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Fishing With Dynamite

4.8
4.8
2431 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood
A celebration of summers spent on Virginia’s Eastern Shore and SoCal’s vibrant beach communities. The cheerful, 32-seat restaurant is anchored by a lively oyster bar and features a menu of “old school” traditional seafood fare and “new school” dishes highlighting flavors from around the globe. Chef and co-owner David LeFevre and Fishing with Dynamite have been celebrated for serving only the most pristine seafood with accolades that include “Best Oyster Bar” and Best New Restaurant by Los Angeles Magazine, OpenTable’s 100 Best Restaurants in America (2016, 2017 and 2019) and a Michelin Plate in 2019.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 38 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Seafood, Tapas / Small Plates, American

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Daily 11:30 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (310) 893-6299

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    David LeFevre

  • Neighborhood

    Manhattan Beach

  • Cross street

    Manhattan Beach Blvd and 12th St.

  • Parking details

    Arrive early for your resy and enjoy shopping at our 60 charming boutiques throughout Downtown Manhattan Beach. Long term parking can be found at https://www.downtownmanhattanbeach.com/parking

  • Additional

    Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wine

Popular dishes

What 2,431 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Los Angeles

    Seafood

  • Beach Cities

    Best Overall

  • Beach Cities

    Best Food

  • Beach Cities

    Best Service

  1. JohnnyA

    New England

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined today

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is one of our favorite restaurants. Great food, great staff and a fun atmosphere.

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  2. vernb

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food fantastic service. And every time we have been so very impressed

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  3. Mick

    Tampa

    23 reviews

    2.0

    23 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall2food3service3ambience1
    No real value for money.. the food was “ok”’but hardly Matches the hype

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  4. DrCK

    Los Angeles

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    One of our fav goto spot in MB. Always consistent goodness

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  5. TerriM

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great restaurant and great vibe. Small but open and bright. Corner table by the window is fantastic. Overall service was great and Staff is very friendly. Only reason I did not give them 5 stars for service is the empty plates between courses were not cleaned clean up in a timely manner. Definitely will be going again! Loved it!

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  6. CaliforniaCupcake

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food here is always outstanding...We love FWD!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Samurai6

    San Francisco

    534 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    534 reviews

    Dined on May 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic feast at FwD on Memorial Day!! Sun was setting and my daughter and I really enjoyed our evening out, courtesy of the FwD team. Hats off to the Barkeep, started off with top shelf cocktails: Light of Los Serenos, FwD version of a margarita and South X Southeast, their tasty take on a daiquiri. Moving on to the appetizers, the hamachi sashimi with the apple ponzu, avocado purée and Serrano heat is truly a Shohei home run. Throw in the Salt Cod Fritters and Wild Spanish Octopus and I could have been standing in a crowded Barcelona tapas joint!! For the main, my daughter ordered of course, Chef Alice Mai’s signature Koshihikari Rice, an absolute one of a kind umami rich, risotto style dish you won’t find anywhere!! And I could not resist the hearty Steamed Manila Clams with that tangy bacon and bean infused tomato sauce with that crunchy Parisian baguette, my mouth is watering just writing this!!! For the after meal, what else but Alice’s famous Key Lime Pie ala mode with Mascarpone Ice Cream but wait, there’s a new dessert in town and it’s the Banana Cream Pie, just like they serve down in the French Quarter!!! Great service as usual, tonight by Jessica, another wonderful night out at FwD, the best hole in the wall this side of the Mississippi!!

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  8. SoupNY1

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Sat at the raw bar counter and our server (who might have been the bartender as well) was awesome. So friendly, so helpful. Food is always great and was this time as well.

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  9. JanetL

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    One of the best seafood restaurants in southern California. Truly memorable!

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding, like always!!

    Is this helpful?

  11. Ellie

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and presentation with nice service. A bit narrow table space for eating.

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  12. StewartB

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, the food was amazing. From our Caesar salad through the seafood tower everything was presented well and tasted wonderful/. Our server took good care of us and the support people around her were very attentive. Eating here is alway expensive but (in general) worth it. I will say $42 for 4 Prawns (though the prawns tasted great) is not something we thought was worth the money. Aside from that I would rate the experience a 5 all around.

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  13. Tisha

    Los Angeles

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Solid lunch as always. Great service, great food. This is my go-to whenever customers or colleagues come into LAX and I always get great comments from them after. Thank you!

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  14. MommaB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    They were really nice and got us free desserts since it took like 30 min. The desserts were the best part though since the food was underwhelming for the price.

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  15. Aimee

    Las Vegas

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was amazing! We sat at the bar where Torin was our bartender and server. He is so talented with his cocktails and amazing service. The food was beyond outstanding as well! Will definitely go back.

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  16. EvanG

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was absolutely fantastic! Food, service and ambiance was amazing as always

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Definitely, Two Snaps Up!!! Definitely on my Must Do list when I’m in Town, Every time!

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  18. QitongW

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Nice early dinner. Very busy restaurant. The food and service were nice. I recommand visiting at earlier hour. After dinner, you can enjoy a nice walk near the pier, etc.

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  19. HermosaFoodie

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of my favorite restaurants in the South Bay! Cocktails, ceviche, tacos, etc. are unreal. You can’t go wrong with anything.

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  20. sandrac

    Las Vegas

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent experience will definitely come back. Our server was amazing, he was so knowledgeable.

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible! Loved the scallops and our server John was the best.

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  22. MaxM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Bomb food, the scallops were the best, Alex was amazing

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  23. Edward

    Los Angeles

    110 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    110 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Food was excellent if a little pricey ($4 to $5 oysters) and service is outstanding. 5 star chowder.

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  24. Russell

    New York Area

    28 reviews

    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    I enjoyed the Dine LA lunch. I thought that the shrimp boil and banana cream pie were excellent. The Blue Crab Louie was good but did not have much crab flavor. Overall, a very enjoyable lunch.

    1 person found this helpful

  25. Elizabeth

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We enjoyed our dinner very much. It’s a shame that the city made them close down the covered outdoor seating area. The tables now are a little close for comfort. You can overhear conversations from neighboring tables too easily. It’s still great food but it was better when the tables were spread out more

    1 person found this helpful

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Amazing restaurant! The staff were fantastic and the service is as impeccable as the food. Really fresh seafood with very unique preparations. Easily the best tuna tartar I’ve ever had my life. Can’t recommend this place enough.

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  27. SoCalKate

    Richmond

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Top notch service, flavorful and creative dishes, lively yet intimate setting. FWD is consistent and remains one of my favorite restaurants. Don’t sleep on the koshihikari rice and be sure to save room for key lime pie!

    1 person found this helpful

  28. AlisonK

    Seattle

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Sensational in every way!

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  29. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    If you haven’t been to this place your completely missing out on life. Do your self a favor and order everything on the menu. Top notch service and quality.

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  30. LarryS

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Prompt seating and service. Everyone was pleasant and professional.

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  31. DanaC

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Fabulous service, scallops were great & so was the key lime pie. Very crowded and noisy.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Went there for my Anniversary and was able to book counter seats a week in advance. Very small place. Service was excellent as was the food. Looks like most people go there for the raw bar. Had the oyster sampler, sea urchin and few appetizers. Raw scallops were given on the house. Scallop entree was excellent. Only issue I had was the draft. Door was open and it was cold so had to keep the jacket on. Would come again but probably for a more casual meal.

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  33. DavidSawyerSomm

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Birthday lunch & the food, wine & service were all impeccable - as usual!!!

    Is this helpful?

  34. WalterL

    Las Vegas

    36 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience3
    Normally I give this place 5 stars, but two of the dishes we ordered were a bit disappointing- the crab cakes was too spicy (with no warning on the menu) and too much filler; not enough crab. The crab roll was too much mayonnaise and not enough crab. We had raw oysters and raw clams and they were fresh and delicious. You can't go wrong with the raw bar here.

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  35. CharlesB

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Generally nothing impressive about the food or place

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  36. Skipper

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Appetizer was good but main was just so so. Shrimp was over cooked. Desert was very good.

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible service! Food was amazing! The scallops were delicious!

    Is this helpful?

  38. stephanier

    Los Angeles

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this place. We went for my birthday and the staff and food were fantastic!! It’s a neighborhood gem for sure!!

    Is this helpful?

  39. Yummylocal

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I wish they still had the outside area, but that is obviously not in the restaurant control. It was amazing while it lasted.

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  40. BobM

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 24, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience2
    Service was very good but ambiance loud and crowded. Food was good but portions small and over priced for the quality.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Fishing With Dynamite using the Order Online button. Fishing With Dynamite also offers delivery in partnership with Chow Now. Fishing With Dynamite also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (310) 893-6299.

Fishing With Dynamite is rated 4.8 stars by 2431 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 38 times today
Google Map for Fishing With Dynamite

1148 Manhattan Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Manhattan Beach Blvd and 12th St.

  • Neighborhood

    Manhattan Beach

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Daily 11:30 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–9:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Seafood, Tapas / Small Plates, American

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Arrive early for your resy and enjoy shopping at our 60 charming boutiques throughout Downtown Manhattan Beach. Long term parking can be found at https://www.downtownmanhattanbeach.com/parking

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    David LeFevre

  • Additional

    Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wine

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