So you want to go out to eat in Long Beach, California. Here comes the ever-present question: where should you go? There are so many choices, from the Al Pastor tacos made with homemade corn tortillas at the family-run taco stand to sipping martinis and slurping down oysters with a view of the Pacific—Long Beach’s restaurants are as diverse as the population. It’s also a hotspot for some of the finest dining experiences recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide. For foodies, Long Beach is a paradise of culinary delights, offering everything from innovative fusion cuisine to authentic international dishes. The city’s haute dining scene also reflects its diverse and vibrant community, ensuring that every meal is an adventure. Let’s take a culinary tour of the top Michelin-starred and recommended restaurants that are putting Long Beach on the gastronomic map.

The Joy of Eating Good Food

Eating good food is more than just satisfying hunger—it’s an experience that engages all the senses and often creates lasting memories. Quality food made with fresh, carefully selected ingredients can transform a meal into an extraordinary event. Whether you’re indulging in a perfectly cooked steak, savoring the complex flavors of a well-crafted sushi roll, or delighting in a creative dessert, good food has the power to bring joy and excitement to your dining experience.

For food enthusiasts, discovering new flavors and culinary techniques is a journey of exploration. Michelin-starred and recommended restaurants are often at the forefront of this culinary innovation, offering dishes that not only taste incredible but also tell a story through their ingredients and presentation. These restaurants strive to provide an exceptional dining experience, where every detail, from the ambiance to the service, enhances the enjoyment of the food.

Why Michelin Stars Matter

Michelin stars are among the most prestigious accolades a restaurant can receive. Awarded by the Michelin Guide, these stars are a hallmark of quality and excellence in the culinary world. Here’s why they are so important:

Culinary Excellence: Michelin stars recognize the exceptional talent and skill of chefs who deliver outstanding culinary experiences. Receiving a star indicates that the restaurant meets the highest standards of food quality, creativity, and consistency.
Global Prestige: A Michelin star places a restaurant on the global map, attracting food enthusiasts and travelers from around the world. It is a mark of distinction that elevates a restaurant’s reputation and often leads to increased business and recognition.
Rigorous Evaluation: The Michelin Guide employs anonymous inspectors who dine at restaurants and assess them based on a set of rigorous criteria, including quality of ingredients, mastery of flavor and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef in their cuisine, value for money, and consistency across the menu. This thorough evaluation process ensures that only the best establishments are awarded stars (MICHELIN Guide).
Impact on Careers: For chefs and restaurateurs, earning a Michelin star can be a career-defining achievement. It opens doors to new opportunities, enhances their professional reputation, and often leads to further accolades and awards.
Customer Trust: Diners view Michelin stars as a reliable guide to quality dining. When choosing a restaurant, many people trust the Michelin Guide to point them toward an exceptional dining experience, knowing that the starred restaurants have been vetted by experts.

Heritage

First on our list and proudly holding a Michelin star is Heritage. Chef Philip Pretty, alongside his sister Lauren, has transformed what started as a humble sandwich shop into a full-fledged fine dining destination. Located on 7th Street, Heritage offers a prix-fixe menu that beautifully combines Californian accents with French techniques. Seasonal ingredients shine in dishes like preserved kumquats paired with roasted beet and dry-aged duck breast, making each visit a fresh and delightful experience.

Heritage is a fine dining restaurant, so expect a more upscale experience. The prix-fixe menu can be on the pricier side, typically ranging from $85 to $125 per person, depending on the number of courses and market availability of ingredients. Reservations are highly recommended due to its popularity and limited seating. The restaurant offers a warm, elegant atmosphere perfect for special occasions or a romantic dinner. Heritage is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 5 PM to 10 PM.

Sushi Nikkei

While not yet star-rated, Sushi Nikkei is prominently featured in the Michelin Guide for its unique blend of Peruvian and Japanese culinary traditions. Situated in Bixby Knolls and with a second location in Belmont Shore, this restaurant offers a diverse menu that’s perfect for sharing. Highlights include the eight-piece tasting menu, which is a must-try for sushi enthusiasts looking to experience something extraordinary.

Sushi Nikkei’s ambiance is casual yet refined, making it suitable for both date nights and family dinners. The price range for a meal here is moderate to high, depending on your selections, with most dishes ranging from $15 to $30. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. The restaurant operates from Tuesday to Sunday, 5 PM to 10 PM.

The Attic

Another gem is The Attic, renowned for its Southern-inspired comfort food with a gourmet twist. Chef Cameron Slaugh has elevated the menu with dishes that blend classic Southern flavors with innovative touches. Think fried chicken and biscuits, gumbo, and fried green tomatoes, all served in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Their peach salad and powdered sugar beignets with strawberry compote are just the starters and desserts you need to round off a perfect meal.

Located on Broadway, The Attic offers a relaxed and charming atmosphere that feels like home. Prices are reasonable, with most entrees ranging from $15 to $25. Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends. The Attic is open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM, making it a great spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Chiang Rai Thai Street Food

For those craving authentic Thai cuisine, Chiang Rai Thai Street Food is the place to be. This under-the-radar spot in Central Long Beach is praised by Michelin for its Northern Thai specialties. The khao soi, a Northern Thai curry dish, is particularly noteworthy, featuring thin slices of raw ribeye over egg noodles, with hot soup poured over to gently cook the meat, creating a deeply flavorful experience.

Chiang Rai Thai Street Food offers a casual dining experience with a focus on bold, authentic flavors. Prices are very reasonable, with most dishes ranging from $10 to $20. While reservations are not typically necessary, it’s always a good idea to call ahead on weekends. The restaurant is open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM.

HiroNori Craft Ramen

HiroNori Craft Ramen, while located in Irvine and recognized by Michelin for its value and quality, also has a strong presence in Long Beach’s Bixby Knolls. Known for their exceptional ramen, this spot is a staple for those who appreciate well-crafted bowls of this Japanese classic. Their ramen features rich, flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles, making it a go-to for a satisfying meal.

HiroNori Craft Ramen is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner. The prices are quite affordable, with most ramen bowls priced around $15. Reservations are not required, but be prepared for a short wait during peak hours. The restaurant is open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM.

Ready to Eat at a Restaurant in Long Beach?

Long Beach’s culinary scene is as diverse and vibrant as its community, offering a range of Michelin-recognized dining experiences from upscale Californian cuisine to inventive sushi and comforting Southern dishes. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, make sure to add these restaurants to your must-visit list for a memorable dining adventure. Good food isn’t just about eating; it’s about experiencing the artistry and passion that go into every dish, creating moments of joy and satisfaction that linger long after the meal is over.

Bon appétit!