Even with its celebrity hangouts and celebrity chefs, Los Angeles has no shortage of beachy restaurants that serve up comfort food loosely inspired by island getaways. For 40 years, Islands, with locations across California and Arizona, has been a local favorite with its large portions, generous pool drinks, sandwiches, and burgers. Another thing we admire is that each location is tailored to the neighborhood where it is located.
If your travels bring you to Southern California this fall, anytime through late October, put the Islands Smash Burger on your itinerary. Smash burgers—hearty patties with crispy, caramelized edges and juicy centers—have been a buzzy bite around the state for a couple of years, but Island’s version is exceedingly well done—though you can order it medium or another temperature. Retailing for $16.99, it grills up a classic expression with American cheese, caramelized onions, pickles, 1000 Island dressing, and a side of Island’s signature fresh-cut fries (we also love the sweet potato fries upgrade, extra crispy, or the onion rings). Hungry souls can make it a double for an extra $3. The other burgers on the menu are creative and delicious, but the buzz surrounding it may create a case for making the “smash” hit a permanent fixture…
The mention of Trader Vic’s stirs up lots of Mid-Century nostalgia with its Polynesian vibes, finger foods, and strong cocktails. Tiki Kai in Hermosa Beach brings the décor, music, and flavors back and into the 21st Century with Korean and Japanese influences. These tasty twists give its food and drink added sophistication without losing any of the fun that brought people to Polynesian tiki bars in the first place. Launched in late 2025, we headed to dinner and found pretty much everything we ordered conversation-starting, including the mix-and-match Puu Puu platters and the steak and seafood main dishes. We also found the cocktails a revelation—flavorful and fruity, but not too sweet. It’s an ideal place for a friend group nite or a happy hour mixer for business travelers staying in the South Bay.
More recently, the upscale, full-service tiki bar and restaurant rolled out its brunch. Although the menu is pork-heavy, there are excellent options for all, including Sticky Rib Hash and Breakfast Burritos (with beef short rib bits), Avocado Toast, and Steak & Eggs, all with inspired Pan-Asian tweaks that liven up the California standards. The Bloody Mariko and Hills of Gold cocktails go down easy but pack a punch, while the Fields By Noon is fresh and crisp and the Celtiki Coffee is dessert in a glass.