The Strand House — Restaurant in Manhattan Beach

Disappointing Experience—Not Worth the Price

Spent over $2,300 and regret it. I booked The Strand House for my mom’s 60th birthday, specifically for the view. The plan was to have our party of 18 seated in the main dining room, where the water is in full view. I worked with their coordinator, Stephanie, from 01.23.2025 to 02.16.2025 to plan this. She was great—detailed, accommodating, and even arranged a personalized event menu with our own logo. Everything seemed solid. But here’s how it actually went down: The reservation was somehow made for 2024 instead of 2025. Because of this, when we arrived, the host staff couldn’t even find our reservation. My party was split up. Some were tucked in the back of the front dining room, one person was placed at the bar, and others were just turned away completely. Once they finally located my reservation, our space had already been given away. Instead of the promised main dining room, we were crammed onto a small balcony that didn’t fit our group comfortably. Paying over $2K, I expected to get what I was promised. No apology. No accountability. Just a shrug and a “this is what we have” attitude. The service was frustrating. Wait staff took away food without permission—if a guest wasn’t at their seat, even if there was plenty of food left, they cleared the plate. My mom specifically requested some items to be boxed, yet a lot of food went missing. I found out about this after the fact. We were rushed. I get that the space we were put in is normally for general seating, but that wasn’t our fault. We had a reservation for a private area and should have been treated accordingly. The photographer I hired wasn’t able to capture the moments we were hoping for. The space we were moved to was too small and poorly positioned, which completely altered the aesthetic and backdrop we had planned for. The whole point of choosing this venue was for the view—and that was taken away. Stephanie’s response regarding the space we were guaranteed made no sense. She claimed that for parties larger than (insert random number) reserved groups are always assigned randomly. But in her own email, she clearly stated that the only expected change for groups larger than 16 would be two parallel tables—not a completely different location. So not only was I misled, but the response contradicted what was actually communicated.

At the end of the day, I just expect better—especially when the service fee alone was 23% of over $2,300.

I didn’t complain that day. I just paid the check and followed up with Stephanie the next day, hoping for some accountability—maybe even an assurance of a better experience in the future. Instead, I got excuses and dismissiveness.

This was supposed to be a special night for my mom, and I paid a considerable amount for it. With 15+ years in the service industry, I understand mistakes happen. But grace is for those who seek it—and clearly, they have no interest in doing so.

Wouldn’t recommend. Not for a special occasion, not for the price, and definitely not for...

Been here a few times. Time to do the thing.

Parking is street or the two lots right below it. And the two lots are very small. So just a heads up. Parking may be an issue.

Upon walking in I’ve always been greeted immediately. And I’ve always had reservations. It’s highly recommended you get reservations for this place. As it is VERY busy after 6pm for dinner. However before that? You’re totally fine.

Restaurant is updated, elegant and nice. However the seating can be a little odd in the main dining area upstairs. If you’re a part of two. The tables they give you are the size of a child’s table. You won’t be able to fit more than one and a half plates on it along with drinks etc. For this reason that’s exactly why it isn’t 5 stars. I had to ask to be moved to a bigger table. Which luckily they had.

Oysters. We opted for the Washington oysters. Presented well. Served with ketchup, horseradish, lemons and a strange mignonette sauce. They’re definitely good. And I should have ordered a full dozen. I definitely will next time!

Buttered bread. Made in house soft, fluffy and perfect. Can’t go wrong with it.

Clam chowder. Light in taste. Good broth and tons of clams. Seasoned well. No heat so might want to add your own pepper. However it isn’t your usual clam chowder either. Made in house with a MUCH thinner broth/soup compared to your normal thick and rich clam chowder.

Ceviche. Properly cooked in tons of lime juice. They definitely didn’t skimp on it. Taste was there. Definitely not your average ceviche. And don’t let the small bowl fool you. It’s deep and has tons in there lol. Just like the clam chowder presentation. Looks small. Isn’t though.

I’ve also had the Cesar salad here before. And here’s where another star is deducted. Taste is off. And is lacking dressing. Has to ask for more dressing. It was extremely dry and lacking otherwise.

Drinks. My girl ordered a mitchelada. Apparently they make their own mix in house. Which I do not recommend. And they don’t mention this either. There’s fish sauce in it. Disgusting. We sent it back. And asked for the spicy margarita which was excellent.

Also I asked for some menu items. And the water said “no that’s only available for downstairs. I cannot bring you those menu items past everyone upstairs. Because then everyone would want that” wtf does that mean?

Our waiter also seemed a little bothered. I’m not sure if it was because we went the drink back. Or because I had many questions about the menu after that. As time passed he seemed less annoyed or bothered. But it was definitely awkward.

So would I overall recommend this place? Yeah sure why not. It’s pretty decent. Prices are in the high side for what it is. But you’re paying for the location and atmosphere. Not entirely the food… unfortunately lol. Check it out.

Food: above average Decor: new Cleanliness: very clean Staff: average Atmosphere:...

Rude, Unprofessional, and Discriminatory Behavior by Management

I am writing to express my profound disappointment and concern regarding the treatment my boyfriend and I received during our recent visit to The Strand House on December 28th 2024. As an Indian couple in our mid-30s, coming from respectable families, we expected an evening of dining and hospitality. Instead, we were subjected to unprofessional and discriminatory behavior that has left us both disturbed and disheartened.

Upon arrival, the security personnel at the entrance greeted us politely and conducted their duties professionally. However, shortly after the manager approached us, in an uncalled-for and inappropriate manner, commented on my boyfriend’s appearance. My boyfriend naturally has droopy eyes, a physical characteristic that has never warranted any concern or judgment. Despite the security personnel affirming that he was not intoxicated, the manager proceeded to accuse him of appearing “sleepy” and suggested that he “should go home.”

This baseless accusation was not only humiliating but also a clear act of racial profiling. The manager’s actions were unprovoked, unprofessional, and entirely inappropriate, reflecting a severe lack of cultural sensitivity and customer service training. It is alarming that, in 2024, such discriminatory behavior can occur in an establishment that should pride itself on inclusivity and respect for its patrons.

The tone and conduct of the manager were dismissive and rude, creating an environment that was hostile and unwelcoming. His actions not only disrupted our evening but also highlighted a disturbing disregard for basic decency and professionalism.

As paying customers, we deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of our race, appearance, or background. This incident has caused us significant emotional distress, and we are considering taking further legal action to address this matter. Racial profiling is unacceptable in any context, and businesses must be held accountable for fostering environments where such behavior is permitted.

I urge the management of The Strand House to take this matter seriously. Immediate steps should be taken to address the conduct of the manager involved, including cultural sensitivity training for all staff to ensure that no other patron experiences the treatment we endured.

I hope this review serves as a reminder that customers are more than just revenue—they are people who deserve respect. Until appropriate action is taken, I cannot in good conscience recommend this establishment to...