James | Long Beach, CA

This list was a year in the making, and with 2026 here—it’s time to showcase my 25 top eats (and two drinks) from 2025. I solely selected items that were new additions last year, meaning legacy items aren’t here. I included Ammatoli’s mansaf, as it was a special occasion dish prior to 2025 that was upgraded to a weekly recurring dish last year. Heritage’s tasting menu and Chef Jason Witzl of @ellies_lbc menu are included as a set because the entire tasting menu is a key part of the dining experience. These dishes are not ranked in any order: Barbecue Platter @brothers_keeperbbq Fusilli @nonnamercato Italian Sub @thunderboltpizza Spaghetti & Meatballs @duefiori.lbc Winter Tasting Menu @heritage.lb Philly Cheesesteak @omgburgersandmore Yuccas Animales @selva.lbc Grilled Beef Tongue & Wagyu Curry @homareyalbc Pastrami Sandwich @marlena_longbeach Grilled Beausoleil Oysters @loquatoysters Mansaf @ammatoli Bone Marrow Pie @theatticonbroadway Ribeye & Pulpo @ruta15cevichebar Mushroom Norcina & Herb Spätzle @barbeckylbx Feast of the Seven Fishes @chefjason_w of Ellie’s Short Rib Massaman @thesecondowl Carrot & Kimchi Sandwich @dillyslb Ginataang Kalabasa @gotyourbacklb Shinjuku Sushi @sushinikkei_la Lamb Hachis Parmentier @buvonswine Tartare “Katsu” Sando @oliveandrose.lb Braised Short Rib @skyroomlb Crispy Pork Belly Spring Rolls @picklebanhmico Pain Suisse au Chocolat @heybrotherbaker Maple Bacon Beignets @snocorner The Initial B @tokyo.noir.bar Gorganize Me, Captain @babygeebar

Here’s my ultimate list for soups in Long Beach 2025. Yes—I also included stews, chowders, curries, and even a soup dumpling. Anything with the “spirit of soup” I threw into the list. This list is thorough and unranked, but not comprehensive. It also doesn’t only include the best of the best. Some of the items are the best that we have as a city and sometimes it’s an item that I just personally like. Though, items with an asterisk (*) are noteworthy or exemplary. Lastly, I know I’m missing soups, again it’s not comprehensive, but this list is already nearly forty items. Feel free to mention what I’m missing below for next year. I know there’s at least a chicken tortilla, menudo, sinigang, egg flower, etc etc out there that could be on this list. @skyroomlb Chestnut & Truffle * @noblerotisserie Chicken Noodle @unclefungeatery Laksa Mee @riveras7thst Pozole Rojo * @hironoriramen Ramen (Tonkotsu, Vegan*, & Shoyu) @canadasgrill Carne en su Jugo * Crystal Thai Cambodian (No IG) Nom P’jok * @casachaskis Parihuela Exótica @chiangrailb.tt Khao Soi * Monorom (No IG) Somlar Machu Kreung * @theordinarie Beef & Barley @suralbc Soon Tofu @calichilli Butter Chicken Pot Pie @enriques_lb Albóndigas Pho Hong Phat (No IG) Pho @ammatoli Red & Green Lentil @appus.cafe Indian Mushroom @sesame.dinette Beef Bourguignon * @selva.lbc Sancocho @salsgumboshack Gumbo @nomadasianbistro Sizzling Rice @phnompenhnoodleshack Cambodian Beef Stew * @themerchantlb Chili / Clam Chowder @danmodernchinese Xiaolongbao @pitapitaki Avgolemono @charm.siam Thai Boat Noodle @honduraskitchen Sopa de Hombre @panxacocina Chimayo Posolé * @tepechilb Peinecillo en Caldo @annasjoint Mom’s Tomato Bisque @thebakenbroil French Onion / Split Pea @ps_fastfood168 Oxtail Kuyteav @salacoffeeandwine Sopa de Fideo @thesecondowl Kai Palo Heng * @nickson2nd San Francisco Cioppino * @laesperanzarestaurants Pepian de Res * @mnolbc Beef Noodle Soup

VAN’S WARPED TOUR comes to long beach next weekend, and as a prelude to both the festival and LONG BEACH FOOD SCENE WEEK—starting today 7/21 through 8/01—warped bands will be collaborating with select long beach restaurants to offer a special item for $15 or less during the two week period. here are some of the participating bands and restaurants: @legends_lb x @vandalsofficial i have a date shake & anarchy burger (hold the government) @selva.lbc x @sublime smoke two joints pollo @coffeedrunk.co x @goldfingermusic pretending i’m superman (vegan option) @sideburnslbc x @honeyrevengeca sticky situation smash @pikebar x @ofmiceandmen of mice & melt (vegetarian) @bobeaurooftap x @anberlin the feel good korean wings @theordinarie x @saosinofficial seven years smash burger @black_pork2023 x @bronxovision el bronx empanadas @grillemall x @sunami.408 sunami style loaded fries @dillyslb x @_pennywise straight ahead slamwich @the4thhorsemanlbc x @momjeans_ca death cup calzone @ilovelolas x @drain831 the drain dropkick taquitos (vegetarian) @iluvurbuns x @kennyhoopla just when you think you know some-bao-ger (vegan with non-vegan option) @thesociallistlb x @slaughterhouse.la slaughterhouse burger (vegan) @goodtime.lb x @311 amber cold brew (vegetarian) warped’s mission is to keep things affordable and fan-first—and with every item being $15 or less at 15 places across the greater long beach area—this program aims to celebrate community and bring people together across the city.

Long Beach has a wealth of fantastic Thai food, and one of them has been on the Michelin guide for four years running. Chiang Rai @chiangrailb.tt has been a local’s hot spot ever since they’ve opened, and they keep getting better. So many of the new dishes hit, matching the caliber of the classics. I got to try so many things including the crispy pork belly rice bowl, roti with curry & midnight chicken, koi nure (Thai style beef tartare), som tum nuer yang (papaya salad with ribeye), and pork belly fried rice; all delicious classics. As for stuff new to me, I got the bamii pu moo dang (egg noodles with bbq pork and crab meat, tom som pla (branzino soup), crab pad thai, khao moo sam chan tod (fried pork with khao soi curry and rice) and steamed branzino. All of these dishes were also fantastic. I was particularly enthused with the khao moo sam chan tod and the steamed branzino. I also couldn’t leave without khao soi. This time topped with soft shelled crab. Delicious as usual. Lastly, for dessert, I had the old school pang pang and Thai tea pang ping. The Thai tea pang ping hits every time. To sum up, Chiang Rai is an exemplary Thai experience.

I had the chance to revisit @cremedelacrepeoffical , which is a little French café in Downtown Long Beach that serves, well, French cuisine and small bites. I got to try the French onion soup, raclette fondue, escargot, filet mignon risotto, le crab burger (with a side of potato gratin), crêpe suzette, and crème brûlée. I was particularly keen on the escargot, risotto, the burger, and the desserts. The crêpe suzette is served with a tableside flambé. I personally enjoyed the fondue too, though raclette could be funky for some, I loved the pairing of it with the freshness of apples. In brief, Creme de la Crepe is a cute French spot in Downtown that gets easily overlooked. Next time you’re feeling a cozy French cafe vibe, be sure to check them out!

In the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, there’s a restaurant called @saltandgrove.lb which just picked up local favorite chef, Giuseppe Musso, who’s slinging some of his best Italian eats. We got to explore most of the menu including a walnut apple salad, pizza, beef carpaccio, charcuterie, burrata e pear, pizza fritta, fiori di zucca, pappardelle al prosciutto, tagliatelle bolognese, tortellacci burro e salvia, branzino alla piastra, filetto di manzo, panna cotta, and tiramisu. There’s also a full cocktail bar! Of the food, I particularly enjoyed the burrata e pear, pizza fritta, fiori di zucca, tortellacci burro e salvia, and branzino alla piastra. All in all, it’s great to see @giuseppeamusso flexing his greatest hits. Next time you’re craving a nice Italian meal, be sure to check out Salt & Grove!

There’s a new grocery store in North Long Beach on South Street and it’s @elsupermarkets . They just had their grand opening and is a huge add to the neighborhood. They’re well-known for having, Wednesday deals on produce, Thursday deals at the carniceria, and overall great prices on groceries and essentials. If you’re a fan of tamales, they have assorted flavors in tamales sweet and savory. And if you go to Pepe’s Kitchen, they serve hot foods as well as a variety of ice cream. They also sell plenty of freshly prepared and baked goods including salsas, cakes, bread, and more. If you’re in or near North Long Beach, be sure to visit! /store/long-beach-2/ #elsuper #grocery #ad #longbeach #elsuperlongbeach granapertura elsupergrandopening

Another week, another roster of foods I really enjoyed. This week was particularly tough to narrow down to only twenty items. I ate very well. Anyways, if it made this list, that means I loved it. If it has an asterisk (*), that means it was exemplary. @terrible_burger Bang Bang Chicken @thunderboltpizza Personal Pizza * @nicksrestaurants Buttermilk Fried Chicken @nicksrestaurants Fried Chicken Sandwich @nicksrestaurants San Francisco Cioppino @pupuseriaelkiosco Platanos con Crema y Frijol @pupuseriaelkiosco Pupusas @thesecondowl Thai Green Curry @thesecondowl Nam Khao Tod * @thesecondowl Crispy Pork Belly * @leaf_over_beef Vegan Wings @yakitoricartel Skewers @saltandgrove.lb Burrata e Pear @saltandgrove.lb Branzino alla Piastra @saltandgrove.lb Tortellacci Burro e Salvia @oliveandrose.lb Soft-Shell Crab * @lostrompostaqueria Arrachera Taco * @suralbc x @sonoratownla Korean Collab Tacos * @bixby_provisions Fried Cod Sandwich @reinnesplace Strawberry Shortcake Matcha *

One of the coolest collaborations in Long Beach is coming up. Recently awarded legacy status, @suralbc has been slinging Korean food since 2008. Back then, they would sell Korean tacos, and as an homage, they’re bringing them back for one day only. On May 19th, you can get Korean tacos with @sonoratownla tortillas all day until they sell out. At $4 each, there’s a bulgogi, spicy pork, vegan shrimp, and tofu option. They’re all fantastic—and you may not believe me, but the vegan shrimp was my favorite. Again, it’s one day only. Do not miss out on this. May 19th.

Yesterday, began the kick-off to Long Beach Pride with @thelmahoustonofficial launching the month with some Motown magic. Be sure to catch one of the largest Pride parades in California this Sunday, May 17th at 10am, with the Pride Festival on both Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10pm. And you can’t miss Thelma Houston who plays the festival on Saturday night at 7:40pm! #VisitLB

Long Beach Eats Under $20 with tax and 20% tip may seem unlikely, but they exist if you know where to find them! Here’s this week’s drop of eats that I enjoy for their value, whether that’s in quantity or quality. @shootz.official Kimchi Butter Chicken Katsu Price: $13.98 Fullness: High Notes: Comes with rice and mac salad. The image has the shrimp & chicken mix which is $16.99. @terrible_burger Tamago Burger Price: $14 Fullness: High Notes: This burger is so good y’all. They’re at Midnight Oil in Downtown Long Beach on Tuesday nights. @pupuseriaelkiosco Platano Crema Frijol Price: $12.99 Fullness: High Notes: I also recommend getting pupusas here, which are fantastic and $4.50 each. @saintsandsinnersbakeshop Brioche Price: $7 Fullness: High @dillyslb Half Sandwich Combo Price: $15 Fullness: High Notes: Comes with chips and soda. Sub soda with draft beer for $20. @lostrompostaqueria Tacos Price: $3.99 Tacos / $4.99 Steak Cuts / $6.25 Ribeye Fullness: Medium to High Notes: The above prices are cash prices, if using card, the prices are $4.15, $5.19, and $6.50 respectively. @salacoffeeandwine Breakfast Sandwich Price: $13 Fullness: High

One of the best Levantine restaurants in the region is @ammatoli bar none. They excel in dishing out consistently high quality eats, with a wide array of fresh yet hearty bites. The pita is freshly made. The mezze are stunningly presented. The desserts leave you feeling more than satisfied. I’m very keen on the classics here, the roasted beets labneh, Muhammara, Batata harra, stuffed arayes, and more. However, the new items were all bangers as well. Firstly, was the shishbarak, which are minced beef and lamb dumplings cooked in laban, a tangy yogurt sauce, topped with mint and pine nuts. The dumplings were plump and delicate, with a nice richness that’s balanced by the brightness of the yogurt sauce. Following that was the fattet jaj which has chunks of chicken with rice and crispy pita swimming in a sea of yogurt sauce and garnished with almond and pomegranate. This too was quite a refreshing dish with a great variety of textures. Though it’s only served during brunch, it’s a must try. Next was the Mloukhieh, which is comprised of their signature rotisserie chicken, paired with vermicelli rice, and topped with a sauce made of stewed jute leaves, garlic, and cilantro. This dish was very comforting. Delish. Lastly was dessert. I’m a fanatic of their knafeh, date cake, and osmalieh, but I give very little love to the umm ali. And I must say, it too, is crazy delicious. It’s a warm Levantine bread pudding that has pistachios, almonds, coconut, and golden raisins. To sum up, Ammatoli maintains its standing as one of Long Beach’s best restaurants. Steeped in tradition, with high quality execution. Next time you’re looking for some high caliber Mediterranean eats, you must check them out.