If there is one thing to be said about the year of 2023, it is that it feels distinctly different than 2022: Much more optimistic, with owners and chefs alike owning their resilience, and new business bringing hope against a triptych of years before that were anything but hopeful. And with that lovely mood and aura, it is only appropriate that many are hyped for the new restaurants opening in Long Beach in 2024.
We have an onslaught of new food that is on the books to come into Long Beach—and that means it’s time for a listicle of places that are hoping to open in 2024 (and I say “hoping to open” because there are some holdovers from 2023 that have been moved to this list—so send them all the good permitting/contracting/licensing vibes, food lovers.)
Telefèric
6420 Pacific Coast Hwy. #160
UPDATE (July 22): Telefèric Long Beach will open “within a month,” according to Executive Chef Oscar Cabezas.
UPDATE (May 2): Renderings have been released, showcasing what the space will look like.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Announced back in October, Telefèric is the 30-year-old-plus Barcelona staple that will take over the former Hungry Angelina space (which closed in late 2022) at the massive 2nd & PCH retail complex in Alamitos Bay.
If among the gaps in the Long Beach food scene one were to be quite large, it would be proper Spanish food—tapas, paella, pitchers of sangria…—if you were to excuse our sole representer of Spanish cuisine, the highly coroporatized giant that is Cafe Sevilla in DTLB. The Social List, back in its wee baby days, attempted a pseudo-tapas space that had croquetas and pan con tomate—but eventually abandoned.
Technically having its roots in San Cugat, just slightly northwest of Barcelona, when it opened in 1992, pioneering what would become the Basque and Catalonia region’s staple: pintxos and tapas. The restaurant’s quick liege of patrons made its owners, brother-and-sister team Xavier and Maria Padrosa, open up shop in the 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.
Could this be the most anticipated restaurants opening in Long Beach? It has competition from…
Sonoratown
244 E. 3rd St.
UPDATE (July 18): Sonoratown co-owner Jennifer Feltham (and her man Teo Diaz-Rodriguez Jr.) shared new pictures of the interior.
“So, don’t mind the table configuration,” Jennifer wrote on instagram. “That’s just for show because we had fire inspection today. But doesn’t this room look great? It makes me want to clear all of the tables aside and dance. Which has always been a part of Sonoratown for me. Good food, good music and a palpable feeling of love.”
UPDATE (May 26): Owner Jennifer Feltham is aiming for a June or July opening date.
UPDATE (May 2): Feltham said that, due to a concern with their grease traps, we are looking at a two-month setback.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:…Sonoratown.
Oh yes, Long Beach: Chivichangas and caramelos are coming as Sonoratown—the flour-tortilla empire that is a staple in Downtown Los Angeles and often appears on Best Of lists around the country—will be opening its first Long Beach location.
Opening in the former Under the Sun space across from Ammatolí on 3rd Street in Downtown Long Beach—which closed its doors back in March of this year—Sonoratown opened its OG DTLA location in 2016 followed by another location in Midtown near LACMA.
“I just wanted to let you know that we signed a lease on a space today in Downtown Long Beach—we’re over the moon,” co-owner Jennifer Feltham said. “Teo [Diaz-Rodriguez Jr., co-founder] went to CSULB and he’s always loved Long Beach so much. We’re both ecstatic to be coming to the neighborhood.”
Guisados [open]
1201 Redondo Ave.
Speaking of L.A. institutions…
UPDATE (May 29): Guisados is officially open.
Surely, Long Beach already has its much-loved guisados space at La Chancla near 10th Street and Cherry Avenue—but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for more: The Boyle Heights-birthed institution Guisados will finally move beyond the confines of L.A. proper and into Long Beach, where it will take over the former Long Beach Fish Grill on Redondo Avenue.
Click here to read the full feature.
Olive & Rose
255 Atlantic Ave.
UPDATE (July 12): While the space’s gorgeously retro permanent signage has gone up, Chef Philip has said that he hopes to open within five weeks.
UPDATE (Feb. 11): Chef Philip Pretty—riding high on the city’s first Michelin Star given to his Heritage Long Beach space that he shares with his sister and co-owner Lauren—is opening a second concept, Olive & Rose, in the former City Center Motel at the southwest corner of 3rd Street and Atlantic Avenue.
And before you jump to conclusions about the dilapidated space, just know that Pretty himself couldn’t be more thrilled about a project that will likely become a destination for not just locals but those beyond the borders of the city.
Broken Spirits Distillery [open]
244 E. 3rd St.
UPDATE (May 26): Broken Spirits will open May 31.
UPDATE (Feb. 6): Signage has officially gone up on the Broken Spirits Distillery building after the removal of the former Portuguese Bend signage started earlier. If all goes as planned, the space could be open by March.
UPDATE (Jan. 12): The Broken Spirits team has been held back by permitting issues, with the City claiming the patio wasn’t properly permitted; it is likely that, since the patio sits on public right-of-way and therefore falls under Public Works, they need to update their permit rather than go through the entire process of re-permitting. Lucius Martin of the Mayor’s Office has connected with the team to assist a smoother opening transition. Should the patio get permitted, Broken Spirits could be open by February.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: When it was announced in October of 2023 that the group behind Orange County’s wildly popular Smoke & Fire and Villains Brewing concepts would be taking over the former Portuguese Bend space, there was a huge sigh of relief: Portuguese bend was wrapped up in bankruptcy and drama following its abrupt closure in the beginning of 2023, marking the downfall of the city’s first formal distillery.
So it was only a good thing that the space (and its distilling equipment) wouldn’t be tossed away—and if there is anything to say about master distiller Max Stecca’s first look he provided me, we are in for a treat: In a serendipitous exchange, Stecca’s former workspace, Blinking Owl Distillery, found itself in its own between-owners drama, abruptly closing before Stecca was able to serve his first offerings of rums, whiskies, and aquavit. So he bought them back—and they will be among the first offerings when the distillery and restaurant hopefully opens in the first quarter of 2024.
¡Toma!
310 The Promenade N.
UPDATE (June 18): Toma (stylized ¡Toma!) will be opening its doors within the coming months inside the former Lupe’s space; the name was unveiled in June and I was provided a look into the aesthetic. Announced in October of last year following Chef Jason Witzl’s sale of his much-missed mariscos space, the current owners of Padre and Mezcalero have big plans.
UPDATE (May 2): While setbacks have happened due to circumstances at other locations, Krymis has begun work on the interior, including colorful tiling along the bar and plans to bring “less a focus on high-end food and more a focus toward affordability and shared dishes.”
UPDATE (Jan. 12): Owner Jay Krymis, who has been diligently renovating the space, says he hopes to open by Mar. 1.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: DTLB—amid the constant accusations that the neighborhood was diving into an impossible-to-get-out-of hole by pundits and local newsrooms alike—exhaled yet another sigh of relief: Following the announcement of the aforementioned Broken Spirits and the takeover of the former Beachwood space by ISM Brewing, the long-shuttered Lupe’s space was acquired by someone many know: the owners of Padre and Mezcalero.
Jay Krymis and Michel Verdi, husband-and-wife owners of Padre and Mezcalero in DTLB, will be taking on the space, filling a much needed hole at the Mosaic retail-restaurant-residential complex. The pair have long been searching for a new home: With the announcement that the building which houses Padre and Mezcalero at 525 E. Broadway will eventually be demolished to make way for a residential development, their entire team has been teetering on when, exactly, the closure would come—leading them on their years long search.
Jay said the space will be open in the first quarter of 2024.
Angel’s Share [open]
5110 E. 2nd St.
UPDATE (May 28): Angel’s Share has already begun its soft opening with a formal grand opening planned for June 6.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Angel’s Share, the newest restaurant that has already begun construction inside the former Tap House space in Belmont Shore–a space that hopes to bring a little class to the Shore with a whiskey selection like no other, private chef dinners, memberships, and a setting that keeps it intimate.
They expect to soft open May 24 with friends and family previews at the beginning of June.
To read the full article, click here.
Holey Grail [open]
4803 E. 2nd St.
UPDATE (May 26): Holey Grail will open June 1.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Holey Grail—the Hawai’i based taro donut concept that was birthed out of a food truck before opening multiple brick-and-mortars on the mainland—will be opening its first Long Beach location, taking over the former Earl of Sandwich shop that closed earlier this year.
For the full feature, click here.
Watch Me! Sports Bar
6527 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.
After announcing that Playa Amor will host it’s last week of service through May 31, Watch Me! Sports Bar—co-owned by married couple Jackie Diener and Megan Eddy—will move into the space with a grand opening date of July 26.
According to a post from the queer pair, they hope to coincide their opening with the Summer Olympics, saying, “We are so amped to create a space that celebrates women’s sports and screams inclusivity, from our venue to our menu, and can’t wait to see you and your friends there.”
Heading up the kitchen is Chef Charlie Ray, known for competing in the Food Network’s “Battle of the Decades.” She also previously served as head chef of the award-winning company Värt in Sweden.
Look for the full feature in the coming weeks.
Ribbro BBQ [open]
4803 E. 2nd St.
UPDATE (June 18): Ribbro soft opened on June 18, previewing with sandwiches. It is now fully open.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Orange County-based barbecue joint Ribbro BBQ will be taking over the former Mangosteen space on 2nd Street in Belmont Shore following rumors that everyone from Bludso’s to Long Beach’s own Axiom would be taking over the space.
For the full feature, click here.
Shor [open]
12155 E. Carson St. (in Hawaiian Garden)
UPDATE (Feb. 6): Shor will be opening Feb. 9.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Announced earlier this month, Chef Imran “Ali” Mookhi’s high-end, premium alcohol-free bar space that is Shor in Hawaiian Gardens is being hyped as it takes over the massive space that was formerly home to Peri’s.
If one is wondering about Mookhi’s culinary pedigree, his Fullerton space, Khan Saab, is not just a local staple that has helped North Orange County redefine its conception of Desi cuisine—the Southeast Asian food that is centrally wrapped around the flavors of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and more—but twice recognized by the Michelin guide to Southern California. And now, he will be opening his Shor restaurant in Hawaiian Gardens come 2024.
Oh yes, bring on the naan, dal, curries, and kabobs.
Royal Indian Curry House [no longer opening]
445 E. 1st St.
UPDATE (Mar. 27): Kaur and her family have formally stepped away from the project. The owners of Borjstar Shawarma are moving in; scroll directly below.
UPDATE (Feb. 6): According to co-ower Babbljit Kaur (aka Bubbly), it “all falls on the landlord as of now. The previous tenant has completely skipped town and left behind a lot—a lot. So we are hoping the landlord can handle the concerns. Once they are ready, so are we.”
UPDATE (Jan. 12): Ownership is cunrrently in a lock with City officials, with Bubbly noting that the space is having extensive work required that “puts everything up in the air.”
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Three months after it was announced that longtime East Village Arts District restaurant Utopia would permanently shutter, its new owners have already moved in and begun to alter the space—and that includes raising temporary signage.
Even better? It’s from the former owners of Natraj: In a story that is more cute than it is journalistic, one of my favorite workers at my local RiteAid—she goes by Bubbly—had mehndi on her hands, so I had presumed she had recently been to a wedding and she had. We talked about how much I loved the food my friends Pakistani-Cambodian wedding and that’s when I learned that her and husband Singh were the former owners before they sold. Formally known as Amarjit Singh and Babbljit Kaur, Bubbly told me they are trying to open a new space at 1st and Linden—and what do you know: It’s RICH.
New Amsterdam [formerly Borjstar Shawarma]
445 E. 1st St.
UPDATE (June 29): Borjstar Shawarma Shop announced they would be moving into Long Beach earlier this month—but what we didn’t know is that they wouldn’t be bringing the Borjstar name but the seemingly odd New Amsterdam. Which isn’t that odd considering their history. Borjstar is kinda Gardena-based but actually more Hague (as in the Netherlands)-based: Owner and Syrian native Abu Jemil has previously owned two shawarma-focused shops in the Hague before taking the full dive into the American restaurant industry by opening Borjstar in September of last year. Across the roughly half-year span, he has not only built up a loyal legion of patrons but wants to take over the former Utopia space in the East Village Arts District in Downtown.
UPDATE (June 5): In a world once dominated by Open Sesame as the owner of the shawarma game in Long Beach, things have changed. With the Gardena-based Borjstar Shawarma Shop set to take over the form Utopia space in the East Village Arts District, we have a new influx of Levantine and Mediterranean inspired joints that have hit the scene across the past five years and, in all frankness, altered it in ways that are only for the better.
If Borjstar can keep up—and from its quick, almost cult-like following, it seems it can—Long Beach will be home to one of the most shawarma rich cities in the region.
Hartland’s [open]
1900 E. Ocean Blvd.
UPDATE (June 14): In what is one of the quickest turnovers ever, opening its doors on June 14.
UPDATE (May 11): Plunge has officially closed, making the way for a new concept dubbed Hartland’s from the owner of Liv’s in Belmont Shore. “No, there will not be oysters,” White said laughing, giving a nod to his much-loved-yet-underrated Belmont Shore restaurant, Liv’s. “And while I love that Liv’s a growing patronage that comes in regularly and loves the menu, with Hartland’s, I want to bring something different.”
For White, he hopes to create a cross-blend of something like Santa Monica’s Hillstone—where a hefty focus on fish, salads, burgers…—with the added love of chill via Long Beach. The experience he holds—previously owning Chicken Bodega before taking on Liv’s—could very well uplift him and his Hartland’s crew to places where, despite the quality, Plunge couldn’t.
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele [open]
244 E. 3rd St.
UPDATE (Jan. 12): L’Antica da Michele formally opened in its doors on Jan. 5 in Belmont Shore. Take a look at the beautiful space, inspired by Palm Springs mid-mod architecture, by clicking here.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: When restaurateur Francesco Zimone of the famed L’Antica Pizzeria—whose motherland brand and location was the heart of the Italy section of the popular book and movie, “Eat Pray Love”—announced he was expanding his presence (all the way back in 2021) in the U.S., it came only a few years after opening his Hollywood location.
And to much of everyone’s surprise, one of the two California expansions included a location in Long Beach, taking over the former Papalucci’s space at the westernmost edge of Belmont Shore’s stretch of businesses.
There have been many updates, including a false hope that they would open by Thanksgiving of 2023. Zimone has invited me to check out the space and has a few more contracting issues to iron out before opening in the first quarter of 2024. Look for the first look inside in the coming days.
Mangiafolie
2306 E. 4th St.
Speaking of pizza…
For Long Beach Vegan Pizza—the pizza popup that has impressed vegans across the region and will move onto Retro Row into the former Scholb space at the southeast corner of Junipero Avenue and 4th Street for its first brick-and-mortar—its humble owner Paul Reese has always said one thing: It all began with a desire for a pepperoni pizza. A vegan one, of course.
“The whole journey of Long Beach Vegan Pizza started based off of pepperoni,” he said in a video showcasing his story. “My wife and I really wanted a good vegan pepperoni pizza and there was nothing around. We saw the opportunity and we said, ‘Okay, cool, we need to make an amazing pepperoni pizza.’”
By October of 2020, after multiple pepperonis, multiple doughs, multiple cheeses, they felt they had something worth selling and began selling online. Soon, with steady popups at spaces like Hi-Lo Liquor in DTLB, the brand began to grow and became not only a growing part of L.A.’s regional Black- and POC-owned vegan spaces scene but owned Long Beach as the premiere vegan pizza spot.
And now, they’re ready to expand into their first brick-and-mortar. Latest update? They have a health check next month with the hopes to open in the days following.
Baby Bros. Pizza [open]
217 Pine Ave.
UPDATE (Mar. 27): It has officially opened.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The Downey-based Baby Bros. Pizza—becoming a local fave after quickly expanding into multiple locations and creating Instagram- and TikTok-able cheese pulls with their dairy-heavy, pepperoni cup-ed pies—will be taking over the former Water’s Edge space in Downtown Long Beach.
Grill ‘Em All [open]
57 Bay Shore Ave.
UPDATE (May 1): Grill ‘Em All soft opened over the past weekend. Expect a full grand opening in the coming weeks.
UPDATE (Mar. 27): The interior is done—check it out above.
UPDATE (Jan. 12): Grill ‘Em All will be moving its entire business operation to Long Beach, where it will be opening in the Bayshore concession stand location near the south end of Horny Corner. That means its flagship operation in Alhambra will shutter permanently, its last day of service being Jan. 21. Owner Matt Chernus expects to be open by February/March.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Yet another hyped restaurant opening that was supposed to happen in August of 2023 when it was announced they would be opening in Long Beach in May, Alhambra fave Grill ‘Em All has a cult-like following (hence the hyped-up-ness).
Grill ‘Em All has built a brand around its metal-inspired, “death to all false burger” mantra as it nears a decade of serving the Alhambra community. This follow its days as a food truck, where Grill ‘Em All blew up nationally after being featured on the Food Network’s “Food Truck Race” in 2010.
But steps have been taken forward: Their sign went up earlier this month with owner Matt Chernus gave up on his hopes of an August opening and is positive they will open up early next year if not sooner.
Ackee Bamboo Jamaican Cuisine
3222 E. Broadway
UPDATE (Feb. 6): Owner Marlene Sinclair-Beckford assured that “all is going well. Things are slowly but surely moving forward [with our new contractor].”
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Speaking of false hopes for opening, the famed Leimert Park legend that is Ackee Bamboo Jamaican Cuisine has been facing its own slew of uphill battles in getting their Broadway location open in the former Cafe Piccolo space.
The food coming from Ackee is important because there is a frank reality: The representation of Black food in Long Beach has dwindled along with the Black population itself—but for Blacks and non-Blacks alike throughout the city, the cuisines of the Caribbean, Africa, Afro-Latin America, and elsewhere are not only wanted locally but directly sought after by those locals in other cities.
After Cafe Piccolo closed their space on Broadway following decades of service, the owners of Ackee Bamboo Jamaican Cuisine announced their move-in last year. Owners Marlene Sinclair-Beckford and Delroy Beckford told me earlier this year that, praying construction follows through as planned, the restaurant hoped to open in May. Then they hoped to open by the fall.
Unfortunately, that didn’t happen—but they hope within the first half of 2024, Long Beach will see its first Ackee.
Taste of the Caribbean [open]
3444 Los Coyotes Diagonal
UPDATE (Mar. 4): Taste of the Caribbean is officially opened. Click here for the full profile.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Chef Bernard James, who started his Taste of the Caribbean food truck back in 2014 before opening Hollywood’s sole brick-and-mortar dedicated to Caribbean food, will open up shop in the most unexpected of places: East Long Beach, right next to Little Coyote on Los Coyotes Diagonal and inside the former commissary/prep area that Little Coyote used when it was at its peak.
Burger Daddy
57 Bay Shore Ave.
Announced back in July of 2023, the much-missed katsu burger joint that used to be in what is now Water’s Edge Winery will be returning—and it will open in the same building it used to be in.
Taking over the space that once occupied Revive Juice Bar, the succinct announcement provided little details about when but former owner John Bower—who also owns the downstairs watering hole gem that is the Blind Donkey and led the OG Burger Daddy space with friend Chef Justin Farmer—has clarified he will not be involved with the new iteration.
South of Nick’s
5354 E. 2nd St.
UPDATE (June 20): It’s been over two years since Nick’s Restaurant Group announced to expansion in Belmont Shore. Thanks to that time though, work is finally moving forward on the project. Even better is that Retail Design Collaborative (which shares space with Studio One Eleven in DTLB) is heading the revamp.
UPDATE (May 26): Construction has moved forward on the project, with what looks like the development of an outdoor patio along with the complete demolition of the first floor of the building.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Nick’s Restaurant Group—the massive, Irvine-based group that is home to mid- and upscale restaurants through the region—has decided to expand its presence in Belmont Shore by providing a sibling to its Nick’s on 2nd location, South of Nick’s.
The group’s Mexican concept, announced all the way back in June of 2022, already has two locations in Laguna Beach and San Clemente; its Long Beach location will take over the historic building at 5354 E. 2nd St., formerly home to Citibank before it closed several years ago.
While it is certain that Nick’s doesn’t challenge much in terms of its food—the existing location on 2nd has a menu that has largely remained unchanged since its opening nearly a decade ago—and it is as straight-forward as an American restaurant can be: Excellently made steaks, sides like fried deviled eggs that rarely fail and a butter cake dessert which is one of the best in the city. And while it could certainly elevate with a bit more finesse and a bit more focus, as well as a shift in its layout, to achieve something like the elegance of Arthur J, Nick’s on 2nd has been an anchor in a Shore that has constantly changed.
The space applied for its alcohol license back in May and is still under construction.
Ruta 15 [open]
5272 E. 2nd St.
UPDATE (June 29): Ruta 15 has officially opened—and it is solid. For my full feature, click here.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Surely, Long Beach has had decent mariscos—with, to be frank, some of the best spots being Instagram-based, like El Pelicano Loco, or straight up birthed out of garages, like Mariscos El Garage—but our neighbor to the north has long held the trophy. There’s Holbox and its Chef Gilberto Cetina Jr. recently being a finalist for a James Beard award this year. Mariscos Jalisco, one of the strongest representations of mariscos from the great west coast state. El Muelle 8, which opened a shop in Downey and hails from the mariscos-richc city of Culiacán in Sinaloa.
And with the closure of Cheko El Rey Del Sarandeado last year—Long Beach’s sole Sinaloa-style mariscos joint that was from Coni’ Seafood alumni—our city needs a mariscos uplift. That makes Ruta 15 very much anticipated.
Flamin’ Curry [second location; open]
3387 Atlantic Ave.
UPDATE (July 18): Flamin’ Curry has officially opened its second location.
UPDATE (Feb. 20): Flamin’ Curry, the (rightfully) lauded fast casual Indian space in Belmont Heights, is opening a second location in Cal Heights (just south of Bixby Knolls) at the former Mustard’s space (which closed over a decade ago so for those that are searching for other surrounding food landmarks: Across the street from Dave’s Burgers and the gas station and next to Bamboo Teri House.
& Waffles
95 Pine Ave.
UPDATE (May 26): Temporary signage has gone up on the space and they have begun the build-out.
UPDATE (Feb. 20): Los Angeles mini-breakfast chain And Waffles (stylized as & Waffles) will be opening a Long Beach location at the former Pier 76 space in Downtown Long Beach at 95 Pine Ave. and is expected to open summer of this year. For more information about the place, read the original announcement.
Crazy Creole Sausage King
456 Elm Ave. (inside Partake Collective)
UPDATE (Feb. 20): Crazy Creole Sausage King—which used to operate a brick-and-mortar at 900 Long Beach Blvd. before shuttering in 2019 and going to strictly catering—will reopen inside the Partake Collective in the coming weeks. Expect the usual from the King: his much-loved Bayou Bowls, fried baskets, seafood boils, po’boys, and, of course, Boudin sausage.
Kique’s Taqueria [open]
6218 Pacific Coast Highway
UPDATE (May 26): Kique’s is now open.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: After 15 years of serving East Long Beach, Kpasta—the Italian eatery opened by the owners of the neighboring Enrique’s Mexican restaurant in 2009—will be shuttering the business in order to make way for Kique’s Taqueria. A note posted on the front door from owners Enrique and Michelle Perez read: “Dear Patrons, Thank you for all the years of support at Kpasta. We want to inform you that Kpasta is now officially closed as we prepare for a new concept. We look forward to welcoming you soon to Kique’s Taqueria. With heartfelt thanks, The Perez Family”
Olive by the Bay [open]
76 1/2 62nd Pl. (on the peninsula)
UPDATE (July 14): Olive by the Bay is fully opened. For my full feature on them, click here.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Mother-and-daughter team Cindy and Mackenzie Hendrix quietly shuttered their much-loved Peninsula space permanently after being closed since spring of 2023. While the Hendrixes never returned a request for comment, temporary signage for Olive—from the owners of Green Olive—appeared back in January. It has now officially opened. The beginning details, thanks to Helen Temple, a member of the Long Beach Food Scene? A hefty breakfast menu served 7AM to noon. Even more? They’re also open for lunch until 5PM, with a happy hour running in their last hour.
Nothing Bundt Cakes [open]
4680 E. Los Coyotes Diagonal
UPDATE (Mar. 5): Nothing But Bundts has officially opened.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The popular bundt chain Nothing Bundt Cakes will be taking over the former Polly’s Pies space that closed at the corner of Los Coyotes Diagonal and Ximeno Avenue—and despite rumors, will not be becoming a “small-format grocer.” Founded by friends and then-neighbors Dena Tripp and Debbie Shwetz founded the business in 1997 out of their Las Vegas kitchens and its popularity has catapulted them to over 500 locations. But in all honesty, with Bundts on Melrose and Creative Cakery, Long Beach already has some stellar options.
Ceneduria del Arc
1785 Palo Verde Ave # F
Pepe & Chepito’s Tacos opened mid-pandemic in 2020 to corner a market underserved when it came to classic street tacos: Palos Verde Street Avenue and Atherton Street, feeding college kids and neighborhood families alike with your classic assortments of pastor, carne asada, birria, carnitas, and more. The owners have opted to temporarily close and come back Oct. 1 with Ceneduria del Arc, an estilo Sinaloense shop that will likely harken to the Mazatlán-style of Long Beach’s most popular Sinaloa-style joint, Tacos La Carreta.
Cava [open]
4680 E. Los Coyotes Diagonal
UPDATE (Jan. 17): Cava will open on Friday, Jan. 19.
Opening in the same space will be Cava, D.C.’s homegrown fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant that has seen an explosion of expansion since its inception in 2010, but especially across the past five years: Not only does the company have over 70 locations across the states, Cava Group, Inc. scooped up another Mediterranean chain in 2018, Zoe’s Kitchen. That gave it over 300 additional restaurant spaces toward its portfolio.
What to expect? Lots of build-your-own or preset bowls filled with ingredients harissa honey chicken, spicy falafel, hummus, tzatziki, and more.
Hart House
4720 Candlewood St. (in Lakewood)
The former Souplantation on Candlewood St. was demolished in April to make way for comedian and actor Kevin Hart’s plant-based Hart House restaurant. The tiny chain currently has two locations open, with another planned for Hollywood in addition to Long Beach.
“The menu features plant-forward food including sandwiches, salads, nuggets, fries, tots and milkshakes,” the company said in a press release in February of 2023. “Founded by Kevin Hart and a team of passionate partners, Hart House is committed to the future of food by disrupting the quick-service industry with an affordable and flavorful alternative.”
Beach Hut Deli [open]
180 E. Ocean Blvd.
UPDATE (Apr. 19): Beach Hut Deli is officially open.
UPDATE (Mar. 18): Beach Hut Deli is set to open later this month; they are currently hiring.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Since opening near Folsom Lake in 1981, Beach Hut Deli has expanded to over 40 locations across California (and now Arizona and Nevada)—and, as it was announced in July of 2023, it will open its first Long Beach location at the 180 E. Ocean building, currently home to Ruth’s Chris. Think higher-quality Subway, along the lines of Jimmy John’s and Jersey Mike’s (both of which have existing locations in DTLB).
4 Shore [open]
5354 E. 2nd St.
UPDATE (May 2): 4 Shore has soft-opened. For a feature about it, check out Eater LA.
UPDATE (Feb. 6): Signage has gone up for the space and co-owner Joshua Sanchez has reached out to “clarify confusion” over his initial interview with the Press-Telegram. Look for the piece in the coming days.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The former Chianina space in Naples, Long Beach—which has long had an application notice for a change of ownership belonging to Drizzy Enterprise LLC—will become the 4 Shore restaurant, as was announced in April of 2023.
The space—a renovation on the existing space that will ditch the charcoals and blacks for pinks and golds, the centerpieces being a triple-arched bar with marble tile accents and booths with individual curtains and chandeliers—will harken to what Chianina focused in on: fine dining and exclusivity—though with a slightly different aura and attitude.
The brow-furrow-worthy name is just the beginning of what the 4 Shore hopes to be: While the restaurant’s play on “for sure” insinuates an über-casual if not outright lackadaisical vibe, owners Joshua Sanchez and John Ross III—both Long Beach natives with the former being a financial adviser for professional athletes and the latter a professional athlete himself, serving as wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs—will have a strict policy, enforcing both a dress code and mandatory bottle service for all tables.
Eggbred
777 E. Ocean Blvd.
UPDATE (May 2): Hanging signage went up on Alamitos Avenue.
Announced earlier this year, the quickly expanding, self-described craft breakfast sandwich chain that is Eggbred will be opening its first Long Beach location at the ground floor level of the Shoreline Gateway tower in Downtown Long Beach—as its owners have been trying to renovate and take over the space since the franchise agreement was signed in November of 2022.
Set to take over the building’s northern-most commercial space facing Alamitos Avenue at Ocean Boulevard, the Orange Country-based, pandemic-birthed concept from brand overseer Albert Shim has quickly expanded since opening in 2020: Come 2021, after franchising the concept and receiving some 200 inquiries to sign off on, he went with six new franchisees, including those in Long Beach and Huntington Beach.
Owners Goldie and Zach Brown had hoped to open in the spring of this year but have seen setbacks as the space required an entire build-out—Shoreline’s commercial spaces do not have kitchens pre-built, for example—on top of permitting, training, and brand coordination.
Republic of Pie [open]
5272 E. 2nd St.
UPDATE (July 3): Republic of Pie soft opened on July 4 with its grand opening on July 12.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: After Sancho’s Tacos formally shuttered its space in Belmont Shore, it made way for North Hollywood staple Republic of Pie’s first expansion beyond its original location. It’s been named one of the nation’s best pie shops while USA Today called it one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles: Republic of Pie has built a name for itself by churning out a spectacular array of pies—Strawberry Rhubarb, Blueberry Peach, Key Lime, Pecan, Banana Cream, Earl Grey Cream, Espresso Chocolate, Coconut Cream, Cookies and Cream…—while also offering savory treats—chicken pot pies, quiches, sandwiches…
Galata Ice Cream & Desserts [formerly Dondurma; open]
5201 E. 2nd St.
UPDATE (May 2): Renaming itself to Galata Ice Cream & Desserts to reflect its connection to the neighboring Galata Turkish restaurant, the space has soft opened; a grand opening is planned for later this month.
After opening earlier this year, it was announced in August of 2023 that YASU has closed up shop to make way for Turkish ice cream and dessert shop Dondurma, an expansion effort into food from the folks at Istanbul home.
Earlier this year, they announced they would also be opening Galata just east of Istanbul Home. Set to become a restaurant dedicated to the Turkish delights of their heritage, it will open in the former Buona Gente space, which closed in 2022 after serving the Shore’s community for over three decades. And can we somehow make Le Pink Wall a thing?
San & Wolves Bake Shop
3900 E. 4th St.
Speaking of sweet spaces, Kym Estrada’s wildly popular Los Alamitos monthly vegan pop-up, Sans & Wolves Bake Shop, will be moving beyond the popup world and into the former B&Q Art Gallery space on 4th Street for her first brick-and-mortar, adding to Long Beach’s growing Filipina-owned bake shops. (Shout-out to the OG Catherine Talentino of Gemmae and Maria Leyesa of Foodologie.)
Announced via Instagram back in August, what does this mean for Long Beach food lovers? A ton of vegan Filipino pastries: ube cookies, donuts, pan de sal, ensaymada, bibingka…
Moonbridge Doughnut Studio [open]
6344 E. Spring St.
UPDATE (Feb. 6): Moonbridge Doughnut Studio has officially soft opened its doors as of Feb. 4.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: And speaking of even more sweets, Moon Bridge Donuts will be opening near El Dorado Park as first reported by Caitlin Antonios. Owners Anabelle Brown and Kim Gros supposedly have over 20 flavors they are working on that will be the final result of brioche donuts, cake donuts, crullers, old-fashioned, and bear claws.
“A beautiful blur of a December has gone by. We’ve been busy with buildout and training our dream team! All of us can’t wait to open our doors in January. Soft opening dates to be announced soon. The merriest of holidays to our dearest community,” the pair announced on Instagram.
Le Macaron [open]
5332 2nd St.
UPDATE (Feb. 6): Le Macaron soft opened on Feb. 6.
UPDATED ARTICLE: Founders Rosalie Guillem, who was living in Florida and her daughter, Audrey Guillem-Saba, living in France where the family is from, opened their first shop in 2009 in Florida. The shop has now expanded nationwide, being found in nearly every state with a continually growing presence here in California. They are expected to open in late summer.
Seaside Creamery [open]
5332 2nd St.
UPDATE (Mar. 27): Seaside Creamery has officially soft opened in East Long Beach.
UPDATED ARTICLE: Announcing their opening in September of 2023, thee space—inside the small strip mall at the southwest corner of Palo Verde and Atherton near CSULB—will be a welcomed addition to the city’s independent ice cream scene, where Long Beach Creamery rightfully dominates and the spawning of La Michoacanas have been a very warmly welcomed addition.
Wild Fork Foods
6405 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.
Okay, so this isn’t quite a restaurant—but it’s definitely an important food space for exotic meat lovers that was formally announced earlier this month: alligator, ostrich, bison, rabbit… These are just a few of the some 500 varieties of frozen meats and seafood—flash frozen at some -40 degrees to reduce crystallization—offered by Wild Fork Foods, opening its first Long Beach location inside the former Ruby’s space at the southeast corner of 2nd Street and Pacific Coast Highway.
Crews have already demolished the entirety of the former diner’s interior, making way for what will be aisle upon aisle of both frozen and fresh offerings as Wild Fork Foods is mixture of both traditional market and specialty store.
Those aisles will feature everything from common meats—your good ol’ chicken and beef and what not—to their specialty meats and seafood—think razor clams, elk, whole turbot, goose, quail, kangaroo, and more.
El Sauz [second location; open]
2741 E. 4th St.
UPDATE (Feb. 6): El Sauz’s 4th Street location has officially opened as of Jan. 16.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: It was supposed to open Nov. 9—but that was a false start, as El Sauz’s second location on 4th Street across from Shady Grove Foods and Gusto has been put on hold.
Announced back in March of 2023 with their signage going up in May, their second location at the northwest corner of 4th Street and Temple Avenue will take over the former Bebot space. The original space on Anaheim—what used to be known as Brite Spot—skyrocketed in popularity over the past decade thanks to the restaurant’s taco window, which allows patrons to order tacos from outside and happily eat them in the chairs provided in the parking lot.
The Nook Breakfast Spot [open]
1798 E. Willow St. (Signal Hill)
UPDATE (Feb. 6): The Nook has officially opened its Signal Hill location as of Feb. 3.
The Lomita-based Nook Breakfast Spot will be taking over the former GD Bro Burger spot in Signal Hill at 1798 E. Willow St. The spot is a straight-forward, breakfast-all-day joint that highlights the classics: From house-made biscuits and gravy to a seemingly endless variety of omelettes.
Wagyu Street [open]
4150 McGowen St. (inside The Hangar)
UPDATE (May 2): The space has officially opened.
UPDATE (Mar. 18): Signage announcing their opening has gone up in the Hangar.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: After hosting a slew of popups—including showing up at Long Beach’s Rising Japan festival as well as the (vastly underrated and stellar) Sake Day Festival at Rancho Los Cerritos—Wagyu Street had announced they would be opening their first brick-and-mortar inside The Hanger at the Long Beach Exchange retail complex, playing of their other yakiniku-centric restaurant in Tokyo, Gyushige, which has long been a staple of grilled meats for decades now.
Reading the updates, it seems the theme is that the city makes opening a business extremely difficult. There’s a dissonance in Long Beach where the city hyper-enforces building codes (commercial and residential), but doesn’t enforce other laws like traffic, parking (except street sweeping), littering, loitering etc. It leads to the absurd results of the city demanding I buy a smaller toilet so that I have 24″ of leg room when I poop inside my own bathroom, but then going out my front door to see people pooping on the street with the city doing nothing about it. You can literally walk around Long Beach waving a knife, masturbating, and assaulting people with no consequence, but dare open a restaurant with patio dining, and the city will shut you down. (RIP Wrigley Tavern Garden)
I had to laugh at 4 Shore’s concept. Mandatory Bottle Service…next to Crow’s? As an ardent fine dining and cocktail enthusiast–I want gin, my husband wants bourbon, our friend wants vodka martini, and our fourth is the designated driver. Does everyone have to have the same meal as well? Are two of us expected to finish the bottle when on a date night? Is this restaurant secretly a Vegas nightclub for groups of friends? I noticed the owners are Long Beach residents…and they hope to get people from the South Bay and OC. I hope after a dinner with mandatory bottle–they Uber home. Or they could have just placed the concept where it would be successful.
[…] a couple of dozen new restaurants opening in the city this year alone and an event-filled calendar complete with night markets, bird […]