Manhattan House

Manhattan House Restaurant Review:

A vivid mural melding Manhattan Beach and New York lines the exterior of the building where Manhattan House resides. Inside, guests will find more art along with exposed wood beams, chalkboards listing specials and a cozy fireplace. Take a seat at one of the four-top tables or tufted booths and browse the seasonal menu from chef Diana Stavaridis. The wine list leans towards California, as do the craft beers on tap. There are several signature cocktails in addition to a section for "House Manhattans," where you'll find the recommended "Oak Fashioned." The garden salad, featuring Tuscan kale, honeycrisp apples, Reggianito, hazelnuts and lemon vinaigrette, makes for a fabulous starter, though we wouldn't blame you for filling up on the in-house sourdough bread. "Carrotology v 2.0" features local carrots prepared 11 ways. Continue with larger plates such as the house burger, free-range buttermilk fried chicken (a popular choice) or bacon-wrapped scallops. Chocolate pot de crème and lemon curd cheesecake may appear among the desserts. During prime dinner hours (7:30 p.m. or so), the space can get noisy, but it tends to quiet down as the evening wears on, allowing the chance to appreciate the classic rock soundtrack.