Fishing With Dynamite

Walking into Fishing With Dynamite feels like stepping into a coastal hideaway, especially on those bright afternoons when sunlight floods through the windows and you could swear you’ve been transported to a seaside town somewhere on the East Coast. This intimate Manhattan Beach spot, brought to you by the same folks behind Manhattan Beach Post, has established itself as one of LA’s premier destinations for pristine seafood and particularly exceptional raw bar offerings.

The menu here celebrates ocean-fresh ingredients with impeccable execution. The daily-rotating oyster selection is a must—your server can guide you toward the day’s best picks—and the bay scallops arrive swimming in a vibrant citrus marinade that perfectly balances their natural sweetness. The Koshihikari rice porridge is something special: a comforting, creamy bowl packed with shrimp, crab, and sea urchin, all brought together by a silky egg yolk. Meanwhile, the blue crab roll on its pillowy milk bun offers the kind of satisfaction that only comes with simple preparations of excellent ingredients, plus an addictive heap of crispy fries alongside.

This is the sort of restaurant that works for almost any occasion—an early date where you want to impress, a leisurely lunch with friends, or a nice dinner out with family. The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between relaxed and special, making it easy to settle in and work through several rounds of oysters before moving on to heartier fare.

Don’t leave without ordering the key lime pie. With its buttery graham cracker base crowned by dramatic swirls of torched Italian meringue, it’s earned its reputation as one of the city’s most memorable desserts. One bite and you’ll understand why people keep coming back to this little Manhattan Beach gem.