Best Italian Restaurants in Manhattan Beach California
The comfort of Italian food cannot be matched. Whether you’re in the mood for dinner or not, you’ll never be able to say “NO” to pipping pizza or delicious pasta! We’ve narrowed down the best Italian Restaurants in Manhattan Beach, California, for you. Check out our recommendations for where you absolutely must eat. From freshly baked bread, fresh pizzas, and fresh pasta along with savory wines, there’s no doubt at these eateries – you’ll find what you’re craving!
Slay Italian Kitchen
Website | (424) 257-8301
1001 Manhattan Ave Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Slay Italian restaurant offers an old-school Italian vibe with a contemporary twist, a perfect stop if you’re ever in Manhattan Beach. The food here is good. The service is stupendous!
The menu is full of supremely delicious Italian fare. However, the menu at Slay Italian changes seasonally with stone-fired pizzas, fresh and dried kinds of pasta, roasts, and seafood. Besides fresh ingredients, Slay offers vegetables and their own wine from his vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, Slay Estate & Vineyard.
The chefs here perfectly craft each original recipe to bring out the natural flavors of all fresh ingredients. Some standout dishes include Sole Milanese, Funghi, Chicken Piccata, Toasted Ravioli, Squash Blossoms, and Margherita Pizza, which always arrive piping hot with a crisp, tangy crust. When you’re craving Italian food, this restaurant makes sense.
Mangiamo Ristorante
Website |(310) 318-3434
128 Manhattan Beach Blvd Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
One block west of Manhattan Beach’s historic pier – you will find Mangiamo Restaurant, serving traditional Italian cuisine with a California twist. From 1984 to the present, Mangiamo has been cooking for South Bay residents. The dining area inside is gorgeous and intimate. They also have an outside area with the most amazing sunset views, as well as the main area with 4-5 tables and an area at the back that is quieter.
In addition to great Italian food, they have some of the best seafood in the city, and their menu is a great combination of fresh catches and classic Italian dishes! They also offer a wide selection of wines and mixed drinks that give the perfect addition to your meal, no matter if you’re in the mood for a spritz or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Crab Crusted Sea Bass, Frutti Di Mare, Wild Mushroom Gnocchi, Fried Cauliflower, and Penne and Blackened Chicken are popular choices. The scallops with risotto are a must. As one of Manhattan’s top Italian restaurants, this place is always busy. Make sure you make a reservation.
Il Fornaio
Website | (310) 725-9555
1800 Rosecrans Ave Bldg F Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Embark on a culinary adventure through Italy inside Il Fornaio. An evening spent in this classic Italian restaurant with friends and loved ones – is perfect! It has the feel of a cozy Italian retreat when you walk into this casual restaurant. Il Fornaio is a popular spot for locals (including families) that know about food, and it’s great for unplanned dinners and brunches.
Authentic risotto, grilled fish, grilled plates of pasta, wood-fired pizza, and rotisserie meats are among the specialties. Pennoni Alla Vodka, Linguine Mare Chiaro, Gelato, and Pizza Cristina are fan favorites.
Fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods are used to create gourmet Italian dishes at Il Fornaio, which also offers great cocktails and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list.
Love & Salt
Website | (310) 545-5252
317 Manhattan Beach Blvd Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Nestled in a pocket of amazingness in Manhattan Beach is this little spot! Walk into the rustic atmosphere and try some of the best Italian dishes. For over a decade, Love & Salt has been a Manhattan Beach top Italian staple. And for a good reason: their Bone Marrow Pasta, Salt Spring Mussels, Rigatoni all amatriciana, Creste Di Gallo Midollo, and Fennel Sausage Pizza are always a hit.
With the gooey yolk wrapped around bacon-pancetta and shaved potato, the Duck Egg Pizza is a must-try. Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch completes the meal – a delicious alternative to a Nutty Buddy. If you are reviewing the tasting menu and trying to find an excellent wine for your dinner, the wine pairing here is definitely worth paying the extra money for.
There is a lot of open space and airiness in the interior design. With a beautiful linear bar and a clear view of the kitchen, it’s a great place to entertain. In addition to indoor seating, there is outdoor seating with a view of the ocean down the street.