Top 10 Restaurant’s in Long Beach
LONG BEACH’S TOP 15 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS
In this “Best of Long Beach Restaurants,” I want to look at Long Beach’s favorites places to eat. Specifically, those established, loved by all restaurants; this list isn’t about the hip or trendy. This list is about; great food, being well run, friendly service, and most importantly, the test of time. That, years later, they are going strong, busy, and popular destinations. Restaurants that will most likely still be Long Beach favorites in ten years.
One of the best parts of Long Beach is our loyalty to our local, small businesses. Once Long Beach loves you, you become a built-in part of our community and culture. There are so many restaurants and businesses I support today, that my grandparents also frequented in their youth, hence why we are probably the littlest, big city in California. So, here is a list of my Top 15 favorite full-service restaurants, in no particular order.
Los Compadres
I mean really, who has not eaten here? When I think of Long Beach staples, not many restaurants can compare to the traditional Mexican cuisine, ambiance and staff that might as well be family. With two locations here in Long Beach, this is a place my future grandkids will no doubt enjoy.
3229 E. Anaheim / 1144 Pine Ave.
Open Sesame
The only restaurant so nice, we asked for it twice, on the same block, and it still kills it. A phenomenon you won’t see often. Open Sesame, a Lebanese / Mediterranean restaurant that once you’ve been, you’ll understand exactly how they have two restaurants only doors apart.
5215 2nd St
Michael’s on Naples Ristorante
Michael has redefined fine dining in Long Beach, so much so, that this Italian restaurant has created an organization that is not only making a huge splash throughout the entire restaurant community but has even acquired food sourcing, and grows produce on-site, to ensure a consistent, high-quality product.
5620 2nd St
Sushi Kinoya
The only sushi joint to make the list. This was difficult because we have lots of good sushi here in Long Beach, but this place stands out from the crowd. Where many of the really good sushi places, are strong today (Sushi Studio) they might not be here tomorrow. Kinoya is special in how they care for their guests and this shows in their loyal customers.
5521 Sterns St
Jonny Rebs
I mean duh, right? Their BBQ is so good. A hidden little gem, that anyone who lives here already knows. If you haven’t discovered this restaurant yet, grab a group of meat-eating, beer-drinking friends and prepare for a great time.
4663 Long Beach Blvd
Crooked Duck
Even though I still think its a funny name, no one can deny that people love this place. Focusing on American food and doing a great business for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is one of the few places I could eat all three meals, in one day.
5096 PCH
At Last Café
Another hidden gem. I won’t hold it against you if you never knew this place was there, its tucked away, all by itself, but I will definitely judge, if you don’t go, now that you know. Watching their growth and progression over the last 8-9 years has been awesome! Phenomenal traditional American lunch and dinner, a true local neighborhood restaurant.
204 Orange Ave
Delius
Yes I realize that this is technically in Signal Hill, however, 1) This is a long time Long Beach restaurant who relocated to this address. 2) I recognize Signal Hill’s independence from Long Beach as much as England recognized the American colonies’ independence in 1776. This cozy and sexy wine bar and American restaurant is perfect for your next date night.
2951 Cherry Ave
The Attic
Hats off to these guys. This one was an absolute no brainer. Talk about striking restaurant gold! What can I say that the huge wait and crowds of people there aren’t already saying? If you haven’t been here, I question what you’ve been doing with your life.
3441 E Broadway
Elephant Thai Kitchen
Long Beach loves its Thai food. This was one of the hardest picks on the list. Rocharin Thai, would have made the list if it were ½ a mile closer, I love May’s and Bli Plui seems to always have a steady stream of business. There are lots of tough picks, but the one that stands out above the rest was The Elephant Kitchen.
2087 Long Beach Blvd
Lola’s
A modern take on Mexican cuisine in a hip and cool environment. I love how progressive they are, both with food and drinks. Did I mention their cocktails? Now with two Long Beach locations, it seems this city can’t get enough.
2030 4th St / 4140 Atlantic Ave
Tantalum
Another solid Long Beach staple. I have to admit as much as I have always loved Tantalum, I originally questioned if they would make it, primarily because it’s a hidden and tough location. However, since JD took the role of executive chef, there has been no looking back for them. This American cuisine kills it, and their view is undeniably one of the best of any Long Beach restaurant.
6272 E PCH
Rivera’s
I know, I know. Three Mexican restaurants and only one thai and sushi on this list. Easy there, don’t shoot the messenger. Long Beach just really loves its Mexican food, and the especially loves Rivera’s. Been here forever, cutest dining room, amazing food, and caring staff, I mean there is no way this doesn’t make the list.
2901 E 7th St
Phil Trani’s
Long time Long Beach favorite for live music and good Italian eats, with heavy seafood influences. This is one of those Long Beach spots, where you never know who is sitting next to you, but it’s almost always good people.
3490 Long Beach Blvd.
Congregation Ale House
Can’s say enough about this place. A bunch of winners, where you don’t need to pray you’ll have a good time. In this new era of self-service gastropubs and breweries, Congregation didn’t lose themselves or their service. Great place to try some new beers, meet some old friends, or meet some new ones.
201 E Broadway Ave