Location: Long Beach
Top Restaurants in Long Beach
Top 10 Italian food in Long Beach, California, United States
Find out what Italian restaurants to try in Long Beach. For some, a tour of the Queen Mary, docked here since its retirement in 1967, evokes waves of nostalgia for the days of the huge ocean liner with its opulent rooms, 1930s deco décor and teakwood decks. Others, particularly the younger set, are entranced by the spine-tingling haunted ship stories on the nighttime ghost tour. But for everyone, a visit to this floating hotel and museum is a must on any trip to Long Beach. At one time a less-than-appealing place to visit, Long Beach has transformed itself into an upscale tourist resort, with many waterfront attractions, including a new, state-of-the-art aquarium with a fabulous shark exhibit, two excellent art museums, charming shops, public golf courses, the annual April Grand Prix international auto race and lots of recreational activities along its eight-mile stretch of beach. Take the kids to the waterfront entertainment complex with rides and live performances or to the farming demonstrations at Rancho Los Alamitos. Feeling romantic? Cruise the canals of Naples (that's right, Naples Island in Long Beach) in a genuine Venetian gondola. One thing is for sure: tensions and stresses dissolve in this laid-back, friendly city.
Things to do in Long Beach
10. Rocco's Deli Italiano
Overall Ratings
4 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By MelodyP430
We were too early to check into the Best Western next door and decided to grab a bite. My husband had a meatball and sausage sandwich and I had a sweet italian sausage sandwich with sautéed onions and peppers and sliced jalapeños. Good food! The service was very friendly and there were definitely enough interesting things on the menu to warrant a return visit.
9. Domenico's Belmont Shore
Overall Ratings
4 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By jerjon
Like a trip back in time, Domenico's serves up traditional Italian American dishes in a relaxing setting. Heavy wood decor and cozy tables will make you feel relaxed. Really enjoyed the food; good selection of items from which to choose. Nice wine choices too. Our service was also very good.
8. LA Traviata
Overall Ratings
4 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By darxhow
Atmosphere - felt like a neighborhood type of place. Decent crowd at the bar engaging with the bartender. Staff - friendly and attentive. Our server seemed a little overwhelmed because she and a bus person were covering the 5 to 6 tables alone (with parties of 5+ at 2 of the tables). Food - the presentation was nice. I just thought the salad (spinach and kale) and the risotto (risotto mare) were bland. The risotto was more soupy than creamy and the seafood brought nothing to the dish. Overall - if not for the staff and general vibe I would have given the restaurant 2 stars.
7. Michael's Downtown
Overall Ratings
4 based on 85 reviews
A Long Beach favorite since 2013, Michaelâs Downtown transforms the freshest locally sourced ingredients into Italian-inspired dishes for our guests to enjoy. Our menu ranges from hand-made pasta and wood-fired pizza to wholesome salads and grain bowls. I
Reviewed By ilduovagabondo
Being an italian and stop by Michael is Like to be home far from home. Real italian dishes and tasty pizza made with Wooden howen makes our stay in LOng Beach less difficult. We love to stop there every Friday and enjoy their pasta and pizza. Must: tiramisù! Thanks Michael!
6. Cafe Piccolo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By CATTSAR
Six of us met here to celebrate a friend's birthday. This was not the first time here and I was happy to return. The menu is extensive, offering, beef, lamb, chicken, veal and seafood each prepared beautifully. The dining room is very comfortable with several alcoves lending to a bit of privacy.There is patio dining available weather permitting. The ceiling is covered with large red inverted parasols with small white lights creating a cozy, nicely lit room. Large plants finish off the decor. Great dining experience in Long Beach.Thank you for dining with us. We look forward to serve you soon.
5. La Parolaccia Osteria Italiana
Overall Ratings
4 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By sjworldtravels
Good Italian good with a wide selection of specialties on the menu. Pasta, fish and meat options are available. Our group all had different pastas and were very pleased with the creative flavors. Gluten free pasta available and it was very good too. Nice option to satisfy a carb craving.
4. Michael's on Naples
Overall Ratings
4 based on 196 reviews
Reviewed By steviegjd
Michael's is a wonderful restaurant. My wife and I have been here at least 10 times, and have had consistently excellent experiences. It is not inexpensive though. So if cost is an issue to you then this should not be your destination. I suspect that most of the negative reviews of Michael's are from trolls who just like to post negative reviews and people who don't want to spend this kind of money to eat dinner. The space is comfortable. The service is impeccable. They source their ingredients from all over the country. We have most often ordered the tasting menu, so you can experience multiple small dishes and really see what they are cooking here. We've only eaten dinner here, so this is not about brunch. We've never come here with a coupon or for some prix fixe dining event, so this is only about Michael's as it is on a daily basis. The owners also have a Piedmont steak restaurant close by (Chianina, which is great, albeit very expensive), several stand alone pizzerias (which are amazing) and an absolutely amazing sandwich shop/local ingredient market/sustainable butcher (Working Class Kitchen). Michael Dene is not of the reasons Long Beach is becoming such a great place to eat wonderful food (not inexpensive or large portion family-style food). The flagship of this group is the terrific Michael's on Naples.
Where to eat Mediterranean food in Long Beach: The Best Restaurants and Bars
3. Modica's Deli
Overall Ratings
4 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By calinurse
On a recent visit to the beautiful East Village Arts District of Long Beach, I wandered toward the ocean, passing Modica's. Visible from its windows, diners looked happy and their plates of food looked scrumptious. It seemed an irresistible stop for a light dinner. I was seated immediately, served by a delightful helpful young woman. She answered questions about menu choices, brought the order, and returned several times to pleasantly enquire if the food was ok, and if i wanted to order anything else. I would have, but was too full!"Big Mama's" Meatloaf /Provolone sandwich on French roll, 8 inch size, was so filling. A 16 inch size could easily feed three people!There was a large party in the front room on E Ocean, couples and friends in the side room on Linden. No matter where you sit, it;'s a friendly, casual environment.The outdoor seating wasn't occupied, due to the cold sea breeze.. On a warm sunny day, I imagine many sit at the outdoors tables.Next time in lovely Long Beach, I'll definitely return to Modica's!
2. Utopia
Overall Ratings
4 based on 217 reviews
Utopia Good Food & Fine Art is an oasis in downtown's East Village of Long Beach, California. It is a gathering place where busy people can find a casual, comfortable and creative environment. Utopia's good food feeds your body. Its' fine art feeds your s
Reviewed By not-naturally-red
Beautiful patio, good food. We were there during Buskerfest,so it was not your normal outdoor dining experience. But wine was excellent, food was solid if not totally memorable. I had a nice beef risotto.Service was wonderful at first, but they lost a star for a waiter who was obviously frustrated with having to dodge Buskerfest people on the sidewalk between patio and kitchen and became very surly as the night went on.
Most Popular Cafe food in Long Beach, California, United States
1. L'Opera Ristorante
Overall Ratings
4 based on 390 reviews
Reviewed By InnaYYZ
The presentation is as great as the food. Our bruschetta, caprese, penne allâ arrabbiata, and salmone dorato were all excellently prepared and very delicious. Excellent Italian restaurant.
Best American food near Long Beach, California, United States
