Talia's Italian Restaurant

Whomever feels the food is lacking at Talia's is CRAZY! We dine there about once a month and have sampled about everything on the menu. It truly is the highest quality food and preparation, most unique flavor combinations and generous portions in the south bay. Starting with the smoked pheasant appetizer -succulant smoked pheasant (which really tastes like chicken) on top of a crisp wonton style chip with a delicious sweet yet spicy sauce and melted cheese - finished with a dollop of guacamole and fresh cilantro. Truly to die for! The beet salad has the common ingredients of beets and goat cheese, but is much more special than average. It is presented like an artistic tower of finely julienne beets, creamy goat cheese and garnished with a ragout of walnuts, dried cherries and a sweet dressing of some sort. It's like a beautiful dessert! The ceasar salad is like nothing I've ever tasted. It has all the fixings of a regular ceasar, but they add tangy green apples and top it off with large succulent blackened scallops!! Truly unique!! Now for the entrees - the potato crusted halibut is my favorite. Fresh, thick, moist halibut served on top of a creamy risotto with some sort of tomato, lemon-y glaze. The chicken marsala is paired with a to-die-for fettuccini alfredo like you've never tasted. It's apparently a very old family recipie and has been served in the restaurant for over 30 years. I could go on and on. Anyway, the service is always great - with the staff who have been there for years who treat the patrons like family. Though the place is teeny, the ambiance is lovely - beautiful blown glass light fixtures, deep woods and warm colors. Enough said?? Talia's is a gem. You should see for yourself. Pros: Everything Cons: small wine list - but probably because place is so small there isn't room for a huge cellar more

In town on business and had dinner with a co-worker. First, they were out of the wine we ordered, then recommended a different wine that was $12 more.. go figure! Then offered no relief on the price even though they were out of the original bottle we ordered. The eggplant/mozzarella appetizer that the server raved about was definitely over-rated....not much flavor, eggplant was rubbery....cheese was good...marinara didn't have much flavor at all. The beet salad was good, but how do you mess up a beet?? Our entrees were delivered hot, bonus! The grilled trout (special) with seafood topping was good. The scallops were good, but not the best we've ever had. We also had to ask for bread when our entrees were delivered after we saw another table with bread! Oh, then the dessert, which I believe they only offer approx. 5-6 dishes....2 with vanilla ice cream...THEY WERE OUT OF ICE CREAM....someone should tell them there's a Von's right up the street! But they did offer to give you EXTRA whipping cream...how nice! Wisely...we passed on dessert and went to Pinkberry instead. I come to Manhattan Beach about 4x a year and I can honestly say that we won't be back. Pros: tables were in abundance....since I've dined there I know why Cons: Not impressed by the quality or flavor of food more

My friends and I love Talia's for the great food, wine, service and ambience! The General manager is very friendly as are the waitstaff. The food is always delish! Make reservations if you want the tables with the view! more

We haven't been there in almost a year and decided to go for our anniversary. The place look nice (I missed the high chairs tables...), the service was friendly and the glasses of wine were really good. However, the food was average, a little bit on the blend side. Not bad, just ok, average. It was a bit expensive for what it was to be honest. You almost could find the same meal at a good diner for half the price... Pros: Service & wine Cons: Overpriced Food more

\r After eating at Talia's, I know the recipe to their ""success"", a can opener, anything from Chef Boyardee (anything from his fine line of can made pastas will do), copious amounts of dried parsley as a garnish and lastly a microwave.\r more

This restaurant never fails to come through with excellent food and service. Everything that I have ever ordered here, from the lobster ravioli appetizer to the sushi grade yellowtail has been unbelievable. A quaint restaurant that truly stands out in the South Bay. This is a great place for a romantic dinner. Highly Recommended! Pros: Food, food, food Cons: Smaller restaurant, so be sure to make reservations more

Best service, fresh igredients, unique menu, masterful presentation. On a scale of 1-10, this little place is an 11! Don't miss it. more

For any special occasion, without hesitation, our reservations are at Talias. Its recently renovated, dimly-lit interior; knowledgeable and friendly waitstaff and delicious menu are always on-point. Try the pheasant nachos appetizer an unusual blend of smoked pheasant accented by fresh cilantro, havarti Cheese, tangy avocado salsa and a chipotle lime vinaigrette. For entrees, we love the sand dabs, potato-crusted halibut and the lamb osso buco. The wine list is also fantastic! We have never had a disappointing experience in our many visits. Pros: Food, Service, Ambience Cons: Tiny, limited seating more

Talias is by far one of the best restaurants on the westside - it has fabulous food, the ambience is wonderful, and the service is great! It's a tiny place, so make a reservation. We have been enjoying Talias for over a year and we enjoy it every time- also the old black and white movies playing on the wall are a nice touch.... Pros: food, service, ambience Cons: parking more

Talia's was one of my all time favorites BEFORE THE REMODEL. It was quaint, cozy and had marvelous food. Now that they have remodelled they should close their doors. They have put in an open bar, ala swingers night with a scantilly clad bartendress with see-through tops, and high level tables to sit at that you have to climb up onto. It is now loud and uncomfortable. The food is poorly prepared and service was even worst. It doesn't seem to seat anymore than before but is now all one room instead of the quaintness of two. Every stitch of quality has been destroyed by someone who had no incling of what is good in a restaurant and food. Pros: location Cons: food/service, appearance, overall appeal more