Cozy/romantic (and affordable) dinner in Manhattan Beach?

[joseph scott]

My wife and I will be in Manhattan Beach this weekend and I want to take her somewhere with nice atmosphere and good food but is not *too* expensive. Mama D, for instance, looks too crowded/noisy, but Avenue looks too expensive - anything in between? I'd go south to Redondo or if need be north to Santa Monica for something that fits the bill.

it's a special occasion, so any help is greatly appreciated!

[joseph scott]

thanks all for your recommendations. We're going to give Cafe Pierre a shot. Looks like it's gotten good reviews elsewhere on this forum too.

[wowimadog]

you'd have a better meal, better service and spend the same amount at avenue. plus, avenue's menu is seasonal and much more creative than cafe pierre.

[Nicole]

Fritto Misto is also crowded/noisy and very casual...I don't think it fits the bill. Coco Noche and Michi might be good picks. There are a bunch of places in the area that I believe are more affordable than Avenue, but possibly stll too pricey. There is Cafe Pierre in Manhattan Beach, but that might be too expensive. Same for Michi--not sure if it's in your budget, but it has a swanky atmosphere and good food. Other nice places I like outside Manhattan Beach, but not too far away, are Christine in Torrance (possibly too expensive) and Gina Lee's Bistro in Redondo Beach. Gina Lee's has great food, and is more affordable than the others I mentioned, but I wouldn't describe it as cosy/romantic. Another good option might be Jackson's Village Bistro in Hermosa Beach? I've never been, but others have told me that the food is good, and it looks cozy when I walk by. But again, not sure if this suggestion is within budget. Maybe you could give a better idea of what you'd like to spend? Anyway, some of these places have menus on their websites, so you can check out the pricing yourself:

http://www.restaurantchristine.com/
http://www.michi.foodnow.tv/
http://www.cafepierre.com/

For the best food, and most inviting/romantic environment, I would definitely choose Christine.

[CynD]

Will somebody explain to me what's the attraction with Gina Lee? We had a most unmemorable meal there. Disappointed with the bento box dinner and the fried catfish. What's the specialty, must be ordered, dish to get?

[wowimadog]

you could have tapas, wine and chocolate at coco noche. there is a report here:
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/324821

http://www.coconoche.com/
no menu online though

[New Trial]

How about Avenue or Michi?

[ciaobella]

hi there...how about italy's little kitchen or fritto misto? both are in hermosa and seem to fit your description...

-ciaobella