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Domenico's Belmont Shore
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Domenico's Belmont Shore
7.8
Long Beach's oldest restaurant operating since 1954, famous as one of California's first pizzerias serving ground pepperoni pizza and maintaining original recipes. The old-fashioned booth-filled dining room offers warm, cozy ambiance perfect for hearty Italian-American comfort food, though outdoor seating is limited.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ground Pepperoni Pizza, Rigatoni with Link Sausage, Classic Italian Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Oldest restaurant in Long Beach with 71-year pizza tradition
Who should go: Nostalgic diners and families seeking reliable Italian-American classics
When to visit: Avoid peak dinner rush; ample portions great for sharing
What to order: Ground pepperoni pizza with chili oil, house Italian salad, rigatoni
Insider tip: Limited reservations for 10+ only; street parking challenging
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - challenging after 5pm on weekends. Arrive early or use nearby public lot on Livingston (2 blocks)
Dress code: Casual - jeans and t-shirts perfectly fine. Old-school neighborhood spot with zero pretense
Noise level: Moderate to lively - booth setup helps contain sound but gets buzzy during dinner rush. Can hold normal conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical Friday/Saturday 6-8pm without reservation (parties under 10 can't reserve)
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - classic Italian options like eggplant parm, pasta marinara, cheese pizza. Ample portions work for sharing
Vegan options: Limited - can modify pasta dishes (marinara, garlic/oil). Not their strength given heavy cheese/meat focus
Gluten-free options: Minimal - no GF pasta or pizza crust. Salads and some meat dishes only. Better options elsewhere if celiac
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid choice for casual first dates - cozy booths offer intimacy, moderate noise allows conversation, and nostalgic vibe feels welcoming without trying too hard. Avoid peak weekend dinner when wait times kill momentum
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they only take reservations for 10+ people. Expect 30-45 min wait Friday/Saturday dinner. Best strategy: arrive before 6pm or after 8:30pm, or come weekday lunch/early dinner
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - family-run since 1954 with multigenerational following. Shareable pizzas, familiar Italian-American menu, relaxed atmosphere. No kids menu but portions huge enough to split. High chairs available
How long does dinner typically take? Plan 75-90 minutes including wait. Service is efficient but not rushed - they want you comfortable. Good pacing for catching up with friends/family without feeling hurried
What's the best time to avoid crowds? Weekday lunch (11:30am-1pm) or early dinner (5-6pm weekdays). Sunday evenings also quieter. Friday/Saturday 6-8pm is peak chaos
Best For
Better for: Choose Domenico's when you want proven 71-year track record over trendy, when generous portions and value matter more than refined presentation, and when nostalgic comfort beats modern innovation. Better than newer Italian spots for reliable execution and authentic old-school California Italian-American vibe
Skip if: You need outdoor dining (very limited), want modern/elevated Italian, require gluten-free options, need guaranteed seating (parties under 10), or prefer quiet/romantic over lively family atmosphere. Choose modern Belmont Shore Italian spots if you want patio seating and contemporary ambiance
Domenico's Belmont Shore
7.8
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Hidden Gems Heaven
Birthday & Celebration Central
Historic Italian restaurant established in 1954, making it the oldest restaurant in Long Beach and one of California's first pizzerias. Famous for unique ground pepperoni pizza with cheese-under-sauce preparation and complimentary minestrone soup with every dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegetarian Lasagna, Ground Pepperoni Pizza, Spaghetti with Giant Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Over 70 years serving Long Beach with unique ground pepperoni style
Who should go: Families and those seeking classic Italian-American nostalgia
When to visit: Weekday lunch for soup-salad-pizza combo deals under $10
What to order: Ground pepperoni pizza, house salad dressing, minestrone soup
Insider tip: Every dinner includes complimentary cup of their famous minestrone
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on 2nd Street and side streets - easier to find than most Belmont Shore spots. Small lot behind restaurant fits ~8 cars.
Dress code: Casual comfort - jeans, t-shirts, shorts all welcome. This is a no-fuss neighborhood Italian spot.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - cozy dining room fills with conversation but you can still hear tablemates without shouting.
Weekend wait: 20-30 min typical Friday/Saturday 6-8pm - they don't take reservations so arrive early or plan for a wait
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait - walk right in most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - excellent options including eggplant parmigiana, cheese ravioli, veggie pizza, and multiple pasta dishes with marinara
Vegan options: Limited - can do pizza without cheese, marinara pasta, minestrone soup (check on stock), and house salad with oil/vinegar
Gluten-free options: No dedicated GF menu - traditional Italian-American spot focused on classic pasta and pizza preparations
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual 2nd or 3rd dates - the family-style vibe and no-reservations policy mean potential waits and bustling atmosphere. Great if you both love nostalgic Italian spots, less ideal if you want intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations at all - it's first-come, first-served. Arrive before 6pm on weekends to avoid the dinner rush, or go weekday lunch when waits are rare. Put your name in and grab a drink nearby if needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - been serving Long Beach families since 1954. Kids love the unique ground pepperoni pizza, portions are generous for sharing, and the casual atmosphere means no stress about noise. High chairs available.
What's the deal with the ground pepperoni pizza? It's their signature style - pepperoni is ground fine and mixed into the sauce, then cheese goes on top. Totally different texture than traditional pepperoni slices. You either love it or prefer their regular pizzas - worth trying once for the novelty.
How long does dinner take here? Plan 60-75 minutes from seating to check - service is friendly but old-school paced, not rushed. Good for relaxed family meals, less ideal if you're catching a movie after.
Best For
Better for: Historic nostalgia and family tradition - nowhere else in Long Beach offers 70+ years of continuity and that signature ground pepperoni style. The free minestrone with every dinner is a throwback touch competitors don't match. Best for diners who value story and consistency over trendy.
Skip if: You want modern Italian cuisine, craft cocktails, or reservations. If you're seeking elevated date-night ambiance or contemporary takes on Italian food, head to downtown Long Beach instead. Also skip if you need gluten-free options or prefer thin-crust Neapolitan-style pizza.