Telefèric Long Beach—after announcing their plan to open a Long Beach location in October of 2023 and opening earlier this week—has unveiled their inaugural menu. Highlighting traditional Spanish cuisine, it is a reminder of the many gaps we have within our food scene. And for those seeking paella, aged-for-three-years jamón Ibérico, and croquetas.
They hosted a slew of media, influencers, friends, and family for a night with tidbits from their regular menu across a prix fixe dinner. But before we get to what was served, a little history first.
Wait—what is Telefèric Long Beach?
Telefèric, which has its roots in San Cugat, just slightly northwest of Barcelona, opened in 1992. It pioneered what would become the Basque and Catalonia region’s staple: pintxos and tapas. The restaurant’s quick growth in patrons made the children of its owners, brother-and-sister team Xavier and Maria Padrosa, open shop in bustling Barcelona to equal acclaim.
After coming to the States on a scholarship, Xavier—called “Xavi” by friends—wanted to open up shop in NorCal, eventually having spots in Walnut Creek, Palo Alto, and Los Gatos before opening their first location in Los Angeles earlier this year.
“Southern California has really been a gem of a place for us,” Maria said. “Walnut Creek [our first location in the States] was a bit of a challenge getting people to understand the food. Here, people are either already knowledgeable of Spanish cuisine or, in the least, open to the experience of it… We’re truly honored to be a part of Long Beach.”
Some of the drinks at Telefèric Long Beach
The cocktails are one of the highlights of the space, contributing to Long Beach’s seemingly endless growth when it comes to cocktails—be it the success of Baby Gee or the understated quality of spaces like Marlena, Michael’s on Naples, Viaje, and Panxa.
La Flaca: Mezcal Unión | Patrón Silver | Chile verde liquor | Prickly pear | Agave | Lime
Catalan G&T: Bombay 1er Cru gin | Grapefruit | Rosemary | Juniper | Tonic
Flamenquita: St. Teresa Rum 1796 | Pineapple | Coconut | Curry and kaffir milk | Lime | Milk punch
Bryan’s Legacy: Scotch | Torres 10yr Brandy | Drambuien | PX Sherry | Bitters | Hickory
And what about the tapas?
When it comes to the food, tapas is where Telefèric Long Beach shines best. Specific highlights? The tuna tacos, crab croquetas, and, of course, their jamón Ibérico de Bellota.
Iberian oyster: Oyster | Gazpacho | Fried Iberico ham
Crab croquetas: Crab | Tuna sashimi | Spicy aioli
Pan con tomate: Spanish bread | Macerated tomatoes | Olive Oil | Salt | Chorizo butter
38-month jamón Ibérico de Bellota: What else is there to say? Perfection.
Pulpo Telefèric: Galician octopus | Truffle oil | Pimento potato purée
Tuna Tacos: Ahi tuna | Mashed avocado | Spicy aioli | Wonton shell
Some of Telefèric Long Beach main entrées.
Prime Wellington: Braised short rib | Ibèrico ham | Puff pastry | Spanish-style potato balls
Lobster paella: Lobster | Gulf shrimp | Octopus
And yes, there are sweets.
“Flan and Coffee” | Churros | Torrija with ice cream
Telefèic is located at 6420 Pacific Coast Hwy. #160 inside the 2nd & PCH complex. To make reservations, click here.
