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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Manhattan Beach

Authentic food spots

Made for those who can spot a watered-down version of a dish from a mile away and only seek out the real deal.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
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Updated May 2026
01
Ali'i Hawaiian Grill image 1
Ali'i Hawaiian Grill image 2
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Poke bar offers a casual, warm atmosphere with authentic Hawaiian vibes and a cozy indoor/outdoor seating area. The space feels welcoming and friendly, enhanced by good music and a relaxed pace. It stands out for its authentic Hawaiian cuisine experience and fresh fish served daily.

Authentic Hawaiian cuisine shines through with fresh poke and plate lunches that capture true Pacific flavors. Every dish feels made with care and delivers a genuine taste experience.

Offers authentic Hawaiian cuisine with amazing, spicy flavors and phenomenal value. Food consistently impresses with genuine taste and quality.

People are saying

"The poke here is so fresh, especially the spicy ahi."

"The poke here is mouth-wateringly good and fresh."

"I found the Hawaiian poke here to be super authentic and fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant serves fresh fish daily, ensuring high-quality dishes.

2

Ali'i Hawaiian Grill has a large free parking lot available for customers.

3

Happy hour specials are available, offering discounts on select items.

02
French Touch - Manhattan Beach image 1

Restaurant offers a cozy Parisian atmosphere with beautiful decor and glass view of crepe-making. Casual vibe includes outdoor seating and couches for relaxed dining. Authentic French crepes, both savory and sweet, attract those seeking genuine flavors.

Crepes here match those in Paris with a big crepe pan and options for sweet or salty combinations. Staff mostly speak French, adding to the authentic experience.

Food here stands out for its freshness and excellent quality. Crepes and other dishes taste amazing and consistently deliver on flavor.

People are saying

"The French food crepes here are amazing, light, and packed with flavor."

"I found the crepes here to be the most authentic I'd had in the US."

"The crepes here are light, golden, and packed with incredible flavors."

Good to know

1

Free garage parking is available because the location is inside the mall.

2

The crepes are priced between $9-11, offering good portion sizes.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is recommended for some vendors.

03
Nawa Thai Manhattan Beach image 1

Small dining space with bamboo ceiling and cozy, beachy vibe creates a relaxed atmosphere. Limited seating emphasizes a focus on takeout over in-house dining. Food features authentic Thai curries and flavorful dishes with some variation in quality.

Flavors stay true to traditional Thai cooking with authentic spices and refreshing tastes that stand out clearly.

Excellent Thai cuisine shines here with consistently amazing flavors that satisfy strong cravings. This spot serves reliable, high-quality Thai food that stands out in the area.

People are saying

"You've got to try the lobster Pad Thai; it's super delicious."

"The Thai food here is beautiful and delicious."

"I found the Thai food here to be authentic and refreshing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour deals are available with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

There is a parking lot directly across the street from the restaurant.

3

Metered parking is available in the structure across Highland.

04
Toranj Restaurant image 1
Persian restaurant

Persian restaurant offers a calm atmosphere with gentle piano music and a chic, refined interior that feels intimate and balanced. The space suits both quiet dinners and productive business lunches, creating a luxurious yet comforting vibe.

Menu offers a wide range of authentic Iranian dishes prepared with traditional methods. Food tastes genuinely Persian and stays true to its roots while feeling slightly elevated.

Persian dishes here reach a fine dining level with tender, juicy chicken in the fesenjan. The food stays authentic and delicious, consistently exceeding expectations.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, elevated, and delicious."

"The complimentary bread is soft, crispy, and amazing with hummus."

"I found the Persian food here to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups, especially on busy nights.

2

Parking is limited, and the lot can fill up quickly during peak hours.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere on Friday nights, so plan accordingly.

05
El Sombrero #1 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Colorful, vibrant decor creates an atmosphere that feels like being in Mexico. Patio seating offers a cozy, relaxed vibe with steady foot traffic and laughter filling the space. The menu features authentic Mexican dishes and refreshing margaritas, making it a popular spot for Taco Tuesday and casual gatherings.

Super authentic Mexican food features loaded nachos with savory meat, melted cheese, and fresh guacamole. Chips and salsa also deliver authentic flavors in a cozy setting.

Mexican-style food comes out hot and delicious with chips that are not too salty. The menu offers affordable options with consistently great taste.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"The Mexican food here is delicious and second to none."

"The Mexican food here is so authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Street parking is available and can be paid using credit cards or ATMs.

2

El Sombrero #1 is dog friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options on the menu.

06
Thai Dishes - Manhattan Beach image 1

Small space with cozy indoor seating and a well-lit modern design creates a warm atmosphere. Outdoor patio and semi-outdoor hall offer options for enjoying fresh air. Ambiance features enticing aromas and a welcoming vibe.

Classic Thai dishes use traditional cooking methods and fresh ingredients to deliver bold, authentic flavors. Signature items like chicken coconut soup and pad thai taste true to their origins.

Food features excellent quality and large portions with well-proportioned lunch specials priced around $15. Dishes include appetizers, soups, and entrees that consistently deliver great taste and value.

People are saying

"The Penang curry here is spectacular and worth the price."

"I thought the Thai food here was the best I ever had."

"The pad thai here is so authentic and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a fantastic lunch special for just $15 per dish.

2

Reservations can be made easily for dining.

3

There is a private free parking lot available for customers.

07
El Tarasco (Rosecrans) image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican eatery offers counter seating and a roofed outdoor area with a killer view near the beach. Atmosphere feels authentic and lively, boosted by great music and a nostalgic vibe. Food focuses on tasty tacos and burritos, with a cilantro-forward salsa and thoughtful touches like lime wedges.

Food offers super Mexican flavors at reasonable prices with a very authentic feel.

Food features fresh ingredients and traditional Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, rice, and beans. Portions are generous and affordable, with guacamole noted as especially good.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was authentic and delicious."

"It's a great late night spot, open really late."

"The food here is authentic and super Mexican."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

The restaurant has minimal seating, accommodating about 10 people.

3

Expect a line to form about 10 minutes after opening.

08
The Garden Thai Restaurant image 1

Cozy and airy space offers a pleasant atmosphere with clean surroundings. Menu features spicy, flavorful curries and fresh Thai dishes with generous portions. Expect some wait times and weekday lunch availability.

A Thai Chef crafts dishes with authentic taste and correct Thai flavours. Some dishes lean more Americanized, so authenticity varies.

Freshness stands out with every dish served. The food offers authentic Thai flavors that are consistently tasty and well presented.

People are saying

"I found the Thai food here to be great and fresh."

"I found the authentic Thai flavors here to be the best."

"I found the curry spicy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a short wait during peak dinner hours on weekends.

2

Prices are reasonable for the portion sizes offered.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended for dinner.

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Manhattan Beach, California

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