Long Beach, California, is rapidly transforming into a vibrant culinary hotspot, attracting the attention of food enthusiasts and critics alike. Once dubbed “Iowa by the Sea,” because so many Midwesterners relocated here, our coastal city is now experiencing a culinary renaissance, with new restaurants, innovative concepts, and talented chefs breathing new life into its diverse dining scene.
A melting pot of flavors:
Long Beach has always been a melting pot of cultures, and this diversity is beautifully reflected in its culinary landscape. The city boasts a vast array of cuisines, from traditional favorites to innovative fusion creations.
- Cambodian Cuisine: Home to the largest Cambodian community outside of Cambodia, Long Beach offers a thriving enclave of Cambodian cuisine. Battambong BBQ, a pop-up that blends Texas barbecue techniques with Cambodian flavors, is a unique example of this fusion.
- Mexican & Latin American: Long Beach is making its mark with Mexican and Latin American influences, showcasing ceviche bars, Tijuana-style tacos, and Michoacán-inspired enchiladas at places like Ruta 15. Black Pork offers a Latin American interpretation of Italian porchetta and excellent empanadas.
- Peruvian Sushi: Sushi Nikkei has gained recognition for its intriguing Peruvian-style sushi, offering dishes like Peruvian ceviche and creative nigiri and rolls.
- Comfort Food with a Twist: The Attic, a Michelin-recommended restaurant, takes comfort food to new heights with sophisticated takes on classic dishes, including the famous Mac & Cheetos.
Michelin recognition and beyond:
The city’s burgeoning culinary scene received a significant boost with Heritage restaurant earning Long Beach’s first Michelin star in 2023, an honor it maintained at the 2024 awards ceremony. Heritage, led by sibling duo Lauren and Philip Pretty, is not only recognized for its innovative cuisine and tasting menu but also for its commitment to sustainability with a Michelin Green Star. According to NBC Los Angeles, the Michelin recognition has put Long Beach on the culinary map and inspired other restaurants in the city.
In addition to Heritage restaurant’s one MICHELIN star and a green star, and The Attic and Chiang Rai have been recommended in the MICHELIN guide. MICHELIN stars focus solely on rating the quality of food, MICHELIN Recommended means a restaurant has been recognized by the MICHELIN Guide for serving food to a high level but hasn’t yet been awarded.
Community and collaboration:
A defining characteristic of the Long Beach food scene is its supportive and collaborative environment. Chefs and restaurateurs actively support each other, fostering a sense of community that helps new concepts thrive in a challenging industry. From local farmers markets to pop-ups and collaborations, Long Beach’s food scene is driven by a passion for quality and a desire to celebrate its diverse culinary traditions.
A taste of what’s to come:
Long Beach’s culinary journey is just beginning. With a growing number of innovative restaurants, award-winning chefs, and a vibrant community of food lovers, our waterfront city is quickly establishing itself as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience. I encourage you to take part in the foodie scene in Long Beach and share your favorite restaurants with us!
