Best Seafood I've had in LA. Very Fresh and absolutely delicious. The Oysters are an absolute must must MUST! The place is fairly small so definitely recommend making reservations via open table. read more

Love this place. Amazing raw bar and food. Their cocktails are superb! You can't ever get a reservation but swing by and point your name on the list. Grab a drink next door and wait til they call. It's worth the trouble. read more

WOW! I probably don't have much new to add that the other glowing reviews haven't covered, but here is my take anyway. Yes, it's hard to get a table. and YES, it's very worth it! I had an early lunch reservation with a friend on a Sunday and we were seated right away. The restaurant is VERY small--it makes perfect sense why tables are hard to get walk-in and reservations are booked so far ahead of time. Arm yourself with this knowledge and it will be worth it when you finally sit down at FWD. Our server was very knowledgeable about the menu and made great suggestions. Started with a glass of a crisp white to complement the seafood. My dining companion and I tried quite a few raw items and also a few of the cooked dishes. All the oysters were phenomenal and so fresh. I don't know much about them so I can't say which is my favorite but they were all awesome. I tried raw scallops for the first time and not only did I love them, the presentation was so charming and cute in the shell with a little sliver of grapefruit. We had a couple of bowls of chowder, which wasn't as creamy as I am used to and has thin slices of potato, but it was delicious without being too filling. The tacos were also very good and I can't seem to remember what else we had. Our server was very attentive but also left us alone when we needed to digest and wanted to chat. All in all a wonderful lunch experience (albeit pricey) and I will certainly be back... once I save up! read more

One word: YUM. Same owner/chef as MB Post (on the same block) and Simmzy's (in Long Beach). All three have some delicious food and are five-star places, but for me, Fishing With Dynamite is the clear winner of the trio. It's been on my "to try" list forever, and I finally went with a friend last week. We had actually tried to go once before a couple months back, but it happened to be a night where they lost power in that entire stretch of Manhattan Beach (tragic!), so we had to reschedule. We ordered: The SS Minnow ($45) with an add-on of 2 Peruvian Scallops, Hamachi ($17), Squash Rolls ($5), Key Lime Pie ($7), and Pretzel and Chocolate Bread Pudding ($9). Everything was delicious! Highlights were everything on the SS Minnow, the Squash Rolls, and the dessert. The oysters were fresh and cleanly shucked, the lobster was tender and packed with just the right amount of flavor, and it was great that they gave you 5 different sauces to choose from. I love bread, and the Squash Rolls were divine. Incredibly buttery, and served warm. The bread pudding was decadent, and the key lime pie was zesty and sweet. I'm usually not a huge fan of key lime pie because the meringue doesn't really do it for me, but here the meringue balanced out the lime perfectly, and neither was overwhelming. The Hamachi was also great, but I feel like other places have essentially the same dish, and of the same quality, for less (e.g. Son of a Gun... and I like the flavor profile of theirs better, as it has the addition of the bits of fresh pink lady apple). Better to spend your money on another dish that is more unique. Service is very friendly. I was late meeting my friend (LA traffic...) but they still sat her while she waited for me, and they didn't rush our meal at all. I would go back here again and again... but it's a bit of a shock to the wallet. Wonderful for an occasional treat or date night. It's a tiny, cozy space, so make reservations well in advance. read more

This little place is awesome. Highly recommended by my friend Alex who works there. I was delighted with the Peruvian scallops and fish tacos! Yum. I liked the decor and the crew was very friendly. A perfect place to take someone out for seafood. read more

This might be my favorite seafood place with a great chilled vibe and overall great experience from service to food quality

Love this place. Awesome oysters, rolls, miso cod, octopus and bread pudding. Clam chowder was a bit thin for my taste, but good flavor. Hamachi was good, but not any more special than the many other places you can get it. Ambience is great. Can't wait to keep trying the rest of the menu. read more

While visiting our son in the South Bay he treated us to an incredible experience. The dining room is small and reservfations therefore are not an easy issue. But it is well worth any effort you put forth. One in our party had fish and chips.. Foish was fresh and the breading was marvelous.. The seasoned fries with two sauces are a must. The fersh Ahi wsas incredible. But what I had rules. If you love mussels, clams, and 2 different kinds of ouysters on crushed ice order the SS MINNOW it also comes with a 1/2 lobster. Oh My then dive into the 6 kinds of sauces in individual ramikins. Polish it off with the most incredible key lime tart ever and as you have your cofee you say this wsas a very memorable experience...... one I have to repeat. read more

Ate brunch here for the first time on a Saturday with a reservation. The place is small so not a place to bring infants with strollers but with a baby carrier, it could be doable. Tried the oysters, hamachi, crab benedict, fish tacos, scallops, banana toffee pie and key lime pie. Loved everything we ordered but the scallops were too sweet in its sauce with the blood oranges. Nonetheless, the seafood was so fresh. Prompt service as well. read more

I love this place. We are locals and always want to try the new places in town. We heard rumors that it's impossible to get reservations at this restaurant. My husband and I have been to FWD 4 times and never made a reservation. We just walk over and put our name in with the hostess. They say it will be about a 40 min wait, but it's always been around 30 min. The reasons we like this restaurant: 1) extremely friendly staff that seem happy to see you, 2) we are standing behind the bar waiting to order a drink, the bartender walks all the way around to take our order! Never seen this done before - I love it! 3) Raw scallop is amazing! 4) french fries are delicious! 5) Music is always so cool, usually old school rap or hip hop, 90s/2000s tunes. So fun! We really like it here. read more

Teensy tiny restaurant with a handful of teensy tiny too close to each other tables. Every time the gentleman next to me got up from his table his derriere protruded over ours nearly knocking over our glasses... Mid to loud music coupled with the exceedingly voluminous echoes from everybody talking make it almost impossible to hear the waitress when she comes to your table. Did I mention the table is teensy weensy tiny? On the upside, The Bloody Mary I had was probably one of the best I've EVER had, that might be just enough to get me back there. The food is truly superb, although the entrees are palm sized and waitress will advise you to choose 2/3 per person which translates into a not so teensy weensy bill! Advise a walk around the corner and down Manhattan pier directly afterwards. read more

Service was impeccable! Our server ken was so knowledgable on the menu! Place had a great vibe and amazing food! We had the fresh oyster sampler platter which was delicious... The lobstah dumpling and new rice entree.. All super good. Rice entree was really salty but super delicious! Will definitely come back next time we are in MB! read more

Ken at the bar will take you on a food & drink pairing adventure. The food is amazing and he really makes the experience with his knowledge of the dishes and his mixology expertise. Champagne and oysters, grilled octopus & wine, scallops... when you are out for a date night this is a great choice. read more

Great food. A bit pricey. Small portions! Good Service.

Amazing restaurant. Great food and even better service. We always go here to eat here is very tasty.

We went to MBP in May and noticed this bustling joint not knowing it was Chef Lefevre's new restaurant...but this makes so much more sense than MBP since I used to hope and pray that when I was still working in downtown, company lunches would be at the Water Grill. We were able to get a reservation in July, but couldn't secure babysitters and had to cancel last minute. So sad. But DH arranged some babysitting for us to celebrate my belated birthday dinner. We didn't have reservations this time, and showed up at 6:15 last Friday night...we were told that the wait was an hour to hour fifteen...but we were determined this time, knowing that we had brave and able sitters (yes plural) to watch our minions, so we were going to wait for a table. Funny they already had our info b/c of our last (cancelled) reservation...but we were so pleasantly surprised that after a short 15 minute walk on the pier, we were called in for our table. I hate this expression...but it was just meant to be. And I think we had the best seats in the house...the corner table. We're not drinkers, so we only ordered food... We had the following: Oysters - wish we tried more Spicy tuna tartar - loved the crunch of the kimchee furikake Hamachi with ponzu/avocado - Yellowtail is my favorite raw fish, I just love the taste of it...but b/c of the ponzu and avocado, couldn't taste it at all. Good still, but would have made more sense to me using ahi. Clam chowder - really good, and loved the crunch of the oyster crackers...but at the end of my bowl, I found a one inch straight light brown hair...I hate detached hair, it makes me gag...We didn't bring it up to our super nice server, but I would have definitely said something had it been a not so straight one. eww. Diver scallops - what a pretty pretty dish...seared perfectly and the flavors were great. Crab cake - love eating crab without the work. I don't eat dill pickles, but trusted the chef's flavor pairings and ate it together...it was really good. Bread pudding - a yummy way to end a good meal...thought it might be too sweet, but it was just right. A memorable meal...Definitely worth getting sitters for... read more

WOW WOW WOW. I'm almost speechless. EVERYTHING from start to finish was delicious. Heirloom salad- perfectly sweet tomatoes complimenting the baby kale. Chowder- quality, a little variation in texture and whole clams, but nice. Seabass cooked to perfection and sooooo moist yet crispy on the outside (the way it should be). Diver scallops- also impressive (topped with peaches). And the bread pudding dessert with mascapone ice cream...... OUT OF THIS WORLD. Worth the 90min wait. Wish this restaurant was bigger. read more

Since a dinner reservation is hard to come by, my friends and I decided to try this place out for lunch and it didn't disappoint. We spent about two hours chatting, while sampling different cocktails, oysters, tacos and such. Everything we ordered was delicious - we'll definitely be back! read more

Fresh seafood, what more do you need. Creativity on some of the sandwiches are great, some of the menu changes daily. But be prepared.. this is an expensive place to eat. Lunch 2 people, no alcohol.. $70. read more

This place is the sister restaurant to MBP and after attempting to eat at MBP for lunch during my last trip to LA (MBP doesn't open for lunch FYI) the host directed me to this restaurant just a few doors down. It's a small, cozy restaurant full of character and the everything we had was really good. We started with some shrimp cocktail and Peruvian scallops then also enjoyed the clam chowder and crab cakes. All were delicious. read more

Fishing With Dynamite - Seafood Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

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My fav local fish spot. I'm not normally an Uni eater but no dish is better than the risotto and uni- indescribably spectacular. I do a lot of client dinners here and they are always impressed. Make reservations early and don't be late since there are only a handful of tables. read more

Another home run for Chef/Owner David LeFevre. Not an extensive menu (vs. MB Post), with a primary focus on seafood/raw bar. Highly recommend the Peruvian scallops and kumamoto oysters. The grilled octopus and miso cod is yummy as well! FWD is an incredibly small restaurant. Wait for a table or a seat at the bar/raw bar can easily take over an hour. The nice thing is you can put your name in with the hostess, have a drink at MB Post, and they will come get you when your table is ready. read more

Located on what I would call the new "restaurant row" of the South Bay, next to the Post (chef David Lefevre's other restaurant) and Little Sister (from the chef of Abigaile). Small seafood restaurant that definitely feels like the place to be. Been twice, but not in a while, so I can't really remember all that I've tried. But I can say that the oysters were standouts - fresh and very delicious. All the seafood at this upscale restaurant is super fresh. Look forward to heading back soon. read more

** If this review was helpful please rate it / tell me! so I keep reviewing** It was good seafood - but I don't think it was super special to other similar restaurants in the area. Good place to take a client for lunch. We liked the oysters. Maybe i have to come back and try the chowder to see what all of the fuss is about. :-) read more

Chef David Le Fevre did it again. FWD is my dream raw bar. Amazing oysters that are so fresh and meaty. The best mussels that I have had in a long time, and delicious/savory pork belly to balance out the meal. The craft cocktail that I had was off the charts...The staff and service was a 10+ and I just loved the neighborhood vibe and the fact you feel like you are at a party with a bunch of friends...actually I did run into 5 other people I know chowing down on oysters!!! read more

Bit overpriced for the portion size, the best thing is the raw bar, but you can go down to the pier and get fresh oysters shucked for half the price, too bad I was expecting more since I love MB post... Don't think we'll back :/ read more

Just outstanding!! Super fresh fish and my go to place when I crave oysters... always have a great daily selection of super fresh oysters!! Was just here recently last month and I had the grilled octopus....It was amazing served with cranberry beans. They also have these amazing squash dinner rolls served with rosemary butter, which are to die for!!! Only drawback, small place, so you need to make reservations if you want to get in!! read more

small spot, so be smart about when you go. Servers are very knowledgeable about the menu and the seafood has been tasty both times. It is a great dining experience. read more

Raw bar is amazing. Great selection of booze and sparkling wine to pair with your meal/snacks/bites. Great service and amazing presentation on food and drinks. Went in with my industry friends and we all fell in love read more

Love this place and the food! Not many tables, so make a reservation well in advance.

It's was very loud. It wasn't the people as much as the music being cranked up. The food was good but very small portions. Wait staff was pleasant and we did not have to wait long. read more

FWD is DYNOOOOOO-MITE! Our new favorite! We like better than MB Post. At first I wasn't sure about how small the placeis, but actually it's pretty darn cool and quaint. EVERYTHING was excellent. Loved how fresh all the ingredients were. The crab cake was all crabmeat. The desserts we all delish. We look forward to going back! read more

The food was pretty good, but the waitress rubbed me the wrong way - she was quite pushy while we were ordering. Listen honey, I did my homework and know what to expect - as probably most people who come here do. I would have liked to come back, but not sure if I will due to the pushiness. read more

Exceptional place for great seafood and cocktails. I have dined here several times and have enjoyed each and every visit. One of my favorites items on their menu are the Peruvian scallops...GET THEM. Super fresh and delicious and finished with a small and refreshing wedge of grapefruit. I also really enjoy the Arctic char, as the skin is always light and crisp, while the fish itself is always tender and flaky. Also, they have seafood towers that are actually worth getting...everything is always super fresh. I will say though that I don't think ordering the whole steamed Dungeness crab is worth it here, you're better off going to quality seafood in redondo beach (where you can pick your own live crab and have it steamed for you right on site) for it. I know people complain about the space and availability, but that's why they tell people to make reservations! Even during the week, you'll find it difficult to just walk-in for dinner...you'll probably be waiting for a good 2 hrs without a reservation. The staff is also super friendly, accommodating and knowledgable of the menu. I had called in earlier this yr hoping to make reservations for my birthday for when my parents were in town, although they were totally booked, they understood my situation and we're able to squeeze my family and I in at a great time on the date requested. They really went the extra mile to help a potential customer and I really appreciate that. Also, if you come for lunch you usually don't need a reservation. I've walked-in several times for lunch and have been able to get seated right away. If you're in the South Bay Area or are looking for an excuse to trek it our here for a day, this restaurant is a great reason to come out... Plus you can spend the rest of your day beaching it up just a block or two away! read more

Wow, after tonight I would have to say this is my favorite restaurant in Manhattan Beach. Everything from the cocktails down to the rich yet refreshing key lime pie was incredible. The Peruvian scallops and oysters, as everyone has mentioned, did not disappoint. But I can't believe no one's raving about the koshihikari rice! This was without a doubt the highlight of the dinner for me. Just imagine your ideal comfort food, and that is this x10. The rice gets perfectly creamy with the addition of the egg yolk; all of the seafood is flavorful and not overly fishy-tasting; plus there is this wonderful citrus essence that lightens up the dish. Would heartily recommend. Can't wait to come back soon! read more

Was in Manhattan Beach and my wife and I decided to try this place as she had heard a lot of good reviews. We had Shrimp and Grits and the Crab Benedict. Both were really good and filling. The eggs were cooked really well. The restaurant is tiny but in a good location for people watching. read more

Yes, please! We venture from the valley just to have their tacos! Yesterday we also had the best fish n' chips of our lives. Great cocktail menu! read more

If you love oysters this is the place to be! However, I felt as though their non-raw items were ridiculously overpriced. A crab cake for $16 (it was not worth the price, I mean it was tasty but certainly not $16 tasty), 4 mini "squash" blossoms (which are in fact bread rolls with squash mixed in the batter that you cannot taste) for $5, and a tiny bowl of chowder... It's just the kind of place that you drop $50+ dollars in and leave hungry. I'm not into that. The rest of my party that ordered oysters were pleased with the food (and their $200 bill). read more

The food was amazing. I would have given more stars, but the portions were SO SMALL. I had a crab cake (singular), fish tacos (you get two, and they're quite small), and the 1/2 pound of Alaskan King crab legs. All very good but I would be SHOCKED if that really was 1/2 pound.. Regardless, the bar tender was a VERY nice guy who chatted with my friend and I about the first cocktail ever recorded, and mixed up a damn good cocktail himself. I recommend this place for someone looking for a delicious, albeit SMALL, meal. read more

Best oyster bar ever!! Love this little gem in Manhattan Beach. Very small so definitely make a reservation. Service is always excellent and love that there is always something new to try on the menu. The lobster pot pie is to die for and also the pretzel bread pudding might be the best dessert I have ever had!! read more