The Best of Long Beach—

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 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 her mother’s recipes make up 80 percent of the menu. 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 owned by Long Beach native Kristin Colazas Rodriguez, whose menus showcase her Greek heritage. At her Belmont Shore location, which is part coffee shop and part restaurant, she regularly sells traditional Greek pastries and dishes like lamb souvlaki. The community enjoys celebrating the Greek Orthodox Easter holiday with her koulourakia cookies and a traditional sweet bread called tsoureki. You can also find a selection of Greek grocery items and wines in the 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. 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 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church. 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–bite-sized dough balls soaked in honey–expertly handmade by the church’s members.

NICK THE GREEK

Located in Belmont Shore, Nick the Greek (5000 E 2nd St) offers Greek and Mediterranean cuisine in a bright, casual setting. In addition to gyro plates, chicken souvlaki wraps, and even a burger, this spot serves a Mediterranean bowl piled with your choice of protein and veggies for a healthful lunch or dinner. Don’t skip dessert! With indulgent spins on Greek classics like baklava and chocolate-filled Greek donuts, Nick the Greek is also a great spot to grab frozen yogurt (try it topped with crumbled baklava and honey).

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.

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