The best restaurants in the South Bay in 2026 are The Arthur J for steaks, Fishing with Dynamite for oysters and Manhattan Beach Post for shared plates, all in downtown Manhattan Beach, plus Strand House for ocean views. Quality Seafood on the Redondo pier sells live crab, and Smog City in Torrance pours some of the area's best beer.
The South Bay beach cities — Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo — have walkable downtowns near their piers, while Torrance and Gardena have some of LA's best Japanese food. It is all close to LAX.
A mid-century steakhouse near the pier.
The Arthur J serves prime steaks and martinis in a mid-century room.
It is the South Bay's special-occasion dinner.
Good to know: Walk to the pier after.
903 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
A tiny seafood and oyster bar.
Fishing with Dynamite serves oysters, crudo and shellfish dishes.
The room is small.
Good to know: Book ahead.
1148 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Shared plates and the famous bacon cheddar biscuits.
Manhattan Beach Post, known as MB Post, serves seasonal small plates for sharing, including its well-known bacon cheddar buttermilk biscuits.
It is lively and casual.
Good to know: Order the biscuits.
1142 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Ocean views over the pier.
Strand House overlooks the Manhattan Beach Pier, with a seasonal California menu and big windows.
It is a sunset favorite.
Good to know: Book a window table at sunset.
117 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Live crab and seafood on the pier.
Quality Seafood on the Redondo Beach pier sells live crab, lobster and shellfish, cooked to order and eaten at outdoor tables.
It has been on the pier for decades.
Good to know: Pick your crab from the tanks.
130 International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Award-winning craft beer in Torrance.
Smog City makes IPAs, sours and stouts in Torrance.
Pair a visit with food trucks outside.
Good to know: Order a tasting flight.
1901 Del Amo Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501
The Arthur J, Fishing with Dynamite and Manhattan Beach Post, all from the same chef group, are the top picks.
Torrance and Gardena have a large Japanese community and many Japanese restaurants, markets and bakeries.
Strand House in Manhattan Beach looks over the pier and the beach.
Yes, Manhattan Beach is about 15 minutes from LAX without traffic.
Quality Seafood on the Redondo Beach pier sells live crab and seafood cooked to order.