Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Long Beach / Catalina

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Long Beach / Catalina? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The 908 Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (19)

$30 and under

American

Long Beach

About the restaurant

A restaurant created in long beach for the people of long beach. Classic American cookery, seasonal fare complemented by an exemplary bar offering in an upbeat yet elevated setting.

Top review

WillyVIP

Dined 1 day ago

An exceptional dining experience at the 908 Restaurant! From the moment we stepped through the door, we were greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere that set the tone for a delightful evening. Our waiter, Bubba, was a standout highlight of the night—his friendly demeanor, funny, expert knowledge, and impeccable service truly elevated our experience. Now, let’s talk about the food—the creativity and presentation were nothing short of stunning. We started with the Iceberg Wedge Salad, a fresh, vibrant interpretation of a classic. The tangy and well-balanced dressing perfectly complemented the crisp iceberg lettuce and fresh toppings. The Calamari was a delightful surprise; it was tender and perfectly crispy, accompanied by a zesty dipping sauce that added just the right kick. Moving on to the Roasted Bone Marrow, I was blown away by its rich flavor and luxurious texture. It felt like a true indulgence, and Bubba’s recommendation to pair it with the house-made toast was spot-on. The Ceviche was fresh and refreshing, showcasing the chef's creativity with a beautiful mix of flavors that danced on our palates. This was followed by the Shrimp and Lobster Linguine, a highlight of the evening—perfectly cooked pasta tossed with succulent seafood and a deliciously creamy sauce. Every bite was a savory delight. For dessert, we indulged in the Crème Brûlée, which had the perfect crackling top that gave way to a silky smooth custard. The Fresh Seasonal Cobbler was another winner, bursting with fruit flavors, and the Pistachio Chocolate Tiramisu was a delightful twist on the classic, combining rich chocolate with the nutty essence of pistachio in a creamy, dreamy layer. Every dish was beautifully presented and expertly crafted, making our dining experience at 908 Restaurant one for the books. big thanks to Bubba for his wonderful service and for guiding us through the menu. We can’t wait to return for another culinary adventure! Highly recommend this gem to anyone looking.

Sushi Nikkei - Bixby Knolls

4.8

4.8 (165)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Long Beach

About the restaurant

Chef Eduardo Chang Ogata brings Peruvian flavors and elements to traditional Japanese Sushi. Sushi Nikkei on Bixby Knolls received Michelin plate on 2022 and 2023.

Top review

sarahVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Fantastic , food , service, atmosphere, everything, FANTASTIC!

Tokyo Noir

4.8

4.8 (42)

$30 and under

Speakeasy

Long Beach

About the restaurant

Tucked behind El Barrio Cantina in Long Beach, Tokyo Noir is an intimate 25-seat speakeasy with a side-alley entrance and world-class cocktail program, co-concepted by restaurateur/founder Jesse Duron and acclaimed mixologist Kevin Lee. As the only certified Ice Master outside of Japan, Lee has created a cocktail menu at Tokyo Noir that will make it a destination for serious bar culture fans, who want to experience the art and craft of cocktailing. The beverages are complemented by a robust izakaya-style menu from Chef Ulises Alfaro-Piñeda, with craveable small plates that go beyond bar snack expectations. As a whole, this discreet speakeasy concept will surprise locals and impress the industry.

Top review

Mary

Dined 2 days ago

Amazing experience and delicious food and drinks. We had dinner before we arrived but ordered the corn dogs since we couldn’t resist! So flavorful and authentic. We can’t wait to go back and bring friends

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Experience

Tokyo Noir Reservations

Trani's Dockside Station

4.8

4.8 (211)

$31 to $50

Seafood

San Pedro

About the restaurant

Trani’s Dockside, is a new waterside restaurant launched by one of the port town’s best known restaurant families. The restaurant was able to hold a soft grand opening on May 16, the 98th anniversary of the opening of the original Trani’s Majestic Cafe that opened in 1925 in downtown San Pedro.

Top review

Gwenne

Dined today

Absolutely love dining here. The best food and ambience in the South Bay!

Rokka Grill and Whiskey Bar - Bellflower

4.7

4.7 (74)

$31 to $50

American

Lakewood / Bellflower

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

Debbie

Dined 5 days ago

Great!! We loved our experience. Can’t wait to go back to try something different from the menu.

Heritage

4.7

4.7 (741)

$50 and over

Californian

Long Beach

About the restaurant

Heritage is family owned and operated by Chef Philip Pretty and sister Lauren Pretty. Our lively indoor dining room was built in 1922 as a craftsman house. Walk inside to an open kitchen, request bar seating to watch us cook over a live fire Santa Maria grill. Located in the Rose Park neighborhood of Long Beach on the corner of 7th & Saint Louis Ave. Heritage Restaurant uses sustainable meat & seafood, and Farmer's Market produce. Growing our own produce at Heritage Farm right up the street. Certified blue, green, and maintain a zero-waste kitchen. One red and green star Michelin awarded. We serve a tasting menu only. We politely decline modifications. Please specify all dietary restrictions/allergies when booking your reservation. Our menu is seasonal, and subject to daily changes. We are reservation only, please call if you have any difficulty booking online. We look forward to hosting you!

Top review

LauraVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Heritage is absolutely one of my favorite restaurants! I love how they play with flavors - they absolutely nail having dishes that are innovative and surprising without them tasting overly complicated or confusing. A lot of their produce is from their local farm and they are great at highlighting the natural flavors of the best seasonal produce and meats. This is what I think of when I think of California style fine dining. Great ambiance and impeccable service. I always leave with a smile on my face, can't wait for my next trip!

CaliChilli

4.7

4.7 (392)

$31 to $50

Indian

Long Beach

About the restaurant

Chef Mural Manjunath has received four consecutive Michelin stars for his modern take on Indian cuisine. He took an innovative approach by blending traditional Indian flavors with Southeast Asian cuisine to deliver a truly unique experience. At Cali Chilli, we hope to bring you a similar experience through an Indian twist on traditional American dishes.
Located across Heartwell Park in Viking Way, a few blocks from Carson & Bellflower Blvd Cali Chilli boasts intimate and cozy seating, and some outdoor seating to enjoy the weather, perfect for any occasion.
Butter Chicken Pot Pie, Chef Mural's take on traditional Butter Chicken, Vindaloo, Chef's Signature cut filet mignon are among the favorites.

Top review

Brooke

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

We love everything about CaliChili. It's so easy to find a parking spot and once you enter the restaurant, it's like stepping into a different world. Wonderful ambiance, a unique menu and excellent food. The service is attentive without being intrusive. We started with a new item on the menu, Calamari and French Bean. It leans into more Southeast Asian flavors and was a perfect starter. It was a cold and drizzly night, so we ordered the Dum Biryani with lamb as our main course. The meat was falling off the bone. The rice, lamb and yogurt sauce all melded together perfectly. Thank you for another wonderful meal.

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Popular dish

Butter Chicken Pot Pie

4.7

4.7 (48)

$50 and over

Bistro

Long Beach

About the restaurant

Founded by sibling duo Chef Philip Pretty and Lauren Pretty, Olive & Rose is a culinary destination born from their shared passion for exceptional food and genuine hospitality. We'v reimagined the dining experience as a neo-bistro, where classic French techniques with a twist meet vibrant flavors that are unmistakably Californian. Each dish tells a story of flavor, texture, and creativity—a reflection of Chef Philip Pretty’s entire culinary career.
From sourcing local, seasonal ingredients to minimizing food waste and reducing our environmental footprint, we’re proud to continue the sustainable dining legacy of our sister restaurant, Heritage, by incorporating green certified and green Michelin star practices into our operations.

Our dining area is a covered patio, please dress accordingly.

We are reservation only, please call if you have any difficulty booking online. We look forward to hosting you!

Top review

GeorgeVIP

Dined 3 days ago

One of the best meals we have had this year! Food and service were both wonderful.

L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele - Belmont Shore

4.6

4.6 (319)

$31 to $50

Italian

Long Beach

About the restaurant

Discover L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele Belmont Shore, a premier Italian restaurant in Long Beach, CA, serving the finest wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta. As a family-owned establishment, we use fresh, imported ingredients from Italy to deliver an authentic taste with every bite. Enjoy our award-winning Neapolitan pizzas in a cozy, romantic setting, perfect for intimate dinners. With gluten-free and vegetarian options available, our menu caters to all. We also offer catering services for events, ensuring an unforgettable Italian culinary experience paired with fine wines.

Top review

DanVIP

Dined 1 day ago

We had an amazing server. Wish I could remember her name!

Broken Spirits Distillery

4.5

4.5 (43)

$30 and under

Barbecue

Long Beach

About the restaurant

We are Broken Spirits, a distillery born from a love of forgotten recipes and the desire to create something new from the echoes of the past. Step through our unassuming door and be transported to a bygone era. Our speakeasy-inspired interior is a warm embrace of exposed brick, plush seating, and the gentle hum of conversation. Worn leather-bound recipe books line our shelves, whispering secrets of forgotten cocktails, while vintage lamps cast a romantic glow. Our culinary creations are chef driven and locally sourced. Join us for a meal and stay for a memory.

Top review

Nancy

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

Wait staff was cordial and helpful with menu selections. I went there for a thank you meal for my staff for the holidays and it was a relaxing time when it wasn't too busy in the restaurant.

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