It’s hard to explain why I give this restaurant 5 stars, because it’s old and funky, and sometimes, the hash browns taste like fish. The first time we went there, my boyfriend remarked that it was like having a meal with his Italian family. It is run by an Italian family, and the patriarch, Joe Canetti (a WWII veteran, who opened Canetti’s in 1957), often makes fresh doughnuts on weekend mornings. Joe is a treasure, and is often out on the floor, chatting with the patrons and feeding people samples!

Seat yourself wherever you can. The menu is on several chalkboards around the dining room. The walls are charmingly covered in interesting things, such as vintage calendar pages, newspaper articles (“Sub Attacks California”), photos of planes and sail boats, and other memorabilia. The place is often buzzing with the pleasing frenzy of the old San Pedrans sitting together in groups of 10 or more, talking over politics, family, sports, etc., and it just has a wonderfully comforting and homey atmosphere, and gives you a sense of “roots.”

The fish here is literally right-off-the-boat-fresh (it’s about 100 yards from the commercial fishing dock), and always cooked to perfection. Last weekend, we saw one decadent fellow eating lobster and eggs for breakfast! Not my cup of tea for breakfast, but the (fresh California) lobster looked delectible, and I plan to eat it for dinner ASAP! If you’re eating healthier they also make wonderful, steel-cut oatmeal (none of that instant junk!) and beautiful bowls and cups of fresh fruit, nicely assorted and always ripe.

Canetti’s is my favorite way to begin any weekend morning, with their good and plentiful coffee; Joe’s doughnuts (get there early, or the regulars will eat them all!) and warm, friendly service. They are open for breakfast and lunch every day, but only open for dinner on Fridays, at present.

We went there several different times and dates, and never got any service, never.
It must be that if you don’t look like you have “longshoreman money”, or are longies and/or fishermen, or are recognizeable as a spouse/girlfriend or family of such or are dressed – umm- importantly? you’re not worth the time.
We went, we were nice, after sitting ourselves & waiting over 15 min. ea. time, we ASKED if we could be helped & were smiled at, and NEVER served. There was a table of old-timer guys joshing at Their Table, otherwise it was empty…
So, feeling hurt, we took our appetites and payday deep-pockets to: Ports O’Call Restaurant – delicious; Ante’s- delicious; Sorrento’s – delicious; Pronto’s; delicious, Redondo Pier, delicious, etc. and’ve never gone back.
We’ve heard it’s good, but we don’t recommend it.