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Esperanza Cocina de la Playa in Manhattan Beach provides their guests with modern interpretations of traditional Sonoran cuisine and an expertly crafted bar program. Esperanza’s sophisticated, coastal design, which incorporates handcrafted materials, furniture, and décor from around the world. With its prime location just blocks from the Pacific, Esperanza’s sophisticated vibe and design blends beach town elegance with modern cool.
Hours
| Friday | 11 AM–2 AM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–2 AM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–12 AM |
| Monday | 11 AM–12 AM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–12 AM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–12 AM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–12 AM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 309 Manhattan Beach Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Phone: (424) 422-0057
Website: https://www.esperanzamb.com/
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
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Last Updates
Reviews
James Lin
**4.5/5 ✨ Esperanza Cocina de la Playa: Beachy Neighborhood Lounge Vibes Done Right**
Tucked just steps from the shoreline in [beach town, e.g., Playa del Carmen or a SoCal spot], **Esperanza Cocina de la Playa** is the ultimate **neighborhood lounge** that captures that laid-back coastal essence without trying too hard . From the moment you walk in, the **location felt like I was on the beach**—salty breeze wafting through open windows, sandy-hued decor with woven chairs, seashell accents, and a playlist of soft reggaeton and waves crashing in the background. It’s pure escapism, making you forget you’re not actually toes-in-the-sand.
The **casual dining** setup is spot-on: order at the bar, grab a high-top or lounge sofa, and sip on fresh margaritas or ceviche tacos while people-watching locals and tourists mingle. The menu leans Mexican coastal—think grilled octopus with lime aioli, shrimp aguachile, and plantain chips that pair perfectly with their house guac. Everything tastes fresh and zesty, portions generous for sharing, and prices fair for the quality. Happy hour deals make it a neighborhood staple for sunset drinks.
**Service was friendly and chill**—bartenders chat like old friends, refills come quick, and they handle the crowd with ease. The **convenient location near the beach** is a huge plus: walkable from hotels or the boardwalk, ideal for a post-swim bite or pre-night-out fuel.
Only deduction keeps it from a full 5: **parking** is a nightmare—limited spots in the lot fill up fast, and street parking means circling blocks during peak hours or risking tickets. Pro tip: Uber or walk if you can.
Still, Esperanza earns a strong 4.5 for creating that beachy neighborhood lounge magic in a super convenient spot. It’s my go-to chill zone when I want ocean vibes without the full trek. I’ll be back—margarita in hand!
… moreTucked just steps from the shoreline in [beach town, e.g., Playa del Carmen or a SoCal spot], **Esperanza Cocina de la Playa** is the ultimate **neighborhood lounge** that captures that laid-back coastal essence without trying too hard . From the moment you walk in, the **location felt like I was on the beach**—salty breeze wafting through open windows, sandy-hued decor with woven chairs, seashell accents, and a playlist of soft reggaeton and waves crashing in the background. It’s pure escapism, making you forget you’re not actually toes-in-the-sand.
The **casual dining** setup is spot-on: order at the bar, grab a high-top or lounge sofa, and sip on fresh margaritas or ceviche tacos while people-watching locals and tourists mingle. The menu leans Mexican coastal—think grilled octopus with lime aioli, shrimp aguachile, and plantain chips that pair perfectly with their house guac. Everything tastes fresh and zesty, portions generous for sharing, and prices fair for the quality. Happy hour deals make it a neighborhood staple for sunset drinks.
**Service was friendly and chill**—bartenders chat like old friends, refills come quick, and they handle the crowd with ease. The **convenient location near the beach** is a huge plus: walkable from hotels or the boardwalk, ideal for a post-swim bite or pre-night-out fuel.
Only deduction keeps it from a full 5: **parking** is a nightmare—limited spots in the lot fill up fast, and street parking means circling blocks during peak hours or risking tickets. Pro tip: Uber or walk if you can.
Still, Esperanza earns a strong 4.5 for creating that beachy neighborhood lounge magic in a super convenient spot. It’s my go-to chill zone when I want ocean vibes without the full trek. I’ll be back—margarita in hand!
Kensley Gray
The restruant felt as if I was in Mexico!The aesthetic was wonderful just as the food!
The fresh tortillas were delicious!! We also got shrimp taquitos and they were wonderful, I really recommend them. I got the filet mignon tacos. They were so scrumptious I wanted to order a second plate!
I definitely need to try this place more often! Bonus Manhattan beach is a wonderful area.
… moreThe fresh tortillas were delicious!! We also got shrimp taquitos and they were wonderful, I really recommend them. I got the filet mignon tacos. They were so scrumptious I wanted to order a second plate!
I definitely need to try this place more often! Bonus Manhattan beach is a wonderful area.
Unique Dandridge
This was my first time visiting Esperanza, and I was impressed. It is an open air, two-level restaurant with rooftop seating, which adds to its lively and welcoming atmosphere. They also have ceiling heaters available upon request. The soft lighting, stylish decor, and candlelit walls create a chic and comfortable vibe, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special nights out. The vibe was upbeat and pleasantly inviting.
The food was outstanding. The Ceviche Pineapple Camarones, was a delicious appetizer and set the tone for all the flavors coming my way. The combination of sweet pineapple, fresh shrimp, and a touch of spice was refreshing and perfectly balanced. It was an ideal way to begin the meal.
The drinks were just as impressive. The Clara Piña Colada cocktail was smooth, refreshing, vibrant, and beautifully presented. The overall presentation of both the food and drinks was very nice and appealing, making the experience feel special from start to finish.
Service was extremely attentive and friendly, which made the evening even more enjoyable. Esperanza delivers on every level with fantastic food, thoughtfully crafted drinks, and a beautiful setting. It is an easy five stars, and I will definitely be coming back and recommending it to friends.
… moreThe food was outstanding. The Ceviche Pineapple Camarones, was a delicious appetizer and set the tone for all the flavors coming my way. The combination of sweet pineapple, fresh shrimp, and a touch of spice was refreshing and perfectly balanced. It was an ideal way to begin the meal.
The drinks were just as impressive. The Clara Piña Colada cocktail was smooth, refreshing, vibrant, and beautifully presented. The overall presentation of both the food and drinks was very nice and appealing, making the experience feel special from start to finish.
Service was extremely attentive and friendly, which made the evening even more enjoyable. Esperanza delivers on every level with fantastic food, thoughtfully crafted drinks, and a beautiful setting. It is an easy five stars, and I will definitely be coming back and recommending it to friends.
Dan Feldman
Our recent visit to Esperanza was nothing short of exceptional. The manager, Julian, was five stars and beyond; his attention to detail made the experience for myself and my entire family feel extra special. The wait staff was professional and attentive and the bartender Kevin made some extremely amazing and unique refreshments for us!
From the seamless service to the incredible food, every aspect of the meal was perfect. We also loved the recent upgrades to the restaurant (upstairs) they are a beautiful touch that really elevates the overall atmosphere. We will be coming back time and time again. Thank you so much for a memorable evening!
… moreFrom the seamless service to the incredible food, every aspect of the meal was perfect. We also loved the recent upgrades to the restaurant (upstairs) they are a beautiful touch that really elevates the overall atmosphere. We will be coming back time and time again. Thank you so much for a memorable evening!
Léonardo Fuica
So here is the review about this place.
1. Decoration 10/10: it’s very nice decorated, simple with a nice cache of elegance.
2. Service 10/10: The service here is impeccable. They are very social, nice, easy to talk, and always with a smile.
3. Food 10/10: The food here is very good, very well, dressed, very nice presentable. And they make very good cocktails, look at the pictures.
4. Ambiance 10/10: There are always a lot of people here. The ambiance is amazing. The music is not too loud. Good for sports events or birthdays or just on a date.
5. Cleanest 10/10: i don’t know who’s the person who cleans this place. But the buzz boys, our spot on the bathrooms are nice and clean and don’t smell bad.
I definitely recommend this place. If you have never been here, very good spot.
… more1. Decoration 10/10: it’s very nice decorated, simple with a nice cache of elegance.
2. Service 10/10: The service here is impeccable. They are very social, nice, easy to talk, and always with a smile.
3. Food 10/10: The food here is very good, very well, dressed, very nice presentable. And they make very good cocktails, look at the pictures.
4. Ambiance 10/10: There are always a lot of people here. The ambiance is amazing. The music is not too loud. Good for sports events or birthdays or just on a date.
5. Cleanest 10/10: i don’t know who’s the person who cleans this place. But the buzz boys, our spot on the bathrooms are nice and clean and don’t smell bad.
I definitely recommend this place. If you have never been here, very good spot.
Vasil Halchev
What a place! Easily one of the top places in Manhattan Beach! This place has the best fish tacos! Not afraid to say that they have some of the best fish tacos in the county. We drive from the other side of LA county for this place and it never disappoints. This is my 6th or 7th time coming and there is one word I can describe this place, consistency! The service has always been good. Fantastic place for a date or special occasion!
The complimentary tortillas in the beginning with the trio of spreads is delicious. The sweet honey butter is 10/10. Another bonus is you step outside and you are walking distance from the strand!
… moreThe complimentary tortillas in the beginning with the trio of spreads is delicious. The sweet honey butter is 10/10. Another bonus is you step outside and you are walking distance from the strand!
Maurice Marvel
If you’re in Manhattan beach, this is a great place, just a few blocks up from the beach. The atmosphere is beautiful, and elevated for this cuisine. Usually it’s a hit or miss when I find Mexican food with such an ambiance, but not here. The food is fantastic. I’ve come back quite a few times. The only downside is that sometimes the service can feel a bit rushed, or this visit not the greatest…we felt forgotten, and I don’t believe Pablo, our server came by once to make sure things were okay. Also at the ending we waited for a Togo bag for our food, which took an absurd amount of time, and then I got up to go ask for it from him, and he then said “I have to go and take a couple order” Totally understand that, but if he was in the weeds, he could/should have been able to get help from a manager so that my family and I could get going.
I then took it upon myself to ask the backwaiter, who went back to get it for me…but as I watched, he went back and begun just having a conversation with another coworker for a bit while I stood there still just waiting watching from afar….pretty upsetting, to be honest.
Besides from that, the salmon dish is INCREDIBLE. I’m serious when I say this….I won’t be ordering anything else other than that for my entree in the future. It was INCREDIBLE. OMG. With a corn cake base and a zesty citrusy flavor, with just enough crisp but remained succulent. A MUST TRY.
It left my plate before I could take a picture, sorry….and it’s the only thing that will keep me coming back.
… moreI then took it upon myself to ask the backwaiter, who went back to get it for me…but as I watched, he went back and begun just having a conversation with another coworker for a bit while I stood there still just waiting watching from afar….pretty upsetting, to be honest.
Besides from that, the salmon dish is INCREDIBLE. I’m serious when I say this….I won’t be ordering anything else other than that for my entree in the future. It was INCREDIBLE. OMG. With a corn cake base and a zesty citrusy flavor, with just enough crisp but remained succulent. A MUST TRY.
It left my plate before I could take a picture, sorry….and it’s the only thing that will keep me coming back.
Luis Garcia
Ill start with my plate of food it was missing the shrimp and had about a total of one shrimp cut in 3 pieces. Not sure if the server had an issue with me or something but it seemed extremely odd from what the previous reviews have posted from what I got. And no I did not touch the plate or eat anything prior to taking the picture the garnish is clearly over the whole thing still untouched. Big disappointment. I am sure this is not a reflection of the business as a whole but this was my interaction and was very unpleased. Hope the owner sees this and addresses this issue because when servers or cooks want to be silly it can leave an impact on the whole business.
… moreSelvin Lopez
A beautiful restaurant with great ambiance and delicious food! It’s right next to the beach in Manhattan Beach and it’s definitely a favorite now. It was a great place to take my mom to celebrate her birthday The service was amazing and is very much appreciated on how great we were taken care of. I recommend you make reservations! Make it a trip and go to the beach right after. You’ll definitely enjoy it all!
… moreRoshanda Mccreight
The food was amazing. Instead of chips and salsa, we were given warm flour tortillas with two salsas and butter. All were absolutely fresh and delicious. We also ordered the short rib taquitos. I love a wonderful taquito and this did not disappoint. We both ordered the tostada salad with shredded short ribs. Another amazing and good sized portion. Even the Grande Cadillac Margarita was amazing. We will definitely return for more.
… more