Long Beach isn’t just a stopover between Los Angeles and Orange County—it’s a destination in its own right, bursting with character, creativity, and yes, culinary greatness. I’ve eaten my way through this eclectic, art-loving, ocean-hugging city more times than I can count.
This isn’t a city of cookie-cutter franchises or overpriced tourist traps. Here, you’ll find bold chefs, multicultural menus, and some of the most satisfying meals within walking distance of the beach. From fresh seafood joints and buzzing taco spots to romantic date-night gems and brunch havens, Long Beach delivers flavor with authenticity and soul.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 10 must-try restaurants in Long Beach, based on my personal visits and real-life cravings. I’ll share where to find them, what to order, how much you’ll spend, how to reserve a spot, and how to save while you savor.
🥇 1. Heritage
- Address: 2032 E 7th St, Long Beach, CA 90804
- Cuisine: Modern American / Farm-to-Table
- Vibe: Upscale, cozy, intimate
My Experience:
Dining at Heritage felt like being welcomed into someone’s soulful, sustainable kitchen. It’s Long Beach’s first and only Michelin-starred restaurant, and every bite reflects that prestige. I came here for a special anniversary dinner and was completely enchanted by the balance of elegance and warmth.
We had the Chef’s Tasting Menu (\$125 per person)—and it was sublime. From the roasted duck with blackberry jus to the heirloom tomato tart, the ingredients were locally sourced, seasonally crafted, and plated like art.
Must-Order Dishes:
- Tasting Menu (rotates seasonally)
- House-made sourdough with cultured butter
- Lamb with harissa and chickpeas
Average Cost:
- \$125–150 per person (with wine pairing)
How to Book:
Reserve via Resy—slots fill fast. Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
Savings Tip:
No real deals here, but go during weekday dinner for less crowd and smoother pacing.
🌮 2. Lola’s Mexican Cuisine (Retro Row)
- Address: 2030 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814
- Cuisine: Mexican with a modern twist
- Vibe: Colorful, artsy, local
My Experience:
Lola’s is love. From the moment I stepped onto the vibrant patio strung with papel picado, I knew this wasn’t just another taco place. It’s a celebration of family recipes passed down with pride. The staff feels like old friends, the walls are lined with Chicano art, and the margaritas? Dangerous in the best way.
I ordered the mole enchiladas and street corn, and washed it all down with a spicy mango margarita. The portions were generous, and the flavors were smoky, bold, and comfortingly homemade.
Must-Order Dishes:
- Chicken Mole Enchiladas
- Esquites (Mexican street corn)
- Pozole on weekends
- House margarita sampler
Average Cost:
- \$25–35 per person
How to Book:
Walk-ins welcome, but weekends get packed. Use Yelp Waitlist to avoid standing around.
Savings Tip:
Check their Instagram (@lolaslb) for weekday drink specials and limited dishes.
🐟 3. The Attic on Broadway
- Address: 3441 E Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90803
- Cuisine: Southern California Comfort
- Vibe: Charming bungalow with serious brunch game
My Experience:
Imagine sipping mimosas on a Craftsman porch, surrounded by succulents and sunlight, while eating mac ‘n cheese with hot Cheetos on top. That’s The Attic. It’s quirky, it’s cozy, and it’s one of the most Instagrammed spots in Long Beach—for good reason.
I came here for brunch with friends and left in a food coma. The staff was upbeat, the playlist was perfect, and the Chicken and Beignets? Game-changing.
Must-Order Dishes:
- Mac & Cheetos
- Chicken and Beignets
- Smoked Brisket Hash
- Bloody Mary with bacon
Average Cost:
- \$30–40 per person
How to Book:
Use OpenTable or call ahead for weekend brunch.
Savings Tip:
Come for weekday breakfast—same flavors, shorter waits.
🍣 4. Sushi Kinoya
- Address: 4085 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Vibe: Understated, authentic, chef-run
My Experience:
I almost didn’t want to include Sushi Kinoya because it’s such a local secret. But here we are. This is my go-to spot for fresh, no-nonsense sushi when I’m craving a quiet night out.
It’s chef-owned, and you can taste the difference. I sat at the sushi bar and watched the chef torch salmon belly with practiced calm. Every bite was pure, clean, unpretentious perfection.
Must-Order Dishes:
- Omakase
- Salmon belly nigiri
- Spicy tuna crispy rice
Average Cost:
- \$45–60 per person
How to Book:
Call directly—no online reservations. They answer quickly.
Savings Tip:
Lunch combo specials are a steal.
🍝 5. La Parolaccia Osteria
- Address: 2945 E Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90803
- Cuisine: Northern Italian
- Vibe: Rustic, romantic, family-owned
My Experience:
This cozy little osteria might just be Long Beach’s most romantic restaurant. Candlelight, exposed brick, the smell of garlic in the air—it’s the kind of place where time slows down. My gnocchi was soft, pillowy perfection, and the red wine they recommended paired beautifully.
They hand-roll the pasta, and the menu changes with the seasons. It feels like a dinner in Tuscany, minus the jet lag.
Must-Order Dishes:
- Gnocchi al Pesto
- Osso Buco
- Tiramisu
Average Cost:
- \$40–60 per person
How to Book:
Reserve through OpenTable or by phone. Small space—book early.
Savings Tip:
Order wine by the bottle, not glass—it’s much better value.
Would you like me to continue with the rest of the article (restaurants 6 to 10 + platform recommendations + conclusion) right away?
🥩 6. Claire’s at the Museum
- Address: 2300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
- Cuisine: California Coastal / Brunch
- Vibe: Artsy, elegant, scenic
My Experience:
Located inside the Long Beach Museum of Art, Claire’s is brunch with a view—literally. The oceanfront terrace overlooks the Pacific, and the aesthetic blends art, nature, and gourmet simplicity.
I had brunch here after exploring the museum galleries. Sitting under a patio umbrella with a glass of prosecco, watching sailboats drift by, was one of the most peaceful mornings of my entire Long Beach trip. The food? Clean, fresh, seasonal.
Must-Order Dishes:
- Crab Cake Benedict
- Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
- Avocado Smash
Average Cost:
- \$25–35 per person
How to Book:
Walk-ins welcome, but weekends are busy. Opentable reservations recommended for patio seating.
Savings Tip:
Admission to the museum is discounted on Fridays—perfect for a bundled brunch + art day.
🍔 7. MVP’s Grill & Patio
- Address: 5484 E Stearns St, Long Beach, CA 90815
- Cuisine: American Burgers
- Vibe: Casual, sporty, hidden gem
My Experience:
Sometimes you just need a burger. Not a fancy gastropub burger, but a greasy, juicy, all-American stack of beef, cheese, and sauce. MVP’s delivers that, and then some. This place is a local cult favorite, and once I tried the “Bo Jackson Burger,” I understood why.
I sat outside on the patio, devouring fries and listening to the chatter of college students, skateboarders, and families—it felt like real Long Beach.
Must-Order Dishes:
- Bo Jackson Burger
- Kobe Bryant Burger (yes, that’s a thing!)
- Chili Cheese Fries
Average Cost:
- \$12–18 per person
How to Book:
No reservations. Counter service only. Worth the wait.
Savings Tip:
Portions are huge—split a combo with a friend to save money.
🍕 8. Michael’s on Naples
- Address: 5620 E 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803
- Cuisine: Upscale Italian
- Vibe: Elegant, rooftop, date-night-worthy
My Experience:
Michael’s is my go-to when I want to impress. Located on Naples Island, this spot has a dreamy rooftop bar, soft lighting, and some of the best pizza and pasta in Southern California. It’s refined without being pretentious.
Their Neapolitan-style pizza was bubbling with flavor, and the sommelier recommended a Brunello that elevated the entire meal. Classy without being snobby.
Must-Order Dishes:
- Burrata with roasted grapes
- Wild Boar Ragu
- Tartufo Pizza
Average Cost:
- \$50–70 per person
How to Book:
Book through Resy or the restaurant’s official website.
Savings Tip:
Happy hour on the rooftop (Monday–Friday, 4–6 PM) = great deals on wine and apps.
🦐 9. Pier 76 Fish Grill
- Address: 95 Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802
- Cuisine: Fresh Seafood
- Vibe: Nautical, laid-back, fast-casual
My Experience:
Long Beach and seafood go hand in hand, and Pier 76 might be the most underrated seafood joint downtown. It’s fast-casual, but the food is full-on gourmet. I stopped in after a harbor walk and was blown away by the grilled mahi mahi tacos and their signature slaw.
Service is quick, seating is casual, and everything tasted fresh off the boat.
Must-Order Dishes:
- Ahi Tuna Sandwich
- Mahi Mahi Tacos
- Clam Chowder
Average Cost:
- \$18–25 per person
How to Book:
No reservations. Great for lunch or a quick dinner.
Savings Tip:
Check Yelp Deals—they sometimes offer 10–15% off vouchers.
🧁 10. Sweet Jill’s Bakery
- Address: 5224 E 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803
- Cuisine: Bakery / Dessert
- Vibe: Old-school sweet shop
My Experience:
I discovered Sweet Jill’s on a late-night dessert hunt in Belmont Shore, and I’ve returned every visit since. The smell alone—butter, cinnamon, sugar—will pull you in from half a block away.
Their cinnamon rolls are legendary. I had one warm, gooey, and dripping with icing on a park bench overlooking the water. No regrets.
Must-Order Items:
- Cinnamon Roll (the size of your face)
- Banana Cream Pie
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
Average Cost:
- \$5–10 per item
How to Book:
Walk-in only. Closes early, so don’t wait!
Savings Tip:
Come near closing time—day-old items are discounted and still delicious.
📱 Best Platforms for Booking Restaurants, Flights, and Hotels in the U.S.
Whether you’re planning a food tour like mine or a full beach weekend, these are the tools I use regularly for saving time and money:
Restaurant Reservations:
- OpenTable: Great for formal dining
- Resy: Trendy and chef-driven places
- Yelp: Waitlist, reviews, and local deals
Flight & Hotel Booking:
- Google Flights: Best for comparing flight prices quickly
- Hopper: Predicts price drops on flights and hotels
- Expedia: Good for bundled savings
- Booking.com: More boutique hotel listings in Long Beach
- Hotels.com: Rewards program is solid for frequent travelers
Local Experiences & Tickets:
- GetYourGuide or Viator: Book tours and attraction tickets
- Tock: For exclusive tastings and high-end dining
✨ Long Beach Tastes Like Home
I’ve learned that a city’s soul lives in its food. And Long Beach? It’s soulful, sun-soaked, and surprisingly rich in flavor. From Michelin stars to backyard tacos, every bite tells a story of migration, heritage, and bold, coastal creativity.
So come hungry. Come curious. And maybe bring stretchy pants.
