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Chez Bacchus
Master Critic Review
Chez Bacchus
8.8
Farm-to-table New American dining from Advanced Sommelier John Hansen and Chef Danny Le showcases seasonal California ingredients with refined technique. Open since June 2022 in the Arts District, this intimate spot earned People's Choice Best Fine Dining in 2025 and offers everything from weekend brunch to tableside desserts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Maple Leaf Duck, Miso-Glazed Norwegian Salmon, Bananas Foster (tableside)
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Only fine dining in downtown with tableside service and sommelier-curated wine pairings
Who should go: Food enthusiasts and wine lovers celebrating special occasions
When to visit: Weekend brunch or Thursday-Monday dinner service
What to order: Chef's tasting menu, seasonal duck, tableside Bananas Foster
Insider tip: Try their Saturday/Sunday afternoon tea service from 1-4pm
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking challenging - use paid lot on Pine Ave ($8-12) or valet at nearby Westin hotel
Dress code: Upscale casual to business casual - no jeans or sneakers, collared shirts recommended
Noise level: Intimate and quiet - ideal for conversation, library-level acoustics
Weekend wait: Reservations essential - walk-ins rarely accommodated Friday-Sunday
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch - dinner only Thursday-Monday
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - Chef creates custom vegetarian tasting menu with advance notice
Vegan options: Limited but accommodating - 2-3 modified dishes, call ahead for best experience
Gluten-free options: Yes - kitchen experienced with modifications, most dishes adaptable
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Exceptional choice - intimate lighting, quiet atmosphere for conversation, and impressive without being pretentious. The sommelier's attention adds a memorable touch without hovering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Highly unlikely on weekends. Tuesday-Thursday you might snag a bar seat, but call ahead. This is a 40-seat restaurant with strong local following - book 1-2 weeks out for prime times.
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for children under 12 - no kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere, and 2+ hour dining pace. Better for teens who appreciate fine dining (16+).
How long should I plan for dinner? Budget 2-2.5 hours for full experience, 3+ hours for tasting menu with wine pairings. This is leisurely fine dining, not a quick meal.
What's the damage for two people? $200-300 for dinner with wine (appetizers, mains, dessert, bottle). Tasting menu runs $135pp, add $75 for wine pairing. Brunch more accessible at $25-45pp.
Best For
Better for: Downtown's most refined fine dining experience - go here when you want sommelier expertise, tableside service, and intimate ambiance that rivals LA's best. The only spot in Long Beach combining this level of culinary technique with wine program depth.
Skip if: You want casual vibes, quick service, or are watching budget closely. Also skip if your group is larger than 6 - space is intimate and better suited for couples or small parties. For livelier scenes, hit 555 East or The Attic instead.