Reeds Restaurant

closed … rip.

I was aphauled that the owner hung up the phone on me without even listening to what I was trying to say. I have eaten here, and it was ok at best, but will never return now that I know that their act is just that. I do not like fake people and rudeness has no place in a service industry. Next!

This restaurant was not what I expected at all given the reviews that I had read. I was in the restaurant for an early dinner. The waitress was ordering a Dominoes Pizza throughout my meal. There was no one else in the restaurant at the time. The onion soup was bland at best. I ordered the Mahi Mahi and it arrived as I was not even halfway through my soup. The onion soup was garnished with parsley which I thought was a bit odd. The waitress said that she could take it back to the kitchen and put under the lamp until I was
ready. This should not happen. The fish was covered in parsley as well. There was way too much sauce on the plate and by the time the fish reached me it was overcooked. Ar one point during my meal I was going to walk into the kitchen and tell the waitress that I was finished. I have to say that I was really disappointed. I had gone to this restaurant expecting great things but I did not happen for me this evening. For a $ 50 dollar meal one expects better service and food.

I had one of the best meals of my life here today.
I was beyond starving, had been running around on foot with the camera all morning on an empty stomach. I was so desperate for food, I pulled into Manhattan Village, and headed for one of the chain restaurants… but then Reeds caught my eye. It’s next to Ralph’s, such an odd location for such a charming bistro. It’s surrounded by the likes of Chilis & Olive Garden, yikes.
They told me Reeds has been there for 15 years, apparently predating the chain eateries.
So I arrived at 11, as the doors opened for lunch. I was so ravenous that I could not even think, and allowed the hostess to order for me, pretty much. I spotted the pork tenderloin with grain mustard bordelaise sauce on the menu (yes, for breakfast, haha) …and she recommended the tomato basil soup & rosemary roast potatoes to go with it. (See photos.)
I had to wait a bit for the bread, it was still in the oven (joy, oh joy).
When it arrived it was hot, served with a big chunk of cold butter. That’s the only way butter should be served. On ice is even better. By that time I had devoured the delicious soup and downed a big glass of iced tea.
Then came the entrée. It was a vision. Could it taste as good as it looked? Oh yes. There is a God.
My Swedish grandmother was the world’s best cook. Her gravy and her roast potatoes were to die for. She would have approved of this meal.
The sauce on the pork was amazing. The roast potatoes had a «skin», from slow-​cooking in gravy. Even the carrot garnish was incredible, in a butter sauce.
The entire time I was in the restaurant I was the only customer. Perhaps because I arrived so early is part of the reason the food was so perfect, so fresh? I dunno, but the hostess told me they have a customer who comes for the pork tenderloin like twice a week.
I might do the same.
My meal cost $ 16, and $ 2.50 for the tea. Best 20 bucks I ever spent. I brought half of it home, the serving was so generous.
It’s a good-​looking menu they got here. Dishes like Rainbow Trout Almondine & Lobster Raviolis. French onion soup. My mouth is watering. How about California Sand Dabs with lemon butter caper sauce… and even escargot.
Lunch selections are in the $ 15 range, and dinner entrees are $ 20-​$ 30.
This little bistro is quite elegant, by the way. It would be the perfect spot for a romantic candlelit dinner. The atmosphere is enhanced by soothing new age music.
Service was wonderful, but of course there was only me to take care of.
I believe I’ve found a real treasure. Can’t wait to go back. Would tomorrow be too soon, I wonder…
Lunch is from 11 — 3, Tuesday thru Sunday.
Dinner is 5pm — 9pm.

My friend actually opened this restaurant a few years back (okay, about 10 years ago) and he was great in what he does. Which is cook. Business wise he wasnt so savy thus the turnover. Great flavorful food but I do want to point out that my review is based on coming here with the previous owner many years ago. I still think its a great place tucked away, and low key for your better than your avg dining restaurants in the area. Since looking at more recent reviews, I based my stars for the avg but am glad that my friend at least lived his dream.

I should preface that I tend to prefer food that is good and yet also has good value. The food here is decent… but the value part is so-​so.
There aren’t too many places to eat in the south bay so it’s refreshing that this place isn’t a chain restaurant. However, it’s not my first choice or on the top of my list of places to eat by any means.
But… if you live or work in South Bay and want to try something different and feel Iike Cal-​French style food, give it a go!

Eh. I doubt I would return. This restaurant is out of my neighborhood. We went here because we going to a nearby theater performance. The wine list is abhorrent. The restaurant is located in a shopping center with a Ralph’s market, and I think they roll over and pick bottles off the shelves to sell to their customers. Their shiraz and pinot noir by the glass are Yellowtail. ‘Nuff said.
My pork tenderloin was way overcooked, although the sauce that covered it was delicious. They didn’t ask me how I wanted it prepared. The vegetables were nicely cooked and flavorful. The mashed potatoes were sort of flavorless and boring. The service was poor because they have one woman covering the restaurant until they really fill up, then they seem to have TWO. Definitely could use another server. I guess this place has neighborhood charms to some, but when you’re coming in from out of the area, it’s a big disappointment. At least it was quiet and sort of romantic. Didn’t have a loud soundtrack blasting, and you could actually have a conversation.

One of Manhattan Beach’s best kept secrets. Friendly staff, good food. I’ve dined here many times and never left disappointed.