18 Must-Try Restaurants in Long Beach, CA

555 East American Steakhouse

Simply put, 555 East American Steakhouse is at the top of the list when it comes to steaks, seafood, spirits, and service. There is a reason why 555 is usually packed with patrons. Being named the best steak house in Long Beach is no small feat. Guests can expect the chefs to cook each steak to perfection. The extensive wine list at 555 East American Steakhouse provides the perfect complement to every meal either by the glass or bottle. Add a romantic ambience with soft lighting and knowledgeable wait staff, and this restaurant is an excellent choice for that romantic dinner.

555 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA, Phone: 562-437-0626

Boathouse on the Bay

Boathouse on the Bay in Long Beach has it all with great food and spectacular views on Alamitos Bay. This seafood and steak restaurant serves an assortment of fresh seafood, sashimi, sushi, oysters, steaks, and cocktails. From starters like coconut ginger shrimp or a smoked fish assortment to raw bar offerings to mains like seafood fettuccine or braised beef short ribs, diners can expect upscale fare. Amazing views of the harbor from the outdoor deck take it up a notch at sunset making this a special place for that romantic dinner for two. Great happy hour specials and live music each night add to the allure.

190 North Marina Drive, Long Beach, CA, Phone: 562-493-1100

BO-beau kitchen and roof tap

Downtown Long Beach is the place to be to experience the urban vibe of BO-beau kitchen and roof tap. This bi-level gastropub with an eclectic interior décor also has a relaxed rooftop beer garden with 360-degree views. The upscale restaurant is a popular choice for Long Beach locals, both for its romantic formal dining room and its rooftop patio. Diners can expect a French bistro-style menu in the rustic-chic main dining room, while the menu for the roof tap bar garden is American comfort food. Wine Wednesdays offer diners half-off on any bottle of wine all day long.

144 Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA, Phone: 562-983-0056

Cafe Sevilla

Cafe Sevilla is much more than a restaurant; it’s an entertainment experience. Located in downtown Long Beach, Café Sevilla is steps from the Aquarium of the Pacific and the world famous Queen Mary. The restaurant has a Spanish ambience where couples can have a romantic dinner for two in the upstairs mezzanine. If dancing is on the date night menu, couples can start with the live Gypsy King-style Flamenco dinner show instead. The menu at Café Seville features more than 40 tapas representing regions from across Spain. The restaurant hosts happy hours and regular salsa dance classes.

140 Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA, Phone: 562-495-1111

Claire's at the Museum

Named for Claire Falkenstein, Claire's at the Museum is located inside The Museum of Art in Long Beach. There are two seating areas – inside the museum’s Anderson House, or on the patio outdoors with views of the Queen Mary and Catalina Island. Whether enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner, patrons can pay homage to the artist for which the restaurant is named. Claire’s sculptures are showcased prominently throughout the restaurant. This restaurant is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner for art lovers. The menu includes items like NY steak & eggs or crab benedict for breakfast, and a mix of seafood, pastas, and beef dishes for lunch and dinner.

2300 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA, Phone: 562-439-2119

Ellie's

Ellie's owner and chef, Jason Witzl, proudly only uses the freshest local produce and meats at his restaurant to ensure the highest quality dining experience. The cuisine is Southern Italian with a modern twist. With soft lighting and linen tablecloths, Ellie’s sets a cozy, romantic ambience for any couple’s date night. Located in the Alamitos Beach area of Long Beach, Ellie’s roomy patio offers a neighborhood al fresco dining experience. The restaurant has an eclectic menu that includes Italian inspired salads, sandwiches, veggies and entrées, plus shared plates at lunch. Dinner adds an array of homemade pastas to the menu.

204 Orange Avenue, Long Beach, CA, Phone: 562-437-4837

Fuego - Maya Hotel

With an indoor-outdoor, vibrantly colored dining ambience that also has panoramic views of the historic Queen Mary and downtown Long Beach, Fuego - Maya Hotel is a relaxing getaway for couples. Fuego celebrates the cuisines of Latin America, South America, and Mexico. With platters of oysters, shrimp, lobster, mussels, and ceviche, it’s no wonder they dominate the fresh seafood culinary scene in Long Beach. The menu also includes prix-fix lunch and dinner options. Fuego has the largest selection of tequilas in the region, plus a list of handcrafted signature cocktails and margaritas. Sundays feature Fiesta Domingo, a brunch of seafood, barbecue, and Latin Jazz.

700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach, CA, Phone: 562-481-3910

La Parolaccia Osteria Italiana

La Parolaccia Osteria Italiana in Long Beach serves up big helpings of camaraderie, fun, and homemade food. The restaurant is family-owned and takes pride in creating a family-friendly atmosphere for diners. Using ingredients from local farms to ensure that every bite bursts with the freshest of flavors, guests can expect generous servings. The relaxed atmosphere and knowledgeable wait staff at La Parolaccia help make it a favorite spot for Long Beach locals. It also offers intimate spaces for the couple celebrating that special occasion, or simply on a romantic date night. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list.

2945 East Broadway, Long Beach, CA, Phone: 562-438-1235

La Traviata

Named after the opera, La Traviata is no longer the best kept secret in Long Beach. The restaurant is situated inside the historic Wilmore Building in the city’s downtown, and is affectionately known to locals as La Trav. They dish up award-winning Nuevo Italian cuisine in the main dining room where diners can expect dishes like their popular lobster tortellini, or miso glazed Chilean sea bass. High ceilings with ornate crown molding and glimmering chandeliers, golden walls adorned with Italian prints, leather booths, tables draped in linens, and grand arched windows make for a classy and romantic space. The restaurant hosts Happy Hours every evening except Saturday, and offers live piano music two nights a week.

301 Cedar Avenue, Long Beach, CA, Phone: 562-432-8022

L'Opera Ristorante

L'Opera Ristorante is a 5-star restaurant that has been serving award-winning cuisine for over two decades. Owner Terry Antonelli believes in creating an elegant and warm dining experience for patrons, and the restaurant’s dedicated staff delivers with impeccable service. Located in downtown’s historic L’Opera building with its jade marble columns, vaulted ceilings, larger than life murals, soft lighting, and formal table décor, the restaurant is the epitome of sophisticated dining. The menu features Northern Italian fare with grilled meats, handmade pastas, and vegetarian and vegan options. Diners should try the Favorito – homemade beet, spinach and red bell pepper tagliatelle, lump crab, chives, shaved black truffle, butter, and truffle oil.

101 Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA, Phone: 562-491-0066

Michael's on Naples

With multiple accolades from Diners’ Choice in 2019, it’s no wonder Michael's on Naples is on the must-have list of diners in Long Beach. The restaurant serves made-from-scratch dishes using ingredients bought daily from local farms. The executive chef builds dishes from available resources and knows where every ingredient on the plate comes from. Michaels on Naples provides patrons with an unforgettable dining experience. The menu reflects authentic Italian cuisine from pastas to sauces to gelatos, plus prix fixe Chef’s Tasting and Pasta Tasting dinners. The sophisticated fine dining experience at Michaels continues outdoors with rooftop seating.

5620 East 2nd Street, Long Beach, CA, Phone: 562-439-7080

Nico's

Nico's in Long Beach is an ideal spot for fine dining on a couple’s night out. Opulent touches like white linen tablecloths, soft drum chandeliers, gleaming stemmed wine glasses, and sharply creased napkins set a warm and stylish ambience. Whether guests dine downstairs in the main dining room, or are tucked away in the intimate upstairs dining area, Nico’s won’t disappoint. The restaurant serves a New American menu with a creative twist. Tantalizing entrées include pan roasted lemon chicken, New York strip with bacon and blue cheese butter, and seared Fijian ahi with coriander, organic quinoa, and piquillo pepper puree.

5760 East 2nd Street, Long Beach, CA, Phone: 562-434-4479

Parkers' Lighthouse

Parkers' Lighthouse, situated in the Shoreline Village neighborhood of Long Beach serves up spectacular views with its mesquite grilled seafood. Harbor views, waves, and sunsets make this restaurant a good choice for a date. With a wine cellar that is two stories, it’s no wonder the restaurant has an award-winning wine list. Guests will want to try Parkers’ signature mesquite-grilled fish, fresh sushi, or oysters on the half shell. The restaurant proudly serves sustainable seafood dishes. The restaurant also has kids’, gluten-free, and lounge menus with a little something fabulous for everyone. Happy hours are available Mondays through Fridays.

435 Shoreline Drive, Long Beach, CA, Phone: 562-432-6500

Queensview Steakhouse

Queensview Steakhouse, a chic bi-level restaurant, takes its name from the phenomenal views of the Queen Mary. Situated on the third floor of Parkers’ Lighthouse, this supper club offers spectacular panoramic views. Fresh grilled fish, lobster, chops, and prime steaks await patrons at this waterfront restaurant. The classic fare with a modern edge features menu items like their signature 32-ounce Porterhouse for two. There’s also live music, an extensive wine list, and handcrafted specialty cocktails to complement any meal. Godiva Swiss Chocolate Ganache Cake, or a digestif is a perfect way to finish a meal at Queensview Steakhouse.

435 Shoreline Drive, Long Beach, CA, Phone: 562-432-6500

Tantalum Restaurant

Tantalum Restaurant is located along Alamitos Bay in Long Beach, but the vibe is decidedly Indonesian. From its 75-foot-long, ocean-facing mahogany bar with panoramic views of the bay to wood slat cathedral ceilings to stunning Asian décor, this restaurant says stylish romance. The eclectic menu features Asian Soul and New California cuisine with an array of palate pleasing options. Appetizers include hits like hibachi beef satay or goat cheese and edamame hummus with grilled pita bread. Mains include miso carmalized mahi mahi, plum hoisin chicken, and their signature Kobe beef burger. Casual diners will love their array of sliders.

6272 East Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA, Phone: 562-431-1414

Thai District

Named among the 10 best Restaurants in Long Beach, Thai District has emerged from a restaurant one might never have heard of to a restaurant everyone is talking about. Located in downtown Long Beach at the corner of Broadway and Linden Avenue, this Thai restaurant is elegant and romantic with red walls, arched-domed ceilings, upscale Thai décor, subdued lighting, fresh flowers, and candlelight. The elevated Thai cuisine is reminiscent of dinner out in Chiang Mai. The menu is as upscale as the surroundings with traditional Golden Bags and Thai District Brussel Sprouts appetizers, Thai soups and salads, wok tossed rice dishes and wok tossed noodle dishes, curries, and sautés.

149 Linden Avenue Suite E, Long Beach, CA, Phone: 562-951-7181

The Reef Restaurant

For over six decades, The Reef Restaurant has been a dining staple in Long Beach. The restaurant offers a tropical oasis of tranquility from the bustling activity of Long Beach. With its upscale service and unparalleled sweeping harbor views, The Reef has long been a local favorite. What started out as a shack for locals, has become a thriving force in the restaurant scene. With its views and prime location, The Reef is the perfect spot for weddings, large gatherings, and of course, romantic dinners. The Reef’s New American menu is a mix of surf and turf, plus their outstanding three-course prix fixe menu.

880 S Harbor Scenic Dr, Long Beach, CA 90802, Phone: 562-435-8013

Vino E Cucina

Vino E Cucina is an authentic Italian dining experience where people congregate, fellowship, and enjoy fresh traditional Italian fare. The restaurant is mindful of the environment and works with local farmers who share the same commitment to the Earth. Vino’s high quality dishes are made from only fresh, organic ingredients. Meals are comfortable, unpretentious, and served in an intimate ambience, which makes Vino E Cucina a Long Beach favorite. The restaurant’s menu is bursting with antipasti, pastas, and assorted seafood and meats, complemented by an extensive wine list. Many of the dishes are vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free.

4501 East Carson Street Suite 105, Long Beach, CA, Phone: 562-421-0124