for a special lunch or dinner.
Hours: Mon-Thu 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Fri-Sat 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM, Sun 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Weekend brunch 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM)
Love & Salt rises from the legacy of Café Pierre, which served the South Bay for nearly 40 years. Owner Sylvie Gabriele transformed the iconic space into a philosophy: that food needs only two ingredients to be great—love and salt. The Italian-inspired menu with Southern California soul has become a neighborhood staple, located just steps from the Manhattan Beach Pier.
The menu features wood-oven pizzas, house-made pastas, and dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients. Standouts include hand-cut egg tagliolini with preserved Meyer lemon and crema, ricotta gnocchi with generous pork ragu, and the fennel salad. The duck egg pizza and soppressata pizza earn consistent raves. Don't skip dessert—the butter cake and brown sugar pudding with cocoa nibs and sea salt are unforgettable. The restaurant also offers house-made limoncello, following Sylvie's great- aunt's 100-year-old family recipe. The vibrant atmosphere can get lively (read: loud), making it perfect for
celebrations and groups who want to share diverse dishes. The wine cellar is available for private dining up to 20 guests.
Why it's perfect for Sea View Inn guests: Love & Salt delivers consistently excellent food and service in a gorgeous space that captures Manhattan Beach's sophisticated yet relaxed vibe. Rapper Kendrick Lamar even mentioned it in his album DAMN, cementing its status as a cultural landmark.
Hours: Sun-Wed 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Thu-Sat 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Nick's Manhattan Beach combines upscale casual dining with a warm, inviting atmosphere ideal for everything from family dinners to special celebrations. The outdoor patio provides fantastic people-watching in the heart of the Metlox shopping district, while the interior offers cozy comfort with a lively energy. The menu features expertly prepared American fare with generous portions. Locals rave about the Prime Rib Dip on brioche, the Blackened Fish Sandwich, butternut squash soup, and the famous Butter Cake dessert.
The Cioppino consistently earns high praise, as does the fried chicken lunch. The Bistro plate featuring petite filet mignon showcases the kitchen's attention to quality, and cocktails are always "on point." With locations across Southern California, Nick's has perfected the art of consistent quality and attentive service. The restaurant accommodates large parties and offers a diverse menu that appeals to both seafood lovers and steak enthusiasts.
Why it's perfect for Sea View Inn guests: Nick's delivers reliable excellence in a location that's easy to reach, with ample parking in the Metlox garage. It's a go-to spot for locals, which tells you everything you need to know about its staying power.
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM**
Happy Hour: Sun-Thu 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM - Close
JOEY Manhattan Beach brings upscale energy to Manhattan Village, with its lush 9,400-square-foot space and an expansive 2,160-square-foot patio. Vibrant abstract artwork by local California artist Amber Goldhammer gives the space positive, endless-summer vibes. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with complimentary champagne—a signature touch that sets the tone for the experience.
The menu spans globally inspired dishes with impeccable presentation. Favorites include Korean cauliflower, hibachi wings, Szechuan chicken lettuce wraps, the JOEY Cheeseburger, and steak frites. Sushi options like seared salmon rolls earn high marks, and don't miss the desserts—the chocolate lava cake with its perfect crispy outer layer flows with "lava" when cracked open. At the same time, the tropical crème brûlée cheesecake delivers coconut perfection. Service consistently stands out, with servers like Vinicius, Isabella, Miranda, Ricky, and Leilani earning praise for their attentiveness and knowledge of the menu. The restaurant offers both sophisticated ambiance and sustainable practices, including gender-neutral restrooms, EV charging stations, and compostable containers.
Why it's perfect for Sea View Inn guests: JOEY delivers a contemporary dining experience that feels both special and approachable. The late happy hour (9 PM to midnight) makes it perfect for post-beach relaxation, and the generous portions make sharing easy.
Both Attagirl and Vin Folk are easily accessible from the Sea View Inn, whether you're driving, biking along the beach path, or taking a stroll through the South Bay. The casual beach-town atmosphere lets you dress down while still enjoying world-class cuisine.
The South Bay's culinary scene continues to evolve, with talented chefs choosing this coastal community as their creative home. Whether you're seeking bold, smoky flavors at Attagirl or architectural precision at Vin Folk, you'll discover why this area has become a destination for food lovers from across Southern California. After a day enjoying Manhattan Beach's sunshine, surf, and sand, these exceptional restaurants provide the perfect way to cap off your evening.
Book your stay at the Sea View Inn and discover why the South Bay offers not just beautiful beaches, but some of the most exciting dining on the coast.
