Cuisine Scene: Greek
The last two centuries have seen thousands of Greeks immigrating to Southern California, bringing a rich tradition of food and hospitality with them. As a result, you can enjoy Greek food at several restaurants around Long Beach, many that remain family-owned. And if you’ve never been, the long-running Long Beach Greek Festival is the perfect place to explore Greek cuisine while taking in live music and entertainment.
GEORGE'S GREEK CAFE
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!”
COLOSSUS
Colossus (4716 2nd St) is a bakery and cafe owned by Long Beach native Kristin Colazas Rodriguez, whose menu showcases her Greek heritage. She regularly sells spanakopita puffs as well as seasonal specialties made to celebrate the Greek Orthodox Easter holiday, including cookies called koulourakia and a traditional bread called tsoureki made with mahlepi (derived from cherry pits) and topped with sliced almonds and pearl sugar. You can also find a selection of Greek grocery items and wines in their Belmont Shore shop.
PITA PITAKI
Located in a small strip mall at the edge of the California Heights neighborhood near Long Beach Airport, Pita Pitaki (3401 Cherry Ave) has earned a band of loyal followers who champion the restaurant’s authentic dishes made with high-quality ingredients served in generous portions. Owners Penelope and Christina Marangos share their family recipes, with highlights including grilled octopus, Greek meatballs, and roasted chicken. Don’t skip dessert—the Galaktobouriko (Greek custard pie) is divine.
LONG BEACH GREEK FESTIVAL
One of the best places to try Greek food is the Long Beach Greek Festival held each year during Labor Day weekend at the Greek Orthodox Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The extensive menu served at booths on the church’s grounds and inside its dining hall includes classics like spanakopita, lamb chops, and gyros. Still, the stars are Greek cookies, pastries and much beloved loukoumades, expertly handmade by the church’s members.
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