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ZipPicks Awards
Best Family Friendly Italian in Long Beach
Best Date Night Italian in Long Beach
Best Italian in Long Beach
Master Critic Review
L'Opera Ristorante
8.7
Established in 1990 inside the historic 1906 First National Bank building, L'Opera features Chef Walter Cotta's award-winning Northern Italian cuisine with live opera performances on weekends. The stunning restoration showcases marble columns on mahogany floors with an exhibition kitchen, while the Wine Cellar basement offers intimate private dining in the original bank vault.
Must-Try Dishes:
Veal Piccata, Homemade Ravioli, Butternut Squash Ravioli
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: 35-year institution in stunning historic bank with Chef of the Year
Who should go: Special occasion diners, wine enthusiasts, architecture lovers
When to visit: Friday or Saturday evening for live opera performances
What to order: Veal piccata showcases kitchen expertise, homemade ravioli stellar
Insider tip: Wine Cellar private room housed in original bank vault
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available $15, street parking challenging downtown - garage at 115 Pine Ave (3 blocks) $8 after 6pm
Dress code: Upscale casual to business attire - no shorts or athletic wear, jackets not required but common
Noise level: Moderate with live opera - romantic conversation possible between performances, louder during Friday/Saturday shows
Weekend wait: Reservations essential - walk-ins rarely accommodated Friday/Saturday, 30-45 min wait on opera nights
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min wait typical without reservation, bar seating usually available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 pasta dishes plus risotto options, chef accommodates modifications
Vegan options: Limited - 2 pasta dishes can be prepared vegan upon request, best to call ahead
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available, kitchen aware of cross-contamination protocols
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent if you want to impress - the historic setting and live opera create natural conversation starters, though premium pricing ($150-200 for two) sets high expectations. Better for 2nd-3rd date when you know they appreciate fine dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch or early dinner (before 6pm) you have a shot at bar seating or a table. Weekend dinners, especially Friday/Saturday opera nights, book out 1-2 weeks ahead - reservation absolutely required.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved children 8+ - kids menu available, staff accommodating. The formal atmosphere and opera performances suit older kids better than toddlers. Sunday lunch is most family-friendly timing.
How long should I plan for dinner? Budget 2-2.5 hours for full experience with opera performances. Weeknight dinners without entertainment move faster at 90 minutes. Don't book tight post-dinner plans on opera nights.
Is the Wine Cellar room worth requesting? Absolutely for groups of 6-12 celebrating something special - dining in the original bank vault is unforgettable. Requires advance booking and $500 minimum, but the exclusive experience justifies the premium for milestone events.
Best For
Better for: Unmatched for impressing out-of-town guests or milestone celebrations where ambiance matters as much as food - the historic venue and live opera create an experience competitors can't replicate. Wine program and Northern Italian authenticity strongest in Long Beach.
Consider Alternatives If: You want casual Italian comfort food or modern Cal-Italian fusion - this is classic Northern Italian in a formal setting. Also skip if you're price-sensitive (most entrees $38-55) or need quick service - the experience is deliberately paced.
Hours
Monday4pm - 10pm
Tuesday4pm - 10pm
Wednesday4pm - 10pm
Thursday4pm - 10pm
Friday4pm - 10pm
Saturday4pm - 10pm
Sunday4pm - 10pm