The South Bay area is home to many amazing restaurants, ice cream shops, and fast food places, and the locals know exactly where it is at. Here’s a list of 13 places to go to (in alphabetical order) when you are in the area, loved by locals.
1. Asaka Sushi and Grill
Located at the Golden Cove Shopping Center
Great Japanese cuisine, a casual place to go with your family, friends, or on a date! It overlooks the ocean and is a wonderful location for the sunset.
2. Buffalo Fire Department
Located in Torrance
Owned by Palos Verdes local Chef Shafer, this restaurant is home to juicy burgers and wings. My brothers love it and I do too! It is a casual place to go for lunch and dinner, and especially on the weekend.
3. Corazon Mexican Kitchen
Located in Rolling Hills Estates
I recently went here with my mom for dinner. It is definitely a fancier place to get Mexican food, and you leave not feeling stuffed. The food is light and has a slight spicy flare. She really likes it and she is a picky Mexican food eater, so I definitely recommend it.
4. Gaetano’s Restaurant
Located in Torrance
Family-owned since 1999, this place serves amazing Italian food. Lunch, dinner, whenever it is open, this place is busy and the locals love it. There is nice patio dining if you are looking for something romantic, and the pricing is very fair for the food they serve.
5. Good Stuff Restaurant
Located in Hermosa Beach
The milkshakes and burgers are terrific, as well as most other things on the menu. They serve classic American food, and it’s a great place to stop if you are biking on The Strand and want a casual place to dine. Right next to the beach, Good Stuff is great for families and is usually pretty busy.
6. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
Located in Redondo Beach
This place every local knows and if you don’t, shame on you! Their ice cream is THE BOMB and there is almost always a line, especially on $2 Tuesday. They have very unique flavors, and there is one for every ice cream lover and hater. Definitely a must to check out, you won’t regret it.
7. Hennessey’s Tavern
Located in Hermosa Beach
An Irish-style pub that serves great food in a casual environment. A wonderful place for lunch, especially if you can sit on their second level to overlook the ocean. I am a fan of their tomato bisque and grilled cheese, but my brothers rave over their burgers.
8. Misto Caffe and Bakery
Located in the Hillside Village
A great place to go for a homey, comfortable lunch or dinner. I love taking my grandpa here and he loves it, too! It is an American bistro that my family goes to on nights where we are looking for a nice, reliable place that isn’t fancy.
9. Nelson’s
Located at the Terranea Resort
Absolutely a perfect place to go for dinner and especially during the summer. They have a band that plays during the summer months and it is great for all ages. They serve American cuisine and though the menu seems to have changed, the food is still great and it’s a really fun environment. Almost all the people that go there are locals, even though it is at the resort.
10. Pedone’s Pizza and Deli
Located in the Riviera Village
Pedone’s has great pizza and is where my friends and I go to when we are at Torrance beach and need a lunch break. Very popular with high school and college students. The service is fast and all you need is a slice or two to fill you up.
11. Riviera Mexican Grill
Located in the Riviera Village
This place is ALWAYS busy so be prepared. American type Mexican food with a fun atmosphere. A really great place for families and dinner with friends. I
12. Starbucks
Located at the Golden Cove Shopping Center
Starbucks is Starbucks and there really is nothing different about this one EXCEPT that it overlooks the ocean and is prime real estate for the sunset. A really nice place to grab coffee and enjoy a casual time with a wonderful view.
13. The Depot
Located in Torrance
Also owned by Palos Verdes local Chef Shafer, this is a place with upscale dining where you can get the best buttermilk chicken tenders and mac n’ cheese. One of my dad’s favorite restaurants, a sure hit for parents and family and friends. Great for special events like birthdays and graduations.
