Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Long Beach / Catalina

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Long Beach / Catalina? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

J. Trani's Ristorante

4.9

4.9 (859)

$31 to $50

Italian

San Pedro

About the restaurant

On a typical Friday night at J. Trani's Ristorante, a visit to the dining room reveals a host of family and friends and the bar is bustling with a crowd that can only be described as enthusiastic.

Top review

Eric

Dined 2 days ago

The best Italian food in South Bay. Very friendly service. My new place for Italian.

Tarantella on 4th

4.9

4.9 (45)

$30 and under

Italian

Long Beach

About the restaurant

Experience the taste of Italy at Tarantella on 4th, your go-to spot for authentic Italian cuisine.

Top review

Joanne

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

Beautiful patio with twinkling lights and talented musical guest. Chef came out to go over the chef’s specials’ with us to top off the evening with family. Everyone loved the ambience!

Sushi Nikkei - Bixby Knolls

4.9

4.9 (198)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Long Beach

About the restaurant

Chef Eduardo Chang Ogata brings Peruvian flavors and elements to traditional Japanese Sushi. Sushi Nikkei on Bixby Knolls received Michelin plate on 2022 and 2023.

Top review

Shaun

Dined on Jun 9, 2025

Always good and service is friendly. A favorite when I visit my old neighborhood.

Sushi Nikkei - Belmont Shore

4.9

4.9 (127)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Long Beach

About the restaurant

Chef Eduardo Chang Ogata brings Peruvian flavors and elements to traditional Japanese Sushi.
Sushi Nikkei on Bixby Knolls received Michelin recognition on 2022 and 2023.

Top review

JasonVIP

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

We go hear all the time and try something new every time we go. Their Ceviche is the best in town and their Sushi is one of a kind. Keep coming back and keep being pleasantly surprised. Service is amazing and the restaurant is spotless. Will always go back

LBCC Bistro

4.8

4.8 (53)

$30 and under

International

Lakewood / Bellflower

About the restaurant

The Bistro, run by students in Culinary Arts, offers food at a fine-dining standard and features a revolving prix fixe menu with a choice of appetizer or salad, entrée, and dessert for $20, tax included. Each week the Bistro focuses on cuisine from a different region, such as Asian, Mediterranean, Southern, Latin American or French cuisine. A vegetarian option is available.

Top review

Fayelease

Dined on May 21, 2025

My entree was not warm enough, but it was very tasty. Lulu had us reach for the water we ordered on the tray. Usually the server sets the water on the table so this was different. The

El Barrio Cantina

4.6

4.6 (8)

$30 and under

Mexican

Long Beach

About the restaurant

Your Gateway to Modern Mexican Flavors. Located in the heart of Long Beach at 1731 East 4th Street, El Barrio Cantina is your go-to destination for a unique Mexican dining experience. Our restaurant offers a blend of traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist, promising a meal that's both exciting and satisfying. Dive into a menu that's designed to delight with dishes like our savory Tacos de Papa and refreshing Ceviche Marinero de Camarón.

Top review

Teri

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

The servers are very friendly and smile no matter how busy it is! The Recession menu is awesome for locals and has a few vegetarian and vegan options which is not very common for a Mexican restaurant or bar. Highly recommended!

Thai District

4.5

4.5 (741)

$30 and under

Thai

Long Beach

About the restaurant

First and only in Downtown Long Beach Modern Thai, very authentic in taste and ingredients. Features northern style, street food in a hip and modern decor.

Top review

MattVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Thai district is a home run. All the normal dishes, additional northern specialities (like Khao Soi), and several signature items make up a menu I can eat over and over.

El Torito - Lakewood

4.5

4.5 (214)

$30 and under

Mexican

Lakewood / Bellflower

About the restaurant

The authority in great Mexican food for more than 65 years. Offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family.

Top review

Leticia

Dined on Mar 23, 2025

Took awhile to get seated for brunch, party of 20, but great service!

CaliChilli

4.5

4.5 (462)

$31 to $50

Indian

Long Beach

About the restaurant

Chef Mural Manjunath has received four consecutive Michelin stars for his modern take on Indian cuisine. He took an innovative approach by blending traditional Indian flavors with Southeast Asian cuisine to deliver a truly unique experience. At Cali Chilli, we hope to bring you a similar experience through an Indian twist on traditional American dishes.
Located across Heartwell Park in Viking Way, a few blocks from Carson & Bellflower Blvd Cali Chilli boasts intimate and cozy seating, and some outdoor seating to enjoy the weather, perfect for any occasion.
Butter Chicken Pot Pie, Chef Mural's take on traditional Butter Chicken, Vindaloo, Chef's Signature cut filet mignon are among the favorites.

Top review

Art

Dined 4 days ago

Really good food and service. We had the chicken wings, quesadilla, lamb vindaloo, and Kerala fish. The garlic naans are the best I have ever had. Mango rose lassi was superb.

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Popular dish

Butter Chicken Pot Pie

Liv's - Seafood & Oyster bar

4.4

4.4 (100)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Long Beach

About the restaurant

Liv’s concept was created with the intention of bringing Long Beach the freshest ingredients using locally sourced seafood whenever possible. Our goal is to work together with local winemakers, fishermen, and farmers to create a community of transparency and creativity here at Liv’s for everyone to enjoy!

Top review

ElizabethVIP

Dined 2 days ago

What an amazing lunch of the freshest seafood we've had in California. The service was great, attentive and friendly. The food just delicious. Very festive spot of July 4 people watching and enjoying the day.

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