If you’ve been following my posts in the last year, you’ll see that I’ve been exploring a lot more in and around Long Beach. If you’ve not, then let me tell you this – GO TO LONG BEACH! The number of independently owned eateries are aplenty, and the majority of them are really good.
Dine LBC starts this Saturday, April 23rd, and for nine days, you’ll be able to check out some of the outstanding restaurants for as low as $20 per person for a 3-course meal. I will link the restaurants I have written full posts on.
Here are some of my favorites in alphabetical order:
Although I’ve not yet written a full post on Aji Peruvian (I’m working on it), it is a definite not-to-be-missed experience. Owner Rosita Wang makes you feel like you’re dining at her home with her delicious made-from-scratch Peruvian cuisine. The dishes here are traditional, authentic Peruvian classics, but is more sophisticated than just the usual mom and pop Peruvian we are so accustomed to. The mouth-puckering ceviches, savory causas and hearty entrees such as chaufa and lomo saltado, will leave you wanting more.
I fell in love with Berlin Bistro the minute I stepped inside. The simple menu, using the freshest of ingredients is tasty and comforting. The atmosphere is welcoming and makes you wish you didn’t have to leave. Read my full post here.
Want a little bit of New York? Then Brix is definitely the place to be. Owner Rick Reich will make you feel like you’re in the Lower East Side, even if it’s only for a couple of hours. Read my full post here.
Callaloo Caribbean Kitchen is an unassuming little restaurant offering up some hearty Caribbean fare. It isn’t fancy, but it is certainly tasty. We love the jerk chicken, goat roti, and special fish dishes on the menu. The curries are also delicious. Owner Hamid Latiff Jr. makes you feel right at home while you’re there. If you like plantains, this is where you should order some. Callaloo does not have a website, but you can find them at 4137 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804.
At Kihon, you can either sit at the sushi bar, or at a table. Whichever way you wish to dine, you can be sure the food is good and the atmosphere is bustling. Chef Erwin can create an omakase meal for you should you choose to go that route. Read my full post here.
A Long Beach institution, Michael’s on Naples is an Italian fine dining restaurant with authentic, traditional Italian fare. Reservations are a must! And if you’re looking for a steak house, Chianina, also owned by the Michael’s Group, is also worth checking out. Read my full post here.
Who doesn’t love Chef Frank De Loach, his unique style and creative menu at Padre? The food is solid here with an ever evolving menu that’s bold and edgy. Read my posts here and here.
Another restaurant I fell in love with the minute I stepped inside is Restauration. During lunch, the best way to dine is out on the patio. In the evenings, it’s still lovely outside, but you won’t get the full experience of the gorgeous garden. Read my full posts here and here.
One of Long Beach’s newest restaurants, Saint & Second is a stellar gastropub in every sense of the word. From food, drinks, to décor, this is the whole package. Read my full post here.
Long Beach does not have many Korean restaurants. In fact, I believe there are only two, and Sura is one of them. This eatery has a splendid menu comprising an array of traditional and fusion options. I’ve not yet composed my post, but I promise you, Sura is well worth it. I enjoy the home-style flavors with good banchan (side dishes) and stellar bulgogi (marinated barbecue beef). Try it on sopes — the fusion — or dolsot bibimbap (stonepot rice) — traditional. Soondoobu and yukgejang, two of my favorite Korean stew/soup are solid comfort food options.
What about George’s?