Nick's Manhattan Beach — Restaurant in Manhattan Beach

Nick's Butter Cake is a part of my soul at this point. When anyone asks me anything about dessert, my mind immediately runs to Nick's Butter Cake. When you speak boxing, you speak Floyd Mayweather. When you speak dessert, you speak Nick's Butter Cake.

I'll get back to the butter cake but let me back track. This review will be like the Ghandi movie.

Came here with my parents and girlfriend, as it was our first sit down meal just the 4 of us. My parents were lowkey nervous because it was my first time bringing someone home in like 10 years (red flag ik) so they picked Nick's as it is the perfect spot to show you have great taste without doing too much. Honestly a great first date spot when I think about it. This was kind of a first date in a sense...

We sat down and vibes were up off rip, the wifey and I ordered espresso martinis and Big Steve (dad) ordered a whiskey ginger ale because he is beast. Nanc got a glass of champagne cuz she's different.

The vet move here is to start with the shrimp taquitos, as they are a dish unique to Nick's but delicious. Jumbo blackened shrimp wrapped in a fried tortilla with some avocado and a little chipotle. Can't miss.

For mains, I got my usual, the blackened fish sandwich. It's just so perfect... I mean I get it without tartar sauce because it's a little too much for my tummy, but you do you. Imma do me.

I also love eating with my mom because she eats like a mouse and I get half of her kale and quinoa salad with salmon on top. The salad has grapes in it which is such an underrated touch, it's one of my favorite salads on the planet tbh.

Now, it was time for the main event. We had been hyping this Butter Cake up to wifey for the past 12 hours straight, but honestly I wasn't worried because it's that good.

It's essentially a warm butter cake with a crystallized firm outside that is almost like a cookie, and a warm doughy cake-like inside, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top that is slightly melted due to the warmness of the cake, and a raspberry compote to finish the job. Job finished.

When it was approaching the table, I heard a church choir belting "HE'S DONE MIRACLES ON ME......."

One by one around the table you hear some form of "MMMMMMMM" or "Oh my god" matched with a furrowed brow and a big soft smile to signify pure joy. The warmness of the cake paired with the coldness of the ice cream, brought together by the raspberry compote is a trifecta that I can't help but compare to Jordan, Magic, and Bird running the floor for the 92 dream team.

The wifey loved the parents, and the parents loved the wifey. One can’t help but wonder if it was the shared love of Nick’s Butter Cake……GOD DID!

IG...

I am a habitual reviewer, having written hundreds of reviews. Unfortunately, some of them were not fun to write. This one, however, is one that I will truly enjoy writing.

On Tuesday November 7, 2023 at around 4:30 pm my wife and I stopped by Nick’s for an early dinner. We are East coasters who just happened to be in the area with no prior knowledge of dining options. What a delight our visit to Nick’s turned out to be! We were greeted by a very friendly host who immediately seated us in the outdoor corner where we asked to be. Soon after we were seated, our waiter, Steve, stopped by to welcome us and take our drink order. We asked for a couple of carafes of wine, and he brought our glasses by. A few minutes later, he assured us that our wine was coming as the bar was quite busy. Our wine arrived shortly, and we proceeded to place our dinner orders. My wife ordered the petite steak special with extra salad in place of the soup. I ordered the salmon entrée. Our orders arrived before we had finished our first glass of wine, at which point Steve noticed my wife donning her sweater and immediately proceeded to see that the wind shades were lowered which assured our dining comfort. My wife’s steak was done to her desired medium-well, my salmon could not have been more perfectly done, moist and tender in the middle. My wife raved about the accompanying heaping mound of chopped salad. My mashed potatoes were perfectly done and the generous portion of sauteed spinach with garlic and lemon sauce was simply outstanding. The food presentation was amazing too – it looked delicious and tasted even better! Throughout our meal Steve was present without being intrusive and he surprised us with hot towels at the end. My wife asked for dessert and Steve recommended sweet bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Here I must apologize to my wife for while I am not a desert person, this one was so delicious that I ate more of her generous serving than she did. Overall, we could not have been more pleased with the service and food of Nick’s Manhattan Beach, a truly memorable experience! Thank you...

Nick's in Manhattan Beach truly exceeded our culinary expectations, earning a well-deserved five-star review. The gastronomic adventure began with "THE PRIME RIB DIP," a masterfully crafted dish that showcased the chef's dedication to perfection. The meat, seasoned and slow-roasted daily, was thinly sliced and nestled between a soft brioche bun, complemented by a delightful mayonnaise and red wine au jus. Each bite was a symphony of flavors that left us yearning for more.

Equally impressive was the "BLACKENED FISH SANDWICH," a true delight for seafood enthusiasts. The combination of crunchy cabbage, wild baby arugula, tomato, firestick onions, and house-made tartar sauce on a brioche bun was a medley of textures and tastes that danced on our palates. The freshness of the ingredients shone through, making it a standout choice.

To accompany our culinary journey, we indulged in the "ST. NICK’S OLD FASHIONED." This signature cocktail, featuring Yellowstone, Amaro Lucano, and walnut bitters, was a testament to the mixology expertise at Nicks. The intricate blend of flavors created a drink that was both sophisticated and satisfying, setting the tone for a memorable dining experience.

No meal is complete without a sweet finale, and Nick's did not disappoint. The lemon cake and warm butter cake were the perfect endings to our feast. The desserts showcased a level of finesse and creativity that echoed throughout the entire menu. Each bite was a celebration of sweet indulgence, leaving us with lingering flavors that will undoubtedly bring us back for more.

In conclusion, Nick's in Manhattan Beach offers a culinary journey that is nothing short of extraordinary. From the meticulously crafted dishes to the innovative cocktails and delectable desserts, every aspect of our dining experience was a testament to the restaurant's commitment to excellence (including our attentive waiter, Mark). Without a doubt, Nick's has secured its place as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking a taste of culinary brilliance in the heart of...