LAReview
photo credit: Jakob Layman
Fishing With Dynamite
Fishing With Dynamite, a small seafood spot owned by the people behind Manhattan Beach Post, is one of the best raw bars in the city. We like to visit during the day, when the space is bright and feels like you might actually be in Montauk. Their top-notch oyster selection changes daily, so chat with your server about which ones are particularly good, and then order a platter of chilled Peruvian scallops topped with a punchy citrus marinade to round things out. We also love their blue crab roll that comes on a soft milk bun, and the sweet, briny Koshihikari rice porridge, which is packed with shrimp, crap, and uni, then finished with a runny egg yolk.
Sign up for our newsletter.
Be the first to get expert restaurant recommendations for every situation right in your inbox.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Jakob Layman
Raw Bar
A great meal at Fishing With Dynamite is one that starts with the raw bar section. And in particular, the oysters and bay scallops. The oyster selection changes daily, so chat with your server about which ones are particularly good that day, and then load up on as many bay scallops as you can. They’re sweet and slightly salty, with a major punch from the citrusy marinade.
photo credit: Jakob Layman
Mexican Shrimp Ceviche
This isn’t our favorite ceviche tostada in the city, but it’s still delicious, and one we order every time we come. The shrimp are plump and plentiful, the tostada is crispy, and the diced pluot provides a sweet and tangy edge to every bite.
Blue Crab Roll
We like both the crab and shrimp roll at FWD, but since we tend to load up on shrimp-related items from the raw bar, the blue crab provides some nice variety midway through the meal. It costs $24, but know it’s quite large and easily shareable between two people. Most importantly, it comes with a massive pile of their thin, crispy fries.
photo credit: Jakob Layman
Koshihikari Rice
This dish stands out amongst FWD’s other entrees. It’s essentially a creamy rice porridge with a mild, buttery flavor that’s elevated with briney bops of sweetness courtesy of the shrimp, crab, and uni mixed in. This is the kind of dish you’ll find us eating on those cloudy days when the sun clocked out early.
photo credit: Jakob Layman
Key Lime Pie
This key lime pie is one of the most famous desserts in the city. We’re here to tell you it still deserves your attention. With a graham cracker crust base that’s topped with flame-roasted mountain peaks of whipped Italian meringue, it’s a perfect slice of pie and one you’ll crave periodically for the rest of your life.