After the past 4 years living back with the family down in Orange County, the opportunity finally came for my time to move out again in pursuit of a new job out in Los Angeles. Now situated in Marina del Rey and working in El Segundo, I was head-over-heels to discover another JOEY location just a couple minutes from my office. If you’ve been following along my food and travel journey, you may know that JOEY in Newport Beach quickly became a favorite and special place to me. With only a few California-based locations, Newport was the closest to me back in OC, but was still a bit of a trek. This made any trip to JOEY even more enjoyable and worthy of an occasion. Last year, I took my sister out for a birthday/Christmas date-night for the two of us, which was absolutely perfect – as I knew it would be. Why? Because JOEY is just one of those places where you KNOW you will be treated like family, be well taken-care-of, and indulged in the highest quality food and flavors.

Fast forward to this year – “Where am I going to take Dr. Joe Kolb, aka dad, for Father’s Day that will be just as fabulous as our last year adventure to Ventura and Lure Fish House?” Luckily, I didn’t have to think to long or hard, because I knew JOEY was the place to treat him to (plus, it seemed meant to be for JOE to eat at JOEY!). The last thing I ever want to do is stress about service or food being disappointing when treating any of my family out because our quality time together is the focus of the night.

After another memorable night with not only my dad, but my brother (Sam) as well, I can 100% confirm that JOEY Manhattan Beach is just as stellar as JOEY Newport Beach. The team took amazing care of us, was very attentive (as usual) despite the Saturday night crowd, and food- OUTSTANDING.

Since it was their first time dining at JOEY, I obviously had to indulge my boys with the Korean Cauliflower, Crab Cakes, and Ravioli Bianco (my brother’s request on that one). Wanting to try some new dishes as well, I figured it was finally time to try some steak, as I know this is a hot ticket item at JOEY. Sam and I decided on the “Steak + Sushi” dish with our choice of the Tuna & Avocado Crunch Roll while my dad was sold on the “Herb Crush Salmon,” being the salmon-lover he is. However, Sam and I knew right away we were not leaving that table until we tried one of the new menu items: Lobster & Shrimp Sushi Tacos. Which ended up stealing the show and causing some fighting.

“mango, coconut lime dressing, avocado mousse, sushi rice, crispy wonton shells” – this description does not do justice to the 3 little tacos that we were sure were sent straight from heaven. Each wonton shell was perfectly packed with super fresh lobster, shrimp, and tropical flavors, reminding me of being back in Mexico on the beach. Our only complaint? That we needed a bigger portion!

As for the Herb Crush Salmon, my dad was grinning with each bite while Sam scarfed down the entire Ravioli Bianco dish, nearly licking the plate. We all agreed that the steak was superb: the tataki-style and Asian flavors were extremely well executed, and I gobbled up the Tuna & Avocado Crunch Roll.

Too full for dessert, we left completely satisfied with our meal and so anticipating our return. For me – this will be sooner than the boys since I am now a local – YES! Which is even more exciting knowing that there are a few other new menu items (!) calling my name… So stay tuned for more details on these!

The JOEY Restaurant Group is truly one-of-a-kind. How many restaurants do you know that have the official “Great Places to Work” stamp!? This is one of them, and there is no question as to why. “Each JOEY restaurant is unique, but they all have plenty in common: great food, lively environments, exceptional dining experiences,” – now that I have experienced a second JOEY location, I am further convinced that this is one of my favorite, go-to places where I can always rely on good people, good food, and a good time – for any occasion.

To learn more and find your nearest location, check out JOEY’s website here!