Mahe Seal Beach California Restaurant Photos & Information

Seal Beach, California - Formerly known as the Glide'er Inn or Glider Inn for those of us who can't remember where the apostrophe goes and how to spell a name that is but a mere memory now, Mahe Seal Beach doesn't spend a lot of time promoting the fact that it is one of Orange County's oldest businesses. Building on the passion for tropical islands, surfing lifestyle, and fun, today's business in the building does keep the model airplane on a tower suspended up in the air in front of the building to remind people that there's a long tradition of travel tied to this building and business serving meals to Californians and visitors for some 70 years. It is one reminder of what's great about California dining--the unique approaches that change with the times to meet customer demands and interests.

Mahe, 1400 Pacific Coast Highway, Seal Beach. (562) 431-3022. Open 5 to 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 4 to 10 p.m.

Mahe, 24961 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629 (949) 240-6243

Originally located next to a dirt landing strip where old-time aviator Ray (Pop) Crawford built gliders (hence the restaurant's name), the business was established in 1930, and the building did relocate to its current spot. Roll back to the old days when Seal Beach was known for many things (including gambling and prostitution), it was considered a fun spot.

Mahe carries that tradition of fun. Though not booking bands meeting quite the commercial success once experienced and enjoyed at the old Airport Club renamed Marina Club across town a mile or so on 1st Street at PCH, for locals, names such as Robby Armstrong, Party Jones and Parkaimoon might as well be The Doors or The Byrds, bands that did a double headliner at the Marina Club in the late 60's.

Mahe Seal Beach is one of several Mahe restaurants located in Orange County (the other is in Dana Point) true to its neighborhood. Seal Beach is all about locals, and the restaurant offers a warm, abiding club atmosphere of a dinner house where family and friends can come in their casual attire, sip cocktails, and dine on top notch sushi, steaks and quality meats. While some complain that the restaurant is a bit loud and noisy, it's really designed to be an entertainment venue in which guests can enjoy food, music, cocktails and good times all in one spot. If the $25 price for an entree misleads you into believing you have the right to peace and quiet, maybe you should go to Duke's up in HB where the crowd is much more subdued. 

At Mahe Seal Beach a full sushi bar, a full cocktail bar, and even meeting space for just under 40 folks makes this toast of the town. Bands perform in a dedicated bar separated by a door from the main dining area where the decor is tropical mixed with Asian influences. Named after Mahé, the main island group of 41 mountainous islands  at Seychelles, which is an island nation in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, it is described as Paradise on Earth. That's not a bad thing to build a business on--if you can deliver the goods. Mahe restaurant does qualify by providing a localized brand of paradise.

Known to excel in its sushi and fresh fish offerings, those who aren't sushi fans can dine on delicious cuts of lamb, angus steaks, and chicken cooked expertly over a grill that sears the meat to the tee. Prominently displayed as you enter the front door is a big, chilled glass case where the sushi chef takes the fish and prepares the cuts for guests. It's clear to see the fish is fine quality. Many loyal fans rank this is their favorite spot and raise their hands in resounding applause. Some actually watch the calendar or clock and call up to confirm that specialty fish have arrived such as Copper River Salmon, only available a few weeks out of the year.

The people serving the food tend toward youthful exuberance. Many surf, and they're filled with energy. They wear tropical shirts and plain, dark pants as their uniform. They assure guests who see only the raw fish at the door to come in and explore. Sure many love the sushi. But the extensive menu includes salads, soups, and all things expertly cooked.

There's a sushi menu, a sushi rolls and specialties menu, and "Dining". That includes everything else. What is everything?  Flame grilled Alaskan halibut with a light ginger citrus marinade; mahi mahi wrapped in a banana leaf, steamed and topped with a fresh mango chow-chow and drizzled with a lilikoi balsamic reduction; Alaskan Butterfish pan seared and caramelized with a red miso glaze; Blackened Swordfish; Grilled Scallops; Mahé surf and turf; Western Australian lobster tail;; Alaskan King Crab Legs; 16 oz. Bone-In Ribeye topped with an Irish whiskey peppercorn cream sauce and balsamic reduction; Rack of Australian Lamb; Lemongrass Chicken and several pasta dishes. Pastas are around the low $20s and top of the line lobster tops $60.

Desert items are not complex, but they do satisfy. Seasonal fruits such as grilled pineapple with vanilla ice cream, and use of coconut, cinnamon and bananas, the primary crops of the Seychelle, are integrated into meals and desserts sometimes.