Kincaid’s Redondo Beach is one of the premier locations for waterfront dining in the South Bay. With great views and an extensive “surf and turf” based menu, Kincaid’s is a top choice for fine dining or happy hour. For years when people have asked me to suggest a “nice place for dinner” near the Redondo Beach Pier, Kincaid’s would be one of the first places to come to mind.
Location, Location, Location
Kincaid’s is located in a “sweet spot” of the Redondo Pier. It’s nestled at the north end of the Pier and just south of the International Boardwalk. If you’re cruising the Pier and Boardwalk, you can’t miss the stately columns and exterior that’s reminiscent of a Craftsman style lodge.
Like the other restaurants that call the Redondo Beach Pier home, Kincaid’s is out over the water on stilts and pilings. This provides unparalleled views of the shore and sunset from the large windows throughout the dining room.
Cocktails, Appetizers, and Entrees
While location and views might play into a restaurant’s appeal, it’s really about the food, right? Kincaid’s doesn’t disappoint there either.
Cocktails are mixed with care from a selection of premium liquors and fresh ingredients. I was a big fan of the Grand Scratch Margarita which blends Herradura tequila, Grand Marnier, Cointreau, house-made margarita mix, and lime. The Lemon Drop martini was also pleasing; made in a classic style, it blends Absolut Citron vodka, Caravella limoncello, and fresh lemon sour.
The appetizer menu is focused on seafood with selections including fresh oysters, steamed clams, and artichoke dip with roasted crab. I’m a sucker for calamari though so I selected the country fried calamari. This dish was true to its name with the breading on the calamari being exactly like that of a country fried steak. The crispy coating made for a perfect crunch on the tender seafood.
The entrees were also quite enjoyable. On my visit, I sampled the Wild Mushroom Ravioli with Braised Short Rib and the Grilled Smoked Sirloin with Jumbo Prawns. The mushroom ravioli made for a satisfyingly meaty dish with the mushroom filled ravioli adding to the short rib. The dish was rounded out with fresh spinach, tomato, chili flakes, garlic cream sauce, red wine and veal jus reduction.
The Grilled Smoked Sirloin & Jumbo Prawns was certainly a treat with the smoky essence of the sirloin adding surprising flavor one might not expect in a restaurant known more for its seafood. But indeed the steak was expertly prepared with just the right touch of smoky flavor complementing the essence of the grilled beef. The plump prawns were a nice “surf and turf touch” while the Yukon potatoes au gratin and grilled asparagus brought back comfort-food-induced memories of my childhood.
What better way to end the meal than with something on the sweeter side. If you prefer to drink your dessert, you might consider the Death By Chocolate martini. It’s made with Stoli vanilla vodka, Godiva chocolate liqueur, creme de cacao, whipping cream, and a dusting of chocolate shavings. Very decadent indeed!
But I’m really a purist when it comes to dessert. So when I see Key Lime Pie on the menu I don’t think twice about ordering it. Kincaid’s freshly made pie did not disappoint. The crust was the perfect Graham cracker crust: moist without being soggy, dense and crispy without being dry or too crumbly. The filling was perfectly tart and creamy with plenty of whipped topping piled high and then dusted with Key Lime zest. The slice was served with lemon sorbet but I was much more engaged with the pie to even consider it. If I were asked to share this dessert, I would readily offer the sorbet in the hope that my table mate would be satisfied and forget about the pie. In other words, if you’re a Key Lime pie fan like I am, get your own slice; don’t bother with any attempts to split.
I’ve been to Kincaid’s many times for happy hour and a few times for dinner but it was nice getting reacquainted. It was good to know that even after all these years my recommendation is still a good one.
Kincaid’s is open for dinner service from 11 AM until 9 PM every day and until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday. The bar area stays open an hour or so after the dining room closes. Discounts on food and drinks are available in the bar every day from 3 to 6 PM during happy hour and again later in the evening from 9 PM until closing. A three-course, specially priced dinner is available from 3 to 5:30 PM, Monday through Thursday. While reservations aren’t required, they are recommended. Call ahead or book online.
- Kincaid’s – Redondo Beach
- http://www.kincaids.com/index.php?c=redondobeach
- 500 Fishermans Wharf, Redondo Beach, CA 90277; (310) 318-6080
* Items mentioned in this article were provided on a complimentary basis for the purpose of this review. This story was accurate when it was published and reflects the uninfluenced opinion of the reviewer.