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ZipPicks Awards
Best Greek in Long Beach
Best Mediterranean in Long Beach
Master Critic Review
George's Greek Cafe
8.4
Family-owned since 1999, this Belmont Shore mainstay follows Mama Rodou's traditional recipes using first cold-pressed Greek olive oil and hormone-free New Zealand lamb. The Friday night Kleftiko special features lamb slow-roasted for eight hours, while Thursday evenings bring live Greek music from local legend Sotos Kappas.
Must-Try Dishes:
New Zealand Lamb Chops, Kleftiko (Friday Special), Saganaki Flaming Cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: 26 years of family recipes handed down from grandmother to daughter Nicky
Who should go: Date night couples and Greek food traditionalists
When to visit: Friday for Kleftiko special, Thursday for live music
What to order: Lamb chops, Kleftiko, Saganaki with spicy feta dip
Insider tip: Half-price wine bottles every Monday and dog-friendly patio seating
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd Street and nearby residential streets - easier before 6pm, can be tight on weekends. Public lot on Termino available ($2/hr)
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans welcome but lean slightly dressy for dinner service
Noise level: Moderate with music - you can hold conversation but expect lively Greek atmosphere on Thursday nights
Weekend wait: 30-45 minutes without reservation Friday/Saturday after 7pm, especially for patio tables
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, walk-ins typically seated immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong options including spanakopita, Greek salads, vegetable moussaka, and various mezze plates
Vegan options: Limited - hummus, dolmades, and Greek salad (without feta) available, but menu heavily meat-focused
Gluten-free options: Moderate options - grilled meats and salads work, but limited since traditional recipes use phyllo and breading
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic patio ambiance without being overly formal, conversation-friendly noise level (except Thursday music nights), and shareable mezze plates create natural interaction. The 26-year family story adds charm.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Hit or miss - weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6:30pm) usually fine as walk-in. Weekend dinners and Friday Kleftiko nights strongly recommend reservations. Bar seating typically available as backup.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 8+ - welcoming staff and simple options like chicken souvlaki, but upscale Greek atmosphere better suited for older kids than toddlers. Outdoor patio gives families more breathing room.
Best For
Better for: Traditional family recipes over trendy fusion, intimate neighborhood vibe over scene-y crowds, slow-roasted specialties like 8-hour Kleftiko that showcase patience over quick Mediterranean bowls
Skip if: You want modern Greek small plates or innovative twists, need extensive vegan options, prefer quiet romance over lively Greek energy (especially Thursday nights), or want validated parking convenience
Hours
Monday11am - 9pm
Tuesday11am - 9pm
Wednesday11am - 9pm
Thursday11am - 9pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday11am - 9:30pm