Esperanza Cocina de la Playa

This place is simply outstanding. Every single aspect of their business had attention to detail rarely seen these days. From their fresh flour tortillas as an appetizer to flavor explosions in the tacos, you will love it. Doug and the rest of the staff were warm, inviting, and professional. Well done!

This was my first time visiting Esperanza, and I was impressed. It is an open air, two-level restaurant with rooftop seating, which adds to its lively and welcoming atmosphere. They also have ceiling heaters available upon request. The soft lighting, stylish decor, and candlelit walls create a chic and comfortable vibe, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special nights out. The vibe was upbeat and pleasantly inviting. The food was outstanding. The Ceviche Pineapple Camarones, was a delicious appetizer and set the tone for all the flavors coming my way. The combination of sweet pineapple, fresh shrimp, and a touch of spice was refreshing and perfectly balanced. It was an ideal way to begin the meal. The drinks were just as impressive. The Clara Piña Colada cocktail was smooth, refreshing, vibrant, and beautifully presented. The overall presentation of both the food and drinks was very nice and appealing, making the experience feel special from start to finish. Service was extremely attentive and friendly, which made the evening even more enjoyable. Esperanza delivers on every level with fantastic food, thoughtfully crafted drinks, and a beautiful setting. It is an easy five stars, and I will definitely be coming back and recommending it to friends.

If you’re in Manhattan beach, this is a great place, just a few blocks up from the beach. The atmosphere is beautiful, and elevated for this cuisine. Usually it’s a hit or miss when I find Mexican food with such an ambiance, but not here. The food is fantastic. I’ve come back quite a few times. The only downside is that sometimes the service can feel a bit rushed, or this visit not the greatest...we felt forgotten, and I don’t believe Pablo, our server came by once to make sure things were okay. Also at the ending we waited for a Togo bag for our food, which took an absurd amount of time, and then I got up to go ask for it from him, and he then said “I have to go and take a couple order” Totally understand that, but if he was in the weeds, he could/should have been able to get help from a manager so that my family and I could get going. I then took it upon myself to ask the backwaiter, who went back to get it for me…but as I watched, he went back and begun just having a conversation with another coworker for a bit while I stood there still just waiting watching from afar….pretty upsetting, to be honest. Besides from that, the salmon dish is INCREDIBLE. I’m serious when I say this….I won’t be ordering anything else other than that for my entree in the future. It was INCREDIBLE. OMG. With a corn cake base and a zesty citrusy flavor, with just enough crisp but remained succulent. A MUST TRY. It left my plate before I could take a picture, sorry….and it’s the only thing that will keep me coming back.

Everything was great about this place. The service was beyond excellent. Esperanza has a great system and team. Sophia our server was very attentive and took notice that we joined our party late and didn’t have menus. She brought us water and the menus without even having to ask. The service remained on point by everyone throughout the night. The food was also very delicious. Best flan I’ve ever tasted and the filet tacos were melt in your mouth. 1000% recommend this place. Management is doing a great job. The hosting staff was very friendly and welcoming too.

Ill start with my plate of food it was missing the shrimp and had about a total of one shrimp cut in 3 pieces. Not sure if the server had an issue with me or something but it seemed extremely odd from what the previous reviews have posted from what I got. And no I did not touch the plate or eat anything prior to taking the picture the garnish is clearly over the whole thing still untouched. Big disappointment. I am sure this is not a reflection of the business as a whole but this was my interaction and was very unpleased. Hope the owner sees this and addresses this issue because when servers or cooks want to be silly it can leave an impact on the whole business.

The food was amazing. Instead of chips and salsa, we were given warm flour tortillas with two salsas and butter. All were absolutely fresh and delicious. We also ordered the short rib taquitos. I love a wonderful taquito and this did not disappoint. We both ordered the tostada salad with shredded short ribs. Another amazing and good sized portion. Even the Grande Cadillac Margarita was amazing. We will definitely return for more.

So here is the review about this place. 1. Decoration 10/10: it's very nice decorated, simple with a nice cache of elegance. 2. Service 10/10: The service here is impeccable. They are very social, nice, easy to talk, and always with a smile. 3. Food 10/10: The food here is very good, very well, dressed, very nice presentable. And they make very good cocktails, look at the pictures. 4. Ambiance 10/10: There are always a lot of people here. The ambiance is amazing. The music is not too loud. Good for sports events or birthdays or just on a date. 5. Cleanest 10/10: i don't know who's the person who cleans this place. But the buzz boys, our spot on the bathrooms are nice and clean and don't smell bad. I definitely recommend this place. If you have never been here, very good spot.

My family and I came during the day for a birthday celebration. The rooftop wasn’t available. I guess 4pm is too early of a reservation. The back door near the trash can was open, which allowed guest to enter who parked in the back lot. However, sooo many flies were flying around especially once our food came out. We ended up boxing everything up as soon as we got it so couldn’t really enjoy the food or celebration. Ordered surf and turf enchiladas, they were ok. I could have had two of the shrimp and crab ones instead of the filet mignon. Best thing was their complimentary tortillas and 3 sauce tray. They have a sauce that tasted like a sweet butter, AMAZING. My husband didn’t care for his shrimp fajitas. Edible but had much better. The tails are left on the shrimps as well so if that’s not your thing, don’t order. Overall, it was worth a try but if I want good enchiladas I would choose Javiers, Kalaveras, or Calo Kitchen and Tequila over this spot. Also, while every one appeared friendly different people waited the table so was unsure of who our server really was. Oh and my brother had a margarita with orange juice, ginger and carrot juice, he enjoyed it!!!

Overall, the experience was great. The food was clean and it came fast. Our waiter seemed very busy and preoccupied, however, still delivered. However we waited very long for the complementary tortillas. The bus boy, Jacoby was very consistent and helpful. He even got on all fours, climbed under our table, and got my friend's phone because she had dropped it. The hostess, Ms. Lizarraga, was great, not discriminatory at all (past issues at other restaurants), and sat us quickly. The lights kept flickering which kinda gave me a headache and disrupted my meal. They also aren't able to split a bill. Overall the service was good. Very pleased. 4.3567840/5 stars.

Great food, friendly efficient service and a beautiful setting. I will go back a million times. What we ordered: everything was delicious and I'm not exaggerating! Guacamole and Chips Short Rib Taquitos Brisket and Chicken Nachos Taco and Enchilada entree! Palmilla Margarita- SOOOOO good

Last night we went to Esperanza Cocina de la Playa in Manhattan Beach. Small happening busy place with cute decor. Great service... shout out to Kevin. The food was really good so would definitely come back. Travel_lifestyle_chow Shrimp taquitos - very good Queso fundito - delish! Anchors Beso salmon - tasty Cabo surf & turf enchiladas - he said it was good Mango margarita mocktail - he loved it

I've been a few times and like coming back to this place. The decor is beautiful and the front patio is open, so it all feels very light and airy. The service is always friendly, quick and attentive. I'm not even a nacho person and I'd say these are a highlight and must. It comes as a massive plate piled with toppings, and they're really good. I'd skip the ceviche - it's super small for the price and I think there are better things. The handmade tortillas are awesome. I haven't tried the entrees as I usually go for nachos and small plate or two (the entrees can be pricey). Lastly, they have a ton of margarita options and other drinks as well that are quite good.

Food: 3/5 Service: 4/5 Ambiance: 4/5 Parking: 2/5 Family friendly: 2/5 Stroller friendly: 1/5 ADA accessible: 3/5 Came here to meet a friend for dinner at 7pm on a Wednesday night and this place is packed. Def more of an elevated Mexican/Latin inspired bar that serves food. Ot die sure has the beach vibe. My buddy and I ended up ordering sharing nachos de esperanza ($21.50), lobster fajitas ($40+), tacos de camarones frito ($18.5), got two cocktails ($16+ each). High quality ingredients, but, flavors deviated a bit much for me and personally a bit overpriced. Yes, I understand you're in Manhattan Beach and that's the demographic. On the other hand, it's a great ambiance and when we had service, it was good. And like all beach parking, it sucked. I parked about 2 blocks away. Not so sure this is a family place, at night that is. But seating is tight if your planning on bringing a stroller and not sitting on the patio. Come and check this place out for yourself though. Cheers!

First of all I do have to say this place is great for drinks and maybe some apps! It's super cute and it was popin when I went there with a friend! The servers were super friendly and attentive especially the bartenders! We sat at the bar because we didn't wanna wait for a table. The bar was super roomy and comfy! However the food was disappointing. For a spot like this I expected better ingredients and taste. I did enjoy the free apps, I think that was my fav. It was flavorful and unique. So I'd go again for the drinks and ambience but maybe not so much for the food

My friend and I only stoped by here to grab a drink, but our bartender Kristy was the sweetest! She had great energy talking to us and her other customers. All the servers were lively despite it being slow. We got a spicy double margarita and a Kamikaze shot. So good, we'll def be back!

Perfect place to meet for cocktails and appetizers and then enjoy the Manhattan beach strand. Everything is absolutely delicious and so aesthetic.

This place is great Mexican, always consistent! Variety of different options for everyone, even gluten and dairy free option for people. Service is also on point, even thou it's alway busy, their service is great! Except for 1 hostess (she's a high schooler and most likely from Manhatten beach, a bit entitled attitude, needs training...) Ambience is chic and very Miami vibe. A bit chilly in the cooler months since it's half way outdoor restaurant, an open concept. Food: Everything is great here! Can't really go wrong with anything you order!

We had dinner here on a Wednesday night before our friend flew back home from LAX. It wasn't too crowded since it was a weeknight but I still made reservations since I had to consider l my friend's flight time. The restaurant had an indoor / outdoor feel. The service was great as we spent a good bit of time here chatting even after we finished eating. They didn't pressure us to leave and they still came by to check on us occasionally. They were very quick and response when called upon. Now onto the food! Instead of chips and salsa they provided tortilla and an assortment of dipping sauces. The tortillas were fresh and delicious! The seafood (ceviche, shrimp, fish) were fresh. The dishes were very flavorful. Overall, the food is good but a bit pricey for how small the portions are. Everything was flavorful and delicious. You're paying for the locations and the ambiance as well. We brought our newborn and they had a diaper changing station and some space for our stroller with the bassinet attachment.

I'm a grown ass hater when it comes to upscale Mexican restaurants. How are you going to take something as sacred as Mexican cuisine and charge me $15 for some chips and guac??? It goes against the whole ethos of Mexican culture. However, in the same contradictory breadth, I LOVE Javier's. It is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants. I don't even care that I'm getting charged $32 for a steak quesadilla because they completely captured an authentic Mexican restaurant, from the ambiance to the handshaken margs to the food. When I first walked into Esperanza I wanted to hate it so bad, but it is the Javier's of Manhattan Beach. Honestly, a little better. It was everything I could ever ask for: Handmade flour tortillas for the table to start off, a cozy ambiance that looks like it belongs on the coast of Cabo, nachos that remind me of how my Mexican Granny used to make them, delicious margs, an engaging and knowledgeable staff, and a burrito that is grilled twice so that it comes slightly crispy. I can't get enough of this place. Esperanza has become my favorite Mexican restaurant in Manhattan Beach, and maybe even my overall favorite restaurant. I'm obsessed. That Filet Mignon Burrito is straight up a work of art. Thank you for proving me wrong. Keep doing you. I'mma keep doing me. Ig @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov_reviews

The food is always amazing but today I had an experience with the horses that was unsettling. I was here trying to check in for 10 minutes when the hostess overlooked me and address the family behind myself. I explained to the hostess I was here first with reservations she proceeded to tell me the other party had reservations as well. I said mine were at 1:30pm she said the other party is at 1:30 too. Basically we are arguing at this point I was still here prior to the other party. Once the other party another nationality said it's ok to take me first then I was seated. It was uncomfortable and a bad look as an African American woman the hostess did not care what I had to say!!!! The waiter was really sweet and accommodating. It completely left me with a bad I have experienced micro aggressions and full on racism since living in manhattan beach. But this was actually a surprise today!

Stopped by on a Monday after work, so it wasn't too busy. The food was amazing! Definitely one of my favorite spots in Manhattan Beach so far. Got a watermelon, cilantro, jalapeño cooler to start which was super refreshing and delicious. Then the tacos came out. We got the Tacos de Camarones Frito, the Tacos de Halibut Frito, and the Tacos de Langosta. Everything was delicious! They handmade all their own tortillas and each of the tacos came with a nice crema/ salsa that tasted really flavorful. All of the tacos were delicious but my favorite was the shrimp (camarones). It was juicy and fried perfectly and the chipotle crema was so tasty! I ended the meal with a spicy mango margarita which was a little too sweet for me, but I can see someone with a sweet tooth really enjoying it. Overall I would definitely come again and everything was delicious!

The service was outstanding! The prices not sky-high, especially for almost beach. They made up for it in the drinks! But, the drinks were delicious, featuring fresh fruit and twists on classics. I got the shrimp and lobster rellanos- very fresh and the sauce was not too heavy. Hubs got the short rib enchilada and the chili rellano. Friend got fish tacos. Everything was really fresh and very good. This. Place is not a tourist trap, it's a genuine Mexican modern place, definitely recommend!

I have walked by Esperanza Cocina de la Playa several times and I finally had time to come check them out. Aesthetically the restaurant draws you in with an inviting bar and seating area. Lots of places mess up the seating by making chairs without backs, too rigid for just too small. This place does not make these mistakes, the chairs are padded with wrap around backings and feel resort-like. There are lots of fresh herbs and fruit on display at the bar and I immediately knew I had to try a cocktail. I opted for La Pasion which is a passion fruit forward vanilla vodka prosseco drink with Polynesian bitters and lime. It tasted complex and layered and I absolutely loved the vanilla passionfruit flavors which I have not had before. My sister opted for one of their small batch sangrias. She had the Blanca sangria with peach liqueur and really enjoyed with all the fresh fruit. We had already eaten so we did not have any food but the vibe of this restaurant was really cute and after a walk on the beach it is a great place to get a fabulous drink.

The restaurant is indoor / outdoor and has a fun ambiance. We went with a larger group (8) and it was too loud to talk to anyone not sitting next to you. Most of the food was good, though the carnitas were a little on the dry side. The sleeper menu item is the salmon. Don't miss the salmon - it is the best thing on the menu. Cooked perfectly with a flavorful lightly spicy rub that is balanced perfectly with a sweet sort of corn mealy thing under it. Yum! No high chairs or boosters

We come to Manhattan Beach a lot and always try to eat at a restaurant we hadn't been before. Last Saturday we had dinner at Esperanza with my family. Such a beautiful restaurant with delicious food and excellent service. The only problem was how loud it was, the background music was so loud that guests had to yell to hear each other and keep conversations going. I literally couldn't wait to leave. But other than that I loved everything else here. Specially the food. Flavorful and delicious. I wonder if it's always so loud or was it because it was Saturday night.

AMAZING!! The food..ambiance...service 10/10. This place has easily become my new favorite. Service: Hunter, Jake were superb. I loved how customer service is a team effort here. Hunter was our main server but all of the other workers were constantly checking in on us to ensure we were being taken care of. Food: 10/10 across the board. We had the house tortillas with the 3 spreads, chips and guacamole, Cabo surf and turf enchiladas, and Halibut Tacos. Each dish is rich with flavor and extremely tasty. Ambience: tastefully decorated, dim lighting (I dined for a late dinner). I enjoyed the booth seating tucked away in the back. All in all...I really enjoyed my time here and I'm already planning my return. I was particularly impressed by the excellent service which is a rarity nowadays.

Elevated Mexican fare near the airport and Manhattan Beach. Complimentary chips & salsa and also spicy, black refied bean dip that is outta this world! I had the short rib enchiladas for my entree and they were muy bien. Service was excellent. Full bar with some craft draft offerings. Both inside and outside dining (outside has propane heaters!).

I was so excited to dine in here but with the lackluster service and subpar chilaquiles, I can't give this a great rating. We went in for brunch and it was such a beautiful day so I had good vibes before we even got there. It was an 11:00am reservation and the restaurant was not busy but the service was as if they were taking care of a full house. It took almost 10 minutes to even get water and to get someone to come over to our table. The saving grace: The complimentary flour tortillas were delicious and served hot with three dips. A salsa, tomatillo and honey butter. All delicious. The drinks were pretty tasty and I got the short rib chilaquiles that needed a lot more love. I ended up using the tomatillo sauce from the tortillas because the chilaquiles was dry. We also asked for a S I D E of sour cream and they charged us 2.50. My friend ordered a coffee and they brought her creamer that was not good. Lol ridiculous. They ended up bringing her a freshly made creamer that one of the bartenders made so they made up for it. It's a pretty restaurant but if I was in the area again I would probably just go there for happy hour and appetizers because this is giving elevated Tex Mex and my expectations were higher than that.

Great experience and food. Reservation is recommended this place gets pretty busy. Service is top tier whomever you are they are very attentive. Food was delicious

Worth the hype! It was packed when we went and we just grabbed a bar seat! The fresh tortillas with butter was so yummy but our meals were FANTASTIC!! Service is quick for how busy the place is and the ambience is perfect for ANY occasion.

Great drinks, cool vibe, good food, but the service can be so/so since they tend to get busy at night sometimes. I would definitely recommend checking this place out, I did think the food was a bit hit or miss so pick things you really want to try or are recommend. I believe most of their seafood dishes are more popular here. Food: 4/5 Drinks: 4.5/5 Service: 3/5 Value: 3.5/5 Ambiance: 4.5/5 Overall: 4/5

Ambiance is lovely! Dim lights set the mood, with beautiful lanterns and bar lights. It is quite loud, so might not be great for first date. I couldn't really hear my partner over the music and tables in close proximity. My only issue is how little space there is between tables. Service was okay! Our server was super busy! But he did his best to make sure we were accommodated. We were seated at a tiny table. After our appetizers and drinks were on the table, our main plates barely fit. Wasn't really much elbow room. My only complaint. Food was great. 10/10. The guacamole trio is spectacular. The chicarron one was delicious. I got the crab enchiladas and my boyfriend got the asada burrito. They were both DELICIOUS. Drinks were good! Awesome drink menu! I came about a year ago, maybe longer. They had a nice upstairs bar area, but they have it closed and its TBD whether it will reopen according to the workers! So that's a bummer. It was a highlight of my visit last time. Hopefully they reopen it. Overall super happy! Will be returning.

One of my favorite places to grab non traditional Mexican food. Close to home, great atmosphere; beautiful restaurant. It's always delicious and on point. Customer service is consistent. Drinks are good. Manager (Kevin Williams) is awesome. I also go to the 'sister' restaurant in Hermosa, but the parking in MB is easier, believe it or not!

The interior of this restaurant is beautiful. They really did a good job when assigning the decor. Staff were amazing, everyone was beyond helpful and pleasant. Celebrated my birthday here with my girlfriends, party of 8. We sat in the back area, it was a bit cramped with everybody but we made it work. I got the halibut tacos and while they were good, I have to say I was a bit underwhelmed with the flavors and plating and the tacos could have used more fish. With such a gorgeous dining room, I assumed that elevation would be apparent in their entree plating. (For the record my husband is an amazing cook and I am used to eating with my eyes first) Overall I had a great dining experience at Esperanza and would like to visit again. The staff really were exceptional.

Came here for lunch on a Saturday. The staff was on it! From our waiter Hunter to the the rest of the staff including Jacob our time here was well enjoyed. The entrees were very filling and delicious authentic Mexican dishes. Great ambiance and of course some people watching! Highly recommend!

Very hip, happening place. We sat at the bar and the spicy skinny margaritas were great. The bartender was very attentive and friendly. I had the ceviche blanco served with plantain chips, and it was delicious. They usually serve fresh tortillas with salsa, and you can also ask for chips and salsa for the table too. I was able to find metered parking out front. It's a busy place, so reservations are recommended.

So, I swung by this spot for sunday lunch, and let me tell you, it was a vibe. As soon as I stepped in, I was digging the whole setup - those light fixtures were giving off major cozy-chic vibes. But it was buzzing, man. There was this big 50th birthday shindig happening, and the place was alive with energy. But you know what? Despite the crowd, our server was on it. He made sure we were sorted, no problem. And then there's the food. Oh boy, that tostada salad of mine? It was like a flavor explosion in my mouth - seriously one of the best I've ever had. And my buddy? She was all about her steak salad. Now, here's the kicker - the atmosphere. Talk about trendy! I swear, I counted at least three servers sporting man-buns, waistcoasts and mustaches. It was pretty amusing, but it added to the whole vibe. All in all, I'm already thinking about when I can swing by again. This place left a mark, and I'm definitely down for another round of good food and good times.

Stopped in for a Carajillo on my day off. I decided to come down to Manhattan Beach for the day and enjoy all the shops in the area. The overall ambiance of this restaurant was the draw as well as my hankering for a cocktail. The Bartender was kind and made a good Carajillo. I'd come back for a meal. Thank you

Great service and aesthetic! Beautiful lighting too! Food was a bit overpriced for what it is.

Beautiful restaurant with stunning interior. Great service thank you Mia!! The food was tasty but not amazing. I got the surf and turf enchiladas. The quality of steak was ok and the shrimp enchiladas seemed to be missing the crab. I like the house made tortilla with dip. This comes free for the table. That had a nice touch. The fried horchata ice cream was really good. Parking was a huge challenge.

Food was pretty good. Drinks were pretty good Ambiance was pretty good. I'm not so sure about the hostess or the server. I'll give them both the benefit of the doubt. It's was a busy day. I'd like to come back during the week when it's not as busy.

Thanks to the hostess Mia! I requested for a table with more sunlight since it was a beautiful day out for lunch. All tables were booked and Mia informed us as soon as the party cancelled and transferred us to our preferred table. We truly appreciate it, small gestures for guests care makes a difference to our dining experience! Food is always delicious here. I'm a big fan of their Chille Relleño plate and my Mom tried their Tostada, it was also delicious! The cocktails here are also yum! Always a pleasant time when we visit and will definitely be back.

This review is based only on drinks. Came here on a Friday night and it was very lively with a DJ playing house music tucked away in the corner which I did not expect. Cocktails were very good using fresh ingredients. Average prices for drinks at bars. Service was good and attentive despite the crowd. Restaurant is very pretty! Would like to come back for food at some point.

Jake was so great! I loved the service a friend recommended me it was my first time here will be coming back! Great ambiance and Annabelle was great at recommending I love this place.

The hostess, Emilia, was kind enough to seat us even though I reserved the wrong day! Sam, our server, made great recommendations of the menu items we were wondering about. Kevin, the manager, was very attentive and checked on us a couple of times to ensure we were taken care of. The food and service were excellent and contributed to a fun date night!

Food, service, and ambiance were all 5 stars! My friend and I ordered the sea bass, some fajitas, guacamole and chips, sweet plantains, and margaritas. Everything was full of flavor!!! It's a definite must when in LA.

Riding down the bike path from Santa Monica we stopped in Manhattan Beach for brunch. We sat at a covered terrace looking out while we perused at the menu. Cold water came right away together with delicious fresh tortillas and a tray of salsas. I ordered a breakfast burrito and my wife huevos verdes, both were outstanding, the service was friendly and attentive and the price reasonable, great find along the bike path!

My friend and I ate at Esperanza last weekend, and had an incredible time. The food is amazing and the service is exceptional. I love the vibe of the place and the architecture.

Great food service and ambiance and people love this spot highly recommend check it out

Good Brunch, food was pretty delicious, and the decor was nice, although the service was a little slow, and seating was very tight.

I don't really recommend this place anymore. We frequently came for lunch but the past few times have made us not want to return. They are always under staffed during lunch- it's truly been like one bartender and another guy for the entire place lately. You'll wait forever for a refill of your drink, they don't believe in writing your order down so expect things to be missed or wrong. We consistency have to flag someone down if we need anything & later to receive our check. Service has just been so poor here. $43 for the grilled fish option (dry, with no sauce and more dry veggies and rice). Wild. It's a shame because we dig a few menu options here and the look of the place but the service is terrible and food quality isn't worth their prices.

The hype is def worth it! All the food we ordered were exceptional! My friend RSVPed ahead of time for a post graudation dinner and I'm so glad we did, it was busy!! The staff gave excellent recommendations and I ended up getting the Crab Surf and Turf, amazing!! The appetizers were delicious, especially the shrimp taquitos! They were huge and had a nice crunch! My friend loves their Halibut Fish Tacos and fruit mojitos!

I honestly had low expectations for this place as it looked like another viral brunch spot in the heart of a touristy Manhattan, but I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious brunch was. Came here for weekend brunch, and was surprised that it wasn't too busy. Parking is definitely a challenge with mostly metered parking outside. For food we got: -taqueria tacos de huevos with filet mignon ($16) -papas rajas hash ($17) Food was so delicious and fresh. Pricing was incredibly fair for what it was. Besides the food....the MARGARITAS were the best margaritas I've had in SoCal. Highly recommend this cute trendy brunch spot! Can't wait to come and try their dinner menu!

My review is a little late, but I had the most wonderful 35th birthday here with the hubby. Loved every bite and my gosh the service was spectacular. Sam, Kevin, Jacobi and Mia made me feel so special. We aren't from the area, the next time we do come, I really hope they're all there again because they are why you go out to eat. You can tell they enjoy their work and it shows through the kindness and warmth. The experience was just memorable from the food to the ambiance to the hospitality. I can't say enough good thing. We got the salmon, enchiladas and ceviche trio and flavors were bold and balanced. Drinks were great too! This lunch was more memorable for us then Michelin star restaurant we went to for dinner. Please diners, get the salmon!

Loved this spot! Came for an early Sunday bunch and definitely enjoyed it! The seating is super comfy and decor is beachy chic, kind of giving tulum vibes. They start you off with some warm tortillas and butter, (delicious). The drinks were on point and the food super flavorful. Love a good ethnic breakfast spot, honestly all their dishes slapped. Staff was very attentive and checked in with us often but didn't hover which was nice. If you are looking for some non basic breakfast options with good cocktails this places hits. (Definitely recommend their Carajillo (coffee tequila cocktail))

Best spot in Manhattan beach. Every time i come here it is a new experience. Would recommend to friends/family. Shout out to Doug, Jake, and Mia for accommodating us with all our dining needs. The whole staff was great. 10/10 hands down.

This review is for the staff, specifically for Samuel. He'll know who wrote this because we were sitting next to Clippers basketball star Mo Bamba and even got a look at his credit card wink wink. So here's the thing...this restaurant on the night we went in for drinks, had a very pretentious customer vibe. But there was a DJ and we were doing a nightcap and having fun so we didn't care. When we came in, the hostess was super nice and got us seats right away as there was an opening even though it was crowded. All the staff were really nice too, but Samuel was a true gem. He spent time with us, told us stories, and recommended some really excellent margarita drinks. Overall the staff in this place is the true charm of it. It's owned by the Sharkeez restaurant group so maybe this is trying to be a grown up version of that. Who knows? But when it comes to the staff they really got it right. ALL of them were down to earth good people. We, as South Bay locals will definitely be back to visit with Samuel and enjoy some good times in Esperanza. And next time we'll try the food. So one last thing, as no review should just be gushing. When you go...look up and you will see a ridiculous amount of cameras. Who is watching all this footage? Am I being watched while I eat? It was really a bit alarming TBH. So I enquired and found out that some nights after dinner, it becomes a dance club, and sometimes wild craziness goes down hence the cameras. And then I got to see some footage, and then I totally understood, the cameras in Esperanza are a good thing. So don't be worried. Just ask for Samuel and he'll recommend some good drinks and share some stories with a smile on his face, and make sure you too will be back too!