Stecca Taverna — Restaurant in Hermosa Beach

Chef Giorgio and his team prepared one of the best meals I have had in recent memory. We were greeted by Karla and Diego who remembered our names and checked on us at the end of the evening. Our waiter was Giancarlo or Gian-something (im sorry Im not sure). We were celebrating our wedding anniversary and were greeted by the owners. The atmosphere was lively on a Friday night and the other guests had casual conversations with us. We ordered a calamari steak appetizer - so tender and delicious I didn’t know calamari could be served so perfectly. We had a baked purée mushroom course (so flavorful and melted in our mouths - must for mushroom lovers) and also a steak tartare crudo (we think maybe hints of anchovy but we couldn’t identify the ingredients but it was a “wow”!). Both were perfectly prepared and we might go back just to have these two dishes. Frutti de Mari was our pasta course that we split and was also perfectly al dente and the perfect tanginess with fresh seafood - an A+! We had planned to eat a meat course and dessert but ate every bit of our earlier courses so next time we will starve ourselves before coming in because our neighboring table got a filet mignon wrapped in prosciutto and they were raving about it and I heard good things about the crème brûlée! Welcome to HERMOSA beach Stecca! Looks like you’re here to...

I was really looking forward to trying Stecca Taverna, but left with mixed feelings. Food was not bad, pretty good, but not amazing (like I hoped), and not “100$ a person good”. Crudo is similar to the one in Love&Salt, but more expensive. Pasta was okayish, even UOVO I liked more. Their wine list is really good, but no cocktails. I liked mushrooms appetizer, and their tiramisu is probably in my top 3 tiramisu in Los Angeles. Overall at this price point I would rather go to Slay in Manhattan Beach or San Laurel (Spanish restaurant) in DTLA. The atmosphere is nice, but a bit cramped, and music was “beating” my ears. I feel like I was way more impressed at many other places. But that’s just me, try it for yourself.

P.S. One thing that made me uncomfortable, even though the service was good, when the bill came (that was already pretty significant number) their pre-calculated tips suggestions only included above 20% afair, it was an absurd range of 25-35% or something like that. The server didn’t even spent 5 minutes total with us. As a European, I can’t imagine the reason for asking over 50$ tips from two quiet,...

Stecca Taverna has breathed new life into the space once known as Sosta, and the transformation is nothing short of stunning. The remodel is beautifully done—warm, cozy, and inviting, with a refined charm that feels both fresh and familiar.

Under the care of Giorgio, the Italian owner, Stecca Taverna delivers an authentic and heartfelt experience. In the mornings, the atmosphere is laid-back and vibrant, thanks to Hugo, who manages the coffee service with passion and precision. His coffee is exceptional and now my favorite in South Bay! One sip and I’m transported straight back to Italy.

In the evenings, Stecca Taverna shifts gears into a full dinner service, offering a welcoming, intimate setting that’s perfect for a relaxed night out. The ambiance alone promises a memorable experience and the food is absolutely OUTSTANDING! Giorgio did an incredible job curating this menu! Chef’s kiss!

Stecca Taverna is a wonderful new addition to the neighborhood—a place where old-world Italian warmth meets modern comfort. This will definitely be our...