The Best of Long Beach—

Dining Within Walking Distance of the Long Beach Convention Center

Attending an event at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center means you are literally just steps from some of the city’s best dining. What’s more, these standout spots can be reached with a quick, easy walk—most in under 10 minutes. From waterfront seafood to underground tiki lounges and elegant neighborhood gems, these nearby restaurants make it simple to grab a memorable meal without need of a car or complicated plans.

EAST VILLAGE ARTS DISTRICT

The East Village in Downtown Long Beach is an artsy neighborhood known for its creative energy and diverse dining scene. 555 East American Steakhouse (555 E Ocean Blvd) delivers an upscale experience with prime steaks, fresh seafood, and an award-winning wine list in a classic setting. Arize Bistro (306 Elm Ave) offers modern Asian fusion dishes for breakfast and brunch with bold flavors in a cozy, contemporary space. Located in the historic Cooper Arms building, Modica’s Restaurant & Deli (455 E Ocean Blvd) serves a full menu of Italian favorites including hot and cold sandwiches, salads, pasta and Italian desserts. Beachwood Blendery (247 Long Beach Blvd) is a specialty brewery known for its focus on barrel-aged and sour beers, offering a rotating selection crafted with precision and creativity. The Breakfast Bar (70 Atlantic Ave) is a lively spot known for hearty comfort food–like loaded omelets and breakfast burritos–and creative breakfast cocktails. District Wine (144 Linden Ave) is a cozy wine bar offering a curated selection of wines alongside small plates and charcuterie; its intimate ambiance makes it a popular spot for relaxed evenings. Eggbred (777 E Ocean Blvd) specializes in gourmet breakfast sandwiches and an inventive menu, featuring high quality ingredients and fresh baked bread. Naree Thai (555 E Ocean Blvd) serves authentic Thai cuisine with a focus on rich curries, flavorful noodles, and traditional spices. Olive & Rose (255 Atlantic Ave) is a modern bistro that combines French culinary techniques with fresh, seasonal California influences in a stylish setting. Created by the team behind Heritage–Long Beach’s first Michelin-starred restaurant–it offers an elevated dining experience that feels both contemporary and thoughtfully crafted.

RAINBOW HARBOR

A short stroll across Shoreline Drive brings you to the charming Pine Ave Pier on Rainbow Harbor, which is not only steps away from some of the city’s most popular attractions–like whale watching with Harbor Breeze Cruises and the Aquarium of the Pacific–but also has dining options to suit every taste. Gladstone's Long Beach (330 S Pine Ave) offers fresh seafood and scenic harbor views, perfect for a relaxed waterfront meal. P.F. Chang's (340 S Pine Ave) features Asian-inspired favorites in a stylish, welcoming setting. Famous Dave's (300 S Pine Ave) serves hearty barbecue classics. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., inspired by the film Forrest Gump, is known for its shrimp-focused menu and Southern-style dishes. Its playful, movie-themed atmosphere and casual dining vibe make it a popular spot for families. California Pizza Kitchen is a casual dining chain famous for its innovative takes on pizza with creative toppings as well as pastas and salads in a relaxed, modern setting.

PINE AVENUE

Pine Avenue is Downtown Long Beach’s main artery and home to many popular dining and nightlife options. The Auld Dubliner (71 S Pine Ave) is an authentic Irish pub built in Ireland and reassembled in Long Beach, serving classics like shepherd’s pie, corned beef and Guinness. L'Opera Ristorante (101 Pine Ave) is an elegant Italian restaurant offering refined dining and a romantic atmosphere. Open in the evening, BO-Beau kitchen + rooftap (144 Pine Ave) offers California comfort food with global influences, a stylish dining room and an upstairs deck with spectacular skyline views. Altar Society (230 Pine Ave) blends craft brewing, coffee culture and pizza in a stylish, modern space in a restored, historic building great for social gatherings. King’s Fish House (100 W Broadway) is a classic seafood restaurant known for fresh, daily menus and a polished dining experience. Shannon’s Corner features three dining options: Shannon’s on Pine Irish Pub & Sports Bar (209 Pine Ave), The Carvery (201 Pine Ave), featuring new American dishes and hearty plates and the Secret Island tiki lounge, located beneath Shannon’s on Pine. Near the intersection of Pine Ave and Ocean Blvd, Buono’s Pizzeria (250 W Ocean Blvd) is a longtime Long Beach staple serving classic Italian-American comfort food, especially its hearty pizzas, pastas and sandwiches. Just a couple blocks west of Pine, La Traviata (301 N Cedar Ave) is an elegant Italian restaurant set in a historic building that is known for its Nuevo Italian cuisine, live music and old world charm, making it popular for romantic dinners and celebrations.

SHORELINE VILLAGE

One of Long Beach’s most popular waterfront destinations, Shoreline Village offers dining, shopping and family-friendly activities like an arcade and souvenir shopping. Parkers’ Lighthouse (435 Shoreline Village Dr) is known for mesquite-grilled seafood and sweeping harbor views from nearly every table. Tequila Jack's (407 Shoreline Village Dr) serves Baja-style Mexican food along with margaritas and an extensive tequila selection. Yard House (401 Shoreline Village Dr) has a lively atmosphere and a large menu with an impressive lineup of draft beers. Shenanigans Irish Pub and Grille has a slew of TVs, pool table and one of the best views of the Long Beach waterfront. The Irish pub has plenty of pints and plates including wings and burgers along with Irish-inspired fare such as a corned beef burger, shepherd’s pie and, yes, Irish nachos. Queensview Steakhouse (435 Shoreline Village Dr) has a 360-degree view of the city skyline as well as the Queen Mary and harbor. The restaurant serves a traditional steakhouse menu along with seafood, including a raw bar, sushi menu, and seafood entrees.

THE PROMENADE

The Promenade in Downtown Long Beach is a pedestrian-only stretch made for memorable days and nights. Between Broadway and 3rd Street, it’s lined with lively taverns, award-winning breweries, distilleries and plenty of great food. ISM Brewing (210 E 3rd St) is a brewpub known for award-winning craft beers and a menu of elevated classic American pub fare with dishes designed to pair with its house-made ales and lagers. Broken Spirits Distillery (300 The Promenade N) combines a working distillery and handcrafted drinks with chef-driven comfort food, making it equally suited for date nights and intimate gatherings. The Ordinarie (210 The Promenade N) reimagines the American tavern with great food, a strong bar program and an energetic atmosphere that make it a popular spot for casual dining and nightlife. Ammatoli (285 E 3rd St) is among Long Beach’s most honored restaurants. Showcasing Levantine cuisine through seasonal ingredients and deeply rooted family recipes, it is renowned for its hospitality and incredible flavors. Buen Provecho (301 The Promenade N) is a modern Mexican-American restaurant that highlights the blended cultural influences of Latino life in Southern California, its menu reflects a mix of traditional flavors and contemporary interpretations. Ruth’s Chris Steak House (180 E Ocean Blvd) is known for its signature sizzling USDA Prime steaks served on 500-degree plates and an extensive wine list.

Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.