Where: Hermosa Beach
What: South Bay Eats Placelist
Who: Jason and Jonathan Baran are the owners of Hermosa Beach strip mall dining gem, Baran's 2239. Baran's is one of those restaurants we have no problem battling rush hour 405 traffic to get to— the gnocchi nero, diver scallops and still-not-cliché California vibes are worth the hassle. Inspired by the South Bay's social ease and beachy locale, the menu features dishes you'll want to share few ways. Hermosa Beach natives, the Baran brothers have had plenty of experience eating their way through the South Bay. Here are their top food picks to help guide you to the good stuff next time you’re near the beach:
Brothers and co-owners of Baran's 2239 Jonathan and Jason Baran.
Baran's 2239
Hermosa Beach, $$
Jason and Jonathan Baran: Growing up in a family of restaurateurs, we always dreamt of opening our own place. In 2016, we launched Baran’s 2239—the name pays homage to our family’s Pasadena restaurant, which operated for half a century since 1937. We chose a laid-back space in our hometown to create a comfortable atmosphere that really highlights the culinary talent. The dishes focus on California cuisine with Mexican, Asian and European influences created in-house by Chef Gugliotta using ingredients from his family farm. At Baran’s, we want you to feel at home and hope you stay a while.
HopSaint Brewing Company
Torrance, $$
J & JB: We’ve looked up to Steve Roberts ever since we opened our first spot. The quality of his dishes are on point and he buys everything from farmers’ markets. The food and beer here is some of the best in all of LA!
The Standing Room Restaurant - Hermosa
Redondo Beach & Hermosa Beach, $$
J & JB: The Standing Room has the best burgers and fries in the South Bay, period. They use so many complex flavors in their dishes and have an awesome whiskey list. Best music Thursday through Saturday in the area.
The Green Temple
Redondo Beach, $$
J & JB: This vegetarian restaurant is easily one of the freshest and best restaurants in the South Bay. We love the Zen-like ambiance and eat there at least twice a week.
Malaga Cove Ranch Market
Palos Verdes, $
J & JB: Malaga Cove Ranch Market is the definition of home for us. We've gone there since we were kids, so the nostalgia is real. The menu has everything you could ever be in the mood for and the place is run by a wonderful family who is there every single day.
Tower 12
Hermosa Beach, $$
J & JB: Tower 12 is one of our favorite local hangouts on the pier where you’re always bound to run into someone you know. Chef Brendan Collins (from Birch in LA) offers a menu full of American classics—shareable bar bites, woodfired pizzas, salads and sandwiches and great cocktails.
Friends of the Vine
Redondo Beach, $$
J & JB: This wine bar is a great place to grab a glass of wine any night of the week. Owners Fred and Tracy are always there to greet you and make you feel like you're at home. Coral and Kat will make sure you don't leave without at least making two new friends.
Bottle Inn Riviera
Redondo Beach, $$
J & JB: Bottle Inn is one of the most iconic restaurants in the South Bay. Not only do they serve great Italian food, but they have the best service in town. Owners Oscar and Silvio will make you feel like family as soon as you walk in.
Friends of the Vine courtesy of Dana Larsen
Header image courtesy of Barans 2239