01
Best overall pick
North Italia
El Segundo – The Point • Lively Modern Italian Kitchen • Upscale But Approachable Favorite
Handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and a polished but relaxed patio make North Italia a crowd-pleaser minutes from Del Aire.
Set in The Point outdoor center, North Italia feels buzzy without being overwhelming, with an open kitchen, bar seating, and a comfortable dining room. The menu leans on fresh pastas, crispy pizzas, and seasonal specials, so it works just as well for a casual date as for a family dinner. It’s one of the easiest places nearby when you need something everyone in the group can agree on.
02
Essential for spice lovers
Al-Watan Halal Tandoori Restaurant
Hawthorne – Inglewood Avenue • Casual Pakistani-Indian Tandoori Spot • Top Choice For Hearty Comfort Food
A longtime local staple, Al-Watan serves deeply flavorful Pakistani-Indian classics with generous portions and no-frills charm.
Just east of Del Aire, this family-run spot is the kind of place people drive across town for, especially the sizzling tandoori platters and rich curries. The room is plain and practical, but the naan comes blistered from the oven and the meats are intensely marinated. It’s ideal when you want a relaxed, filling meal that focuses squarely on flavor over atmosphere.
03
Neighborhood Thai standout
Ayara Thai Cuisine
Westchester Near Lax • Refined Neighborhood Thai Restaurant • Best Bet Before Or After A Flight
Ayara balances bright, modern touches with family recipes, offering some of the most consistently good Thai food near the airport.
A short drive north of Del Aire, Ayara is a go-to for locals who want Thai dishes that taste carefully made rather than rushed. Curries are vividly spiced, noodles are well-balanced, and the kitchen handles dietary tweaks with ease. Being close to LAX, it’s especially handy for welcoming out-of-town guests or grabbing a reliable meal before you hit the freeway.
04
Sleek scene pick
JOEY Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach – Rosecrans Corridor • Upscale-Casual Global Restaurant And Bar • Best For Cocktails And People-Watching
JOEY offers a slick bar, indoor-outdoor seating, and a global menu that works for everything from happy hour to a late dinner.
Located just south of Del Aire along Rosecrans, this is where you head when you want a bit more buzz than a typical neighborhood spot. The menu jumps from sushi rolls and burgers to steaks and bowls, making it easy to accommodate mixed tastes. Strong cocktails, a lively crowd, and a polished room make it especially good for group meetups or unwinding after work.
05
Reliable American classic
Paul Martin's American Grill
El Segundo – Plaza El Segundo • Classic American Grill And Bar • Relaxed Pick For Varied Appetites
Paul Martin’s delivers straightforward steaks, salads, and comfort dishes in a warm setting that feels a notch nicer than a typical chain.
Just beyond Del Aire in Plaza El Segundo, this grill leans into familiar flavors—rotisserie chicken, burgers, steaks, and solid salads—done with a bit more care than standard mall dining. The room is comfortable, with booths, a roomy bar, and a patio that works well for families or casual business dinners. It’s a dependable choice when you want something easy, polished, and close to home.