Second Story Restaurant, Manhattan Beach

Whether it’s a casual lunch in the charming Second Story Restaurant or a romantic evening in the cozy dining room, Second Story Restaurant promises an enchanting dining experience. The casually elegant ambiance and gorgeous décor set the stage
for an enticing blend of upscale comfort food, with influences from new
Contemporary American cuisine. They’ve got some of the best gourmet
burgers around—Second Story Restaurant the place to be.

Walking into the restaurant, we immediately felt at home. Light, warm tones swept through the large dining room, it felt open and welcoming. Comfortably elegant
chairs gathered around the tables, while a few enormous booths offered a slightly
more secluded dining space. Dim light, cast from the flickering fire place, candles,
and elegant wall lamps, gave the room a subdued glow. The bar is also a
wonderful place to hang and have a delicious cocktail; do not miss their
signautre: Eco-Tini with Fresh Cucumber, Fresh Mint, Simple Syrup
and Soda, also the Blueberry Mojito is amazing!

Eco-Tini Blueberry Mojito

We were welcomed warmly by the hostess, walking through the dining room. We were greeted by our server, who eagerly offered to start our meal off with an aperitif. The wine list at Second Story Restaurant is well thought out, with a generous selection of California, Italian, and French wines. As the server delivered glasses of Montes Sauvignon Blanc, a clairvoyant, grassy wine from the heart of Chilean wine
country, we turned to the menu, which offered an equally tempting array of
what Second Story Restaurant calls “Exquisite California Cuisine.”

Fried Calamari Executive Chef Vania Almeida

Our server explained that many of the dishes had been on the menu since the restaurant’s opening; Executive Chef Vania Almeida, who is a native from
Brazil, and does an excellent job creating the most amazing dishes.

Lobster Spring Rolls

We began with two of the more unique dishes on the menu, which our server
ensured were also two “classics” the Lobster Spring Rolls and the Filet
Mignon Street Tacos. Both of these dishes were far from ordinary, and
were perfect examples of the restaurant’s unique culinary offerings. Also
the Fresh Cut Crispy Calamary and the Ahi Sahimi were starters!

Filet Mignon Street Tacos

The plates were worthy of an elegant cocktail party, yet had a playful air; somehow these exquisite ingredients seemed naturally suited to this casual form. And then
there was the taste. While each component was precise and flavorful alone these dishes revealed its brilliance when I lifted a “slice” of the filet mignon tacos
to my mouth, and the flavors combined in one comforting bite.

Lobster Stuffed Roasted Filet Mignon

Brussel Sprouts Mac-n-Cheese

As far as our entrees, everything in the menu was really tempting, but I could not wait to try the Lobster Stuffed Roasted Filet Mignon. Deep, complex flavors resonated
on the tongue: a perfect burst of wild mushrooms, smoked bacon mashed
potatoes and rich, subtle gorgonzola puree au port, was simply perfect!
I know that this dish will last in the menu forever!

Bone-in-Filet

Before our entrees arrived, our server brought glasses of The Four Graces
Pinot Noir, an absolutely astounding wine that would prove a
versatile accompaniment to our diverse entrées.

Crusted Alaskan Halibut

My date’s Hoseradish Crusted Alaskan Halibut practically defied the definition of fish. Pillowy soft, the fish barely called for a knife. We spent the next few bites in silence, sampling both our own and each other’s dishes, trying to determine which version of comfort we most preferred. The debate, of course, continued in a stalemate until the last bites were gone, the complexity of macaroni & cheese forever declared equal. The side dish I chose was superb: Brussel Sprouts with roasted Pistachios!

Banana Crepe Foster

While we could not have been more satisfied, we eagerly accepted dessert, selecting two of the more popular pastries to conclude our meal. The signature dessert, Banana Crepe Foster was far from baby-sized: an enormous circular form commanded the plate, while two elegant scoops of vanilla gelato tagged along, this desserts was a superb creation. The Becker’s bakery of Mini Cup Cakes, frosting, and crushed nuts were piled high in a cylindrical tower, crowned by delicate peaks of frosting. Both desserts were the best sweetness of these succulent concoctions.

Mini Cup Cakes,

While we were unable to come close to cleaning our wickedly rich plates, the smiles on our faces revealed that we were enormously satisfied. Finding a place where
casual meets comfort is one thing; finding a place where comfort meets elegance
is quite another. Second Story Restaurant has somehow managed to combine
all three, and may possibly be the only place in Manhattan Beach / Hermosa
Beach where the staples of comfort food go hand in hand with the pleasures
of quality ingredients, artful presentation, and exquisite taste.

For map and location click Here!

For more information please visit their website at www.secondstoryrestaurant.com

Today is: Thursday, November 21, 2024