ROCK'N FISH

ROCK'N FISH Restaurant Review:

Michael Zislis' ROCK'N FISH near the Manhattan Beach pier is a seafood and steakhouse hot spot that's always packed. The two-level space encompasses the main dining room and bar, enclosed patio and an upstairs loft with tables overlooking the action downstairs. Start off with crab cakes or ahi poke made with diced ahi tuna, avocado, cucumber and sesame vinaigrette, served with crispy wontons. Seafood is spotlighted, but the restaurant also takes pride in its oak-grilled steaks, including a 10-ounce, dry-aged filet mignon; Hawaiian-style rib eye; and specials like chimichurri hanger steak. Also on offer are New Orleans-inspired dishes (jambalaya, blackened bass) and American regional specialties (hibachi teriyaki chicken, Memphis-style barbecue ribs). The signature Kona Pie dessert, which serves two, features layers of chocolate, vanilla and coffee ice cream plus Butterfinger, toffee and Oreo crumbs. The large and ever-changing wine list is fairly priced and strong on small California producers, and the by-the-glass list is one of the best in town with options such as Opus One. There’s also a huge list of spirits with a very impressive roster of tequilas. Service remains attentive even when the place is booming --- and the bar is often buzzing long after the rest of town has shut down. Also located at L.A. Live, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, 213-748-4020.