Barsha Wines & Spirits — Restaurant in Manhattan Beach

My first thought on the first visit was "this place would KILL in the Manhattan Beach village" but now I love and appreciate it even more exactly because it's NOT in the village!

After driving past wondering about Barsha for so long I've been in several times now and realized quickly all the 5 star reviews are real. There's nothing not to love: the retail side is a surprisingly interesting and well-curated wine selection, with a lot of European, old-world, and esoteric stuff that you will absolutely NOT find anywhere else in the South Bay. Also some craft beers, outstanding whiskey and spirits section, quirky gifts, Riedel stemware, and killer cheeses and charcuterie to take home--which brings us the the "other" side of the room: the tasting and munchies bar.

The 4-selection wine flights, half glasses, and full glasses available are ALL great and change monthly. The owner and chief pourer Adnen has fantastic taste and knowledge and chooses these carefully, and so far I've loved every single selection. But the munchies..... wow, not your everyday cheapo cheese and crackers. They surprised the hell out of me with the super high quality of cheeses, charcuterie, pâtés, homemade dips, and broiled warm baguette pieces drizzled liberally with Tunisian olive oil that makes me hungry just thinking about it.

But most importantly everyone is nice! The staff is super friendly which must be a reflection of Adnen and his wife Lenora. Adnen is probably going to be the warmest and most engaging owner you'll ever meet in ANY business. It's a great and laid back vibe and it just always feels good in there. Pop in soon and I'm sure you'll agree. 5 stars...

Cute wine bar with small bites. Came here on a Wednesday evening around 7:30pm and there were only a couple of other tables. We seated ourselves and the employee came quickly to explain the menu. He was very friendly and left us to our own devices for the most part, which is exactly what was needed. We got a flight of wine (2 reds, 2 whites) which equates to one glass ($20). We got a charcuterie (there’s 6 options for the meats so we just got all of it) in addition to the dips and bread plate (it had hummus, arugula pesto, a date spread, and harissa. These things were surprisingly filling and you’re given plenty of crackers for the meats.

There’s a small parking lot. Credit cards accepted. Indoor dining only and they’re also a wine shop, so you can pick up bottles here. It has a very local feel and there seemed to be regulars who came in often. It’s good for an intimate meal/drinks with friends...

Went last night with a friend after yoga class. The waiter gave us two seating options. One spot was sitting side by side facing an art wall, so we chose option 2, on a high table where we could sit on the corner and face each other. Another waiter came over and moved us saying a party had reserved it. So we moved to the less desirable seat. We were there for an hour and no one ended up sitting at the table we originally wanted. The same waiter took our order and we only got part of our order. I don't know if he thought we were under dressed (yoga attire) or if it was that there was only 2 of us but he was only concerned about the bigger parties in the room. The owner came at the end and offered us the bruschetta on the house but we were done with our wine and ready to leave. Surprisingly, we got our check with nothing comped. Disappointing experience. Won't...