The Best of Long Beach—

Enjoy Dinner at These Belmont Shore Restaurants

Just a short stroll from the sand, Belmont Shore is the laidback beach town inside the big city, a neighborhood filled with bars and restaurants, boutiques and bistros. It’s a great area to enjoy dinner any night of the week, whether you want to experience Long Beach’s oldest restaurant, book a special date night, or grab a quick bite with the kids. After dinner, go window shopping along 2nd Street or enjoy coffee or a sweet treat at one of several ice cream shops and bakeries.

GEORGES ON SECOND

George’s Greek Cafe (5316 E 2nd St) is a Long Beach landmark established by the Loizides family in the 1990s. Owner Nicky Clair–daughter of founders George and Rodoula–still runs the Belmont Shore location, where she says 80 percent of the menu is made up of her mother’s recipes. Diners love the lamb chops, marinated in herbs and lemon juice for tenderness, and the saganaki cheese appetizer, which is flamed tableside as everyone shouts, “Opa!” You’ll love the warm and welcoming atmosphere, whether you’re dining alone or with the whole family.

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Domenico’s (5339 E 2nd St) is Long Beach’s oldest restaurant and, in 1954, was one of the first to serve pizza in Southern California. The restaurant’s cozy interior is a step back in time, with classic red upholstered booths and ceilings decked with twinkle lights leading locals to reminisce about first dates and celebration meals hosted here. Domenico’s ground pepperoni and ground sausage pies are its signature dishes, though many also swear by the giant mozzarella logs and the creamy garlic salad dressing.

THE SECOND OWL THAI KITCHEN AND BAR

The Second Owl (5272 E 2nd St) brings the flavors of Thailand and Laos to Belmont Shore through refined recipes in a polished contemporary setting. This intimate neighborhood restaurant balances tradition and innovation with dishes ranging from smoky stir-fried noodles and refreshing papaya salad to bold larb and comforting soups. Crispy chicken wings, seafood specialties and carefully crafted cocktails or premium sake round out the experience, making Second Owl a great destination for both casual dinners and special occasions.

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OPEN SESAME

One of Belmont Shore’s most popular restaurants, Open Sesame (5215 E 2nd St) serves a delicious array of authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean dishes in an indoor-outdoor space that allows diners to take in the city as it passes by on 2nd Street. There’s a wide selection of small plate mezza including its legendary spicy garlic potatoes and flash fried cauliflower. The shawarma is incredible as is the tiger shrimp and baba ghannouj. Pair your meal with Turkish coffee or Moroccan green tea with mint, and definitely don’t skip dessert; the labne cheesecake is a delicious spin on an indulgent treat.

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RAKKAN RAMEN

Rakkan Ramen (5242 2nd St.) serves authentic Japanese ramen featuring a rich, umami-packed plant-based broth that forms the foundation of every bowl, perfectly complementing its silky noodles. Rakkan also has plenty of non-ramen options like sushi, rice bowls, takoyaki (octopus balls) and matcha mochi ice cream if you have a sweet tooth.

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Fresh local seafood dishes, live music, and inviting spaces make Roe Seafood (5374 E 2nd St) a popular stop for dinner on 2nd Street. It’s a great spot to share a dozen oysters with a glass of wine or craft cocktail, tuck into a hearty bowl of chowder, or munch on “poke cevichos” while doing some people watching while at the front patio tables. Extra reasons to visit during the week include Martini Mondays, Champagne & Oyster Tuesdays, and Wine & Jazz Wednesdays. Check the website to see the lineup of musicians that play from 5 to 8 PM.

L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele (4611 E 2nd St) traces its roots to 1870 in Naples, Italy, and had its oven built there and shipped to Belmont Shore to bring truly authentic Neapolitan pizza to Long Beach. The menu doesn’t stop at pizza; there’s also pasta, main dishes with choices of seafood, steak, or chicken, and plentiful dessert options. This is a restaurant where you can practice the Italian way of life–La Dolce Vita–by indulging in a multi-course meal and lingering over every delicious bite.

Located on the western end of 2nd Street, Zarapé Cocina & Cantina (4702 2nd St) offers a virtual journey to Oaxaca, not only through the food, but also the decor, which includes colorful murals celebrating Mexico’s Day of the Dead and upholstery the color of marigolds. Zarapé is a popular spot for happy hour, but its dinner service is not to be missed, with a menu of both Oaxacan classics and a selection of creative seafood dishes, like Cioppino de Ensenada and a Mexican-style paella.

When the mood strikes for casual comfort food, specifically deep dish pizza, head to Rance’s Chicago Pizza (5258 E 2nd St), where the midwestern classic is made fresh in-house. Pair it with craft beer on tap as well as the restaurant’s famous wings, and you have all the makings of a laidback hang with friends and family.

Author

Claire Atkinson

Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for over 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.