Your Beach Bum’s Guide to Fueling Up: Must-Try Long Beach Restaurants

Experience a world of flavors, from authentic Thai and Mexican cuisines to fresh seafood and European tavern fare. Our roundup of must-try dining spots in Long Beach includes everything from cozy gastropubs to high-end waterfront restaurants.

Follow along to discover the best restaurants in Long Beach!

Welcome to sun-kissed Long Beach! A paradise for both beachgoers and gourmands alike. This vibrant coastline city is brimming with savory delicacies from across the United States (and the globe!) that will surely delight you. Dig your toes into the sand during the day, and when hunger strikes, indulge yourself in a gastronomic journey that is as diverse as Long Beach itself.

Foodies, it’s time to pull up a patio chair, bask under the Californian sun, and let Long Beach’s most tantalizing eats seduce your taste buds and leave you hungry for more. Sit back and relax as we guide you through the must-try Long Beach restaurants.

The Best Restaurants in Long Beach Los Angeles

The Blind Donkey

Find your culinary nirvana at The Blind Donkey, a Long Beach gastropub offering an innovative twist on classic American fare. You’ll be delighted by the Bone Marrow Gnocchi and Lamb Belly Tacos, signature dishes that showcase the eatery’s commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients. This not just delivers big on flavor, but also guarantees every plate is rich in variety and surprise.

Plus, with its cozy and intimate ambiance, this gem provides an inviting backdrop for those special occasions. The Blind Donkey is where food enthusiasts converge for a memorable dining experience — a testament to the city’s vibrant gastronomic scene.

Bar shelves full of bottles of bourbon
Photo Credit: The Blind Donkey Long Beach via Facebook

Parkers Lighthouse

Cast your eyes towards Parker’s Lighthouse in Shoreline Village Long Beach, your next culinary destination with a side of spectacular view. This high-end, waterfront gem adorns the ocean side, offering viewing pleasure as the sun dips below the horizon. Romance and scenery blend here, giving you more than just a dining experience.

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True to the local spirit, they’re serving a delectable range of dishes, all crafted from fresh, locally sourced seafood. Whether it’s mesquite-grilled specialties, delicate sushi, or rich sashimi you crave, you’re in for a treat. This spot caters to all and showers love especially on seafood admirers, valuing high-quality ingredients above all.

Roe Seafood

Reward your taste buds with a visit to Roe Seafood, another beloved jewel in Long Beach’s foodie crown. This local hotspot excels in providing the freshest maritime bounty around, earning it a loyal customer base of both locals and visitors. From succulent oysters and clams to mouthwatering lobster and fish, every dish is an ode to undersea delights.

Don’t skip their cioppino, a robust seafood stew that adds a punch of hearty flavor to your dining experience. Perfect to share around the table, it captures the essence of this vibrant seaside town.

Wide shot of a bar with stools and hanging overhead lights in an industrial setting
Photo Credit: Roe Seafood via Facebook

Kin Long Beach

Embark on a gastronomic journey to Northern Thailand at Kin Long Beach. Renowned for its authentic dishes and lively vibe, this restaurant is a local favorite. Unique offerings like the creamy Khao Soi noodle soup and the flavorful Sai Oua grilled sausage showcase the restaurant’s commitment to traditional Thai cuisine.

Of course, staples like robust Pad Thai and passionately prepared curries add to the savory symphony of flavors. Kin ensures every meal is more than just a dining experience – it’s a cultural immersion your taste buds will thank you for.

Lola’s Mexican Cuisine Bixby Knolls

Turn your sun-kissed skin towards Lola’s Mexican Cuisine in Bixby Knolls for your next gastronomic adventure. A hotspot for both locals and foodies alike, Lola’s foundations are built on cherished family recipes passed down through generations.

With a menu blossoming with seasonal, fresh ingredients, your taste buds can voyage through a wide array of traditional Mexican delicacies. From tacos and burritos to mole and fajitas, the choice is robust while maintaining affordability.

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Lola’s makes a mark by interweaving authentic flavors with the fresh vitality of local produce. Beyond the engaging menu, it’s the welcoming, casual dining experience that ties it all together, making Lola’s a must-visit and one of the best affordable restaurants Long Beach has to offer.

Close up photo of street tacos with lots of white onion
photo credit: Xavier crook via Facebook

Nonna Mercato

Nonna Mercato is a delightful bakery, market, and restaurant in Long Beach with a focus on Italian and French-inspired cuisine. They pride themselves on using fresh, seasonal ingredients and classic techniques to create dishes that are both authentic and delicious.

Hand-shaped and naturally leavened, their breads come in various flavors like sourdough, focaccia, and baguettes. How about pastries, you ask? Their pastry selection is a treat for the eyes and the palate. Expect croissants, brioche, cookies, cakes, and seasonal sweet pies. And hot tip–don’t miss their gelatos! Made in-house, their gelato is creamy and full of flavor. Choose from classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla or more adventurous options like pistachio and salted caramel.

The Attic Long Beach

Submerge yourself in the soothing ambiance of The Attic, a Long Beach staple. Residing in a charming 1920s craftsman bungalow, this southern eatery cleverly integrates Californian flair into every bite. Catering to all, from brunch fanatics to dinner date patrons, The Attic presents an irresistible spread of buttermilk fried chicken, shrimp and grits, or pulled pork barbecue, aligning side by side with wholesome salads and sandwiches.

Their inventive cocktail menu boasts southern hallmarks, think mint juleps and hurricanes, effortlessly paired with craft beers and a handpicked wine selection. The Attic is a haven where vibrancy and tradition become unlikely culinary companions, offering you not just a meal, but an experience.

Black and white sign reading "The Attic" in a fenced in area in front of trees and a house that's been turned into a restaurant
Photo Credit: The Attic on Broadway via Facebook

AMMATOLI

AMMATOLI specializes in Levantine cuisine, encompassing the culinary traditions of Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine. This brings a distinctive blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Turkish influences, offering interestingly strong and unique flavors using fresh ingredients.

The menu draws inspiration from Chef Dima’s family recipes and travels, presenting authentic dishes with a modern twist. Expect signature offerings like hand-rolled kibbeh, lamb shank tagine, and grilled octopus with lemon and harissa.

Gladstone’s Long Beach

A revered dining spot of Long Beach since 1973, Gladstones holds a nostalgia-filled charm that is dear to many locals. Its splendor is heightened by the breathtaking water views it offers, particularly at sunset. Providing an idyllic setting for memorable dining experiences, the outdoor patio of Gladstones truly paints a picture of serene beauty.

As a seafood-oriented restaurant, Gladstones takes pride in serving only the freshest and finest catches of the day. Their extensive menu tantalizes taste buds with a range of luscious dishes, from classic fish and chips to decadent lobster and oysters. Indeed, a visit to Gladstones offers a timeless culinary journey by the sea.

outdoor seating at Gladstones with dining tables and chairs and umbrellas and large neon sign on roof during night in Long Beach, California, USA
photo credit: Gladstone’s Long Beach via Facebook

Sura Korean BBQ & Tofu House Restaurant – Long Beach

Don’t miss out on a unique dining adventure at Sura Korean BBQ & Tofu House in Long Beach. Here, you’ll become the master of your meal as you grill marinated meats right at your table. Sink your teeth into succulent bulgogi, savory galbi, and spicy pork, their mouthwatering flavors enhanced by the smoky sear of the grill.

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Complement the experience with a colorful banquet of banchan, which features kimchi, pickled vegetables, and fiery sauces. Complete the delicious DIY ensemble by wrapping your grilled morsels in crisp lettuce leaves, along with rice and veggies. Top them with your preferred sauces for a bite that’s perfectly tailored to your palate.

The Social List

You might have already heard of The Social List, a must-visit treat in Long Beach. Known for its modern European tavern setting and vivacious ambiance, it’s where you can escape the mundane without leaving the city.

Break your food barriers here, with a diverse selection of both classic staples and international delights. From traditional hearty schnitzel and mac and cheese to vegan tacos, seafood pasta, and Asian salads, an adventurous food trip awaits you. Another win? Their seasonally curated menu, sourcing fresh and local ingredients for unceasing creativity and excellent quality.

Alcoholic DrinksRISÜ

Imagine an evening at RISÜ in Long Beach, where the good times roll, and the drinks flow as freely as the conversations. This vibrant spot is your ideal destination for a fun meetup with friends or a sizzling dinner date. Mesmerizing with an expansive cocktail menu, RISÜ showcases inventive signatures that surpass your regular drink expectations.

Sip on their unique concoctions as you bask in the Californian sun on the spacious patio, perfectly arranged for prime people-watching, and immersing in the distinctive Long Beach aura. At RISÜ, your perfect night out is more than a meal. It’s an experience.

Planning a Long Beach Vacation?

Don’t let your Long Beach vacation pass by without experiencing the unbeatable values offered by Tripster. With specially curated packages and exclusive discounts, Tripster helps you spread your vacation wings further than ever before.

Make your holiday unforgettable with exciting food joints, scenic spots, and thrilling adventures, all while saving big! With Tripster, it’s about amazing experiences without breaking the bank. So, start planning today and let Tripster turn your vacation dreams into a reality.

What Did We Miss?

Do you have a favorite restaurant to add to our list? Leave us a comment below!


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Written by Nicole King

There are only two things that make Nicole really happy–books and travel! When her head’s not buried in a book, she’s most likely...


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