While plenty of Japanese restaurants in the South Bay exist, there is a surprising dearth of Asian fusion restaurants in the area. Little Sister in Manhattan Beach was one of the recent Asian fusion restaurants that broke ground in the South Bay. They extended their reach into Redondo Beach.
Chef Tin Vuong and restaurateur Jed Sanford of Blackhouse Hospitality originally opened Suburbia at this Riviera Village location. The food was global eclectic and the cocktails had cute names like “The Notebook”. About a year ago, they abruptly closed and re-emerged as “Little Sister”, probably an attempt to closely align with their Manhattan Beach cousin.
Like their Manhattan Beach location, Little Sister’s fusion menu is heavily influenced by Vietnamese cuisine. Entrees such as Shaking Beef, Vietnamese Crepe, and Grilled Pork Chop are traditional Vietnamese dishes and are on the menu. Other items include a lemongrass beef with vermicelli.
Vincent Vega – Old Forrester, China China, Orgeat syrup and bitters 
The Sandlot – Cucumber lvov vodka, mint, thai basil, genepy
Happy Hour is from 3 – 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. When my wife and I arrived at 5, the place was empty. By 6, the place was live buzzing with people. Small plates range from $5 – 10. Well drinks and selected wines by the glass are $5. Three of their cocktails are priced at $7. We tried a few of their cocktails and found them to be quite tasty.
We were there for dinner and took advantage of their happy hour specials. While I could taste the pork in the pork and crab dumplings, the crab was barely discernable. Perhaps this was due to the black vinegar sauce mixture in the dish. Nevertheless, it was delicious and one of our favorites that evening.
Three prawns were placed on a stick, breaded and fried. They were standing in a papaya salad with a cashew curry sauce. I thought the salad was good enough to stand on its own. The Sweet Mussels and Clams was more Asian fusion as this is a take on a popular Chinese dish. Chopped Chinese lap cheong added some sweetness to this entree.
Beef Rendang 
Scallion Pancake
Stir-fried eggplant was mixed with ground pork sausage and scallions. Indonesian beef rendang was served in a bowl mixed with red onions, and Chinese green beans. It was creatively combined with a scallion pancake and a pineapple chutney. Both of these dishes were on their regular menu.
I’m happy to have an Asian fusion restaurant nearby. At least Little Sister can take care of my hankering for Vietnamese food without making the trek to Orange County.
Little Sister, 247 Avenida Del Norte, Redondo Beach, CA 90277; 424.398.0237
dinelittlesister.com