Fishing with Dynamite Seafood Joint in Manhattan Beach is Top Notch- October 2015

Some restaurants just do it right and Fishing with Dynamite ( FWD ) is one of those restaurants.  Located in the heart of the action in Manhattan Beach, FWD is a small, clean space with plenty of noise and energy, but because of it’s size and friendly servers, it maintains a homey feel of a neighborhood eatery.  This is a Oyster-focused seafood cafe with classic & creative eats served amid wainscoting & lobster buoys.

The star of the show is the fresh seafood.  The raw bar of oysters, king crab, shrimp, clams, muscles, and lobster.  There are many oysters to choose from like the Pacific Plump from WA.  They are big, meaty oysters that taste so fresh and sweet like they were just pulled out of the clean salt water.  The shrimp is brushed with olive oil and dill and the king crab is sweet and buttery.  The clams can be enjoyed raw or steamed in a bowl of heavenly sauce and grilled garlic toast.

The menu is not large, but it is well focused with plenty of great things to choose from.  There is the Maryland Blue Crab Cake that comes with some small, thick slices of in house made dill pickles.  It’s amazing.  The Hamachi is a little bite of paradise and nothing like the typical hamachi that has been served for years.  Everything on the menu has a burst of flavor and definitely far from “typical”.
 
There are plenty of great grilled choices like the grilled octopus, Hawaiian Ono with eggplant, or the seared scallops.   The whole New Zealand Tai Snapper for two is a show stopper.  Crunchy on the outside and moist on the inside served with ginger, garlic , bok choy and plenty of cilantro or tai basil.   It’s a must to experience.

Save room for dessert so you don’t miss out on the carrot cake or the pretzel and chocolate bread pudding that comes with salted caramel and some of the best ice cream you will ever have.

There are great wines to choose from as well as signature cocktails that won’t disappoint like the Operation Koh Samui that’s mixed with moonshine from KY, yuzu, kaffier lime, lemon and thai basil.  A unique combination that come together beautifully.  The staff and service were fantastic and this place is not to miss.  Cozy and intimate but worth the dining experience if you enjoy seafood.

FWD is a breath of fresh air in a city of “typical” seafood restaurants.  Bright, fresh, friendly, fun, unique, and tasty… a can’t miss combination.

Fishing with Dynamite
1148 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 893-6299               http://www.eatfwd.com/

Written by Jim Vatcher/ Photos by Todd Elliot