Seemor
Fishing With Dynamite
1148 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
· Seafood restaurant, Oyster bar restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (1108 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
A tiny, lively raw bar with creative, impeccably fresh seafood and polished service; reservations essential and prices reflect premium sourcing.
Restaurant Summary
Steps from the pier, this tiny room hums with lively raw bar energy—oyster trays glinting on ice, bartenders shaking coastal cocktails, and servers who seem genuinely excited to guide you. One diner summed it up: "Freshness like this makes you plan the rest of your day around a second round." Seating is tight and it can get pleasantly buzzy, but that beach-adjacent glow feels worth the squeeze. In the kitchen, the cooking leans creative and produce-driven rather than showy. Think hamachi with apple ponzu, misoyaki black cod, and an indulgent koshihikari rice layered with shellfish umami. The raw bar is a draw—oysters, pre-cut crab legs, and seafood towers—while desserts like the silky key lime pie often steal the finale. Prices are premium, but the ingredients and finesse largely justify the spend. Families can make this work thanks to accessible favorites like clam chowder, fries, fish tacos, and a crispy fish sandwich. There is no kids menu, portions trend refined, and some dishes are adventurous, so choose simpler items for cautious eaters. For a smooth visit, book ahead for inside seating and consider the bar for a quick, easygoing meal with older kids or teens.
At a Glance
- Remarkably fresh oysters and raw bar with skilled shucking
- Creative seafood with thoughtful sauces and standout desserts
- Very small, loud room with tight tables
- Premium pricing; a few dishes feel light for cost
- Reservations strongly advised; walk-ins best at bar
What Sets It Apart
- intimate_raw_bar_experience
- top-tier_oyster_program
- creative_seafood_with_global_accents
What People Love
- Exuberant, knowledgeable service that guides choices
- Sea bass and hamachi that taste dialed-in
- Key lime pie that finishes meals on a high note
- Seafood towers that feel celebratory
- Cocktails that match the coastal vibe
Points of Concern
- Space is tight and can be loud at peak hours; outside tables lack heaters per city rules
- Some inconsistency on busy holidays or late seatings (small oysters, soggy crab cake, pacing gaps)
- Premium pricing can feel steep for smaller portions or the rice dish
- Door interactions occasionally feel curt, leading to a few fairness complaints
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$72-98 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with hamachi or tuna tartare, share an SS Minnow, split a sea bass or misoyaki cod, finish with key lime pie; budget $72-98 per person before drinks
Perfect For
- Date night near the beach
- Seafood lovers chasing pristine oysters
- Solo bar dining after a bike ride or beach walk
- Special occasions without white-tablecloth fuss
Location Insights
Area: Upscale beach town center with boutique shopping, bars, and high foot traffic; draws locals and visitors alike.
Safety: Well-lit and busy; perceived as safe and well maintained even at night.
Nearby: One block from the ocean and pier; surrounded by cafes, bars, and retail; near hotels and LAX corridor.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–21:00
Tuesday11:30–21:00
Wednesday11:30–21:00
Thursday11:30–21:00
Friday11:30–21:30
Saturday11:30–21:30
Sunday11:30–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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