BALEENkitchen

The weather was nice out so we set out to find a restaurant where we could eat on the patio and…read morehave our 60 lb Goldendoodle tag along. We gave Barsha a call and they were more than happy to accommodate us! Plus they were extra kind to set our pup up with a massive bowl of ice cold water. We were quite overwhelmed by the food menu because literally everything sounded delicious. Literally everything we ordered exceeded out expectations. - The Falafel sliders are the most ordered item for a reason. Absolutely incredible with the perfect amount of flavor; deliciously crispy falafel and amazing buns. We ordered this dish twice! It was that damn good. - The crispy bread sounds pretty straight forward but it was also a standout. High quality bread all nice and toasty paired with this incredible olive-infused butter. - The Tunisian bruschetta almost got ordered twice as well. The tuna was phenomenal and makes for a great shared plate. I'm a sucker for any dish with an egg on it so will 100% be ordered this next time we stop in. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to order the lamb meatballs nor the tounsi brik. But I'm very eager to stop back in and give those a try. Also, major shout out to the staff. The service was absolutely incredible. CJ was our main server but literally every staff member that we interacted with was kind to our son, kind to our dog and kind to us. Servers gave what felt like genuine recommendations and it seemed like the team members enjoyed working there. We admittedly came in with low expectations and walked away convinced that we've found a new local favorite. Please go give this place a try!

Visited on a whim for dinner and left with an absolute fave restaurant in the South Bay! Decor was…read moreOK, it was nice when they turned on the lights and the lamps shone decorations on the walls. Tableware is pretty basic, but the food definitely isn't, customer service was excellent too. We wanted one of everything on the menu, including the specials that day, but went with: Crazy about Beets - beautiful magenta beet hummus with yellow roast beet sprinkled with pistachio and dukkah with charred tomatoes. The flavours, texture, and freshness was a stand out. Really loved this dish.10/10 Roasted Cauliflower - OMG died and gone to heaven! 100/10 Falafel Sliders - 2 in a serve so you can share, crunchy, spicy, oh so moreish, good flavour and texture 8/10 Quinoa Tabbouleh - lovely lemony mouthfuls with a mint hit Chicken Mosli - the turmeric broth was amazing, soaking the veg and chicken in such a flavourful broth made everything extra 10/10 De Soi Rose - a pre mixed drink which had a pleasant berry taste (rather like Ribena if you are from the UK), refreshing and easy to drink Baumgartner white wine - Austria, little of a wine gum taste akin to sav blanc, not as much of the pepper taste I was expecting, but still eminently drinkable We really enjoyed our dinner and will be back again soon, with the beets and cauliflower definitely our first choices followed by something different, as we work our way through the entire menu!

Delicious food and traditional Arab television

Ugh! Forgot the name too, came with eggplants

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Hand of Fatima

Manhattan Beach Post

4.3(4k reviews)

2.9 mi

Went in at opening and had reservations made in advance, easily done on open table and could choose…read morebetween bar or standard seating. Got seated and offered still or sparkling water. Decided to try and share savory and sweet after asking the server what was popular. The server mentioned that they are known for their biscuits so we got the biscuit egg Benedict and she was definitely right because the biscuit as the base was amazing and the best part. The rest of the benedict were standard with the runny egg and prosciutto. We also got the peach french toast which was not too sweet as the walnuts and peaches pair well. The only thing is that the inside of the french toast was a little runny so it was slightly soggy. Overall great experience and cozy atmosphere to grab brunch with friends and would come back if in the area!

Stopped by after work and decided to give this place a try, especially after noticing the Michelin…read morerecognition. The location is convenient, right on the street and close to Manhattan Beach, so it felt like an easy spot to check out We ordered a bunch of different dishes to get a feel for the menu. Overall, the food was good, but I'm not totally convinced it matches the price point. The prawn was definitely a standout -- really delicious and probably my favorite of the dishes we tried. The cookie was a little on the dry side, though, and the steak was honestly underwhelming for a $120 price tag. The drinks were much more impressive: well-made, nicely balanced, and definitely on the sweeter side Service was definitely on point. They weren't constantly checking in, which I actually appreciated, but whenever we needed something, someone was there and very attentive. Everyone was also friendly and welcoming throughout the meal The ambiance leans more toward a bar-restaurant than traditional fine dining, but the interior has some classy design elements and definitely gives off that modern LA fine-dining feel I'd probably come back to try some of the other dishes before making a final judgment. There were definitely some highlights, and overall, I'd still say it's worth a visit if you're in the area -- just go in knowing the prices are on the higher side

Interior

Raspberry cream cheese coffee cake

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MB Post Biscuit Eggs Benedict, lobster avocado toast and blood and smoke

zinc@shade

The best service in the South Bay! Victor always takes such great care of us. He remembers…read moreeverything I like, just the way I like it. He makes sure my food, drinks, and ambiance are perfect every single visit.

My second experience comparison was almost night and day. Maybe the weekend is more well staffed?…read moreThe service was better, each server looked happier and was more welcoming. I actually sat and dined in and it felt nice. I sat in the patio/terrace area on the cushioned seating and it was so nice to enjoy a nourishing meal here. The dishes were light and healthy. You don't leave feeling like you wish you didn't eat that. I also appreciate that they have a lot of gluten free options. Even all of the pizzas could be gluten free if requested. The quality of their ingredients were to my liking. We're vegetarian but there were no issues finding vegetarian options. On their menu "map", it says V (vegan) but I didn't see any item on the dinner menu with a v on it. Chocolate lava cake was hot, perfectly paired with the cold creamy ice cream with melted chocolate inside. They have parking down below- "metered" parking for 3 hrs. This place shares space with many other great retailers/businesses including Bacio Di latte ice cream if you wanted ice cream after dinner here. I'll have to come back for the happy hour next time I'm in the area.

Zinc@shade

Filet Bites

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Poke

Bacari Culver City

4.4(266 reviews)

12.4 mi

A friend & I returned recently to Bacari for lunch…read more It was another good Bacarii meal. We shared the schwarma tacos, I had a vegetarian pizza, the friend had a hamburger, & we shared the bread pudding for desert. Yummo! The food, servuce, & ambiance were great. The bread pudding with ice cream is a real treat. We enjoyed the meal so much & are looking forward to a return visit. Keep up the good work, Bacari staff & Management, as every visit is a wonderful experience.

This place is an all around vibe! The food, service and ambiance were amazing. The restaurant is…read moredim, perfect for a date night setting. Everything is tapas style so think elevated small bites to share. I came with a small group of friends and we all got a small plate and shared. The lamb hummus was absolutely delicious. The steak was also absolutely delicious, it was cooked perfectly. My friends did the all you can drink deal, but be aware it's only well drinks. You can do cocktails but it would be an up charge for each drink. I ordered a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon and was satisfied. Highly recommend

Ambience

Shakshouka

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Indoor Dining Space at Bacari Culver City

Butterfly

4.0(121 reviews)

12.7 mi

Was staying at The Shay hotel this week and went up to the Butterfly for dinner which is also next…read moreto the rooftop pool. Really chill vibes and excellent margaritas. Ended up sharing chicken enchiladas, guacamole with chips, cheese fondue, tuna tostadas, and fish tacos. Everything was very tasty!

Butterfly, in Culver City, is a Mexican Restaurant run by the well known, Jose Andres Group. It is…read morelocated on the top (6th) floor of the Shay, in an open air layout by its very small pool. It is a small space, but well appointed, candy to the eye, very high up there in summer ambiance, a cool breeze, toe tapping music and the relax vibe. It is difficult to imagine that you are actually in the Los Angeles area. I came here for their 4-course $35 Dine LA Lunch menu. Always looking for something different, I started with the Papas Al Mole. It was overdosed with Crema and Queso Fresco, burying the papas. Less of Mole, thats okay, yet this concoction sogged up the whole top layer of fries and made them worthless. Why do eateries do that? For the second course, Aguachile De Sandia Y Tomate. The star here were the wedges of heirloom tomatoes. They blended well with the watermelon cubes and light touch of Aguachile (not too acidic). Exactly my style, a superb dish. Perfecto. For the main (a hand held choice), for me, the Carne Asada Taco. The Arrachera marinated flank steak pieces were soft, tender, juicy and bursting with flavor. Think dissolution on the taste buds. A well orchestrated combination of a few condiments to highlight the meat (as it should be), all housed in a fresh, lightly toasted tortilla shell that was both crisp and soft. Though a very simple presentation, this taco was a masterpiece in culinary construction and prowess. For the final and fourth course, a no brainer, Churros with chocolate sauce. They could have ended on a high note but did not. Why? The 3 small churro cylinders were cute and ideal, but they were accompanied with a chocolate paste (not a sauce, as per the menu). Thus, taking away the thrill and viscous liquid pleasure of chocolate. As it transpired, this was the last restaurant on my Dine LA "To Do List". And I knew I would pay a price for it, in terms of travel. Getting there, the parking, and the slow, choking traffic crawl back to the SFV, more than lived up to its expectations. The whole round trip, with dining, took almost 4 hours. And yes, the Butterfly was worth it. A fitting finale, for new discoveries and creative eating, during these 2 fantastic weeks of Dine LA. If only they could modify the first and last courses. Oh well.

Queso Fundido

Salt Air Margarita

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Patio

Gabi James

4.0(435 reviews)

2.0 mi

Dined here on a Saturday night . We decided to have a few of the small plates ; potato croquettes,…read moremeatballs in a creamy ancho chili sauce, lamb sausage, and the pork belly . Small tastes and flavorful. We ordered a beer and a rose' sangria. Busy night but service good . Ambiance outside is fun to people watch and see all the nice cars drive by. Nice touch was a pile of blankets near the front door for outside diners . Sorry to hear this restaurant is closing . Unfortunately, I didn't take pics as we were hungry and ate in a hurry .

Went to Gabi James for dinner because we always have a great meal and experience there. The setting…read moreis romantic and intimate, but also great for catch-ups with friends. Parking generally isn't too difficult - there is plenty of metered street parking in front of the restaurant and on nearby streets. Started with the cocktail of the week, the Passion Potion, which had vodka, passionfruit, and egg white. I was a bit disappointed by the drink - my partner and I agreed it just tasted like passionfruit-flavored vodka. Wasn't very balanced, as the vodka dominated the flavor profile. I usually get The Queen's Clover, which is always well-balanced, so would definitely recommend that one. For food, we shared the Valentine's weekend no special foie parfait (chicken liver mousse and fruit gelee), rellenos bacalao, citrus quince salad, duck confit, and all day oxtail ragu. The rellenos were a bit small and the risotto didn't have a classic al dente texture. We have had the salad before, and we love it for its unique citrus and marcona almond taste profile. The menu is very meat-heavy, so having something light and fresh balances everything out. The oxtail ragu is our go-to at Gabi James. We have ordered it every time we've gone because it is a standout dish. The pasta has a nice crisp, and the oxtail has such a rich flavor. The bonus is that it tastes great the next day as well! We shared the fig bread pudding for dessert, which was pleasant and not too sweet. I am giving a 5-star rating based on all our other dining experiences with Gabi James, even though some aspects of dinner fell short this time. Definitely worth a try if you've never been before!

Brandade gratin. Salt cod

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Anchovies!! Good!!!

Trani's Dockside Station

4.3(324 reviews)

10.8 mi•San Pedro

First time in and I originally chose this place because it was close to my hotel and I was craving…read morebrunch food and looked up something quickly on Yelp. Inside is beautiful and Bailey was our server. She was super knowledgeable and walked us through the food items we should definitely try. Thank you Bailey for the wonderful service. The Peruvian scallops were another level in flavors. We also tried the fatty tuna tostada, cheesy egg toast, biscuit and gravy and the fried chicken. everything was super good. You can tell they put a lot of thought behind each dish. We also tried some drinks. Mahalo at your boy and bergamot spritz. I really enjoyed mahalo at your boy because the flavors were simple but together were beautiful. My boyfriend enjoyed his spritz. I tasted it and I'm not a huge fan of gin but I could tell that is something a gin drinker would like.

Probably the best restaurant in San Pedro. Came here on a Sunday. Plenty of parking. Inside was…read moresurprisingly nice too with outdoor seating and a decent size bar. Service was solid and attentive. The food was ok to really good. The standouts for me were the Pork Chop and the Agnolotti. The Brussels sprouts and the fried yellow tail were excellent as well. Not as good was the chicken parm. Chicken was good but it was just different and not what I was expecting. Clam chowder was just ok. For a place near the docks I expected a little more seafood offerings. Will definitely be back since it's closer than going to Manhattan Beach or DT LA.

Inside

Scallops

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Local Calamari not so "New Style" Sweet Thai aioli, basil, cilantro, sesame seeds, aged balsamic

Pialon Restaurant Tapas and Bar

4.8(100 reviews)

21.9 mi•Encino

Women-owned & operated

Outdoor seating

Outstanding experience at Pialon! I celebrated my 39th birthday here and was impressed from start…read moreto finish. A special thank you to owners Ella and Michael for the excellent service and warm hospitality. The happy hour menu had a great selection, and the champagne and espresso martini were fantastic. Honestly, everything was on point! Nima and Jesse provided exceptional service and deserve special recognition. They were attentive, friendly, and professional. The spacious atmosphere, beautiful chandeliers, and butterfly-inspired decor create a unique and memorable setting. Booking was easy, and the service was fast. Pialon is a standout and deserves to be widely recognized, including on TV. Highly recommend for celebrations or simply enjoying a great dining experience. Thank you for making my 39th birthday special. My guests and friends loved it too. God bless!

I had such a great experience at Pialon Restaurant & Tapas in Encino last night. The food was…read moreabsolutely amazing--every dish we ordered was flavorful, fresh, and beautifully presented. You can tell a lot of care goes into both the menu and the overall dining experience. The restaurant itself is gorgeous. The aesthetic is modern, inviting, and perfect for a date night or dinner with friends. The outdoor patio adds to the ambiance and makes the whole experience feel even more special. What really stood out, though, was the hospitality. I believe the owner was outside greeting guests as they arrived and made a point to thank and acknowledge everyone as they left. That personal touch is rare these days and made us feel genuinely appreciated as customers. Excellent food, beautiful atmosphere, and outstanding hospitality. We'll definitely be back and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great night out in Encino!

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Bacari PDR

4.6(2.7k reviews)

8.4 mi•Playa del Rey

Bridger is amazing! So kind and very knowledgeable. I enjoyed each plate I ordered and he made sure…read moreI chose everything was to my liking. Bacari is lucky to have him!

This location was great, service was great. Our server Jessica did a great job taking care of us…read moreand ensuring our drinks and food arrived in a timely matter

Outdoor seating

Bread pudding

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Socal staple, iced tea, blushing botanica

Coni Seafood

3.7(57 reviews)

1.0 mi

High quality seafood. Real mexican food. From the home made tortillas aqua chile to the outstanding…read moregrilled snook Wow!!!! Family owned Service is excellent. Try the marlin tacos or the vegi shrimp tacos. The salsa is excellent with just a bit of heat. They make home made lemonaide also. Its casual beach vibe with b eer .This a mexican seafood resturant no gucamole and if your looking for american mexican food this not your place to eat.

Great service our waitress was so sweet! She gave recommendations about her favorites…read more Food was delicious and the green sauce was so spicy We will be back sooner than later

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Snook

The entrance

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Aguachiles

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42 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Olivia M.

30 days ago

Sent to executive team, CEO, etc. Subject: Formal Complaint: Repeat Incident of Selective Treatment, Denial of Service, and Reservation Non-Compliance - Meyer Party (5:15 PM Reservation) Baleen kitchen Redondo Beach To: Executive Management / Guest Relations Date: 8/16/2026 Dear Management Team, We are writing to formally report a serious and recurring issue regarding discriminatory treatment and improper service denial at your Redondo Beach location today, 8/16/2026. Details of the Incident * Reservation Platform: OpenTable (Outdoor Seating Requested & Confirmed) * Time: 5:15 PM * Party Details: 2 guests + 1 companion dog Today marks the second time our confirmed OpenTable reservation for outdoor patio dining was unilaterally rejected upon arrival. Upon check-in, the hostess informed us that outdoor seating was unavailable because "there is no dedicated server on staff for the patio." We explicitly reminded her that we had our dog with us and specifically booked outdoor seating for this exact reason. Selective Treatment & Arbitrary Enforcement While being denied service, we observed a patron actively seated and being served meals/drinks in the outdoor seating area. We have attached a photo ([See Attached Image: Outdoor_Patron_Evidence.jpg]) documenting this. When an establishment chooses to assign dedicated staff and service to selected patrons in a designated dining zone while systematically rejecting other paying guests with valid reservations under the guise of "no staff coverage," it constitutes arbitrary and selective enforcement. Legal Framework & Policy Violations Under California's Unruh Civil Rights Act (Civil Code § 51), business establishments open to the public are strictly prohibited from engaging in arbitrary discrimination or treating patrons unequally. Furthermore: * Unfair Business Practices: Offering outdoor reservation inventory via OpenTable without honoring equal service availability creates deceptive reservation practices. * Local & State Pet Policies: Under California Health & Safety Code § 114259.5 and Los Angeles County Public Health ordinances, pet dogs are expressly allowed in outdoor dining areas when outdoor seating is operational. To selectively declare outdoor seating "closed" to our party while keeping it active and staffed for another customer creates an unequal standard of accommodation. Requested Action & Next Steps As local patrons, this repeated refusal of service and clear differential treatment is unacceptable. Before escalating this matter further through regulatory channels--including the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), local municipal licensing boards, and OpenTable guest experience compliance--we request: * A written explanation from executive leadership regarding why outdoor service was selectively extended to specific patrons while being refused to us. * A review of staff protocols regarding patio availability, staffing compliance, and reservation management. * Confirmation of how management intends to rectify this operational issue to prevent a third occurrence. We expect a response to this complaint within 48 hours. read more

Monica B.

5 years ago

TERRIBLE racist hostess working to closing on 2/19/22. We arrived at 6:45, we were told there is a 30 minute wait, which we were okay, it was a party of two. We asked if we could wait at the bar, she told us the bar was full we could wait in the seating area. As we waited near the hostess station we noticed that the only people waiting was African Americans. The hostess sat us at a table that was empty the whole time we were waiting, I could see it from where I was sitting She also sat the other couple at a table that was empty also. If both tables had been empty the whole time we waited why did we wait. they were not the only tables, two couples came in the hostess took them to the room with the fireplace, then she said if you don't like this one I have another and walked past us to take them to the bar area. why she has multiple tables but we had to wait. We sat down about 7:40, we had ordered a drink, free water and a cup of soup. Other couples came in after us and was eating. They never came back to ask if we wanted another drink, they never came back to take our food order. It is now 8:30 and they close at 9. I decided to ask for the check for the drinks so that we could just leave. 6:45 until 8:30, we left hungry. The hostess was so racist and so blatant with it. This place sucks on so many different levels, starting with the racist hostess and the server that came to our table one time to bring water. Others helped us with the drinks and soup. This place sucks!!!!! I had to select a rating p, however I feel it should be no stars read more

J K.

8 years ago

I was recently invited to attend a wine dinner at BALEENkicthen. Let me start by saying, of all the weddings I've attended at the Portofino Hotel, I'm surprised this place has slipped past my radar. I walked into the restaurant and was immediately greeted with a beautiful view of the marina & all the ships, you could even hear the seals barking. So cool. There are lots of windows and natural sunlight in this place, it's beautiful. As I walked in to the dining room where dinner was being held, I was immediately greeted by two mangers, offered glass of of wine, & a Peruvian scallop with this delicious spiced pear chutney. Awesome. Service was attentive, and the dinner was executed so well. I think this was the first 'fun' wine dinner I've attended. There's not many dinners I've been to where the evening ends with with trying to drink from a Porron with friends whom you've just made over the course of dinner. I've posted the menu from the dinner below, & while everything was good, the spanish octopus & the grilled peach & ricotta dessert with basil streusel were truly memorable. As for the wine the Jean Leon Rose was unique in a very delicious way, and in close second was the after-dinner cocktail which was a Spanish Brandy Alexander. On my way out I noticed they even had a few fire pits with seating as well. I love seeing the food culture grow in my community & this place is another welcome addition. I'm excited to go back and try their full menu, which looked equally delicious. read more

Brandon O.

2 years ago

I recently dined at Baleen Kitchen with a party of four, and I must say, it was one of the most disappointing experiences I've ever had. To start, we ordered soup, but shockingly, the server only provided us with two spoons for our group. When we politely asked for more, it felt like we were asking for a rare treasure. It was frustrating and frankly unacceptable. The food itself was mediocre at best. I expected much better, especially since my sister had her wedding here two years ago and we were spoiled with great service back then. It seems like the quality has taken a nosedive since that time. The dishes lacked flavor and creativity, leaving us all feeling underwhelmed. But the worst part of the experience was the service. The server seemed disinterested and inattentive, making us feel like an inconvenience rather than valued guests. We felt ignored and neglected throughout our meal, which only added to the overall disappointment. I was really hoping for a pleasant evening, but I was sorely misled by my previous experience. I won't be returning, and I can't recommend this place to anyone looking for a quality dining experience. There are far better options out there. Save your time and money! read more

Doc W.

12 years ago

I get down to Redondo every few months just to remind me there is (still) no decent place to go for lunch. Sunday's trip to Baleen was like every other trip Ive had at this strange place. I went in optimistic with fingers crossed. We were quickly chased down by a snooty host who would not let us simply walk up to the bar and order a mimosa - "Excuse me, where are you goin?" (classy) He told us to wait and he would be right with us. Mind you they were far from busy, the bar area had at least 10 empty tables and about 6 full. Our fabulous host never came back. We were then greeted by an equally hospitable hostess who told us there was a 45 min wait. When I asked why there was a wait with so many empty tables, she simply said - "I sorry". Mind you all we wanted was to sit down and have a mimosa and then get on our way. Good to know Baleen's hasnt changed in several years. Wish they would get it together or give up their prime real estate to experienced operators. Perhaps Presidents Day snuck up on them !?! I would give one star, but like SAT tests, they spelled their name right. read more

Michael P.

14 years ago

The only reason I am giving this restaurant one star is because of their chef. My family and I were there for a reception last weekend. We had breakfast two days and thought the food was excellent. My wife and I had dinner in Baleen and enjoyed our meals very much. The location and views are wonderful. Service? Slow, chaotic, but friendly. We attended a nice reception in their banquet facility, and the food was better than expected.Service was great! Back to the 1 star. After breakfast on our last day my wife and I heard someone yelling, while we were loading up our car. It was the chef! Yelling at a server angrily! In broad daylight! He seemed soo mad. We didn't hear everything clearly but he yelled in the young man's face " you look like f@#ng crap!" I thought he might hit the kid! I was shocked! I felt so bad for him. BTW, the chef looks like a skin-head! No stars for bullies! Just a bad last impression of our stay. Would've given 4 stars. read more

Shooter J.

108

11 years ago

Went here for New Years Eve, as my friend was performing and had secured our group, including his girlfriend, a table. First thing the 'you know what' at the hostess stand tells us they don't have a table for us and we need to leave. I wore a suit. I never wear a suit. All of a sudden this Color Me Badd looking douchenozzle comes over and whips out his very abrasive attitude and tells us that he doesn't like the way we are dressed and we need to leave. The girlfriend of my friend let him know the situation and that we weren't leaving. So then he goes and gets some other dude who looks like the bass player from Spin Doctors and a SECURITY GUARD WITH A GUN. Long story short we got to stay and got our rooms comped. So. All in all, this place blows hard, has good food, and must be handing out free rooms like condoms at a gay club. read more

Sharron K.

13 years ago

I have to say that I was very impressed the other night with the service that my husband and mother in law and I received. My husband and I have been here before on business earlier this year and service was a negative two stars. This time, the waiter, he was very nice. The manager was a doll. She spent a couple of minutes just telling us how nice it was for us to come back and she just made us feel like she appreciated us as guests. I had the tuna and it was to die for. After dinner, we went to the bar and the service was just as good in there as well. We will definetly come back and make our way here again the next time we are in town. Thank you all for your hospitatlity. read more

Chloe H.

14 years ago

Most definitely a hidden treasure. Hard to find but exceeded any expectations! Decor is very trendy but not stiff as most places in LA can be. (You get the vibe minus the Hollywood scene or attendies-Do I hear SLS??) Food-Presentation along with quality was impressive to my surprise for Happy Hour menu, I can only imagine what dinner would be like. I had the Caesar Salad, which was fresh and portion was enough to share w/the few in our group. Pet peeve-wilted lettuce in my plate!Tuna tacos were addicting, crispy shells with spicy creamy sauce, (chipotle/mayo concouction) and the tuna was like butta' (aka butter). Great place for a fun after work group or a "hot" date. read more

Lily M.

11 years ago

The vibes the restaurant gives out is amazing ,so that is why I rate 2 Stars. The view and ambiance is very nice as well. However, the service is terrible! We had a girls night here. We came after already having had drinks and dinner ,so we came for more drinks and live music. It took forever to get our bill. We waited longer for the bill than actually enjoying our time there. The waitress was rude and we called her over several times ,but she kept ignoring us. I have never experienced this type of service before. It was very disappointing! I think her name was Sharon or Shera read more

Goosby T.

Elite 25

509

2 years ago

Baleen is a must-visit hotspot that deserves to be on everyone's radar. This waterside restaurant offers a stunning view of the marina that will truly take your breath away. Our experience began with some delicious appetizers during happy hour where the prices were reasonable, and the food was fantastic. We enjoyed some drinks before our main courses. The staff provided exceptional service. The atmosphere exudes a cozy, warm, and inviting charm. Whether it's a romantic date night, a family dinner, or a fun outing with friends, this place is perfect for any occasion. read more

Michael O.

13 years ago

I was at friend's wedding this past weekend and we had some issues with the waitress in the bar. The manager was walking by and she immediately noticed that we were a little upset with the girl. Daniel took action right away and made my friends calm down and took care of us. She was not like any other manager I have experienced before. When there is a problem, you usually get the run a round, but Daniel was very efficent and was very curtious. She handled our situation very well and we ended up having a great rest of our night. read more

John T.

14 years ago

My wife and I just left Frontera Grill. We had the carnitas and were left disappointed. Two weeks ago we were in Redondo Beach at Baleen.We sat down late in the lounge and the bartender said he would ask the chef if he could stay open for one more order. He said yes. The DUCK CARNITAS are the best anywhere! The Tuna tacos are sublime and the Scallops with Short rib are heavenly! We got to meet and thank Chef Richard. Just want to say, the food was the highlight of our trip.We will be back to Los Angeles for those carnitas! read more

Tammie Y.

13 years ago

You have to visit this little hidden gem!! I went there for breakfast and the service was great!! The manager also came by and checked on us and she was over the top great too. She took the time to explain the menu and also after she ACTUALLY gave us a mini tour of the restaurant and because of her generosity, I am pushing my sister to have her wedding at the hotel, since Danielle explained how beautiful the weddings are. This lady sure knows her stuff, so if you ever go eat there, make sure you say hello for me!! read more

Rx S.

2 years ago

My dining experience at Baleen Kitchen was absolutely fantastic, thanks in large part to the outstanding service from Mark. From the moment we were seated, Mark's warm and attentive approach made us feel incredibly welcomed. His attentive yet unobtrusive service made our dining experience seamless and enjoyable. Mark's friendly demeanor and genuine passion for his work truly set the evening apart. Baleen Kitchen is a gem, and with service like Mark's, it's a place I'll eagerly return to. Highly recommended! read more

Chris N.

5 years ago

We spent the weekend at the nearby Portofino Hotel and decided to try this place for dinner...WOW! What a great surprise, the staff was great and the food is amazing. The chef uses the freshest ingredients and the quality of the food is spectacular. I highly recommend the calamari, it's different than most calamari apps and is combined with chorizo, garlic, cilantro and pickled jalapeños. Everything we tried had tons of flavor.We loved it so much that we came back for brunch. read more

Jon K.

2 years ago

So, Jordan and the am crew on Monday were so so great! Food was great, lattes were made to perfection, and the customer service was phenomenal. Yes yes yes we will be back! Kudos to the hiring staff, you got a great set of workers on that am shift. Even the busser was super friendly and nice. I do wish I knew we could park for free. I had to pay because I didn't see any sign that said we could park there in the stalls for the restaurant. read more

James H.

10 years ago

This place is fucking GROSS. There are DOZENS of nasty-ass horse flys and house flys EVERYWHERE. So many, in fact, that it is simply impossible to just relax and eat. Of course, nobody who works there seems to give s shit as they apparently think the "beach" has something to do with it. Ha! Ha! Ha! Obviously, the doors don't live at the beach... Stay out of here. This place is nothing but a greasy, MASSIVE disappointment. read more

graig n.

16 years ago

Im going to be staight up with this one.... decore was awsome but its way to dark in there are you trying to hide something? are the floors dirty? Anyways I can see why people like to go there because to be honest there isnt to many nice places to eat in the area. This place is over rated and over priced for the ammount and quality of food. One time was enough for me. read more

John r.

17 years ago

This is a really nice place! It is very pricey but for a romanic evening listening to some live music on a friday night it is nice. Im sure they are one of the most expensive places to get a drink but lets face it you have to pay for the atmosphere and location right on the harbor. It is worth it if you have the cash to spend for a hot date read more

BALEENkitchen - seafood - Updated September 2026

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