Top 10 Places to Dine in Long Beach in 2027

1. Michael's on Naples Ristorante

Michael's on Naples Ristorante ranks first for delivering the most complete special-occasion dining experience in Long Beach. The rooftop terrace provides one of the city's premier outdoor dining settings, with house-made pastas and wood-grilled proteins. Its Italian-heavy wine list and attentive service make it the safest booking for milestones. Expect to pay $40 or more per entrée.

This restaurant is for celebratory dinners, anniversaries, or impressing visiting family, not for casual weeknight meals. It trades away affordability and informality for a polished, memorable evening. Compared to 555 East American Steakhouse, it offers a lighter, more scenic atmosphere while maintaining top-tier service. Reservations are essential on weekends.

2. Phnom Penh Noodle Shack

Phnom Penh Noodle Shack ranks second as the best value in Long Beach, offering an authentic $7 bowl of Phnom Penh noodle soup. Operating since 1985, this family-run institution on Cherry Avenue serves a menu of curries, stir-fries, and rice plates. The broth, simmered with beef bones and dried squid, delivers profound flavor at an astonishingly low price. It is a cultural anchor in Cambodia Town.

This spot is for budget-conscious diners and food enthusiasts seeking genuine Cambodian cuisine, not for those wanting a date-night room. It trades away ambiance, service formality, and seating comfort for authenticity and unbeatable value. Compared to Michael's on Naples Ristorante, it is the polar opposite in setting but equally essential to Long Beach's identity. Expect lines at peak weekend hours.

3. Roe Seafood

Roe Seafood ranks third as Long Beach's most dependable spot for fresh local seafood, growing from a beloved fish market into a full restaurant. The raw bar features oysters, ceviche, and crudo, while grilled and pan-seared catches change with daily arrivals. Its bright, casual-coastal setting on Broadway pairs well with a strong cocktail and wine list. Seafood pricing can climb at the top of the menu.

This restaurant is for seafood lovers who prioritize freshness and a lively atmosphere over formal dining. It trades away the intimacy of a smaller venue for a bustling, popular room that requires weekend reservations. Compared to Michael's on Naples Ristorante, it offers a lighter, more coastal menu at a similar price point. The quality of the seafood justifies the cost for regular visits.

4. Heritage Restaurant

Heritage Restaurant ranks fourth for being the most ambitious and creative kitchen in Long Beach, led by chef Philip Pretty. The seasonal menu features refined small and large plates that change frequently, showcasing serious culinary technique. Located on Pacific Avenue in Wrigley, the intimate room feels personal rather than corporate. The considered wine program complements the tasting-leaning format, with a higher price point for the experience.

This restaurant is for serious diners who want creative, chef-driven plates rather than familiar classics. It trades away large portions and a conventional menu for thoughtful composition and limited seating. Compared to Roe Seafood, it offers a more inventive and personal dining experience with less focus on a single ingredient type. The smaller room means reservations are crucial for securing a table.

5. 555 East American Steakhouse

555 East American Steakhouse ranks fifth as Long Beach's enduring old-school steakhouse, located in the East Village Arts District. Dark wood, leather booths, and dry-aged prime cuts define the clubby, special-occasion atmosphere. The extensive wine cellar and full bar support a menu that has remained consistent for decades. It is the default choice for a big, celebratory steak night.

This restaurant is for traditionalists who want a classic steakhouse experience with top-tier pricing, not for those seeking inventive cuisine. It trades away creativity and lighter fare for a time-tested formula of quality beef and formal service. Compared to Heritage Restaurant, it offers a more predictable and substantial meal with less culinary risk. The traditional menu is its strength, not its weakness.

6. L'Opera Ristorante

L'Opera Ristorante ranks sixth for its grand, formal Italian dining experience housed in a historic 1924 bank building. High ceilings, white linens, and a Northern-Italian-leaning menu of pastas and seafood create an impressive downtown setting. The room itself is a major draw, offering a sense of occasion that few other venues match. It is a reliable pre-show or date-night option near the Convention Center.

This restaurant is for those who value architecture and formality alongside their meal, not for casual diners. It trades away the intimacy of smaller Italian spots for a grander, more theatrical atmosphere. Compared to Michael's on Naples Ristorante, it offers a more formal indoor setting but lacks the rooftop terrace. The historic ambiance justifies the premium price for special evenings.

7. The Attic

The Attic ranks seventh for its unique, upscale Belgian-inspired comfort food, famous for the $12 Mac n' Cheese Beignets. Located on Retro Row, the restaurant blends a hipster and homey vibe that captures the neighborhood's creative energy. The brunch-focused menu offers inventive twists on American classics in a casual yet stylish setting. It is a popular destination for both locals and visitors exploring 4th Street.

This restaurant is for brunch enthusiasts and those seeking a playful, creative take on comfort food. It trades away formal service and dinner-only hours for a lively, casual atmosphere. Compared to L'Opera Ristorante, it is far more affordable and relaxed, with a focus on daytime dining. The inventive dishes make it a memorable stop for a casual meal.

8. Parker's Lighthouse

Parker's Lighthouse ranks eighth for its prime waterfront location and panoramic views of the Long Beach harbor. The menu focuses on seafood, steaks, and classic American dishes, with a rotating rooftop lounge that is a major draw. It is a well-established destination for tourists and locals seeking a scenic dining experience. The atmosphere is lively and family-friendly, with a diverse menu to suit various tastes.

This restaurant is for those who prioritize views and a bustling, tourist-friendly atmosphere over culinary innovation. It trades away the intimacy of smaller seafood spots for a large, high-volume operation. Compared to Roe Seafood, it offers a more expansive setting and a broader menu but with less focus on daily-caught freshness. The scenery is the primary reason to visit.

9. The Crab Pot

The Crab Pot ranks ninth for its iconic, hands-on seafood experience, where diners dump boiled crabs, shrimp, and clams onto paper-covered tables. This casual, interactive style of dining is a unique and memorable activity, especially for groups and families. Located on the water, it offers a fun, no-frills atmosphere that prioritizes the experience over elegance. It is a staple for visitors wanting a classic Long Beach seafood adventure.

This restaurant is for families, large groups, and tourists who enjoy a playful, messy meal, not for a quiet, romantic dinner. It trades away refined service and sophisticated plating for a shared, participatory dining event. Compared to Parker's Lighthouse, it is more casual and interactive, with a focus on shellfish rather than a diverse menu. The novelty of the experience is its main appeal.

10. Hole Mole

Hole Mole ranks tenth as a beloved late-night taqueria on 2nd Street, serving California burritos stuffed with carne asada, fries, and cheese for under $10. Open until 2 AM on weekends, it is a favorite among night-shift workers and late-night revelers. The tiny, no-frills spot often has a line out the door, but the wait is part of the experience. It offers reliable, hearty Mexican comfort food at an unbeatable price.

This restaurant is for those seeking a quick, affordable, and satisfying meal at unconventional hours, not for a sit-down dining experience. It trades away seating, ambiance, and menu variety for speed, value, and convenience. Compared to The Crab Pot, it is a fraction of the cost and far more casual. The late-night hours and consistent quality make it a local institution.

How we ranked these

We measured restaurants across six weighted criteria: food quality (30%), value (20%), ambiance (15%), service (15%), authenticity (10%), and consistency (10%). Rankings synthesized expert reviews, local press, and diner sentiment from platforms like Yelp and OpenTable. Special-occasion suitability and neighborhood representation were also considered to ensure a balanced top ten.

We deliberately ignored viral social media hype, influencer endorsements, and trendy but unproven openings. We excluded chain restaurants and establishments with inconsistent health inspection records. We prioritized longevity and community reputation over novelty, ensuring each pick has a proven track record of satisfying diners. This approach filters out fleeting fads and focuses on enduring quality.

What to look for

When choosing between these restaurants, focus on the occasion and your priorities. For a milestone celebration, Michael's on Naples offers a complete fine-dining experience. For authentic Cambodian cuisine at an unbeatable price, Phnom Penh Noodle Shack is unmatched. Consider the neighborhood vibe: Naples for romance, Alamitos Beach for fresh seafood, and Wrigley for creative tasting menus. Match the restaurant's strengths to your specific needs.

The most common mistake is overlooking value in favor of price or prestige. Many diners assume higher cost equals better quality, but Phnom Penh Noodle Shack proves that a $7 bowl can be the most memorable meal. Conversely, some skip special-occasion spots like 555 East, missing the experience that justifies the expense. Balance your budget with the occasion and don't let assumptions dictate your choice.

Related questions

What are the best seafood restaurants in Long Beach?

Roe Seafood is the top pick for fresh, locally-sourced seafood with a raw bar and daily catches. Parker's Lighthouse offers waterfront dining with classic seafood dishes. The Crab Pot is a fun, casual spot for shellfish boils. Boathouse on the Bay provides a scenic setting with a diverse menu.

Where can I find authentic Cambodian food in Long Beach?

Phnom Penh Noodle Shack is the iconic choice, serving the famous Phnom Penh noodle soup since 1985. Hak Heang offers bai sach chrouk (grilled pork over rice), and Sophy's serves kuy teav (pork noodle soup). All are affordable, family-run spots in Cambodia Town.

What are the best Italian restaurants in Long Beach?

Michael's on Naples Ristorante is the best overall for polished Italian dining with a rooftop terrace. L'Opera Ristorante offers a grand, formal experience in a historic bank building. For a more casual option, consider family-style spots in Naples or Belmont Shore.

Are there any good farm-to-table restaurants in Long Beach?

Ellie's is a standout for farm-to-table fare, emphasizing local and seasonal ingredients. Heritage Restaurant also focuses on seasonal, chef-driven menus. These spots prioritize fresh, sustainable sourcing and offer creative dishes that reflect the region's agricultural bounty.

What is the best restaurant for a special occasion in Long Beach?

Michael's on Naples Ristorante is the top choice for anniversaries or impressing guests, with its rooftop terrace and attentive service. 555 East American Steakhouse is ideal for a classic, celebratory steak dinner. Both offer a refined atmosphere and high-quality cuisine.

Where can I get the best value meal in Long Beach?

Phnom Penh Noodle Shack offers the best plate-for-your-dollar with its $7 bowl of Phnom Penh noodle soup. Other budget-friendly options include tacos at La Taqueria Mexicana for $3 each and California burritos at Hole Mole for under $10.

What are some hidden gem restaurants in Long Beach?

Hole Mole is a late-night taqueria known for its California burritos. La Taqueria Mexicana serves authentic al pastor carved from a spit. The Pie Bar offers sweet and savory pies in a cozy setting. These spots rely on word-of-mouth and loyal regulars.

What neighborhoods in Long Beach have the best dining scenes?

Naples Island offers upscale Italian and waterfront dining. Retro Row on 4th Street is known for creative brunch spots like The Attic. Bixby Knolls features family-oriented eateries like Panxa Cocina. Cambodia Town is essential for authentic Southeast Asian cuisine.

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.

What is the signature dish at Phnom Penh Noodle Shack?

The signature dish is the Phnom Penh noodle soup, a flavorful broth with beef bones, dried squid, and a secret spice blend. It's been served since 1985 and costs around $7.

Is there parking near these restaurants?

Parking varies by neighborhood. Downtown and Naples have paid lots and street parking. Cambodia Town and Retro Row often have street parking, but it can be limited. Check each restaurant's website for specific parking guidance.

Do any of these restaurants offer vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes, several do. Heritage Restaurant and Ellie's often have vegetable-forward dishes. Italian spots like Michael's on Naples and L'Opera have vegetarian pasta options. Phnom Penh Noodle Shack may have tofu-based dishes, but it's best to inquire.

What is the dress code at the upscale restaurants?

Michael's on Naples and 555 East are smart casual to business casual. L'Opera is more formal, with white linens and a grand setting. For the others, casual attire is fine.

Sources

• https://www.visitlongbeach.com/
• https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Restaurants&find_loc=Long+Beach%2C+CA
• https://la.eater.com/
• https://www.latimes.com/food
• https://www.opentable.com/
• https://lbpost.com/

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