I recently had the pleasure of staying in Manhattan Beach and happened upon the Second Story restaurant, located on the second floor of the newly renovated Belamar Hotel. It recently opened its doors to offer hotel guests and Manhattan Beach residents the inviting combination of contemporary American classics featuring fresh organic produce, a commitment to sustainability, warm service and a warm, inviting interior. Second Story, owned and operated by Larkspur Hotels & Restaurants, has the feel of a neighborhood restaurant and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.



"We really listened to what our guests and neighbors wanted: a comfortable spot serving great food, where they can have a delicious, relaxing dinner. We're thrilled to bring the extraordinary cuisine of Second Story restaurant to the guests of The Belamar Hotel and the Manhattan Beach community," said Nathan Tanner, Vice President of Restaurants, Larkspur Hotels & Restaurants. "Larkspur is committed to providing its guests with memorable dining experiences-and Second Story is a perfect fit for the hotel and the neighborhood."

Chef Vania Almeida has created a menu featuring playful twists on familiar favorites, using organic ingredients whenever possible. Second Story allows diners to enjoy delicious new spins on culinary classics throughout the day, whether they want a farm-fresh breakfast or a decadent dinner. To complement the food, there is a list of signature cocktails, as well as an extensive wine list. In order to provide guests with even more options, all wines by the glass are offered in a half-glass portion, at exactly half the price of a glass.

In addition to the use of organic ingredients, Second Story's commitment to sustainability is shown though its Natura water filtering system. Natura's glass bottles are intended to be washed and re-used and serve as an alternative to the waste associated with the manufacture of conventional bottled water. Through the Natura system, several contaminants are removed or significantly reduced. Guests can choose from still or sparkling filtered water.

Personal touches are the hallmark of the warm service diners experience at Second Story. Every server includes a business card along with the table's check, presented in a hardbound novel. Families with children are immediately presented with the option of a booster chair, as well as "Coloring Mat" menus and an Etch-A-Sketch toy to keep little ones entertained.

The restaurant's interior also evokes a sense of familiarity and warmth, calling on earthy tones such as sepia and gold, and featuring plush banquettes in the bar area and low tables set with mahogany placemats in the dining room. A strong attention to detail is pervasive throughout, with eye-catching elements such as rustic decanters for serving tap water as well as a memorable lighting setting.