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Darren's Restaurant & Bar Reviews List
Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Inspired cooking presented by friendly, attentive servers rewards dedicated foodies and wine aficionados at this beautifully designed, comfortable space located in the heart of charming Manhattan Beach, just steps away from famous picturesgue Manhattan Beach pier. Executive Chef and owner, Darren Weiss, classically trained graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and finest restaurants and hotels, uses the finest ingredients, mainly locally grown and organic. Our knowledge staff proudly serves an award-winning, extensive wine list selected from reowned and boutique wineries. In addition, our full service bar offers popular brand name and craft beers and some of the most creative and exciting cocktails in L.A. County, created by Manager Bart Thompson and his staff.
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65 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 65 reviews
5 stars
(34)
4 stars
(26)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(50)
- neighborhood gem(41)
- special occasion(36)
- notable wine list(22)
- romantic(22)
- vibrant bar scene(20)
Darren's Restaurant & Bar Reviews List
Review 1 for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Chris - The Best Waiter!!!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Chris = Positive + Enthusiastic + Persistent. Dinning is so much better when your waiter is awesome. Good job chris!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Date night
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is a great restaurant with delusions food and friendly/fast service."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 3 for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Even though the food was outstanding and a little pricey, the only real pain was the parking. Evidently, Thursday, Friday and Saturday the city has valet parking, but it was not yet open when we arrived. The uphill walk after dinner and drinks was a challenge for our older group of 4."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 4 for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The BEST restaurant in Manhattan
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The BEST restaurant in Manhattan Beach."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 5 for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
It was absolutely delicious,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It was absolutely delicious, as it always is!!! The tiger shrimp prawn ravioli is to die for, and one of my favorites. Wonderful cocktail and wine selection; excellent service; friendly staff; entrees were also just fabulous! Thank you! I will continue happily visiting Darren's for my dining enjoyment!"
Dined on 03/28/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 6 for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our server Nadia was exceptional!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our server Nadia was exceptional! And the food as always was delicious."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Perfect Again
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I've been to Darren's several times for dinner and have always had an excellent meal & service. I need to come in for brunch/lunch sometime to check out the afternoon scene! I will see you soon."
Dined on 03/19/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 8 for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great chef owned restaurant!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is a wonderful, chef owned, restaurant. The quality ingredients and flawless preparation can't be beat!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2001
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Overall good experience. The
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall good experience. The lobster soup was good, but a bit too sweet. I had the crab cakes and a salad. There was some sort of wasabi sauce (teeny bit) and I HATE wasabi. It totally ruined the crab cakes for me. They were not that good to begin with. I took 2 bites, the waitress noticed and didn't comment, and I didn't want to make an issue if it. I love crab cakes and I will Not be ordering them from Darren's again.
The panzanella (sp?) salad was delicious. My husband had the pork chops and they were really good and cooked perfect.
All in all a good experience, but for the $ we will go to the post next time."
The panzanella (sp?) salad was delicious. My husband had the pork chops and they were really good and cooked perfect.
All in all a good experience, but for the $ we will go to the post next time."
Dined on 03/05/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 10 for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was very good....both
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was very good....both of us had the Chilean Sea Bass special and one of the best I have ever had. I would suggest that they change their "salad" offering....way too expensive for all of their salads (and even though they say to share, there is not enough to share). Darren himself was very active in meeting guests....very charming."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 11 for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Overall it was a great experience!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Overall it was a great experience! The specials were great.... we loved it!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 12 for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Darren's is a gem. The food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Darren's is a gem. The food is pretty good--it is sometimes hit and miss, which means we usually get 70% really good items and 30% not as good. But the standards are high and the ambiance is lovely. Our service this time wasn't as good as usual."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2004
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Review 13 for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very good overall. We had
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very good overall. We had a bit of a wait even though we had a reservation. But the food and service were excellent. I had the duck confit and it did not disappoint! My husband had the ahi and it was delicious as well. The place is very small and cramped but the food is fabulous. The prices are very high, probably because the place is so small and in a high-rent neighborhood. So it's not ideal of groups, especially if you're on a budget. It's definitely a splurge. But I would recommend it based on our positive experience."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 14 for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic! It's warm, inviting,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Fantastic! It's warm, inviting, friendly, and intimate. Every dish explodes with flavor. I'm a vegetarian, and I asked for the chef to prepare something special for me off menu, and the result was memorable."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The salmon with a sweet peanut
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The salmon with a sweet peanut sauce was amazing! The best salmon I've ever had, tender and moist. The pre-fixe dinner for Tuesday night was okay. Get the salmon! Great service too!"
Dined on 02/05/2013
2012
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Review 16 for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best MB Eatery.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Def my fav Manhattan Beach place to eat. Always friendly, great service. The lobster chowder is best dish in South Bay. Wine friendly for those that love to bring their own wine."
Dined on 01/29/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food doesn't get any better!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food-wise, Darren's remains the best!! My friend and I had the Tuesday Prix Fix dinner - dishes not on the regular menu. The starter, lobster ravioli, was as tasty as anything I have ever eaten!! There are many items on the regular menu that are in that same category: lobster chowder, gnocci, salmon, pork. The food just can't be beat.
I'm not much of a drinker, but the bar is a happy place. The bartender (Jonathan) is very friendly and knowledgeable. People seem to happily talk to each other and I overheard some people saying they eat at the bar every week.
Didn't hear noise from a large group in outdoor area.
Service was very attentive, I love this place!"
Dined on 01/29/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 18 for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our server Jessica was simply
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our server Jessica was simply amazing!!! Good times!! We love Darren's!!!"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 19 for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent ambiance -- great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent ambiance -- great intimate bar with outstanding happy hour food (gourmet) and drink specials. Restaurant great, too -- Chef is a pro."
Dined on 01/24/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love the menu!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our server Chris was fantastic and all 4 of us dining loved our food - the menu is excellent with many small plates and entrees!"
Dined on 01/19/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 21 for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Darren is batting 1.000 with me
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Second time I've been here and I wondered why it took me so long. Darren is the flavor master: intense and vibrant with red wines by the glass that are drinkable now. The shrimp ravioli was so delicious, intensely so. Don't miss the short ribs on blue cheese polenta, even if you're a vegetarian. The sauce reduction is interstellar. Worth every cent to eat here and be served by competent, knowledgeable waitstaff.
Darren has impressed me with his choice of ingredients and masterful execution. We like."
Dined on 01/17/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Darren's Restaurant & Bar
Based on the average of (44) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
4 out of 4 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic