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L'Opera Ristorante
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
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.
Skip 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.
L'Opera Ristorante
8.6
Established in 1990 within a historic 1906 bank building, this elegant Northern Italian destination features Executive Chef Walter Cotta's handmade pastas and fresh seafood specialties. The timeless interiors blend old-world Italian charm with modern sophistication, while live opera performances on select evenings enhance the romantic ambiance.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti Ai Frutti Di Mare, Cappellacci Di Zucca, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Over 35 years of award-winning Italian cuisine in a stunning historic landmark building
Who should go: Couples celebrating anniversaries and special romantic occasions
When to visit: Dinner Tuesday-Saturday when live opera singers perform
What to order: Seafood pasta, butternut squash ravioli, house-made tiramisu
Insider tip: Request Wine Cellar seating for the most intimate dining experience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet parking available ($15), paid parking structures within 2 blocks, street parking challenging downtown especially evenings
Dress code: Business casual to dressy - nice slacks/skirts recommended, suits/cocktail attire common for special occasions
Noise level: Intimate - easy conversation during dinner, live opera adds elegant ambiance without overwhelming
Weekend wait: Reservations essential - walk-ins rarely accommodated Friday-Saturday
Weekday lunch: Limited availability Tuesday-Friday, reservations recommended but occasional walk-ins possible
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options, risotto, and vegetable antipasti available
Vegan options: Limited - kitchen can modify select pasta dishes, call ahead for best options
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available, knowledgeable staff about cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates or established relationships - the romantic setting and higher price point ($80-120pp) create expectations. Save this for when you want to seriously impress.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very unlikely on weekends. Weekdays you might secure a bar seat or early dinner slot (5-6pm), but reservations strongly recommended for main dining room.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children - sophisticated atmosphere suits teens and adults. No kids menu, higher noise sensitivity from other diners celebrating special occasions.
How long should I plan for dinner? Allow 2-2.5 hours for full experience - service is attentive but leisurely, especially during opera performances. Don't rush this one.
Is the opera performance every night? Select evenings only, typically Friday-Saturday during dinner service. Call ahead to confirm performance schedule for your visit date.
Best For
Better for: Choose L'Opera when ambiance matters as much as food - the historic setting, live opera, and white-tablecloth service create unmatched romantic theater. Ideal for milestone celebrations where presentation and experience trump trendiness.
Skip if: You want modern Italian small plates, casual vibes, or budget-friendly options under $50pp. Also skip if you prefer faster-paced dining or need flexibility with walk-in seating.
L'Opera Ristorante
8.8
Celebrating over 35 years in a historic 1906 bank building, L'Opera combines award-winning classic and modern Italian cuisine under Chef Walter Cotta, who shops local farmers markets weekly. The elegant dining room features marble columns and mahogany floors, with live opera performances on weekends enhancing the sophisticated atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butternut Squash Ravioli, Spaghetti Tutti di Mare, Homemade Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Historic landmark with 35 years of excellence and live opera singers
Who should go: Special occasion diners seeking upscale Italian in elegant surroundings
When to visit: Friday or Saturday evenings for opera performances starting 7pm
What to order: Butternut squash ravioli, spaghetti tutti di mare, finish with tiramisu
Insider tip: Valet parking available for $10-15 at corner of First & Pine