the strand in manhattan beach -- dinner suggestions?

[ricodanles]

noticed some nice italian & Cal-Ital restaurants. We're game for anything.

[Bradbury]

Most of the Italian restaurants there aren't anything to write home about. I'd recommend Darren's if you have a small party (<= 4), Petros if you have a larger party.

[Nicole]

Darren's is the best in Manhattan Beach if you are looking for an upscale meal. If you want something more casual, I would recommend Rock N Fish. Another option is Sashi, an upscale Japanese place. The food is actually really good, but for the swanky atmosphere and MB location you pay about 30% more than you would pay for comparable quality Japanese food in Torrance/Lomita/Gardena. Cafe Pierre is another option if you want French...it is pretty good but not great (avoid the beef tartare if you do go). Prices are in line with French bistros on the Westside (e.g., Anisette), but quality is noticeably lower. A lot of people like Petros but I've actually never been because my husband isn't into Greek food.

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Petros Restaurant
451 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Sashi
451 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

[bulavinaka]

There's a related thread listed at the bottom of this one:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/591927

I've heard nothing but good things about Petros, but I've never been...

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Petros Restaurant
451 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

[wienermobile]

Another vote for Petros, very good upscale Greek food in a nice setting. Save room for desert their hot made to order Loukouma Baby Greek doughnuts drizzled with honey, cinnamon, toasted walnuts and vanilla ice cream will make you very happy.
http://www.petrosrestaurant.com/
For more casual I recommend the North End Cafe (they were on Diners, Drive in's and Dives on the Food Network) They make a Kahlua Pig Monte Cristo Egg Roll that is incredible.
http://www.northendcaffe.net/

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Petros Restaurant
451 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

North End Cafe
3713 Highland Ave Ste 1, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

[Servorg]

I had noticed recently that Darren's in Manhattan Beach (California cuisine) was strongly recommended here.

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Darren's Restaurant and Bar
1141 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

[ricodanles]

saw on their wall that they got a great food review from Zagat's, for whatever that's worth.

thanks for the rec.