5 Places to Eat at LA Waterfront This Summer

in partnership with LA Waterfront | Port of Los Angeles

Photography copyrighted to Eddie Sanchez

For some Los Angelenos, San Pedro and Wilmington may seem like an arduous trip to the Southern Hemisphere, especially if you're in the Valley or anywhere north of Wilshire. But is it really that far? I've driven it many times from the Westside, most recently when Cirque du Soleil was in town for Amaluna at the LA Waterfront and I have to say, it was closer than we make it out to be and it has some great eateries too!

You may have heard that LA Waterfront in San Pedro will be the newest exciting waterside destination for food, entertainment, and recreation. And while the project is currently underway and slated for a 2021 unveiling, you can still take advantage of the best places to eat in San Pedro and LA Waterfront. Here's my list of recommendations of tried and true spots for food and drink at LA Waterfront.

SAN PEDRO FISH MARKET

I don't believe you can go to the LA Waterfront and not visit the iconic San Pedro Fish Market and Restaurant. Established in 1956, this 3,000 seat, seafood lover's dream is located right on the San Pedro waterfront serving legendary shrimp trays loaded with fresh fish and prepared on the plancha (griddle) along with potatoes, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and the Fish Market's special seasoning. Once you receive your weighty cafeteria tray full of delicious shrimp, crab, lobster, tilapia, squid, and whatever else your heart desires from the fresh seafood counter at the front, you grab a seat with your friends by the pier and dive into your meal family-style while the live mariachi trio plays song requests in a fun and friendly crowd of families and foodies sipping on micheladas. It's a true LA experience and the best part is that they're open 365 days a year! Yes, even on Holidays! 

Pro tip: Don't forget to order the grilled garlic bread - you'll want to sop up all that goodness from your tray with it. 

Custom shrimp tray with crab legs crawfish, squid, shrimp, and whole fried tilapia. 

San Pedro Fish Market 
1190 Nagoya Way 

San Pedro, CA 90731

310.832.4251

www.sanpedrofish.com

PAPPY'S SEAFOOD

Anchored in San Pedro's historic Downtown district, Pappy's takes up residence in what used to be San Pedro's original post office. The high ceiling, exposed brick, and cathedral windows all come together accented by the brass finishings and nautical themed colors - think mahogany wood, navy blues with red splashes of color. The restaurant is by the same folks as The Albright - so you know the seafood will be legit. 

At the helm of the kitchen is Daniel Myers who is serving up fresh caught fish (literally was picking up a huge sea bass from the San Pedro dock the day I came to visit). From the menu, you should definitely order the fan favorites like Peruvian ceviche, lobster roll, and the most incredible fish & chips. But if you're a landlubber, the house-ground burger is the way to go! They use an equal blend of chuck, brisket, and short rib to produce a juicy burger for those wanting something meatier than a poke bowl. Also, Pappy's is one of the best places at LA Waterfront for drinks with a very impressive craft cocktail program and unique in-house specialty drinks like a hibiscus Arnold Palmer. 

"The Cheeseburger" - cheddar cheese, house ketchup, garlic aioli, tomato, shredded romaine, red onion.

Pappy's
301 W. 6th Street 
San Pedro, CA 90731
424.224.5444
www.pappysseafood.com

SENFUKU JAPANESE RESTAURANT & SUSHI

When I think of sushi, I don't think of those trendy club-like places that serve outrageously over-the-top rolls named after reality stars from Real House Wives or the Kardashians - (I can't picture myself ordering the "the Kanye Roll"). So, instead I look for that simple and sincere sushi spot that is only interested in making fresh, innovative, and delicious sushi like Senfuku in San Pedro. Master sushi chef, Yoshi, is the reason you are here. With decades of making sushi from only the freshest ingredients at this humble location - Yoshi prides himself in every dish that comes from his hand to your plate. Senfuku is a staple at LA Waterfront catering to locals and visitors alike wanting to quench their cravings for one of the best bites in the city - the exclusive Shrimp Boat created by Yoshi himself. The dish consists of two butterflied poached shrimp resting atop a pillow of sushi rice, topped with tobiko (smelt eggs), quail eggs, scallion, lemon-soy sauce and a touch of sriracha. Don't leave without ordering this!

Shrimp Boat - Butterflied poached shrimp, sushi rice, tobiko (smelt eggs), quail eggs, scallion, lemon-soy sauce and a touch of sriracha. 

Senfuku Japanese Restaurant & Sushi
380 W. 6th Street
San Pedro, CA 90731
310.832.5585
www.instagram.com/senfukujapanese/

MARINA CAFE

So you're in the mood for breakfast? Hit up Marina Cafe in Wilmington. Not only is it a cool, little diner by the docks with a water view, the breakfast fare is worth the trip alone. Hangover cures like menudo (weekends only), breakfast burrito, and chilaquiles are solid but what you're wanting to order is the old school diner-style pancakes that are as fluffy as pillows. Pair them with a no-frills-just-a-good-ol cup of coffee and you just had the perfect morning. 

Marina Cafe
720 Peninsula Rd.
Wilmington, CA 90744
310.847.1299
www.marinacafewilmingtonshores.com

BROUWERIJ WEST

In 2016 Brouwerij West tapped into the former space of a Port of Los Angeles Warehouse originally built by the U.S. Navy during World War II and transformed it into the brewery/tasting room with outdoor courtyard/beer garden that it is today. The tap room is open 7 days a week, offering a large range of styles to appease the most demanding Cicerones with Belgian-style ales and pilsners at the forefront. Try their famous Blackberry Saison, "Dog Ate My Homework" for a unique offering. The huge space has food trucks on a regular schedule but you're more than welcomed to bring your own food - perhaps from the previously mentioned spots above. Cheers!

Brouwerij West
110 East 22nd Street Warehouse 9 

San Pedro, CA 90731

310.833.9330

www.brouwerijwest.com

Leave a comment for Hungry In LA on  Facebook

Special thanks to LA Waterfront for collaborating with Hungry in LA. As always, the content and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.