Eat Like a Local

Hermosa residents dish on their favorite eats within the city’s limits. 

By Mindy Ligos, Hermosa Beach Local

Psst. . . want to know where to find an elevated grilled cheese or an extra special breakfast burrito in Hermosa Beach? Just ask a local. We recently polled some of the city’s long-timers to find out their all-time-favorite go-to dishes. They’ll indulged us with seven top-secret recommendations. Grab a fork and dig in! 

Sink Your Teeth into a Grilled Cheese at The Lighthouse Cafe 

30 Pier Avenue 

This Pier Avenue jazz hotpot was used in the filming of the 2016 musical love story “La La Land.” But for locals like Philip Clark, the spot has gained even more notoriety for its grilled cheese sandwich. “Oh my, where to start?” says Clark, when asked how he describes his favorite dish. “The Lighthouse has elevated this sandwich to one of the greatest comfort foods you can have,” he says. In addition to a conglomeration of gooey, melted cheese, the sandwich includes sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and fresh basil — all melted in between thick wedges of sourdough bread. “Then, in a move that just crushes any competition,” Clark says, “they create a grilled, crispy layer of cheese that fuses onto the outside of the sourdough, adding even more amazing cheesy goodness.” Add to that the side of spicy tomato soup that acts as a superb dipping sauce, “and you really have a combination that I’ve yet to experience at any other restaurant,” Clark says. 

PRO TIP: The Lighthouse serves up live entertainment every day of the week and often gets filled to capacity on weekends. “I always recommend eating early and on weekdays,” Clark says. If you arrive later and all of the tables are filled, just belly up to the bar and enjoy the music while you nosh on your sandwich. 

Taste the Truffle Fried Rice at RYLA 

1220 Hermosa Avenue 

RYLA, an intimate, candlelit Japanese-Taiwanese spot located a short walk from the Hermosa Pier, provides a nice contrast from the breezy beach cafes surrounding it. Although the locals swear by many of the inventive items on the menu, Emie Lynn Fenton says she can’t live without a steady Spring/Summer 2023 | 11 

diet of RYLA’s truffle fried rice, which contains a delectable medley of Chinese sausage, egg, scallion, pickled ginger and, of course, freshly shaved summer truffles. “it’s the most amazing comfort food I’ve tasted,” swears Fenton, who also lauds the restaurant for its thoughtful cocktail and wine list. (We recommend trying the “You Only Live Twice” cocktail, Vesper with Meyer lemon-infused Haki Vodka, Roku Gin, Ginjo Sake, Cocchi Americano and Shiso Oil 17.) Despite the fancy decor and upscale menu, Fenton says, “the staff always makes you feel welcome and there’s always a warm, hometown vibe.” 

PRO TIP: The staff at RYLA is “more than willing” to make a gluten-free version of the fried rice, according to Fenton: “Just ask.” 

Select a Sammy at Cultured Slice 

136 Pier Avenue 

Referred to by some locals as “a sandwich-lovers dreamland,” visitors to this Pier Avenue sandwich shop are often “deeply torn between which sandwich to order, because there is a treasure trove of goodness to choose from,” according to Hermosa resident Molly O’Rourke. Fortunately, she’s got a fave go-to sandwich that eliminates such dilemmas: the mammogramwich. Inspired by breast cancer awareness, it’s a pressed turkey breast sandwich with Havarti, apricot jam, mustard, lettuce and red onion — “the perfect balance of salty & sweet,” contends O’Rourke. That said, she’s sometimes swayed by another local favorite: the Son of Sal. Featuring Mortadella, sopressata salami, calabrese salami, Provolone, onion, mustard, lettuce, giardiniera and house-made vinaigrette, “it’s Italian excellence!” she says. 

When pressed even further, O’Rouke gives big thumbs up to some of the simpler items on the menu, including the classic ham sandwich, which features French ham, butter and gruyere on a baguette. “I guess the moral of the story here is that there is something for everyone,” she says. “You can’t order wrong. 

PRO TIP: Customize your favorite sandwich with your choice of bread: soft roll, pretzel, croissant, wrap, baguette, sourdough are all available. 

Spice It Up with Nashville Chicken at Hermosa Brewing Company 

1342 Hermosa Avenue 

We may be more than 2,000 miles from Nashville, but Adam Stoneman looks no further than the Hermosa Brewing Company for the best Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich around. Order it on heat level “hot,” and pair it with a side of crispy tots and a pint of Pier to Pier Pale Ale, “and you can’t go wrong,” Stoneman promises. 

PRO TIP: Reserve a table in advance and sit outside on the patio just before sunset for a dramatic view.

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Pick a Panini at Source Café 509 Pier Avenue 

Local Lindsay Mauch has been grabbing lunch at this hotspot since her oldest daughter was an infant; she’s now eight years old. “I’m in love with the paleo chicken panini,” say Mauch. The dish is part sandwich, part salad, with chicken salad, 

pesto aioli, arugula salad, paleo bread and mixed greens. She also craves the restaurant’s ready-to-drink smoothies, juices, healthy snacks and grab-and-go lunch options. “This is definitely one of the best healthy lunch spots the South Bay,” Mauch adds. 

PRO TIP: Call in your order for pick-up and head down Pier Avenue for lunch on the beach. 

Savor the Taste of France at Creme De La Crepe 

424 Pier Avenue 

Heidi Lyndner has sampled Croque Monsieur in France and other places throughout the world, but Creme De La Crepe’s version “is really hard to beat,” she says. “Ham, eggs, superbly melty cheese, Béchamel sauce . . . what’s not to like? The ingredients are perfectly balanced.” 

Those wanting to add a little sweetness to their meal can indulge in a sumptuous crepe. One popular option is the Veronica, which contains speculoos spread (cookie butter)

topped with toasted almonds and is served with vanilla ice cream 

PRO TIP: Take advantage of the lovely dining deck — and Hermosa’s excellent weather — for any meal. 

Wake Up to a Waffle at Hook & Plow 

425 Pier Avenue 

Hermosa Beach is full of enticing brunch options, but Lyndsay Rose is partial to Hook & Plow, which serves up chicken and waffles on its weekend brunch menu. “The crunch on the chicken is absolutely perfect,” says Rose, and the accompaniments, including fresh maple syrup, rosemary, jam and whipped cream cheese mousse, make the dish extra special. Wash it down with a Prosecco flight or a glass of Frosé, and start off your weekend style. 

PRO TIP: Sunny day? Opt for a patio seat. 

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