Marina Del Rey’s, Killer Shrimp, Is Your Sustainable And Sophisticated Seafood Destination

The shoreline in Marina Del Rey, California hosts one of the most delicious meals I’ve experienced in a very long time. Killer Shrimp has a refreshing and deeply flavored menu that makes them one of Southern California’s must try seafood destinations! I was recently invited in to try their iconic dish, Killer Shrimp, and I may have a hard time expressing how much I loved this entree. At one point, Killer Shrimp was the only item on the menu, and after enjoying it, myself, I certainly know why.

Killer Shrimp comes from humble, and quite underground, beginnings. The dish, which is the restaurant’s namesake, was the nickname a group of kids who spent their days riding waves, gave dad’s delicious shrimp dish he made for them. That dad, happens to be Killer Shrimp creator and rock legend, Lee Michaels.

For over 20 years, the Killer Shrimp dish has been feeding very satisfied customers. In the beginning, it was hand delivered on bicycles and is now served at a stunning location in Marina Del Rey. Although I would agree, this main dish is their best, there were so many amazing things I tried while visiting.

Jalapeno Lemonade, as delicious as it looks!

Killer Shrimp Has A Refreshing And Deeply Flavored Menu

I started with their hand pressed lemonade in two different varieties, Strawberry and Jalapeno. Yes, you read that correctly I said Jalapeno, It was so fresh and spicy! We had just finished paddle boarding with Pro SUP Shop and getting off the water to sit down with this fresh drink, was just a little bit of heaven on an already gorgeous day.

We tried three of Killer Shrimp’s appetizers, and I’ll be honest. I would have left a happy woman having had these dishes only, but as delicious as these three items were, I still had no idea how amazing the Killer Shrimp would be. Let me try to gather my thoughts and describe these appetizers first.

The Blue Fin Tuna Sashimi was added to the menu that morning, because the fish had just been purchased, straight from the water. Killer Shrimp has a specific license that allows the to buy direct from the fisherman, leaving them to make specific fresh and sustainable choices for their menu items. This sashimi couldn’t have been more soft, buttery and delicious if they tried! There was nothing left on this plate, as if I need to tell you why.

These thinly sliced scallops are served with roasted tomatoes and a creamy butter sauce. This appetizer was simple, soft and oh so perfectly cooked. Whomever was handling these babies, knew what they were doing and clearly loves their job. Delicious!

Let’s talk about the snow crab claws that were prepared in a lemon, rosemary and butter bath. I literally could have eaten this entire plate and left none for my beautiful friend, Erin. With a little self-control and a desire to keep her as a friend, I did my best to share. You guys. These were absolutely one of the most tasty things I’ve ever eaten.

The Main Dish – Original ‘Killer Shrimp’

This is technically a main dish, but we enjoyed it with our appetizers…the Killer Shrimp Mac & Cheese. It’s like normal, amazing mac and cheese, except this one could win an Oscar. Shrimp and home made cheese and pasta absolutely belong together, like peanut butter and chocolate…like Turner and Hootch. Simply a perfect pairing!

Now, for the main event. The Killer Shrimp! This dish was originally served without utensils, as the colander of bread serves as your broth scooping needs. Everything else is eaten by hand, and we definitely enjoyed it that way. Shrimp, Snow Crab Claws, Lobster Tail and corn is served in a broth that has been simmering for 10 hours! Do I even need to tell you how deep and rich flavors are, that have been doing a little dance for that long? And not just ‘any’ flavors, the right flavors. This right here is what the restaurant is known for and this right here is what I recommend. Don’t even think about asking how the broth is made, only the people who make it know and their lips are sealed!

Dessert!

There is no way an eatery that can do all the other things so amazing would get dessert wrong. Their signature dessert is a sweet potato, pecan pie. I can assure all of you pecan pie fans out there, this is one of the best! The desserts are all made in-house. Because we loved it so much, we also tried the warm Apple Cobbler and New York Style Cheesecake with praline crisp, both equally as stunning at the sweet potato pecan pie.

New York Style Cheesecake with caramel praline caramel

The sophistication and dedication to the menu was impressive. Dishes with this much flavor, clearly have a lot of love going into them including a lot of love. Someone is doing all the things it takes to prepare deep flavors with a well thought out plan for the customer. It’s clear to me that Killer Shrimp is desirable culinary destination in Southern California.