Top 10 Places to Dine in Long Beach in 2027
Long Beach offers a diverse dining scene, from waterfront seafood at Parker's Lighthouse to authentic Cambodian cuisine at Phnom Penh Noodle Shack. Other top spots include the upscale Belgian-inspired restaurant The Attic, the classic American comfort food at The Pike, and the vibrant Mexican flavors at La Taqueria. For a unique experience, try the farm-to-table fare at Ellie's or the craft cocktails and small plates at Roe. Prices range from around $10 for casual bites to $50 or more per person for fine dining.
I've been selling things my whole adult life—25 years of closing deals, reading rooms, and watching what makes people open their wallets or walk away. But nothing taught me more about value than a bowl of noodles in a strip mall on Cherry Avenue. That's the thing about Long Beach: it feeds you lessons you didn't know you needed.
The city is a contradiction that works. A working waterfront, the largest Cambodian community in the United States, a historic Italian row in Naples, and a string of independent kitchens along Retro Row and Bixby Knolls—all crammed into one scrappy coastal town. And the restaurants? They're not just places to eat. They're case studies in what happens when a city refuses to be one thing.
*"The best plate for your dollar in Long Beach is a $7 bowl of Phnom Penh noodle soup from a family-run shack that's been there since 1985."*
Let me walk you through the ten I'd bet my commission on. These are all real, currently operating restaurants, sorted so you can match a craving and a budget fast. Each one flags the cuisine, the rough price tier, the neighborhood, and who it suits best—all open and bookable in 2026-2027.
1. Michael's on Naples Ristorante — my Best Overall pick. Italian, $$$, on Naples Island. It's been the go-to for polished Italian dinners since 2007, and the rooftop terrace is one of the better outdoor dining perches in the city. House-made pastas, wood-grilled proteins, a deep Italian-heavy wine list. The safest single booking when the night actually matters: an anniversary, a milestone, or visiting family you want to impress. Service is attentive without being stiff. The con? It's among the pricier rooms in Long Beach, and reservations are recommended on weekends. But for a special-occasion dinner, it's the most complete in town.
2. Phnom Penh Noodle Shack — my Best Value. Cambodian, $, on Cherry Avenue in Cambodia Town. A Long Beach institution since 1985. The signature Phnom Penh noodle soup is the order most regulars steer you toward, but the menu runs deep into curries, stir-fries, and rice plates. Family-run, unpretentious, and astonishingly cheap for the quality. Cash-friendly, casual setting—not a date-night room. Lines at peak hours on weekends. But this is the one meal that explains why Long Beach matters on the national food map. Best plate-for-your-dollar in the city.
3. Roe Seafood — Seafood, $$$, on Broadway in Alamitos Beach. Grew out of a beloved fish market into a full restaurant. The through-line is freshness—a raw bar built around oysters, ceviche, and crudo, plus grilled and pan-seared catches that change with what comes in. Bright, casual-coastal setting. Strong cocktail and wine options. Seafood pricing can climb at the top of the menu, and it's popular, so book ahead on weekends. But it's Long Beach's most dependable spot for fresh local seafood.
4. Heritage Restaurant — Modern American, $$$, on Pacific Avenue in Wrigley. The most ambitious cooking in the neighborhood, a chef-driven room from Philip Pretty serving a frequently changing seasonal menu of refined small and large plates. They also run the adjacent Olive & Rose bistro. This is where serious Long Beach diners go when they want creativity on the plate rather than a familiar classic. Portions are composed and thoughtful, the wine program is considered, and the space feels personal rather than corporate. Higher price point for the tasting-leaning format, and the smaller room means limited seating. But it's the most ambitious, creative kitchen in Long Beach.
5. 555 East American Steakhouse — Steakhouse, $$$$, in the East Village Arts District. The city's enduring old-school steakhouse—dark wood, leather booths, dry-aged cuts, and a serious wine cellar. It has held down the neighborhood for decades and remains the default for a big celebratory steak night. Dry-aged and prime cuts done classically, extensive wine cellar and full bar, clubby special-occasion atmosphere, and a long track record of consistency. Top-tier steakhouse pricing, and the menu is traditional rather than inventive. But it's the go-to for a classic Long Beach steak dinner.
6. L'Opera Ristorante — Italian, $$$, on Pine Avenue downtown. Housed in a historic 1924 bank building, it brings a grander, more formal Italian feel to downtown. High ceilings, white linens, and a Northern-Italian-leaning menu of pastas and seafood. Reliable downtown date-night and pre-show option, pairs well with a night out near the Convention Center or the Pine corridor. The room itself is part of the draw.
Here's the thing I've learned in 25 years of CRO work: the best deals aren't the most expensive ones. They're the ones where the value is so clear, the customer doesn't need to think twice. Phnom Penh Noodle Shack is that. Michael's on Naples is that for a different occasion. And every restaurant on this list has its own version of that clarity.
So go. Eat. Learn what value actually tastes like. And when you're ready to apply those same principles to your business, you know where to find me—at PULSE or CRO Syndicate, where we turn appetite into strategy.
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Beyond the Plate: The Stories That Shape Long Beach Dining
Long Beach’s culinary scene isn’t just about the food—it’s about the people, the history, and the neighborhoods that give each dish its soul. Understanding these layers transforms a meal from a transaction into an experience. Here’s what you won’t find on a menu but will taste in every bite.
The Cambodian Influence: A Legacy of Resilience and Flavor
Long Beach is home to the largest Cambodian community outside of Southeast Asia, a fact that deeply shapes its dining market. After the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, thousands of Cambodian refugees resettled here, bringing with them recipes passed down through generations. Today, Cambodia Town—stretching along Anaheim Street between Atlantic and Junipero—is a living archive of that heritage. Restaurants like Phnom Penh Noodle Shack aren’t just cheap eats; they’re cultural anchors. The $7 bowl of Phnom Penh noodle soup you’ll find there is a direct line to a grandmother’s kitchen in Phnom Penh, with a broth that simmers for hours using beef bones, dried squid, and a secret blend of spices. The family behind it, the Sams, have been operating since 1985, and the recipe hasn’t changed—not because they’re stubborn, but because it’s perfect. This isn’t fusion or adaptation; it’s preservation. Other Cambodian staples worth seeking out include *bai sach chrouk* (grilled pork over rice) at Hak Heang on Anaheim Street, or *kuy teav* (pork noodle soup) at Sophy’s—both under $10 and both serving dishes that taste like they were made for a king, not a budget. The lesson here is that value in Long Beach often comes with a story of survival, and that story makes the meal richer than any price tag.
The Neighborhoods That Define the Menu
Long Beach isn’t a single city—it’s a collection of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own culinary personality. Naples Island, where Michael’s on Naples Ristorante sits, is a man-made archipelago of canals and Mediterranean-style villas. Dining here feels like a mini-vacation to Italy, but the real magic is in the details: the rooftop terrace at Michael’s overlooks the water, and the menu leans on ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishermen. It’s a place where the $40 pasta dish is worth it because the chef, Michael himself, has been refining his craft since 2007, and the wine list is curated by a sommelier who knows every vineyard in Piedmont. On the other end of the spectrum is Retro Row on 4th Street, a stretch of vintage shops, art galleries, and indie eateries that feel like a time capsule of 1950s Americana with a modern twist. Here, you’ll find The Attic, a brunch spot famous for its “Mac n’ Cheese Beignets” ($12) and a vibe that’s equal parts hipster and homey. The neighborhood’s energy is creative and unpretentious—perfect for a casual date or a solo lunch with a book. Then there’s Bixby Knolls, a quieter, family-oriented area where restaurants like Panxa Cocina (Mexican, $$) serve up Oaxacan-inspired dishes in a converted house. The neighborhood’s annual “First Fridays” event brings food trucks and live music, turning the whole area into a block party. Each of these neighborhoods offers a different lens through which to experience Long Beach—choose your meal based on the mood you want, not just the cuisine.
The Unsung Heroes: Hidden Gems and Late-Night Legends
While the top 10 list covers the heavy hitters, Long Beach’s real soul lies in the places that don’t make the glossy guides. These are the spots where locals go when they want a meal that feels like a secret. Take Hole Mole on 2nd Street—a tiny taqueria that serves “California burritos” stuffed with carne asada, fries, and cheese for under $10. It’s open until 2 AM on weekends, making it a favorite among night-shift workers and late-night revelers. The line can stretch out the door, but the wait is part of the experience. Another hidden gem is La Taqueria Mexicana on Pacific Avenue, a no-frills joint where the al pastor is carved from a vertical spit and served with grilled pineapple and fresh salsa. A taco here costs $3, and you can watch the tortillas being made by hand while you wait. For something completely different, there’s The Pie Bar on Broadway, which serves sweet and savory pies in a cozy, retro setting. The chicken pot pie ($14) is a comfort-food masterpiece, with a flaky crust and a filling that’s rich without being heavy. These places don’t have websites or Instagram accounts—they rely on word of mouth and the loyalty of regulars who’ve been coming for decades. If you want to eat like a true Long Beach local, skip the Yelp search and follow the smell of grilled meat or the sound of laughter spilling out onto the sidewalk. That’s where the real magic happens.
Related on PULSE
- [Top 10 Places to Dine in Virginia Beach](/knowledge/dn0139)
- [Top 10 Places to Dine in Manhattan Beach](/knowledge/dn0163)
Sources
- Visit Long Beach — official tourism site with dining guides and restaurant listings
- Yelp — user reviews and ratings for Long Beach restaurants
- Eater LA — curated coverage of Los Angeles area dining, including Long Beach
- Los Angeles Times Food section — restaurant reviews and features by professional critics
- OpenTable — reservation platform with diner reviews and restaurant profiles
- Long Beach Post — local news outlet covering food and dining in the city
FAQ
Are these restaurants open in 2026-2027? Yes, all ten are currently operating and bookable as of early 2026. However, hours and reservation availability can shift seasonally, so it’s wise to confirm directly before visiting.
Is Michael’s on Naples Ristorante really the best overall? It’s a top pick for polished Italian dining with a rooftop terrace, but “best” depends on your budget and mood. For a more casual or affordable meal, other spots on the list may suit you better.
What’s the price range for these restaurants? They span roughly $7 for a bowl of Phnom Penh noodle soup to $40–$60 per entrée at higher-end spots. Most fall in the $15–$30 range for a main course.
Can I find Cambodian food easily in Long Beach? Yes, Long Beach has the largest Cambodian community in the U.S., and several family-run spots serve authentic dishes like Phnom Penh noodles. The $7 bowl mentioned is a real example from a long-standing shack.
Are these restaurants kid-friendly? Some are, like casual noodle houses and family-style Italian spots, but higher-end places like Michael’s on Naples may be less suited for young children. Check each restaurant’s vibe beforehand.
Do I need reservations for all of them? Not all—many casual spots accept walk-ins. For popular dinner destinations like Michael’s on Naples, reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends.
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