Living just a few blocks from the ocean in this sleepy beach town for many years, I’m excited to share with you the ultimate insider’s guide to Manhattan Beach. If you’ve never made a visit to this tiny city just 15 minutes South of LAX, then what are you waiting for? Below are my favorite places to eat, sleep, shop and spa.
Eat:
MB Post Whenever I mention to someone that I live in Manhattan Beach, MB Post invariably comes up. And it’s no wonder as the place serves a seasonal, farm to table menu that is by far one of the best priced selection for it’s quality. Be sure to make a reservation, as this place is packed even on weekdays.
Love & Salt Definitely one of my favorite restaurants here in MB, Love and Salt’s menu also features a seasonal and farm to table selection. A little pricier than MB Post, but well worth it. Delicious American Cuisine, with an excellent wine list and desert menu to match. Do try the house made ice cream. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Petros Probably my most dined at restaurant here in MB. Classic Greek food that fits the combination of satisfying and healthy. Delicious fish, chicken and vegetable selection, but don’t worry there’s also plenty of pastas, meats, Greek classics and even Greek Pizza. Petros is a great place to dine with guests, as it’s acoustics allow for you to actually hear your dining mate across the table. It’s usually easier to get a table last minute than some of the other MB spots and the wine list is superb.
The Izaka-Ya by Katsu-Ya’s Best Sushi in MB, but of course Katsu-ya’s reputation precedes itself. Book a table well in advance as this place is packed!
Sunlife Organics A somewhat newer addition to MB and much needed spot for cold pressed juices, Superfoods and organic snacks.
Le Pain Quotidien One of my favorite breakfast and lunch spots in any city, so of course I am so glad to have a location that is walking distance to my house. Menu features seasonal organic selections of salads, tartine’s, sandwiches, eggs, coffees and pastries. The kitchen is only open until 5 pm, so put your take-out or Door Dash delivery order in early if you want a healthy dinner delivered.
Manhattan Beach Creamery Another South Bay claim to fame. Just blocks from the beach and typically with a line out the door, Manhattan Beach Creamery has an endless selection of homemade ice cream, cupcakes, candy and treats. They even offer a gluten-free selection. The creamery is most famous for it’s original artisan ice cream sandwich, the Cream’wich.
Manhattan Bread & Bagel Full disclosure, I’m not a particular bagel connoisseur, but the hubby is. He swears by this place, as do the other regulars who form a queue across the store for a selection of bagels, lox, salads, porridge, breads and sandwiches. Open for breakfast and lunch daily.
Sleep:
Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach’s only luxury boutique hotel is located at Metlox Center, just a two block walk from the beach. The hotel offers a restaurant with patio dining (Zinc), bike rentals, a rooftop skydeck with bar and relaxation pool and a hopping bar scene. Step outside your door to dine at Petros, Le Pain Quotidien and Sunlife Organics, or to peruse the shops and spas right at your fingertips.
Drink:
Zinc at Shade Located in the Shade Hotel, the bar is just sophisticated enough for drinks with colleagues, but still casual enough for a night out with the girls or a date. A full dining menu is also available.
The Strand House Just steps from the beach and offering a breathtaking sunset view, The Strand House bar scene is always hopping with locals and tourists. Home to a thoughtfully crafted cocktail and wine menu sure to please and a full dining menu on it’s upper floor.
Shop:
Wright’s The chicest little boutique, packed to the brim with gorgeous pieces from Ulla Johnson, Isabel Marant, Rag & Bone and more. The ladies selection is extensive for a boutique and a jewelry, footwear and menswear selection is offered as well.
Blvd. Men’s and women’s beach style fashion, featuring clothing, swimwear, shoes and accessories. Casual enough for Manhattan Beach, but upscale enough to take to the finest resorts.
Katwalk A fun collection of boho chic pieces, perfect for beach town life. Most items are below $100, so it’s a great store for teens and young adults.
Finders Keep Hers A women’s designer resale store where you will find some mint condition designer handbags including Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Gucci. The store also offers shoes, clothes and jewelry, including some pieces recently consigned by me.
Greigh Goods Launched in 2015 by American Designer Sisongafa Noukhay, the collection features sophisticated silhouettes with whimsical details. Perfect for the laid-back California lifestyle. The Manhattan Beach location invites the customer into the design process as Sisongfa sketches, drapes and makes patterns on-site.
23rd Street Jewelers A premier family owned business co-owned by sisters Diane Allen and Mary Kelly, 23rd Street Jewelers is definitely a gem by the beach. Featuring handcrafted exquisite pieces, your sure to find something stunning in this shop.
LuLu’s Nouvelle A women’s specialty boutique representing exquisite lingerie, jewelry, shoes, apparel, bath and body products and gifts. Perfect for the woman who loves to be pampered.
Tabula Rasa A gift boutique dedicated to lifestyle trends from around the world. A beach boutique for enthusiasts wanting a piece of California Cool, Tabular Rasa is stocked with innovative home accents, luscious body elixirs, intoxicating room fragrances and the newest novelties.
Waterleaf Home and Gift A coastal California interior design, home and gift shop. Perfect to bring a bit of beach lifestyle back home.
Spa/Beauty:
Trilogy Spa Offers award-winning massage, skincare and body treatments. Gather your friends, as Trilogy offers Spa Parties and a rooftop deck for beach view relaxation.
Hush Hush A full service hair salon, Hush Hush features expert stylists in an upscale yet comfortable setting just 2 blocks from the beach. Makeup services also offered.
Elegance Boutique Spa A calming, comfortable, restored beach cottage setting, offering massage, facial treatments, nail services, makeup and waxing. This charming spa features beautiful treatment rooms and a spa boutique inside and a gorgeous garden setting out back.
Bellacures Not officially in Manhattan Beach, but located right nextdoor at The Point (see below), Bella Cures is my favorite salon for a relaxing mani/pedi.
Nearby:
The Point A shopping, dining and meeting place located in El Segundo, just across the Manhattan Beach city line. With a roster including Mendocino Farms, Pressed Juicery (yes they serve Freeze at this location), True Foods Kitchen, Blue Mercury, Bellacures, Peets Coffee, Planet Blue, Madewell, SoulCycle, Athleta and Kit and Ace, Smitten Ice Cream, etc., I’m sure you will understand why this place is so popular and worth a visit. The Point offers weekly events and plenty of outdoor space for the kids to run around.
The Edge at Plaza El Segundo Just across a connecting stairway from The Point, The Edge features a collection of shops including Athropologie, BCBG, H & M, J. Crew, Banana Republic, Lululemon Athletica, L’Occitane and Pinkberry. Located in Plaza El Segundo, you will find YogaWorks, La Sirena Grill, Whole Foods, The Container Store and Dick’s Sporting Goods just steps away.
The Boy and The Bear Formerly called The Fika Company, The Boy and The Bear is definitely the hippest spot for artisan coffee and conversation. Be sure to sample their chocolates and pastries as well.
The Hook & Plow Located in Nearby Hermosa Beach and walkable from most parts of Manhattan Beach, Hook & Plow focuses on sourcing seafood, meats, produce and other ingredients as locally and organically as possible. An open air restaurant with a casual feel and inviting menu, this is a great spot to dine with friends.
The Source Café at The Beach Also located in Hermosa Beach, if I’m not in the mood to cook, you will likely find me picking up takeout at this café. Offering a completely organic menu featuring paleo, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options, you are sure to find something both healthy and tasty on the menu.
Have you ever been to Manhattan Beach? Let me know if you have any favorite spots that I didn’t include on my list.
Photos by Mo Summers and Amina Touray.
Thank you so much for reading!
xoxo,
Lisa
Let’s Connect!
Love your chanel jumbo! I have that in black!
What a great post, I actually visited LA once but we had a very short stay there and could see only few museums, This post makes me think to go back and explore it more! Love all your cute outfits!
http://www.queenhorsfall.com/
I’d love to visit Manhattan Beach one day- all LA beaches are so lovely. I adore your floral dress too
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
Oh wow! what a complete guide, it really inspires me to go visit the place. Your pictures are amazing !