Located on the 101 Freeway, Hermosa Beach is the epitome of a charming beach town. There’s plenty that draws residents here, from the local boutiques to the array of dining options. Whether you’re looking for an evening out on the town or somewhere to celebrate a special dinner, this idyllic beach town offers an abundance of culinary options to choose from.
Here’s the inside scoop on the best places to dine, drink, and dessert in Hermosa Beach.
Decadence
For an elevated night of dinner and drinks, head over to Decadence. This bar and restaurant has provided the Hermosa Beach community with innovative California-Asian-inspired cuisine since it opened in 2009. Located in the heart of Hermosa Beach, this local restaurant and bar prioritizes fresh, local ingredients, which are reflected in the seasonal menu.
Guests can look forward to an array of creative, handcrafted cocktails, which provide a refreshing break from ordinary drinks near Hermosa Beach Homes for Sale. The cocktails at Decadence are expertly made with premium artisanal spirits and organic fruits and juices that create imaginative and magical concoctions. For instance, the Purple Sky is one of the most-ordered drinks. It’s made with fresh blackberries and thyme, bourbon, lemon, and honey. The Hermosa Breeze, another staple, consists of vodka, house-made watermelon syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a splash of champagne for a refreshing twist.
In addition to carefully crafted cocktails, Decadence also offers select wines from California and around the globe, as well as an expansive selection of draft beers from local breweries.
Playa Hermosa Fish & Oyster Co.
Nothing beats having seafood by the sea, and at Playa Hermosa Fish & Oyster Company, you can experience some of the best around. Established in 2017, this refined restaurant offers fresh oysters and American seafood dishes. Not to mention the fact the restaurant is located on the world-famous Hermosa Beach pier and boasts an unmatched patio dining experience and exquisite views.
The menu features several traditional seafood dishes, such as lobster bisque, fish ‘n chips, scallops, lobster rolls, and plenty more. With a casual ambiance and spacious, light-filled interior, you’ll feel right at home at Playa Hermosa Fish & Oyster Company. Plus, the restaurant is situated just steps away from the sand, so you can soak up the ocean breeze while enjoying your meal. End your dinner on a sweet note with some dessert, such as the tiramisu or salted butterscotch pot de creme.
Steak & Whisky American Tavern
Are you looking for a refined culinary experience to celebrate a special occasion (or just a regular Tuesday night)? Book a table at Steak & Whisky American Tavern. This upscale eatery offers a California take on the American tavern, and the result is truly unforgettable. Stop by for dinner, a happy hour drink, or a weeknight meal.
Steak & Whisky brings exceptional ingredients and attention to detail to every dish they prepare. Each cut of meat has been hand-selected from a single-source herd of cattle, and guests can choose from smoked pork meatballs, dry-aged burgers, or a selection of quality steaks. Signature dishes include a shrimp and grits skillet, butter-poached whole lobster, and hand-selected steaks, including tomahawk, filet mignon, and prime porterhouse.
Order a hand-crafted cocktail or a glass of wine to complement your meal. If you have room afterward, be sure to look at the dessert menu! Featuring a handful of decadent desserts — pecan tarts, buttermilk bread pudding, and cheesecake with a berry compote — you can’t go wrong by saving a little room at the end of the evening! With rustic leather booths and exposed beams on the ceiling, the dining room provides an intimate, cozy ambiance that makes for a memorable dining experience.
American Junkie
If you’re looking for somewhere local to enjoy a casual evening out with friends, be sure to check out American Junkie. This laid-back sports bar is a great spot to catch the game or connect with a friend for some late-night socializing. American Junkie remains true to its name by serving nearly entirely American-made products. This lively gastropub is known for its craft beers, California wines, and creative cocktails, such as the watermelon mule or the mango jalapeno margarita. Grab some appetizers to go along with your drinks, like an order of warm housemade potato chips or a hand-tossed pizza.
The Baked Bear
Satisfy your cravings at one of Hermosa Beach’s sweetest shops: The Baked Bear. This local shop specializes in custom ice cream sandwiches using original cookie recipes and hand-scooped ice cream on site. The cookies are made with the highest quality ingredients and baked from scratch daily, and the premium craft ice cream is churned with pure cane sugar and all-natural stabilizers. With its smooth texture, the ice cream’s unique and creamy flavors can be enjoyed on their own or paired perfectly between your favorite cookies.
The Baked Bear offers a wide assortment of cookies, including traditional flavors like chocolate chip and snickerdoodle and a few unique flavors, like red velvet or Funfetti. If you’re looking to try something new, consider mixing and matching any cookie or brownie to make a custom ice cream sandwich. There are over a dozen ice cream flavors to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that satisfies your cravings — the shop also offers vegan and gluten-free options! Their most popular flavors include blackberry crumble, toasted s’more, and caramel pretzel fudge.
Finally, consider topping off your ice cream or ice cream sandwich with hot caramel, almonds, Fruity Pebbles, or any other topping that suits your fancy. With so many delicious options to choose from, it’s impossible to go wrong with dessert from The Baked Bear.
Hermosa Pie & Cake Company
No matter how you slice it, it’s hard to beat a good slice of pie. Luckily for you, you can experience that at Hermosa Pie & Cake Company. Since first opening its doors, this local pie shop has been committed to providing guests with quality ingredients in the food they consume without compromising on good taste. They aim to offer a healthier alternative, using fresh, all-natural Pacific Northwest fruit. Hermosa Pie & Cake Company is famous for the fruit pies and provides a mini fruit pie option, perfect for one person. Flavors include Granny Smith apple, blackberry, maroon berry, and pumpkin, just to name a few.
Paradis Ice Cream
If you’re an ice cream lover, we’ve got just the place for you! Paradis Ice Cream has gained a reputation for its top-notch handcrafted ice cream since its first store opened in 2009. The shop boasts nearly 60 original flavors, including vegan sorbets. Ice cream flavors are made fresh every day using high-quality ingredients. There are no syrups or purees here — instead, Paradis relies on local markets to ensure real, ripe fruit in every creation.
Ingredients are sourced from around the globe, spanning from organic cocoa from Northern Europe to Bourbon vanilla from Madagascar to organic almonds from California. Paradis has something to offer everyone, no matter their preferences. Guests can choose from ice cream flavors made with local dairy, fruit sorbets made with water, and plant-based ice cream made with non-dairy alternatives, like almond milk or coconut cream.
Creme De La Crepe
While traveling to France might not be an option right now, this Hermosa Beach cafe will transport you to France with one bite. Creme De La Crepe is well-loved among locals for its coffee drinks and French-inspired cuisine. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this cafe is an ideal spot to grab a bite to eat.
Although it’s impossible to go wrong with whatever you decide to order, the sweet crepes are the star of the show here. Served with homemade whipped cream, the crepes come in various flavors ranging from fresh fruit to Nutella. The Gauloise, made with cinnamon and brown sugar-baked apples and topped with toasted almonds, is one of the most popular dishes. Once you’ve tasted your first bite of this heavenly pancake-like pastry, you’ll understand why it’s become so popular. You can also stop by for Happy Hour, which occurs Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
If you’re looking for real estate in Hermosa Beach, contact EVJ Homes today. Whether you’re looking for a short-term rental or a forever home, this talented team can walk you through the process from start to finish and help you find a place that’s right for you. With years of experience in Hermosa Beach real estate for sale, EVJ Homes can help you find a house that truly feels like home.