This ain’t my first time at Killer Shrimp, this ain’t my last time at Killer Shrimp. This Marina Del Rey gem sits right on the water, has a strong ‘real people’ vibe, and the food tastes like my damn auntie’s on Thanksgiving.
Los Angeles has always been known for its varied and delicious cuisine and Killer Shrimp only adds to that reputation.
This restaurant was built for me. The minute I walked in, the smell of fresh shrimp immediately brought to mind strains of the Jay-Z classic ‘Lobster and Shrimp.’ Scrimp.
It also brought back memories of hitting shrimp restaurants with my family, going in on endless fried and non-fried morsels. Of going to that one oft-maligned seafood chain late night with my friends in college. Of hitting J&J fish in North Minneapolis before rehearsal.
One sniff and everything came back. I strolled into Killer Shrimp, Marina Del Rey already excited by the menu I checked out during a very slow workday. It has everything I’ve ever loved in one place; blackened salmon filet, grilled filet mignon, jumbo fried shrimp. A perfect mix of higher-end fare and comfort-food favorites.
A bright and comfortable staff greeted and seated me in a booth with a stunning view of the water. As I waited for my server, I noticed the clientele at Killer Shrimp is both racially and professionally diverse.
There were business folk, families, young people on dates. It’s tough to attract such a wide array of people without being broad and boring, but KSMDR pulls it off with aplomb.
I tried a few apps, all wonderful. The shrimp cocktail was succulent and had plenty of plump ones. I wanted to tilt the glass over my mouth, but polite company held me back.
My favorite opener was the lobster mac, which tasted southern and decadent but also restrained in the best way. Even. I love this combo, and this was the best version I’ve ever had.
For mains I devoured paella that knocked me on my ass. Paella is a top three seafood dish for me; I make it all the time. So there was some pressure on the kitchen to deliver that flavor-texture balance I expect from this dish. They nailed it. Pretty confident I groaned like a fat uncle at a barbecue.
I also ate up some crab cakes, which were tender but had enough heft to satiate. Would and will recommend again and again.
Damn near didn’t get dessert, but I do P90x every day of the week I don’t have a hangover. So, some days. Game on.
Feeling at home, I had the apple cobbler which tasted…better than moms. She’ll never see this.
It was so very flame, so tasty and tastefully sweet. It was also a perfect ending to an evening that took me back to my Chicago/Memphis family roots. I will be back, and I will bring friends.
