The Strand House

Found this quaint little restaurant in Manhattan Beach today. The atmosphere is a mix of elegant and casual that blends very well. With amazing sunset views of Manhattan Beach and great food, you can't go wrong.We started off with the shrimp cocktail which did not disappoint. For our main course, we both had the Chilean Sea Bass and it was absolutely amazing. The bass was cooked to perfection and was served with a warm cream sauce with fennel that complemented the fish well.We finished off with the THS donuts for desert based on a recommendation and WOW, they were great.Our server Kenny was amazing. He made excellent recommendations and was always available when we needed him. Kenny has a great personality and we enjoyed having him as our waiter.We will definitely return the next time we are in town.

Disappointed. Food was good, not great. Service was good. I didn't eat much of my brunch and asked for a take-away bag. Left the restaurant without the bag.Called the restaurant 15 minutes later and was told that it was thrown away.Not impressed.

Disappointing ExperienceSpent over $2,300 and regret it. I booked The Strand House for my mom's 60th birthday, specifically for the view. The plan was to have our party of 18 seated in the main dining room, where the water is in full view. I worked with their coordinator, Stephanie, from 01.23.2025 to 02.16.2025 to plan this. She was great--detailed, accommodating, and even arranged a personalized event menu with our own logo. Everything seemed solid. But here's how it actually went down: 1. The reservation was somehow made for 2024 instead of 2025. Because of this, when we arrived, the host staff couldn't even find our reservation. 2. My party was split up. Some were tucked in the back of the front dining room, one person was placed at the bar, and others were just turned away completely. 3. Once they finally located my reservation, our space had already been given away. Instead of the promised main dining room, we were crammed onto a small balcony that didn't fit our group comfortably. Paying over $2K, I expected to get what I was promised. No apology. No accountability. Just a shrug and a "this is what we have" attitude. 4. The service was frustrating. Wait staff took away food without permission--if a guest wasn't at their seat, even if there was plenty of food left, they cleared the plate. My mom specifically requested some items to be boxed, yet a lot of food went missing. I found out about this after the fact. 5. We were rushed. I get that the space we were put in is normally for general seating, but that wasn't our fault. We had a reservation for a private area and should have been treated accordingly. 6. The photographer I hired wasn't able to capture the moments we were hoping for. The space we were moved to was too small and poorly positioned, which completely altered the aesthetic and backdrop we had planned for. The whole point of choosing this venue was for the view--and that was taken away. 7. Stephanie's response regarding the space we were guaranteed made no sense. She claimed that for parties larger than (insert random number) reserved groups are always assigned randomly. But in her own email, she clearly stated that the only expected change for groups larger than 16 would be two parallel tables--not a completely different location. So not only was I misled, but the response contradicted what was actually communicated.At the end of the day, I just expect better--especially when the service fee alone was 23% of over $2,300.I didn't complain that night. I just paid the check and followed up with Stephanie the next day, hoping for some accountability--maybe even an assurance of a better experience in the future. Instead, I got excuses and dismissiveness.This was supposed to be a special night for my mom, and I paid a considerable amount for it. With 15+ years in the service industry, I understand mistakes happen. But grace is for those who seek it--and clearly, they have no interest in doing so.Wouldn't recommend. Not for a special occasion, not for the price, and definitely not for the service.

Came here for Valentine's Day and we made a reservation of course! We waited a bit before getting seated but they gave all the ladies a rose so it was worth it. I recommend the Branzino because the risotto is delicious! We also ordered the New York strip and tuna tostadas. The Steak had quite a bit of fat on it that we couldn't chew but the potato mille fuille it came with was amazing. Def a spot to go to for a special occasion or date night I love the location because of the stunning views from every seat. The only downside is parking is a little tricky. There is street parking and some lots but it can get busy.

Went on a Saturday at 5 in time for sunset. We had a very nice view. We got the shrimp appetizer, truffle pizza appetizer, short rib and dorade. The shrimp was good but nothing unique. The truffle pizza was yummy with loooooots of cheese but very heavy and very big portion! We almost got too full from it. The dorade was nicely cooked with a flavorful purée. The rib was yummy too. We got donuts for dessert and having all different flavors was kind of cool but also they were just donuts...The place is a bit tight. Like the tables are so close to each other that you can hear their conversation. Service was good. Our waitress was nice and friendly. For some reason, it took forever for our appetizers to come out so we kind of got worried that they were going to come out with our main dish but it ended up being fine.

Been here a few times. Time to do the thing.Parking is street or the two lots right below it.And the two lots are very small. So just a heads up. Parking may be an issue.Upon walking in I've always been greeted immediately. And I've always had reservations. It's highly recommended you get reservations for this place. As it is VERY busy after 6pm for dinner.However before that? You're totally fine.Restaurant is updated, elegant and nice.However the seating can be a little odd in the main dining area upstairs.If you're a part of two. The tables they give you are the size of a child's table. You won't be able to fit more than one and a half plates on it along with drinks etc. For this reason that's exactly why it isn't 5 stars. I had to ask to be moved to a bigger table. Which luckily they had.Oysters. We opted for the Washington oysters.Presented well. Served with ketchup, horseradish, lemons and a strange mignonette sauce. They're definitely good. And I should have ordered a full dozen. I definitely will next time!Buttered bread. Made in house soft, fluffy and perfect. Can't go wrong with it.Clam chowder. Light in taste. Good broth and tons of clams. Seasoned well. No heat so might want to add your own pepper. However it isn't your usual clam chowder either. Made in house with a MUCH thinner broth/soup compared to your normal thick and rich clam chowder.Ceviche. Properly cooked in tons of lime juice. They definitely didn't skimp on it. Taste was there. Definitely not your average ceviche. And don't let the small bowl fool you. It's deep and has tons in there lol. Just like the clam chowder presentation. Looks small. Isn't though.I've also had the Cesar salad here before.And here's where another star is deducted.Taste is off. And is lacking dressing. Has to ask for more dressing. It was extremely dry and lacking otherwise. Drinks. My girl ordered a mitchelada.Apparently they make their own mix in house. Which I do not recommend. And they don't mention this either. There's fish sauce in it. Disgusting. We sent it back. And asked for the spicy margarita which was excellent.Also I asked for some menu items. And the water said "no that's only available for downstairs. I cannot bring you those menu items past everyone upstairs. Because then everyone would want that" wtf does that mean?Our waiter also seemed a little bothered. I'm not sure if it was because we went the drink back. Or because I had many questions about the menu after that. As time passed he seemed less annoyed or bothered. But it was definitely awkward.So would I overall recommend this place?Yeah sure why not. It's pretty decent. Prices are in the high side for what it is.But you're paying for the location and atmosphere.Not entirely the food... unfortunately lol.Check it out.Food: above averageDecor: newCleanliness: very cleanStaff: averageAtmosphere: classyBathrooms: clean

I've reviewed The Strand House before, but this time, I'm here to spotlight a truly spectacular moment: enjoying the second-level bar top in downtown Manhattan Beach. Perched above the world with an ocean breeze at your back, it's where indulgence meets sophistication.Let's talk about The Woodsman--their seasonal cocktail that's nothing short of art in a glass. This smoky, woodsy masterpiece is perfectly balanced with sweet and spicy notes. Every sip feels like a warm embrace, making it the ultimate companion for an elevated evening.But the true highlight? My custom charcuterie board. No meat by request (but meat lovers, they've got you covered!), this platter was a pescatarian's dream: creamy espresso-infused cheese that was utterly decadent, perfectly spiced nuts, briny olives, and a luscious housemade marmalade that tied it all together. Each bite was a journey, a mix of bold flavors and thoughtful pairings that were as indulgent as they were creative.The cherry on top of this incredible experience was the phenomenal female bartender. Yaaas, queen! Her magnetic energy, precision, and charm turned the evening into something truly unforgettable. She crafted each cocktail with artistry, ensured every detail was on point, and made every guest feel like they belonged.This wasn't just a stop for a drink; it was a moment to savor, an escape from the ordinary. For those who crave a blend of refined ambiance, inspired cocktails, and exceptional service, the bar top at The Strand House is a must. Cheers to another unforgettable visit--I'll be back soon!

John was super, food and service were phenomenal.We love the Strand and will definitely return.Got to see Jeff, he waited on us 5 years ago, glad he is still around.

If you're looking for a spot with an amazing vibe and breathtaking sunset views, this place is a must-visit. The atmosphere is perfect for hanging out with friends or enjoying a relaxed evening--whether you're sipping on sunset drinks or simply soaking in the view. The location offers a prime setting to watch the sunset over the ocean, adding to the overall experience.While the food menu is good and offers hearty, flavorful options, it's worth noting that the vegetarian and vegan selections are a bit limited. However, the dishes they do offer are filling, with robust flavors that leave you satisfied. If you're not specifically looking for plant-based options, you'll find plenty of delicious choices.Service is quick despite how busy they are!

There's a top level and a lower level. If you are at the top level, you have an option to get a good view of the ocean on the patio there. But the lower area you're absolutely able to see the spectacular sunset if you go at the right time. The service is amazing. I always sit at the bar and the folks are always so nice. They know their stuff and happy to offer recommendations. The corned beef hash was so flavorful and tender. Add on the egg and you have perfection. I shall return.