The best restaurants in Long Beach in 2026 are Ellie's for Southern Italian cooking in Alamitos Beach, Heritage, its Michelin-starred tasting menu in Rose Park, Panxa Cocina for New Mexican cooking, Lola's for Mexican food on Retro Row and Gusto Bread for pan dulce. SteelCraft in Bixby Knolls is the casual outdoor food hall pick.
Long Beach's best eating is spread between downtown, Retro Row on 4th Street and Bixby Knolls. It is easy to combine a meal with the Aquarium of the Pacific or the Queen Mary.
Southern Italian-inspired cooking in Alamitos Beach.
Ellie's, from chef Jason Witzl, serves Southern Italian-inspired dishes with seasonal produce in Alamitos Beach.
It is one of the city's most celebrated restaurants.
Good to know: Book ahead on weekends.
204 Orange Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802
Long Beach's Michelin-starred tasting menu.
Heritage serves a seasonal tasting menu in a converted house in Rose Park, much of it grown at the restaurant's own nearby farm. It earned a Michelin star in 2025.
It is reservation only.
Good to know: Book ahead; street parking only.
2030 E 7th St, Long Beach, CA 90804
New Mexican cooking with green and red chile.
Panxa Cocina serves New Mexican dishes such as enchiladas smothered in red or green chile.
It is a rare taste of New Mexico in LA County.
Good to know: Order your dish 'Christmas' (both chiles).
3937 E Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90803
A colorful Mexican restaurant on 4th Street.
Lola's serves regional Mexican dishes and cocktails in a colorful room on Retro Row.
It is a neighborhood favorite.
Good to know: Weekend brunch is popular.
2030 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814
Naturally leavened pan dulce.
Gusto Bread makes naturally leavened conchas and Mexican breads with heritage grains.
Lines form on weekends.
Good to know: Arrive early.
2710 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814
An outdoor food hall of shipping containers.
SteelCraft has local food vendors, a beer bar and plenty of outdoor seating.
It is family- and dog-friendly.
Good to know: Bring the dog.
3768 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90807
Heritage, Long Beach's only Michelin-starred restaurant, and Ellie's are the most acclaimed.
Retro Row on 4th Street has Lola's and Gusto Bread; Heritage is a few blocks south on 7th Street.
SteelCraft in Bixby Knolls is an outdoor food hall made from shipping containers.
Downtown Long Beach, including Ellie's, is a short walk or ride from the aquarium.
Gusto Bread, known for naturally leavened pan dulce.