The Best of Long Beach—

Restaurants with Wine Focus

For wine lovers, a great meal extends beyond what’s on the plate.

Across Long Beach, there are restaurants that make wine an integral part of the dining experience, with thoughtfully curated lists, sommelier expertise, creative pairings and memorable ways to enjoy a bottle. Whether you’re discovering something new, pairing wine with a tasting menu or keeping a favorite bottle close at hand, these restaurants offer plenty of reasons to raise a glass.

CHEZ BACCHUS

At Chez Bacchus (743 E 4th St), wine is central to the experience, which is no surprise given that owner John Hansen is an Advanced Sommelier. His expertise shapes a globally curated wine list spanning more than 15 regions, with selections available by the glass or carafe, making it easy to explore new tastes without committing to a bottle. For an even deeper dive, the restaurant’s Chef’s Table offers optional wine pairings personally curated by Hansen.

L’OPERA RISTORANTE

Beneath this Downtown icon is the intimate Wine Cellar, a refined private dining space housed in what used to be an underground level of a bank. Tables are surrounded by dark wood wine cabinets making it an amazing setting for wine dinners, private celebrations and special occasions. L’Opera (101 Pine Ave) also maintains an extensive wine program and received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence, which has made it a destination for connoisseurs.

HERITAGE

At Heritage (2030 E 7th St), wine is treated as another course in its carefully composed tasting menu. The Michelin-starred restaurant–Long Beach’s first–offers an optional wine pairing designed to complement its changing lineup of seasonal dishes. The pairings are a natural match for Heritage’s ingredient-driven cuisine, with each pour chosen to enhance the flavors, balance and seasonality of the menu. For diners looking for the full experience, adding the wine pairing elevates the tasting menu to another level.

THE CHELSEA, QUEEN MARY

The Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy) offers wine lovers a dining experience with a bit of history on the side. The Chelsea, the ship’s seafood-focused restaurant, hosts wine dinners that turn the historic ocean liner into an intimate tasting destination. Recent events have featured multi-course menus paired with wines from individual producers, giving diners the chance to explore a winery’s portfolio alongside dishes created by the Queen Mary’s culinary team.

SKY ROOM

At Sky Room, wine and bubbles fit naturally into the restaurant’s glamorous setting atop the Fairmont Breakers (210 E Ocean Blvd). A champagne cart brings tableside indulgence, while the chef’s tasting experience can be paired with wines selected to complement the progression of courses. Each pour enhances what’s on the plate, while the sweeping views and elegant surroundings add another layer of refinement.

QUEENSVIEW STEAKHOUSE

Queensview Steakhouse (435 Shoreline Village Dr) pairs prime steaks, seafood and harbor views with a wine program that has earned Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. The list offers a broad range of whites, reds and sparkling wines, with options to complement everything from seafood to dry-aged ribeye. Wine also plays a role in special event menus, which have included suggested pairings for individual courses. Add live jazz and 360-degree views, and Queensview makes a strong case for lingering over another glass.

SAINT & SECOND

Saint & Second (4828 2nd St) offers personal wine lockers, allowing members to keep their favorite bottles on site to enjoy during future visits. Membership includes a custom brass nameplate, 30% off regularly priced bottled wine, priority reservations and invitations to select tastings. For dedicated wine drinkers, the lockers offer a simple pleasure: knowing a favorite bottle is waiting for you the next time you sit down for dinner.

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.