Long Beach serves up some of Southern California’s most authentic Italian cuisine, from family-owned trattorias to bustling pizzerias. Whether you’re craving handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, or traditional Italian sandwiches, this coastal city has something special waiting for your taste buds. Food lovers will discover hidden gems and beloved neighborhood favorites that bring the flavors of Italy right to your table.
1. L’Opera Ristorante
Elegance meets authenticity at this upscale Italian dining destination that transforms every meal into a theatrical experience. The restaurant’s dimly lit atmosphere and opera music create the perfect backdrop for romantic dinners or special celebrations.
Their handcrafted pasta dishes showcase traditional recipes passed down through generations, while the wine selection features bottles imported directly from Italian vineyards. Service here feels like being welcomed into an Italian family’s home.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend evenings when local couples flock here for anniversary dinners and date nights.
2. Nico’s Restaurant
Family recipes and generous portions make this neighborhood gem a local favorite for over three decades. Grandma Nico’s marinara sauce recipe still simmers in the kitchen, filling the air with garlic and fresh basil aromas that greet you at the door.
Their chicken parmigiana could easily feed two people, and regulars know to save room for the tiramisu that’s made fresh daily. The casual atmosphere welcomes families with children, making it perfect for Sunday dinners.
Don’t miss their lunch specials, which offer the same quality at wallet-friendly prices that keep locals coming back week after week.
3. Buono’s Pizza
Crispy thin crust and bubbling cheese make this pizzeria a neighborhood institution that’s been serving Long Beach families since the 1980s. Their dough is made fresh every morning, and you can watch the pizza makers toss it high in the air through the open kitchen window.
The margherita pizza showcases simplicity at its finest, with San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella that melts perfectly. Local high school students often stop by after school for slices and sodas.
Delivery drivers know every street in Long Beach, making this the go-to spot for movie nights and casual gatherings with friends.
4. Vino E Cucina
Wine enthusiasts discover their new favorite bottle at this intimate spot that pairs exceptional Italian wines with small plates designed for sharing. The knowledgeable staff guides guests through tastings, explaining the stories behind each vineyard and vintage.
Their antipasto board features imported meats and cheeses that complement the wine selection perfectly, while the cozy seating encourages conversation and relaxation. Happy hour brings locals together after work for prosecco and bruschetta.
The rotating wine menu ensures regular visitors always find something new to try, making each visit feel like a mini vacation to Italy’s wine regions.
5. Ellie’s
Homestyle Italian cooking gets a modern twist at this charming bistro where the owner greets regular customers by name. The menu changes seasonally, featuring fresh ingredients from local farmers markets that add California flair to traditional Italian dishes.
Their butternut squash ravioli in sage butter sauce has become legendary among food bloggers, while the Italian sausage pizza offers a perfect balance of spice and comfort. The outdoor patio provides beautiful sunset views during dinner service.
Brunch lovers shouldn’t miss their Italian-style benedicts and freshly baked pastries that pair wonderfully with locally roasted espresso drinks.
6. Mario’s La Traviata
Old-world charm transports diners straight to a Roman trattoria at this family-owned restaurant that’s been serving Long Beach for over forty years. The walls display vintage Italian photographs and handwritten recipes that tell the story of three generations of passionate cooks.
Their osso buco melts off the bone and comes with creamy risotto that soaks up every drop of the rich sauce. The Italian waitstaff shares stories about each dish’s origins while serving generous portions with genuine pride.
Live accordion music on Friday nights creates an authentic atmosphere that makes every dinner feel like a celebration in the Italian countryside.
7. Michael’s on Naples
Waterfront dining reaches new heights at this elegant restaurant where Italian cuisine meets stunning harbor views. The seafood-focused menu features fresh catches prepared with Italian techniques that highlight natural flavors without overwhelming the delicate fish.
Their lobster fra diavolo brings just the right amount of heat, while the seafood risotto showcases the chef’s ability to balance multiple flavors in one perfect dish. The wine list emphasizes Italian whites that complement the ocean-to-table philosophy.
Sunset reservations fill up quickly, as couples and groups gather to watch boats drift by while enjoying expertly prepared Italian seafood specialties.
8. Marri’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant
Authentic New York-style pizza meets classic Italian entrees at this dual-concept restaurant that satisfies every craving under one roof. The pizza ovens run constantly, producing thin-crust pies with perfectly charred edges that locals line up for during lunch hours.
Their chicken marsala showcases the kitchen’s ability to execute both casual and formal Italian dishes with equal skill and attention to detail. The combination platters let indecisive diners enjoy both pizza slices and pasta portions.
Late-night hours make this a popular destination for college students and night shift workers who appreciate quality Italian food served until midnight on weekends.
9. La Parolaccia Osteria
Rustic Italian charm fills every corner of this authentic osteria where the menu reads like a love letter to regional Italian cooking. The chalkboard specials change daily based on seasonal ingredients, and the passionate chef explains each dish’s regional origins to curious diners.
Their house-made gnocchi practically floats on the plate, while the wild boar ragu represents hours of slow cooking that creates incredibly complex flavors. The carefully curated Italian wine list features small producers that most Americans have never heard of.
Reservations are essential for this intimate space where every table feels like the best seat in the house for experiencing authentic Italian hospitality.
10. Modica’s Deli
Towering Italian sandwiches and imported specialty items make this old-school deli a must-visit destination for authentic Italian groceries and prepared foods. The deli case displays house-made salads, marinated vegetables, and cured meats that transport customers straight to an Italian market.
Their muffuletta sandwich requires both hands and a serious appetite, while the Italian combo features layers of imported salami, prosciutto, and fresh mozzarella. The shelves stock hard-to-find Italian ingredients for home cooks.
Lunch crowds move quickly through the efficient ordering system, but regulars know to call ahead for large sandwich orders during busy weekend periods.
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