From Asian Street Food to Fine Dining, Long Beach’s Culinary Scene Is Anything But Ordinary
Located on the outskirts of Los Angeles County, Long Beach is a coastal city with a rich history, exciting nightlife and a premium dining scene. Though there are a handful of local eateries that have stood the test of time, Long Beach has seen an explosion of fantastic new restaurants that have truly put the city on the map. From flavorful Colombian fare to classic and comforting Italian cuisine, Long Beach has become a hub for foodies looking to get their fix. Without further ado, these are the best spots to eat in Long Beach right now!
Cafe Sevilla
A Long Beach favorite since 1987, Cafe Sevilla manifests the essence of Spain from the moment you walk into the restaurant. You’ll find true Spanish tapas, paellas and sangria here, as well as a selection of fish and meat dishes that speak to its Andalusian origins. Party like a Spaniard with live music five nights a week—think Latin, salsa, flamenco, rumba and more. And weekends take it up a notch with brunch from “the other South.” From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday, enjoy a special menu that features breakfast paella, a chorizo omelette and churros con chocolate, or order from the dinner menu. Don’t miss the bottomless Spanish cava, which comes with a choice of one juice (and a two-hour time limit). There’s even a live house DJ during brunch hours. Keep apprised of their happy hour, which happens all night on Wednesday and select hours on Thursday through Sunday, where you’ll be pampered with 50% off tapas, a Spanish-inspired taco menu and drink specials.
4 Shore
When nothing short of elegance will do, make your way to 4 Shore for a dining experience that you won’t soon forget. This restaurant understands luxury—from plush seating to perfect plating, a cocktail program both familiar and new, and a menu that impresses all palates. We recommend starting with a Fig Old-Fashioned and leaning into a bottle of wine while embarking on a craftily coursed meal. Our picks include the yellowtail crudo, fresh tagliatelle pasta and lamb saddle—and we always leave room for dessert, of course. The decadent Royal Kaluga, featuring sweet caviar, a potato beignet and creme fraiche, will leave a lasting impression.
Mangette
Drawing inspiration from France, Mangette is a neighborhood bistro that highlights the best bounty of each California season. Every Wednesday, the culinary team visits the Santa Monica Farmers Market to select local goods and pairs them with gourmet ingredients from Europe to develop the menu. Serving breakfast, lunch and ice cream (yes, an entire menu devoted to it), the menu here is always fresh and creative. Signature items include the trout tartine and Basque cheesecake, and the coffee program is on point. The airy space is also available for private events, such as an intimate dinner or friends and family affair.
The 908
The 908 is Long Beach’s premier spot for people-watching, mingling and elevated American cuisine. Despite having an upscale menu and modern design, the vibes at The 908 remain laid back and cozy, allowing locals and visitors to make themselves right at home throughout the week. Whether you’re catching the latest sports game or simply want to catch up with some coworkers over delicious food, sublime cocktails and great wine, The 908 should be at the top of your Long Beach must-dine list. Happy hour runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and guests can enjoy $4 off craft cocktails and appetizers and $2 off well drinks, draft wine and beer. The 908 also serves up a stellar brunch on the weekends where you can enjoy a spritz alongside eggs Benedict or breakfast tacos. If you visit during dinner hours, don’t forget to check out the seasonal menu. There are always exciting and innovative dishes to explore such as the bánh mì chopped salad and filet Oscar.
Marlena Long Beach
Sit down for a Mediterranean-inspired meal at Marlena Long Beach. The daily cafe is open in the mornings from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., making it a great place for WFHers hoping to get out of the house and enjoy a quality cup of coffee alongside some flaky pastries. The restaurant and bar are the true highlights of Marlena, showcasing a variety of innovative dishes such as Spanish octopus, crispy fried cauliflower and wood-fired meats. Be sure to save room for the burnt Basque cheesecake for dessert!
Charm Siam
In the mood for traditional Thai food? Charm Siam is a low-key haunt on East Broadway that is sure to cure your cravings. Step inside this streetside restaurant and indulge in classic Thai starters like soft shell crab and crispy gyoza before exploring the many noodle and rice dishes. The pad see ew is a hearty and satisfying favorite that never gets old, but if you prefer a little spice, consider ordering the drunken noodle dish. If curry is more your style, you can’t go wrong with the traditional yellow curry. Of course, no Thai feast is complete without a mango sticky rice for dessert.
Ammatoli
Looking for a trendy and stylish place to impress a date? Immerse yourself in the Old World bistro setting of Ammatoli. The menu of this charming restaurant showcases the beauty and diversity of Levantine cuisine, and whether you visit for lunch, dinner or even brunch, you’re definitely going to walk away with a new favorite dish. The menu is massive, ensuring that there’s something for every kind of foodie. After selecting a bottle of wine for the table, order the hummus, fried kibbeh and shawarma plate to share.
Altar Society Brewing & Coffee Co.
The recently opened Altar Society Brewing & Coffee Co. is the latest and greatest place to grab a beer and pizza in Long Beach. This industrial restaurant is set in the 1903 historic Masonic Temple (the oldest building in Downtown Long Beach!). The brewery is laid-back and casual, making it a great place to grub with friends on the weekend. In addition to pizza, Altar Society Brewing Co. also serves sandwiches and sliders along with espresso drinks and craft brews at the coffee bar.
Selva
Inspired by the vibrant flavors and dishes of Colombia, Selva has been a local favorite since it first opened in February 2022. This is easily one of the best restaurants in Long Beach, and the dishes are designed to be shared and enjoyed among friends, featuring plenty of small plates and family-style bites. The Peruvian scallop crudo is a light and refreshing starter, as is the traditional ceviche made with leche de tigre and served with plantain chips. Some other can’t-miss dishes include the yucca fries, smoked chicken and chuzos—skewered grilled meats or vegetables with yeast butter.
Gaucho Beach
Enjoy ocean views and bold bites at Gaucho Beach. Located on Shoreline Drive, just steps away from the sand, Gaucho Beach combines Argentinian and Californian cuisine to create a vibrant and enticing menu that boasts juicy steaks, tasty tacos and plenty of craft cocktails. The two open-air patios (located on two different levels) are perfect for a sunny day in SoCal, and there are some amazing weekly specials that you won’t want to miss. During Sangria Mondays, guests are given 50% off a sangria carafe of their choice, while Burger & Fries Tuesdays feature free beer with any Gaucho burger.
Ellie’s
Inspired by the rich pastas and fare of Southern Italy, Ellie’s is the ultimate place for Italian cuisine in Long Beach. The interior is simple yet elegant, featuring white tablecloths, metal stools and plenty of natural light during the daytime. When it comes to appetizers, start off on a lighter note with the bluefin crudo and Wagyu carpaccio to save room for the handmade pasta. From the short rib agnolotti to the bone marrow butter gnocchi, this Long Beach restaurant’s decadent pastas will make your mouth water.
Chiang Rai
Enjoy a taste of Thai street food when you visit Chiang Rai. This unique and cozy restaurant in Long Beach was added to the Michelin Guide in 2022 and celebrates the traditional flavors and recipes of Thailand’s legendary street food scene. Dishes like Khao Soi are given a modern twist with a topping of thin raw beef slices, and it’s by far one of the most popular picks for locals. Thai street soup is great for warming up on a chilly coastal day, but if you’re not in the mood for soup, the spicy pork sausage has the perfect amount of heat.
Heritage
In the mood for something fancy? Heritage is a renowned Long Beach restaurant that received its first Michelin star in 2023. The six-course menu changes with the seasons, but you can always expect to leave wildly impressed. One of the best things about Heritage is the fact that they source as locally and sustainably as possible, resulting in vibrant and fresh meals that feature everything from grilled seafood to braised veggies. The tasting menu costs $120 per person, and the $60 wine pairing is well worth the splurge.
A PCH
Dine in style at A PCH. This elegant eatery is one of the newest establishments from River Jetty Restaurant Group, and it’s the perfect place for a wine night with the gals while in Long Beach. The menu changes with the seasons, but you can always expect lavish caviar service to be available along with fresh oysters on the half shell. You’ll also find that the limited but elevated menu also features a lot of seafood such as hamachi crudo, yellowfin tuna and Alaskan halibut.
Allie Lebos graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017 with a BA in Communication. While in school she was a staff writer at The Daily Nexus for nearly two years. Since graduating she has written for The Palisades Magazine, as well as Hidden Hills Magazine. Currently living in Santa Monica, Allie loves to indulge in good food, hot yoga, and daily walks along the beach; writing articles on travel, special events, as well as features on local businesses and individuals.
