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Lazy Dough
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Lazy Dough
8.2
Chef-driven Asian-fusion brunch spot opened in 2025 by Providence-trained Chef Hen Nguyen and his sister Lin. The menu blends Vietnamese spring rolls and Korean-inspired dishes with breakfast staples, featuring housemade croissants and creative fusion items like the Dubai croissant with pistachio paste.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto Croissant Sandwich with Thai Basil Pesto, Dubai Croissant with Pistachio, Loaded Breakfast Burrito with Aji Sauce
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Michelin-trained chef bringing fine dining technique to creative Asian-fusion brunch
Who should go: Adventurous eaters seeking unique breakfast fusion in casual setting
When to visit: Wednesday through Monday 8am-3pm, closed Tuesdays
What to order: Dubai croissant, prosciutto breakfast sandwich, shrimp ceviche spring rolls
Insider tip: Chef Hen previously interned at two-Michelin-star Providence in West Hollywood
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 4th Street and side streets, typically easy mornings but fills up by 10am on weekends. Public lot on Elm Avenue 2 blocks away.
Dress code: Casual brunch attire - athleisure, jeans, and sundresses all fit. Instagram-ready crowd but no pressure to dress up.
Noise level: Lively but conversational - energetic brunch buzz without being overwhelming. Can easily chat across the table.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including avocado toast variations, veggie spring rolls, and egg dishes. About 40% of menu.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 adaptable dishes. Spring rolls can be made vegan, some toast options without eggs. Call ahead for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - croissants are signature item. GF bread available for sandwiches but limited options overall.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual daytime first dates. Relaxed vibe takes pressure off, interesting fusion menu gives conversation starters, and Instagram-worthy presentation shows you put thought into the choice. Avoid peak weekend times for better conversation flow.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays before 10am you're fine walking in. Weekends are riskier - arrive right at 8am opening or expect 30-45 min wait between 9am-1pm. They don't take reservations for parties under 6, so it's first-come-first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for grade school and up - menu has familiar options (pancakes, bacon, eggs) alongside fusion items. Space is tight for strollers and no kids menu, so better for 7+ who can share adult portions. Weekend mornings skew adult-focused brunch crowd.
How long should I plan to spend here? Budget 1.5 hours total - service is attentive but not rushed. Food comes out in 15-20 minutes. Perfect for leisurely weekend mornings, not ideal if you're in a hurry.
Do they have coffee worth ordering? Yes - they take coffee seriously with rotating single-origin beans and proper espresso machine. Vietnamese iced coffee is a standout that pairs perfectly with the Asian-fusion theme.
Best For
Better for: Creative fusion brunch you won't find elsewhere in Long Beach, fine dining technique at casual prices, adventurous eaters who want Instagram appeal with substance. Beats typical brunch spots for food quality and uniqueness.
Skip if: You want traditional American diner breakfast, need quick service (go to nearby Bernie's), traveling with large strollers, or prefer classic Eggs Benedict over Korean-fusion experimentation. Also skip if your group has picky eaters who won't venture beyond bacon and eggs.
Lazy Dough
8.3
Chef Hen Nguyen brings Michelin-trained technique to this creative fusion brunch spot opened in 2025. Housemade croissants form the foundation for innovative breakfast sandwiches, while Southeast Asian flavors like aji sauce and lemongrass pork distinguish the menu from typical Long Beach breakfast fare.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prosciutto Croissant Sandwich, Chorizo Breakfast Burrito, Dubai Croissant
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Michelin-trained chef applies fine dining technique to casual breakfast
Who should go: Adventurous brunch lovers seeking creative fusion breakfast
When to visit: Friday-Sunday mornings for full menu offerings
What to order: Prosciutto croissant, breakfast burrito with aji sauce, Dubai croissant
Insider tip: Opened May 2025, so it's still under the radar
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on nearby side streets, metered until 6pm weekdays. Public lot on 4th Street within 2 blocks.
Dress code: Casual - athleisure and weekend brunch attire perfectly acceptable
Noise level: Low to moderate - intimate space allows easy conversation
Weekend wait: N/A - breakfast/brunch only
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, typically seat within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several options including veggie breakfast sandwiches and pastries
Vegan options: Limited - best to call ahead, some pastries can be modified
Gluten-free options: Limited - croissants are signature item, but breakfast burrito available without tortilla
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - relaxed brunch atmosphere takes pressure off, unique menu gives you something to talk about, and the creative dishes show you have good taste without being pretentious.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins welcome but expect 15-20 minute waits on Saturday/Sunday mornings between 9-11am. Weekdays and early birds (before 8:30am) typically no wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately kid-friendly - no kids menu but simpler croissant options available. Small space means strollers can be tight. Best for older kids (8+) who'll appreciate creative food.
How long does a meal take? Quick service - expect 30-40 minutes from order to finish. Good option when you want quality but are time-conscious.
Is it worth the hype for out-of-towners? If you're a foodie exploring Long Beach's culinary scene, absolutely - you won't find this Michelin-level breakfast execution elsewhere in the area. For casual breakfast seekers, there are easier options.
Best For
Better for: Choose Lazy Dough when you want elevated breakfast technique and creative fusion flavors that go beyond typical brunch fare - the chef's Michelin background shows in every housemade croissant and unexpected flavor combination
Skip if: You're looking for traditional American breakfast classics, need large portions, want a boozy brunch scene, or are bringing very young children - this is a small, focused operation for adventurous eaters