Gina Lee Serves up Asian Fusion

In an age where restaurants come and go, , founded in 1996, is still standing. Don't let the strip mall setting fool you. The bistro may be tiny, but it's popular with the locals and regulars, and there were plenty of each. The restaurant was fully packed—a common sight at this long-standing establishment—and the service was not compromised by how busy the staff was.

The menu has a variety of Asian and American influences—dishes range from potstickers to wontons to even calimari appetizers—so there's something for everyone.

The entrees contain a good variety of fish, beef and pork. Noodles and a vegetarian menu are also available.

The crispy fried wontons ($8.95) were a great way to start the meal. The hot and sweet sauce that accompanied the dish was definitely more on the sweet side, to my delight. Each wonton was crunchy and fresh with a light flavor to it.

Up next was the $20.95 bento box. The box changes daily, so it's a great way to sample some of the dishes. During my visit, the selection included beef and vegetables in oyster sauce ,which was very tender and mild. Also included were two crispy and moist crab cakes, a sweet and tender chicken skewer that practically fell off the stick, and miso soup with fish.

I enjoyed each sampling, but I do wish the miso soup had a little more salt to it. 

Gina Lee's Bistro is a great date restaurant, yet it's casual enough for a night out with friends. Its long tenure in Redondo Beach and its fusion menu are good reasons alone for trying it out.

Gina Lee's Bistro is located at 211 Palos Verdes Blvd. in South Redondo Beach.