Dining

For my aunt’s birthday, we headed toFishBar in Manhattan Beach, a spot she’d been eager to try. So, I made reservations for our party of three, which turned out to be a smart move as the place steadily filled up throughout the evening. Our server was knowledgeable and attentive, guiding us through the menu. We started with grilled oysters and tuna bits, both excellent choices, followed by a rich and flavorful lobster bisque that my aunt and uncle thoroughly enjoyed.

The atmosphere is a nice balance of coastal and sports bar, with comfortable leather booths and high-top tables scattered throughout. Multiple TVs line the walls, giving it an upscale sports bar feel, but with a focus on fresh, quality seafood.

My salmon bowl arrived beautifully plated and tasted absolutely divine. But the standout dish of the night? Can you believe it was a side dish! The Brussels sprouts! Perfectly seasoned and prepared, they were honestly the best I’ve ever had, crispy, flavorful, and irresistible.

FishBar sits on the quieter edge of Manhattan Beach, about a four-minute walk from the ocean, with a convenient parking structure right across the street. The location offers easy beach access also! Everything looked appetizing, and I’m already planning a return visit to explore more of the menu. The combination of great food, attentive service, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere made for a memorable birthday celebration.

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After a long day with my hair colorist, we wanted something casual and relaxed, no fancy dress code required. He suggested Zarapé, and I was immediately on board. Margaritas? Yes, please.

Located in a small plaza with a few outdoor tables, Zarapé has a trendy, welcoming vibe the moment you step inside. TVs line the walls, and the friendly servers create an instantly comfortable atmosphere. Their happy hour runs from 2:30-6:30pm with solid deals, and the bar boasts an impressive tequila selection. I couldn’t resist the margarita flight, lime, mango, spicy watermelon, and strawberry, each served in cute glasses with different seasoned rims. The spicy watermelon and strawberry were particularly spectacular.

We ordered from both the happy hour and regular menus to sample a variety. The chips and guacamole came with a smoky red salsa that I’m still dreaming about, perfectly balanced and absolutely addictive. The homemade tortilla chips were crisp and fresh. Potato taquitos delivered exactly what I hoped for, and the entrees were all winners! The 10-oz marinated black angus asada was juicy and tender, while the birria and al pastor tacos were beautifully simple yet incredibly flavorful.

This hidden gem serves some of the best Mexican food in the area. I’ve been back three times in two months, and everything has been delicious. Oh, and they serve breakfast all day! Which is a perfect touch.

For menu and more, click here.

Some restaurants sit on your mental list for years, quietly waiting for the right moment. Quiadaiyn has been one of those places for me. It had been on my radar for years, one of those places I kept meaning to try.  That changed when my sister came into town craving something authentic. Not trendy. Not reinterpreted. Mexican food rooted in Oaxacan tradition. Quiadaiyn immediately came to mind.

Rooted in Oaxacan tradition, Quiadaiyn is best known for its mole, and rightly so. Mole here is not a single sauce but a centerpiece. Deep, layered, and patiently built, each version reflects the time and technique the dish demands. These are moles that carry history in every bite. Complex without being overwhelming, bold without losing balance.

The space itself mirrors the food. Calm, unpretentious, and confident. There is no need for spectacle. The flavors speak clearly and with purpose. The experience is rounded out by a carefully curated tequila and mezcal selection, chosen with the same thoughtfulness that defines the kitchen. Pro tip: Enjoy your mezcal with a slice of orange!

Eating here felt less like discovering a new spot and more like finally following through on a long-held intention. Quiadaiyn doesn’t chase attention. It earns loyalty. And after years of waiting, it delivered exactly what I hoped it would. Some places are worth waiting for. Quiadaiyn is one of them.

For the menu and more, click here.

Rosetta Osteria and Crudo Bar, on Ventura in the former The Village location, is the latest from Frank Leon, owner of nearby Michelin Plate-awarded sushi bar Leona’s. It is a departure from the typical coastal Italian trend that has taken over LA.  I was there last week with friends, a great way to enjoy the menu, which focuses on crudo and pasta. It helps that Leon owns a sushi bar, because the quality of the crudo at Rosetta is stellar. Beautiful cuts of Hamachi, Tuna, Branzino, and Hokkaido Scallops are embellished with chili oil crunch, shaved truffles, wasabi vinaigrette, and special olive oils. Pastas are fresh and familiar, yet elevated. Take the Spaghetti alla Vongole, where the Little Neck clams are bumped up with bottarga and saffron. The steak cuts are served with bone marrow and chimichurri, and the lamb chops are grilled perfectly in the wood-fired oven. Often in the city, I’m disappointed in the limited wines-by-the-glass list. At Rosetta, I found beautiful (and hard to find) wines like Arneis, Falanghina, Verdicchio, Barbera and Etna Rosso – all of which are meant to pair beautifully with the menu. Equally impressive is the re-design, which brought together the outside patio and inside bar and restaurant into a sleek and romantically-lit, inviting space. I’m looking forward to going back for a glass of Alto Adige Pinot Grigio and the Orata crudo. 

For menu and more, click here.