Fonz's Steaks & Seafood

"Thank You" to the gentleman (I believe the owner) who took our reservation over the phone for being so welcoming of our "3rd guest"-our 9-month old baby!

"Thank You" to our lovely hostess who made our birthday celebration so wonderful!

And "Thank You" to the great cooks who prepared a delicious meal!

Pros: Classy, Intimate, Family Friendly, Great Food and Service

Posted 10/20/09

There are really only 2-3 spots you can go for a great meal in Manhattan Beach and Fonzes is one of them! Great atmosphere and service that can always be counted on. Reserve a large table and bring the friends for a night of good wine and great seafood or steak.

Been going to Fonzes for years and have never been let down. They take pride in being very constant and Mike Dodd has it dialed in just like he did when he was on the pro volleyball tour.Typically a very attractrive crowd will gather in the bar area on weekends and always a lot of smiles going around.

Great location and Valet Parking right out front.

-mb

Pros: all around just a great place to eat and drink

Cons: none

Posted 11/28/08

Parking was really tough so we were a little late for our reservation that they didn't even have on the books. They sat us in a nice booth anyway and our drink order was taken quickly but then took almost 20 minutes to come out. Finally we put in our order for a calamari app (that was pedestrian at best) and two entrees the pork tenderloin and rib eye. Our server paid us no attention even filling other tables waters right next to us and not even looking at our empty drinks.
We finally got our entrees and another drink order was put in. That's where the night got good. The entrees were amazing. The flavors of the sauces were right on and the meats were perfectly cooked. The only thing to really critisize would be the portion of the tenderloin was a little overwhelming, but that just means lots of leftovers.
We ordered a bread pudding desert (which was really tasty and I don't like bread pudding) and my husband ordered a double shot of black lable. The server came back and asked if that was Johnnie Walker and then came back with a glass filled with ice and the whisky. He told her he hadn't wanted ice (any decent bartender should know that ice completely ruins the drink) and she brought back the drink in a martini glass with the ice strained out. He wanted to return it again, but was out of patience. An unfortunate end to the meal.

Pros: "land" entrees, desserts

Cons: service, parking, calamari, small wine by glass list

Posted 06/11/08

I heard mixed reviews of this place. I've lived in the South Bay for two years now and had yet to try it. Finally, we ventured over for a birthday. We were all pleasantly surprised and wondering aloud, "why haven't we been here before?"

Though the restaurant was crowded, the service was impeccable. We were even seated in a quiet corner and still had great service. The beef medallions were the hit of our group. My fish (I think it was sea bass?) was a bit too adventurous for its own good. There were too many tastes - butter, lemon, sage or rosemary - going on; which made it good, but not great. Overall, it's a nicely decorated - simple, understated - restaurant with friendly attentive service. We learned (at least in our small sample size) stick with the "meat and potatoes" basics here and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Pros: In town, service, food

Cons: parking

Posted 03/12/06

I love this restaurant. I have been there 3 times and the service is outstanding and the food is even better. Both times I have had a fish dish (the tuna is amazing) and I was not disappointed. Also, the vibe is really casual and fun and the wine list is well-picked and reasonable. The bartenders pour stiff drinks and everyone seems to know each other. Fonz's gives real meaning to a neighborhood restaurant!! I will be back every time I am in Manhattan Beach.

Pros: Service, Value, Food

Cons: Parking

Posted 01/17/06

My wife and I come her for dinner quite often and we can never seem to get enough of Fonz's. The steak is mouth watering and the seafood is equally good.

Posted 03/24/05

We gave this place a shot based on it's proximity and
the high marks folks had previously given it here on
city search.

I was not disappointed.

Every single aspect of the meal was perfect.

The service was attentive without standing over
your shoulder.

Ahi Appetizer - Delicious
Lobster Bisque - A Must Have
Cocktails - STIFF!
Flat Iron Steak - Good
Pork Tenderloin - Fantastic
Lava Cake - There went my diet!

2 people, 4 courses and 3 cocktails, including tip: <$120

I look forward to my next meal there.

Pros: quality meat and fish, complex/subtle flavor, at the beach

Posted 03/20/05

Fonz's has the best atmosphere and food ! Whenever I visit L.A., a visit to Fonz's is a priority. I love their steaks and their Lobster Bisque is wonderful. I always indulge in dessert - they have an awesome Creme Brulee. I love all the volleyball memorabilia (the place is owned by 1996 Olympic Silver Medalist (beach volleyball) Mike Dodd).

Pros: great food, great atmosphere, foodreasonably priced

Cons: , wine too expensive

Posted 09/30/04

i tried Fonz's tonite w/ my bf, and found it great. we both decided we will definitely come back again. food & drinks are great, and i especially love the food they have on their special menu. one bad thing about the special menu is the lack of prices; however, it does have good detailed description on their specials. we ordered our food pretty much all from this menu, and they were all great. we'll have to go back another time to try some of the food on the original menu.

Pros: yummy food, ambience, drinks

Cons: , limited

Posted 06/17/04

I am totally confused as all the user ratings for this restaurant are fantastic!!..YET, the ratings on the front tab denote ONLY the editors opinion, but not all users...seems fishy to me...but onto the review.

I've been to this restaurant many times, and I can't say enough about the friendly atmosphere, hip crowd, and delicious food.

The filet Mignon is great, as well as any of the pasta dishes. I've been thru almost everything on the menu, and most specials and I can't say I disliked anything.

Great food, Great atmosphere!

Pros: Hip crowd, wonderful food, cool owners

Cons: parking

Posted 02/23/03

The Fillet is so tender and the sauce is delicious. There is a greens salad with a homemade rasberry vinigrette and sweet roasted pecans that is a definite crowd pleaser. And, for comfort food, they have a wonderful meatloaf

Pros: food quality, friendly service, good martinis

Cons: parking, a little noisy

Posted 02/20/03

Perfect combination of beach lifestyle and good food. This is my favorite steak/seafood place in the South Bay. Filet medallions or ahi for an appetizer and the Ahi or Swordfish for an entree.....

Pros: service, food, atmosphere

Posted 05/20/02

The best of an upscale neighborhood without the snooty atmostphere. Fonz is totally low key and has great service. A great blend of beach lifestyle and good food.

Posted 05/12/02