SLAY Italian Kitchen — Restaurant in Manhattan Beach

On the eve of my Mom's wrist surgery, Slay was the pre-op meal choice. She broke it playing pickleball a few days prior as she is an absolute warrior. Just picture my peanut of a mother (5'1 on her best day) laying her body on the line for her Tuesday night pickleball group made up of Manhattan Beach moms. I, for one, am proud to be from this bloodline.

We arrive at Slay with clear eyes and full hearts, ready to smash some Italian food. We are sat outside and the vibe is what I imagine people expect when they come to Southern California: 70 degrees and sunny while sitting at a restaurant a few blocks up from the sand with the vast Pacific bobbing up and down in the peripheral vision.

Our family always orders a margherita pizza as an appetizer, so we couldnt break tradition. Pizza was ultra thinw with fluffy crust, just how I like it hehe. Calamari was a godsend as well and the meatballs also did their thing. Great team performance from the apps.

They recently got their liquor license, so you already know I had to crack off on a Spritz. Their Italian Spritz was honestly one of the best I've had in a MINUTE, and that's saying a lot. I think I may be an Aperol Spritz sommelier at this point.

The service was fantastic, and much to my chagrin my brother at one point commented to me on how the waitress doesn't break eye contact. I had to pull him aside and give him a little pep talk. "Novos NEVER break eye contact, LOCK IN MIKE!"

The spaghetti and meatballs delivered like Pheidippides delivering the news to Athens that they had won the Battle of Marathon. Iconic.

Slay is the best kept secret in Manhattan Beach. MANHATTAN BEACH...

f you're looking for an authentic Italian dining experience in Manhattan Beach, look no further than Slay Italian Kitchen. This restaurant offers a truly impressive selection of classic Italian dishes, made with fresh and high-quality ingredients that will delight your taste buds.

But what really sets Slay Italian Kitchen apart is their outstanding service, provided by two exceptional servers - Sabrina and Kurt. From the moment you walk through the door, you'll feel welcomed and taken care of by their warm and attentive service.

Sabrina and Kurt are both incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and can recommend dishes that are sure to please. They are also very accommodating to special requests and always make sure to check in to see how everything is going.

In addition to the excellent service, Slay Italian Kitchen also boasts a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The decor is simple and elegant, with just the right amount of charm to make you feel at home.

As for the food, everything is simply delicious. The pasta dishes are cooked to perfection and the sauces are rich and flavorful. The pizza is also a standout - crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with just the right amount of toppings.

Overall, Slay Italian Kitchen is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves Italian cuisine and wants to experience exceptional service. And with Sabrina and Kurt taking care of you, you're sure to have an unforgettable...

We had a quick delivery from Slay, we’re local and eat there a decent amount. I wish I could give it a solid 5 Stars - but can’t … it was a 4 star (curved up) night. Food was quick and hot. Pepperoni pizza - a few things IMHO (ours actually) … it could use a few more pepperoni’s … it could use a tad more sauce, and the sauce could have a much better/richer flavor. Mostly … and not sure if they have a gas, wood, or coal oven … but either way, the crust and whole pizza could use just a little .. more than a gooey little actually char vs an undercooked “doughy” dough. Not bad at all, pretty good … but could be a lot better. More flavor more char, kind of like just “more cowbell” from the chef. Spaghetti and meatballs - same, “good, but their basic sauce is very bland” - not bad in any way, just bland. Plus meatballs were a tiny bit spiced - seems like a sign of the times to make everything spiced - not much, but a tad, normally meatballs are not spicey at all - we thought a little odd. Summary - still a very good spot, but could be great with a little “Joy de vivre” added to the recipe’s. Still good …...