BOA Steakhouse in Manhattan Beach has gained a reputation for high-quality cuisine served with flair, and it certainly lived up to the hype at a recent tasting attended by Rolling Hills residents. The event celebrated BOA's unique style, showcasing a family-style menu that included a well-curated selection of appetizers, a standout tableside Caesar salad, perfectly cooked entrées, and indulgent desserts. Each dish was meticulously prepared, highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to excellence.

The restaurant exudes a modern and attractive vibe with a lively, welcoming atmosphere. The staff was friendly and attentive, making diners feel right at home. Stephen Haw remarked, "Great atmosphere and great company." Amy Haw initially expected a quiet, traditional setting but was pleasantly surprised by the chic and energetic ambiance. Camee Edelbrock described the décor as “beautiful, upscale, and modern,” noting that it was a little loud but fun. Sharon Soo praised the brilliant design, calling it “an inviting space with banquettes and soft lighting that enhanced the overall experience.”

The appetizers were a showstopper, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The tableside Caesar salad was a crowd favorite, offering a perfect blend of crisp romaine and a well-balanced dressing. Sharon highlighted the Caesar salad’s richness and perfectly balanced seasoning, with the tableside preparation adding a special touch of elegance. Eric Smith shared, “The salad was great, very fresh!”

Ed Oyama enjoyed the chef cones, describing them as delicate, crispy on the outside, and bursting with flavor on the inside. Gerry Van Nortwick raved, “Loved the cones!”

Residents also enjoyed the saffron prawns cocktail. Daniel Shrader said, “The jumbo shrimp are colossal!” He also loved the salmon tartare which was rich with umami and smoke.

Amy found the goat cheese baklava to be a delightful surprise as an appetizer. “It was flavorful and rich,” she said. This was a highlight for many guests. Bob Gold appreciated how tasty and unique they were while Camee liked that they were sweet and flaky.

Ed also appreciated the Parker house rolls served in a cast iron skillet, adding a comforting touch to the meal. Daniel liked the flavored butters that were used.

BOA's entrées did not disappoint, offering a balance of bold flavors and perfect execution. Stephen commented, “Overall, the entrees are great and delicious.” The steak was a standout, cooked to perfection with a delicious char that enhanced its natural flavors. Ed praised the steak’s marbling and tenderness, describing it as beautifully medium rare. He also enjoyed the light and buttery mashed potatoes alongside roasted asparagus, which provided a fresh contrast. Camee called the steak “fabulous, tasty, and amazingly flavorful,” while Amy complimented the New York strip’s full beefy taste and perfect temperature, making it a true highlight of the evening. Daniel found that it was “melt in your mouth delicious!”

Carole Hoffman really liked the mashed potatoes, which she found to be scrumptious. They were creamy, buttery and perfectly seasoned. “Wow!” she said. Debra Shrader thought the mashed potatoes were “very smooth” and that the asparagus was also delicious.

Lisa Van Nortwick found the linguine with clams excellent, with a delicate yet flavorful sauce. Others liked it as well. Sharon shared, “The linguine with clams was the star of the night! Flavorsome, succulent, perfectly al dente and definitely worth the carbs.”

The grand finale of the evening was a sweet indulgence, featuring warm white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. Gerry simply stated, "Who doesn’t like a good cookie?" Camee enthusiastically added, "Macadamia ROCKS!" Sharon found dessert to be the least impressive of the lineup but still enjoyable, suggesting a longer bake time could improve it. The cookies, though warm and gooey, left some diners wanting just a bit more crunch and depth in texture.

The highlights of the night were clear: the impeccable steaks, creative appetizers, and the restaurant’s inviting ambiance. Stephen’s favorites were the steak and prawn cocktail, both of which showcased BOA’s dedication to high-quality ingredients. Amy was particularly impressed by the baklava, calling it an “unexpected but creative delight.” Sharon appreciated the restaurant’s convivial and laidback vibe, despite the high quality of food being served, making it a perfect spot for both casual and celebratory occasions.

The BOA Steakhouse experience was nothing short of spectacular. With top-tier service, a vibrant ambiance, and a thoughtfully crafted menu, it’s no surprise that guests are eager to return. Carole described the evening as really fun, with exceptional food that she would definitely return for with friends. Gerry gave it a "10 out of 10!" Lisa praised the amazing food and ambiance. Sharon noted that while the service was brisk and attentive despite the busy night, and Eric simply stated, "We will be back!"

If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience, BOA Steakhouse in Manhattan Beach is a must-visit. From start to finish, it delivers fresh, flavorful, and fantastic cuisine in an upscale yet energetic setting. The combination of expertly prepared dishes, attentive service, and a lively atmosphere makes BOA Steakhouse a standout choice for any food enthusiast looking to indulge in an exceptional meal.