What would bring you to the city of Hermosa Beach?

Would it be the water? The views that look as if it should belong on a postcard? Or would it be the feeling you get when you step out of the busy City of Angels and realize you’re in a location of quiet and relaxation? Maybe it’s a bit of all of those, but for me food would bring me to any city any day of the week. That was the case as I was sitting in Mosa in Hermosa Beach looking over the menu. Food brought me to the restaurant and in the current moment I was struggling with making a decision between two entrees on the menu. First world problems, I know; you don’t have to say it. There were two dishes on the menu that I had my heart set on. My gut was leaning towards the pumpkin ravioli while my eyes were screaming for the Branzino. I had asked Antonio, the most amicable waiter I ever did meet, to do the hard work for me. “Antonio, do me a favor please? Can you choose which one I should get?” A nervous laugh escaped his lips as I put the decision of god into his hands.

Well kind of.

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I had already decided on the Octopus Carpaccio ($18) on my own like a big girl, but I still needed a bit of help along the way. The fact that he raved about the carpaccio with basil, arugula, and olive oil, with crisp capers was a done deal for me. Seeing him bring it out and place it in front of me with a gentle twist of the arm and a smile and I could see why he liked it so much. A few tastes in and I understood his excitement about it. It was almost a whimsical dish in its taste. The octopus was light and thin, but not to the point that it felt like it was missing something. Instead it was accompanied by a fragrant mound of arugula that had quiet pieces of red onions peeking through that made it such a delicious way to begin the dinner.

With a few moments passing since the carpaccio left the table, Antonio turned the corner with a surprise in his hand. My mind darted with single question of “Branzino or ravioli?” As his feet stopped before my table and his arm descended before me he presented the Branzino ($36). Seeing it all in front of me, I was very happy with what he chose. The extended fish had its head rested upon a bed of spinach like a pillow with a red pepper rouille just to the side of it with a half of lemon. A squeeze of the lemon from side to side of the plate led me to an entree that I would easily enjoy. At least once I got rid of the fish bones. After they were fully removed, it was such a pleasant fish — despite its demise. It wasn’t overpowered in seasoning to distract you from its texture, but it also wasn’t devoid of it either to make you pain for more. Instead it sat perfectly in the middle to show that the chef knew exactly what he was doing when inspired by the fish.

To bring the night to an end was the dessert. The Lemon Ricotta Cheese Cake ($8) with an amaretti almond crust came with an intense burst of flavor once I bit into the raspberries. They were the kind of raspberries you hope to stumble upon while at the grocery store, but never seem to get. The fruit and the cake together were delicious, but the cheesecake was mouthwatering. It was smooth. It was memorable. It was a desert you should order if you have any remaining space after all the plates that preceded it.

If you ever find yourself making the drive to Hermosa Beach, I selfishly hope that it’s for food. I hope that you’re making the trip because you’re looking to find a few plates so delicious that you can’t help but fill up your tank to make the excursion. Sure, the degree of your drive depends on your starting location, but either way I hope you go. And if food is what brings you to the city, I hope you end up at MOSA in Hermosa Beach. Then should you find yourself staring at the menu struggling at the choice between entrees, I hope this review helps you find your answer.

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Address: 190 Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Phone: (310) 504-0381
Hours: Monday through Thursday – 8:00am to 9:00pm, Friday – 8:00am to 11:00pm, Saturday – 9:00am to 11:00pm, and Sunday – 9:00am to 9:00pm.
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