“Long Beach restaurants open on Christmas?” is probably the most common question asked in my food group among its 75,000 members when the holidays begin to come around—maybe only second to, “Long Beach restaurants open on Thanksgiving?”

And to be honest, it is hard to find out which places are actually open and which ones are not because restaurants often don’t update their hours online, forcing you to read the very frustrating Google message, “Today is a holiday. Call establishment to assure hours are correct.”

And surely, while we are happy for those that do have the day off and participate, the reality is that there are many folks who do work or don’t celebrate (and need an easy dinner) like nurses, emergency workers, city workers, people who work remotely for places outside the States, people who don’t practice Christianity…

Plus, restaurants are severely struggling—so patronizing them gives them a leg up. And this surely isn’t an exhaustive list because these lists are tricky. (You can’t depend on information from the past, for example—a fallout from my group’s comment sections and the reason this article is updated annually.)

But before that…

Wait, real quick—are there any coffeeshops open on Christmas Day?

Yes—some of Long Beach’s independently owned coffee spaces are open on Christmas Day:

• Alder & Sage (366 Cherry Ave.) from 7AM to Noon
• Aroma di Roma (4708 E. 2nd St.) from 6AM to 3:30PM
• Chapter II Coffee (5277 E. 2nd St.) from 7AM to 2PM
• Recreational Coffee (237 Long Beach Blvd.) from 7AM to Noon
• Stereoscope (4925 E. 2nd St.) from 7AM to 5PM
• Wood Coffee (2728 E. 10th St.) from 7:30AM to 2PM

But back to those Long Beach restaurants open on Christmas…

In no particular order: Long Beach restaurants open on Christmas.

And this is important: Assure to call in case reservations are needed.

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EA Seafood

1611 E. Wardlow Rd.; (562) 269-0515

For more information, click here.

EA Seafood is the Cantonese gem of Cal Heights that opened in the beginning of this year. Since opening, they’ve garnered a loyal and steady patronage with their quality traditional takes on Chinese classics and a fully fleshed-out dim sum menu. Because of that, they’ve trusted owner and chef Jerry Wu and what he creates at the wok. 

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Northern Cafe

4911 E. 2nd St.; (562) 343-2373

For more information, click here.

The much-anticipated Northern Cafe—the largest chain restaurant of loved’n’respected Chinese restaurateur Betty Ren—opened in Belmont Shore earlier this year and has already expanded its menu extensively. From the space’s famed pork soup dumplings and beef rolls to dan dan noodles and their house special fried rice, guests were treated to what will eventually become a permanent part of their menu.

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Fairmont Breakers

210 E. Ocean Blvd.; (562) 317-1000

For more information, click here.

Both Nettuno—the ground-floor Italian restaurant with Chef Giuseppe Musso at the helm—and Sky Room—the sky-high, classic fine-dining space on the hotel’s top floor—will both be open for Christmas.

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Trademark Brewing

233 E. Anaheim St.; (562) 308-7722

For more information, click here.

Okay, okay: they’re not a restaurant. But who wouldn’t love to drag a crew midday—they open at noon—post-presents to down some nationally-recognized, local beer?

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Thai District (and its Partake Collective delivery services)

149 Linden Ave.; (562) 951-7181

For more information, click here.

Not only will the restaurant on Broadway and Linden Avenue be open, its Partake Collective offshoots—Thai District Express, Vegan Thai Kitchen, and Ramen District—will be available for pick-up and delivery.

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Levant Kitchen (inside Partake Collective)

456 Elm Ave.; (562) 248-6515

For more information, click here.

Levant Kitchen, the proudly Syrian cuisine-centric space inside the Partake Collective, will be open on Christmas Day from 11AM to 8PM for dine-in or take-out.

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Solita

1 Pine Ave.; (562) 357-6033

For more information, click here.

Having one last hurrah before they permanently shutter, corporate Mexican chain Solita will be open on Christmas Day.

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Open Sesame

5215 E. 2nd. St.; (562) 621-1698

For more information, click here.

The Lebanese staple has long had the tradition of being open on Christmas Day—and this year is no exception.

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Fuego at Hotel Maya

700 Queensway Dr.; (562) 435-7676

For more information, click here.

Fuego is likely to be the best hotel restaurant—especially after the said vacating of James Republic at the Marriott. It not only offers stunning views of the southern shore but is a great place to hang out.

What to expect? Live Latin music from 5PM to 9PM featuring a menu with everything from kabocha persimmon soup and oxtail tamales to crab cakes and filet mignon.

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Breakfast Republic

5313 E. 2nd St.; (562) 512-7764

For more information, click here.

The Long Beach Breakfast Republic marks the chain’s 16th location since its opening in San Diego in 2008, with the 17th location opening in Palm Desert this year as well, joining San Diego-based restaurateur giant Johan Engman’s breakfast empire that encompasses four different brands.

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Galata Grill / Galata Ice Cream

5205 E. 2nd St.; (562) 572-3777

The owners of Istanbul Home in Belmont Shore have expanding into the restaurant business: Galata, a restaurant dedicated to the Turkish delights of their heritage, officially opened in the former Buona Gente space, which closed in 2022 after serving the Shore’s community for over three decades.

And this year, their adjoining ice cream shop will also be open.

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Cafe Sevilla

140 Pine Ave.; 562-495-1111

For more information, click here.

The massive club-meets-restaurant has three locations—and its Long Beach location has been a staple on Pine for well over a decade. The three-course dinner will be $65 per person, with service starting at 2PM.

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City Cruises (brunch and dinner)

310 S. Pine Ave., Rainbow Harbor, Dock 6A

For more information on dinner, click here.

For more information on brunch, click here.

Yes, Christmas brunch or dinner on a boat across a 2-hour (brunch) or 2.5 hour (dinner) cruise throughout the waters nearby.

What time for brunch? Board the ship at 10:30AM, then set sail from 11AM to 1PM. What to expect? Smoked salmon, French toast, pasta salads, birria-style chicken and more.

What time for dinner? Board the ship at 3:30PM and set sail from 4PM to 6:30PM. What to expect? A live DJ, dancing, along with a dinner that includes turkey, salmon, tri-tip, mac’n’cheese and more.

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Arize Bistro

306 Elm Ave.; (562) 912-4045

For more information, click here.

Considering I had a personal hand in #Popeyesgate—being the first to write about how Sweet Dixie Kitchen, where Arize Bistro now sits, was reselling Popeye’s chicken tenders under the guise that she had handmade everything—it is hard for me not to be consistently reminded of it when passing by this space.

But the time has come to move on—and Arize has become a popular breakfast spot that will be open on Christmas.

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Osaka Story

4905 E. 2nd St.; (562) 434-5757

For more information, click here.

Osaka Story swiftly and quietly took over what used to be the Goyen Sushi space on 2nd Street in Belmont Shore. The woman-owned business led by Ryeo Na Kim (고옌바이어), or Reyna as some call her, has altered the interior of its previous tenant, making it delightfully more feminine and welcoming with bright pink lights and an already growing patronage one month in.

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Shenanigan’s Irish Pub & Grille

423 Shoreline Village Dr. #A; (562) 437-3734

For more information, click here.

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Natraj Cuisine of India

5262 E. 2nd St.; (562) 930-0930

Once operated by the same family for over two decades—who are searching for a new space to try out the restaurant business against in the Gayborhood—Natraj has since switched hands and reflects far too small of a sliver of Indian offerings here in Long Beach.

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D’Vine Mediterranean

5525 E. Stearns St.; (562) 431-0070

For more information, click here.

The small Corona-based chain will be offering its array of lamb chops, falafel, and more at its East Long Beach location.

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Panama Joe’s

5100 E. 2nd St.; (562) 434-7417

For more information, click here.

Oh, Panama Joe’s. You would be open on Christmas Day. You. Would. Fear not, Gen Z, this is your joint: You likely won’t find a single Millennial or Gen X-er here (well, maybe), let alone a Boomer unless they’re on some hapless prowl.

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LV Seafood

4139 Norse Way; (562) 938-8088

For more information, click here.

In all frankness, I don’t give LV Seafood the recognition it deserves for being one of the stalwarts of Chinese food here in Long Beach (which is severely lacking on all levels).

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Rakkan Ramen

5242 E. 2nd St.; (562) 588-9318

For more information, click here.

Where there once was a Long Beach that had not one single ramen shop, we are now home to many—including the Michelin-recognized HiroNori in Bixby Knolls—and Rakkan is part of that noodle family.

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Sweet Jills

5001 E. 2nd St.; (562) 438-4945

Not necessarily a restaurant but I know some of y’all are going to be needing a quick pastry buy or cookie collection or or or…

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Acapulco

6270 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.; (562) 596-3371

For more information on Acapulco, click here.

Acapulco are part of the same parent company and will both be offering the same menu—and they are, like the others, a Long Beach restaurant open on Christmas with a buffet that is $39.50 for adults and $13.50 for kids.

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Black Bear Diner

1898 E. Willow St. in Signal Hill; (562) 513-7001

For more information, click here.

The Signal Hill diner is known for its massive plates and absurdly big menu—and Christmas is no exception, with full-on turkey, ham, and prime rib dinners that run from $26 to $29. What time? 11AM to 10PM. What to expect? The traditional: your protein choice from the list above with mashed potatoes, muffins, pie, salad, and more.

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Cinnaholic

5305 E. 2nd St. #103; (562) 588-9297

For more information, click here.

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Dogz Bar & Grill

5300 E. 2nd St.; (562) 433-3907

For more information, click here.

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Shannon’s Bayshore

5335 E. 2nd St.; (562) 433-3907

For more information, click here.

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Lucky Chopsticks

1320 W. Willow St.; (562) 981-7500

For more information, click here.

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Simone’s Donuts

6400 E. Stearns St.; (562) 493-4104

For more information, click here.