Message from Jackson's Village Bistro Restaurant

The Pearl of Hermosa Beach--Zagat, '06
  • Gift certificates
  • Extensive wine list
  • Dine-in and carry-out

Driven by the husband-and-wife team of Scott and Sharon Cooper, located in the heart of Hermosa Beach, Jackson's Village Bistro offers fine bistro food from restaurateurs who are deeply in love with their restaurant. The passion is evident from the comfortably decorated room to the diverse menu of homey braised dishes and sophisticated eclectic cuisine executed with exquisite attention to detail. Specialties range from Creamy Risotto with Chianti-Truffle Au Jus and Diced Filet Mignon to Grilled Whole Lamb Loin with a Merlot Au Jus and Fresh Asparagus. Jackson's is all about great food without the pretenses. The menu is intelligent, sometimes disarmingly simple with great fresh ingredients, and at other times quite elaborate. Jackson's easily becomes a favorite destination that will leave you craving to return soon.

MarkerJackson's Village Bistro

(310) 376-6714

517 Pier Ave
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Editorial Description by Citysearch
Charming cafe serves classic European-inspired fare in the heart of Hermosa Beach.
Rated 9.4 out of 10 by Citysearch.
Special Offer Coupon:
Special Prix Fixe Menu and many of our Favorite Entrees too!

3 Reviews of Jackson's Village Bistro in Hermosa Beach

...Write yours here!

Great Food- Tight Fit  4 Star Rating - Very good

My husband and our friends regularly meet here for dinner. The menu choices are nicely varied and very well prepared, they have an adequate wine list and thoughtful service. Price is a bit high, but
typical for the area. The only negative comment is on spacing- it is
a small restaurant and they have crammed too many tables into
the small inside and patio space.

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Great Date Place!  5 Star Rating - World class

We sat at a very romantic table on the heated patio. We started with the crab cakes and the special goat cheese salad. The sauce on the crab cakes was very unique with ginger and grilled corn, and the salad had glazed pistachios and dried cranberries which made for a great contrast in tastes. We shared the Ribeye with crispy garlic and parmesan creamed spinach... FANTASTIC! We'll definitely be back.

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blah restaurant  1 Star Rating - Unsatisfactory

This place is very mediocre. Food is okay. Service wants to be good, but could be much better. At first glance ambience is nice, but then you notice the paper on top of the linens? and the flatware is very light.

Overall, I'd say a waste of a good date night. It seems to be trying hard to be something it's not. I'd say, lower the prices, and roll with what you are, Jackson's.

I won't be back.

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5 Reviews by Citysearch: (read all 31 reviews on Citysearch)

So Great! 4 Star Rating - Very good

Food and Service were exceptional and the $5 corkage fee doesn't hurt either! Had a late dinner there last Friday, everything was so wonderful including the chef/owner taking the time to talk to us for at least 10 minutes. I can't reccomend this place enough. The dining area is a little small, but that's definitely part of it's quaint appeal. WORTH A TRY!!!

Pros: Corkage, Food, Attentive Service
Cons: No Music in Dining Room
Posted 06/12/08 at 11:21am

Very romantic 4 Star Rating - Very good

I took my girlfriend there for an anniversary dinner. It was perfect. The food was great. I had a chicken dish served with plantains. It was great, and I'm sure we'll be back. Make sure you make reservations. It's a very small place that books up quick.

Pros: $5 Corkage Fee
Cons: Small space
Posted 05/23/08 at 6:56pm

Good food, slow but gracious and personal service 4 Star Rating - Very good

The thing that stands out most at Jackson's is their service. It's not fast - the restaurant is on the small side and slows service down in addition to just not being able (or willing) to crank out food as quickly as many. But the fact that the owner often serves when he has a spare moment, will always come by to make sure everything is okay (as if to acknowledge that no night is ever 100% perfect from the kitchen AND also just to be genuinely welcoming), and small touches (hummus to start with great, freshly baked bread) far outweigh the few negatives. I had the burger and it was a bit torched - seared too much on the outside, and far less than medium on the inside, but not minding it, I said nothing and enjoyed the balsamic onions, blue cheese, garlic, and hand-cut fries accompanying. My girlfriend's pasta was a surprise - the crab essence was pronounced throughout the dish. Chocolate souffle won't win any awards but is pleasing and had a perfectly-sized vanilla ice cream scoop and chocolate and blackberry reduction on the side. Jackson's would be 5 star if the food were better - it is still very good, and the owner truly cares! And so we return again and again. Haven't touched steaks, meats, or fish on the menu. French onion soup is as good as others describe...

Pros: caring service, owner, and staff, good food
Cons: tough parking, small, busy
Posted 05/04/08 at 6:38pm

tight seating, good food 4 Star Rating - Very good

I went with a friend to Jacksons in Hermosa beach and found the seats to be uncomfortable, and tables were small and jammed together because the space is limited there. Our table was right at the entrance, and customers were milling about us because they had no where else to wait. The food was great, and wolf blas wine was excellent. I would suggenst going on a week night, and try to miss the crowds, it would probably make for a much more favorable experience. Try the herb chicken, it's fab!

Pros: food, wine, managers want to make your experience pleasureable
Cons: seating, and parking
Posted 04/23/08 at 9:18am

Quaint Italian Bistro--Great place to dine! 5 Star Rating - World class

Since I am new to the area I often check reviews and wanted to provde you with a honest review of Jackson's. I just dined there for the 3rd time last night with a few friends. Jackson's came highly recommended when I moved to the area and it has held to it's reputation! My first impression when I walked in was a small crowded restaurant (not from the area and have never been to a bistro). We sat outside under the heater and quickly the small restaurant took on a charm of a family place. The service is a little slow because they are very busy so don't go if you're in a big hurry, but for a nice relaxing evening it is perfect! We had a great bowl of homemade soup (they always have a new special in addition to their french onion), homemade bread is brought out piping hot with hummus (great flavors!). We enjoyed some wine and had great coversation while our entrees were prepared. The reason it may take a little while is the food is obviously prepped from scratch with great flavors and attention to detail. I had the penne bolognese and can't seem to drift from this each time I return. The chicken and salmon are my friend's favorites. After a great dinner with generous portions, we shared a dessert---to die for! What impressed me the most is that Scott the owner will usually visit your table at some time in the night. Last night was only my 3rd time back and he asked "haven't you all been here before?". It is above and beyond hte customer service of anywhere else I've been when the owner/chef comes out to greet you. So if you're looking for a fast dinner with a waitor constantly at your side, this may not be for you, but if you'd like a quaint dinner with a nice pace and time to enjoy your food and relax and enjoy great flavors, a touch of traditional Italian atmosphere, you must definitely go to Jackson's--and return again! :)

Pros: Great flavored food, new soup regularly, food comes out piping hot and fresh
Cons: Slower service, noisy at times b/c it's quaint and small
Posted 01/27/08 at 7:19am