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 area 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! 

 

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 mimosa flight 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 roasted bone marrow or grilled swordfish steak.

 

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. However, the restaurant and bar are the true highlights of Marlena, showcasing a variety of innovative dishes such as hiramasa crudo, crispy fried cauliflower and wood-fired meats. Be sure to save room for the burnt Basque cheesecake for dessert!

 

I Luv Ur Buns

I Luv Ur Buns is an adorable and delicious pop-up located within the Daisy Diner Long Beach. This Asian street food-focused eatery specializes in—you guessed it—bao buns. These fluffy and warm buns can be filled with pork, chicken satay, fried chicken, carne asada and plant-based options. This exciting pop-up also serves a variety of sides and appetizers like loaded fries with a variety of toppings, edamame and crab rangoons. Finally, end your meal with one of the deep-fried sweet buns that are sprinkled with powdered sugar.

 

Charm Siam

In the mood for traditional Thai food? Charm Siam is sure to cure your cravings! 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 beautiful, design-forward ambiance at Ammatoli. The menu 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 ordering a bottle of wine for the table, order the hummus, fried kibbeh and shawarma plate for the table.

 

Altar Society Brewing Co.

The recently opened Altar Society Brewing Co. is the latest and greatest place to grab a beer and pizza in Long Beach. The industrial setting is complete with a red brick wall, metal bar stools and exposed pipes on the ceiling. This downtown 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 pastries 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  menu is designed to be shared and enjoyed among friends, featuring plenty of small plates and family-style dishes that you won’t want to miss. 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 coconut panna cotta. 

 

Gaucho Beach

Enjoy ocean views and bold bites at Gaucho Beach. Located just steps away from the sand, Gaucho Beach combines Argentine and Californian cuisine to create a vibrant and enticing menu that boasts juicy steaks, tasty tacos and plenty of craft cocktails. The open-air patio is 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 hamachi crudo and Wagyu carpaccio to save room for the handmade pasta. From the black truffle-topped cavatelli to bone marrow butter gnocchi, Ellie’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 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 is 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 but 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, diver scallop or yellowfin tuna.