Long Beach, a vibrant coastal city with a population rivaling Atlanta, boasts a culinary landscape as diverse as its residents. From cherished old-school Italian joints to cutting-edge contemporary Filipino bakeries, superb taquerias, and unique Cambodian eateries, this city's food scene is constantly evolving and always delicious. We've combed through the latest and greatest to bring you a definitive guide to the "best restaurants in Long Beach right now," ensuring you taste the very best this dynamic city has to offer.
Whether you're a long-time local or just visiting, prepare to embark on a flavorful journey. We'll introduce you to the freshest additions to the scene, like the highly anticipated San & Wolves, the sleek Olive & Rose, and the dazzling re-introduction of The Sky Room. Get ready to discover your next favorite meal, from casual bites to upscale experiences, all curated with the discerning palate in mind.
A Tapestry of Global Flavors: Long Beach's Diverse Culinary Scene
Long Beach is a true melting pot, and its restaurant scene brilliantly reflects this. You can traverse continents with just a few blocks, discovering authentic tastes and innovative fusions that will surprise and delight. This city truly shines when it comes to offering a global culinary journey.
For a taste of Southeast Asia, you'll find exceptional Cambodian cuisine. A&J Seafood Shack, a compact 280-square-foot stall, serves up incredible Cambodian fusion dishes like wok-fried lobster and crab, beef stick sandwiches, and grilled Khmer sausage, all crafted from cherished family recipes. For a classic experience, Phnom Penh Noodle Shack, open since 1985, is a neighborhood institution revered for its Khmer-style rice porridge and its namesake pork noodle soup. Don't overlook Crystal Thai-Cambodian Cuisine, an under-the-radar gem known for its "red-hot cooking," featuring fiery red beef sticks and spicy papaya salad.
Mexican food lovers have exceptional choices too. Tacos La Carreta, originating as a taco cart in Compton and now a truck frequently found near Long Beach's northern border, specializes in Mazatlán-style tacos like chorreadas and vampiros. Meanwhile, Lola’s Mexican Cuisine offers a broader menu from Chef Luis Navarro across its two Long Beach locations, with favorites like queso fundido, Baja-style fish tacos, and birria queso enchiladas.
Venturing to other corners of the globe, Selva, led by Chef Carlos Jurado, offers a rare taste of Colombia in Southern California. Their Colombian hot dog, topped with chorizo and crushed Lay’s chips, is legendary, alongside grilled octopus and aji-amarillo-inflected ceviche. For authentic Korean flavors, Sura Korean BBQ & Tofu House delivers bubbling tofu soups, crispy-bottomed bibimbap, and even bulgogi nachos. If you're craving Japanese, Sushi Kinoya is your solid, unfussy spot for satisfying maki rolls, pristine nigiri, and affordable lunch specials in a minimalist setting. Finally, for the rich tastes of the Levant, Ammatoli by Dima and Sam Habibeh presents familiar Mediterranean dishes like hummus and labneh in a welcoming, airy space. To truly immerse yourself in the array of global tastes, you'll want to Explore specific cuisines for detailed recommendations.
Start Your Day Right: Breakfast & Brunch Hotspots
Long Beach has a robust and buzzing breakfast and brunch scene, perfect for leisurely weekend gatherings or a quick morning bite. If you're looking to kick off your day with hearty, flavorful options, you're in the right place.
The Nest: A Brunch Joint, owned by Antonio Appling, is a must-visit, offering a delightful Black Southern menu with a Southern California twist. Expect highlights like two types of chilaquiles, fried biscuits and gravy, and Nashville-style hot chicken biscuit. It's the ideal spot for a lively weekend meal. Another cornerstone of the morning meal scene, simply named The Breakfast Bar, signifies the city's strong commitment to this beloved meal. For those who appreciate freshly baked goods with their coffee, Nonna Mercato functions as a bread bakery, patisserie, and coffee shop, also serving Roman-style pizzas and delectable brunch dishes on weekends. And for a newer option, Olive & Rose serves up excellent bagel sandwiches and coffee by day, perfect for a casual morning start. To get meal-specific guidance for any time of day, you can Get meal-specific guidance..
Iconic Establishments & Fresh Faces: Unforgettable Dining Experiences
Long Beach seamlessly blends its rich history with exciting new culinary ventures, offering unique atmospheres for every occasion. From historic landmarks to modern neo-bistros, you can truly Unlock Memorable Dining Moments across the city.
For a taste of Long Beach history, Reno Room, established in 1945, is one of the city's oldest dive bars, serving beer, cocktails, and hearty fare like wet burritos and Baja-style fish tacos from Coco Reno kitchen, all from 6 a.m. daily. On the other end of the spectrum, the recently reintroduced The Sky Room at the Fairmont Breakers, almost a century old, offers a stunning dining room with Chef de cuisine Maxwell Pfeiffer's elegant menu and breathtaking views of Long Beach Harbor.
Among the exciting new additions to the Long Beach dining landscape is Olive & Rose, opened in 2023 by Lauren and Chef Philip Pretty (formerly of Michelin-starred Heritage). Located in the historic City Center Motel, this neo-bistro offers sophisticated dinner dishes like steak tartare and roast chicken in a sleek mid-century modern setting. Another highly anticipated newcomer is San & Wolves, a Filipino bakery pop-up by Kym Estrada, which is opening its first permanent Belmont Heights location in early 2025, promising dairy and egg-free pandesal and ube buns. These spots, old and new, each offer a distinct vibe that makes dining in Long Beach truly special.
Beyond the Plate: Unique Features & Neighborhood Gems
Long Beach's culinary scene isn't just about what's on the menu; it's also about the experience, the ambiance, and the local character of each spot. From acclaimed bakeries to beloved barbecue joints, there's a unique charm to be found in every corner. You can Explore unique features and amenities that make these spots truly stand out.
Gusto Bread, Arturo Enciso's highly acclaimed Long Beach bakery, is a must-visit for its artisanal pastries, boules, and baguettes. Be sure to order online early, as items sell out quickly! For Southern comfort food, Sal's Gumbo Shack (with two locations) is legendary for its gumbo, po’ boys, and candied yams. And for some of the best barbecue in town, Robert Earl's BBQ on Long Beach's north end offers tender rib tips and superlative sides like barbecue baked beans and macaroni and cheese, best enjoyed at their patio picnic tables. These unique local spots contribute significantly to the vibrant mosaic of dining options in Long Beach, and if you want to understand the fabric of the city through its food, you can Explore local neighborhood spotlights Discover top for more specific area recommendations.
Long Beach’s restaurant scene is a dynamic and delicious reflection of its community spirit and global influences. From the deep traditions of Cambodian comfort food to cutting-edge contemporary dining, there’s always something new to savor and an old favorite to revisit. As the city continues to grow and evolve, so too will its culinary landscape, promising endless opportunities for memorable meals.