Best Trendy Table Hotspots Restaurants in Long Beach
13 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Olive & Rose
Michelin-pedigreed zero-waste cooking in a chic mid-century motel setting
Essential Picks
#1
Olive & Rose
9.1
Michelin-starred Chef Philip Pretty's neo-bistro brings California flavors with French technique to a restored mid-century motel courtyard. The 32-seat open-air space emphasizes zero-waste practices and seasonal ingredients from the siblings' urban farm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Octopus with Potato & Pimento, Aged Rib Cap with Frites, Amberjack Crudo with Cucumber
What Makes it Special: Michelin-pedigreed zero-waste cooking in a chic mid-century motel setting
Notable Picks
#2
Viaje
8.9
Contemporary Mexican restaurant from Baja Fish Tacos co-founder Julio Gutierrez brings multiregional Mexican cuisine to Belmont Shore. Chef Ricardo de la Vega executes refined dishes like Barbacoa de Cordero and octopus alongside craft cocktails with housemade ingredients in a modern bohemian setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa de Cordero, Octopus, Ceviche
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven multiregional Mexican with modern techniques since 2022
8.9
Chef Eduardo Chang Ogata brings Michelin-recognized Peruvian-Japanese fusion to Belmont Shore, blending traditional sushi technique with vibrant Peruvian flavors. The intimate space buzzes with energy as bright yellow bowls of ceviche and lemon-coated parmesan scallops arrive alongside creative Nikkei-style rolls drizzled with acevichado sauce. Ocean-fresh seafood meets eye-catching presentation in a stylish atmosphere that elevates this beyond typical neighborhood sushi.
Must-Try Dishes:
Parmesan Scallops, Crispy Tuna Tacos, Tiradito Nikkei
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized Peruvian-Japanese fusion with innovative flavor combinations and impeccable seafood quality
8.6
Heavy metal-themed burger destination relocated from Alhambra to Bay Shore Beach in 2024, serving half-pound patties with rock-inspired names. Food Network's Great Food Truck Race winner brings creative toppings from chimichurri-blue cheese to peanut butter-strawberry jam-bacon-sriracha, all served with craft beers and ocean views.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ozzy Osbourne Burger, Napalm Death Burger, Long Beach Dirtbag
What Makes it Special: Only beachfront heavy metal burger joint with rock memorabilia and ocean backdrop
8.4
Horror-themed pizzeria with gothic macabre atmosphere featuring pizzas named after horror films, vintage arcade games, and extensive craft beer selection. House-made sourdough crust supports creative combinations like Memento Mori Bulgogi and Death to Piggy alongside vegan options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Death to Piggy, Memento Mori Bulgogi Pizza, Hellfire Pizza
What Makes it Special: Unique horror-metal theme with pizzas named after horror icons
8.3
Japanese chain from Tokyo's ramen districts serving 100% plant-based broths in creative flavor profiles like miso, soy, and salt. The unexpected vegan base allows meat lovers and vegans alike to customize their bowls with premium proteins, while late-night hours make it a Belmont Shore staple for post-dinner cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Garnet Ramen, Garnet Miso Ramen, Japanese Fried Chicken
What Makes it Special: Plant-based broths accommodate everyone from vegans to carnivores seamlessly
#7
Kimu Sushi
8.3
Vibrant izakaya experience featuring a sushi bar styled like a Japanese street-side restaurant complete with roof overhang. Creative specialty rolls blend traditional techniques with modern presentations, while the yakitori and small plates program appeals to groups seeking variety.
Must-Try Dishes:
Star Roll, Grilled Skewers, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
What Makes it Special: Authentic izakaya atmosphere with theatrical sushi bar design transports diners to Tokyo
8.3
Modern Thai restaurant with a trendy, contemporary design that breaks from traditional aesthetics. Known for generous portions and creative presentations like Thai tea served with popsicles, plus an extensive cocktail program featuring signature drinks like the Tamarind cocktail.
Must-Try Dishes:
Avocado Curry, Crispy Bok Choy, Panang Curry
What Makes it Special: Modern interpretation of Thai classics with creative cocktails and unique presentations
#9
Sushi Mafia
8.2
Trendy corner spot blending Godfather-themed branding with serious sushi execution. Extensive menu features creative baked rolls and specialty items alongside pristine sashimi, while complimentary miso soup and attentive multi-server system create a polished experience in casual surroundings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Amazing Roll, Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna, Blue Crab Roll
What Makes it Special: Massive creative menu with exceptional multi-server system ensuring constant attention
#10
Lazy Dough
8.2
Chef-driven Asian-fusion brunch spot opened in 2025 by Providence-trained Chef Hen Nguyen and his sister Lin. The menu blends Vietnamese spring rolls and Korean-inspired dishes with breakfast staples, featuring housemade croissants and creative fusion items like the Dubai croissant with pistachio paste.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto Croissant Sandwich with Thai Basil Pesto, Dubai Croissant with Pistachio, Loaded Breakfast Burrito with Aji Sauce
What Makes it Special: Michelin-trained chef bringing fine dining technique to creative Asian-fusion brunch
#11
Saint & Second
8.2
Two-story gastropub resembling a ski chalet serves locally-sourced seasonal cuisine with organic cocktails. Executive chef Shelly Bojorquez creates New American dishes from duck meatballs to bison short ribs. Rooftop patio offers prime 2nd Street people-watching while maintaining surprisingly calm ambiance inside.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Meatballs, Bacon Burger, Roasted Bone Marrow
What Makes it Special: Multi-level gastropub combining Hofman family hospitality with chef-driven seasonal fare and curated whiskey selection
Worthy Picks
7.9
This local coffee roaster's third location opened near the Convention Center with a shaded patio retreat. While coffee is the star—featuring house-roasted single-origin beans and seasonal lattes—the expanded food menu now includes grab-and-go breakfast items and house-baked pastries including standout biscuits.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Biscuit, Banana Bread, Maple Lavender Latte
What Makes it Special: Local roastery with house-roasted beans and beautiful shaded patio
7.7
California chain featuring Dirty Secret Sauce baked into Dutch Crunch bread with over 500 sandwich combinations. Extensive menu includes meat, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options with creative names like the Dirtbag and Matt Cain, served with signature caramel apple lollipop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dirtbag (Pastrami & BBQ Habanero), Matt Cain, Love Triangle (Vegan)
What Makes it Special: Dutch Crunch bread with proprietary sauce and massive vegan selection