Best Instagram Worthy Restaurants in Long Beach
22 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Olive & Rose
Michelin-pedigreed zero-waste cooking in a chic mid-century motel setting
Essential Picks
#1
Olive & Rose
9.1
Michelin-starred Chef Philip Pretty's neo-bistro brings California flavors with French technique to a restored mid-century motel courtyard. The 32-seat open-air space emphasizes zero-waste practices and seasonal ingredients from the siblings' urban farm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Octopus with Potato & Pimento, Aged Rib Cap with Frites, Amberjack Crudo with Cucumber
What Makes it Special: Michelin-pedigreed zero-waste cooking in a chic mid-century motel setting
Notable Picks
8.9
Chef Eduardo Chang Ogata brings Michelin-recognized Peruvian-Japanese fusion to Belmont Shore, blending traditional sushi technique with vibrant Peruvian flavors. The intimate space buzzes with energy as bright yellow bowls of ceviche and lemon-coated parmesan scallops arrive alongside creative Nikkei-style rolls drizzled with acevichado sauce. Ocean-fresh seafood meets eye-catching presentation in a stylish atmosphere that elevates this beyond typical neighborhood sushi.
Must-Try Dishes:
Parmesan Scallops, Crispy Tuna Tacos, Tiradito Nikkei
What Makes it Special: Michelin-recognized Peruvian-Japanese fusion with innovative flavor combinations and impeccable seafood quality
#3
Viaje
8.9
Contemporary Mexican restaurant from Baja Fish Tacos co-founder Julio Gutierrez brings multiregional Mexican cuisine to Belmont Shore. Chef Ricardo de la Vega executes refined dishes like Barbacoa de Cordero and octopus alongside craft cocktails with housemade ingredients in a modern bohemian setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa de Cordero, Octopus, Ceviche
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven multiregional Mexican with modern techniques since 2022
8.6
Heavy metal-themed burger destination relocated from Alhambra to Bay Shore Beach in 2024, serving half-pound patties with rock-inspired names. Food Network's Great Food Truck Race winner brings creative toppings from chimichurri-blue cheese to peanut butter-strawberry jam-bacon-sriracha, all served with craft beers and ocean views.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ozzy Osbourne Burger, Napalm Death Burger, Long Beach Dirtbag
What Makes it Special: Only beachfront heavy metal burger joint with rock memorabilia and ocean backdrop
8.6
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025, this organic ice cream maker crafts seasonal flavors using locally sourced ingredients from Long Beach farmers and small businesses. The signature Saltine Dream delivers playful contrasts of buttery caramel, fudgy ribbons, and crunchy crushed saltines that have made it an iconic local creation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Saltine Dream, Burnt Caramel, Whiskey Vanilla
What Makes it Special: Organic, handcrafted ice cream with inventive seasonal flavors using hyperlocal ingredients
Authentic Neapolitan pizzeria from Naples opened in January 2024, bringing wood-fired tradition and imported Italian ingredients to Belmont Shore. The restaurant transformed a former dreary space into a bright, modern setting with both indoor fireplace charm and dog-friendly outdoor patio seating with firepits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita DOC Pizza, Marinara Pizza, Chocolate Lava Cake
What Makes it Special: Family-owned Naples pizzeria tradition using imported Italian ingredients and wood-fired ovens
8.6
Family-owned brunch destination serving organic seasonal ingredients with specialty coffee. The kitchen gains inspiration from Levantine cuisine with California influences, offering dishes like lobster omelette inspired by Chef Ludo Lefebvre and seasonal pancakes that draw weekend lines wrapping around the block.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Omelette with Boursin, Sweet Potato Pancakes, Crispy Smashed Potatoes
What Makes it Special: Hospitality-first approach with owners greeting guests by name and fresh roses on each table
Authentic Turkish cuisine arrives in Belmont Shore with tender doner kebabs, house-made baklava, and Ottoman-influenced dishes served in an intimate space decorated with traditional Turkish lamps. The halal menu draws from Mesopotamian, Armenian, and Greek culinary traditions while maintaining distinctly Turkish flavors and exceptional hospitality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Doner Plate, Galata Special Grill, Kunefe
What Makes it Special: Fresh halal Turkish cuisine with attentive service rarely found elsewhere
8.4
Horror-themed pizzeria with gothic macabre atmosphere featuring pizzas named after horror films, vintage arcade games, and extensive craft beer selection. House-made sourdough crust supports creative combinations like Memento Mori Bulgogi and Death to Piggy alongside vegan options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Death to Piggy, Memento Mori Bulgogi Pizza, Hellfire Pizza
What Makes it Special: Unique horror-metal theme with pizzas named after horror icons
#10
Kin Long Beach
8.3
Modern Thai restaurant with a trendy, contemporary design that breaks from traditional aesthetics. Known for generous portions and creative presentations like Thai tea served with popsicles, plus an extensive cocktail program featuring signature drinks like the Tamarind cocktail.
Must-Try Dishes:
Avocado Curry, Crispy Bok Choy, Panang Curry
What Makes it Special: Modern interpretation of Thai classics with creative cocktails and unique presentations
#11
Ellie's
8.3
Chef Jason Witzl's Southern Italian restaurant in Alamitos Beach specializes in handmade pasta made fresh daily with California-sourced ingredients. The intimate neighborhood bistro features a charming front patio and small dining room where the chef's energy bounces between kitchen and table, creating a warm familial atmosphere despite the upscale sensibility.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tagliatelle with Shrimp and 'Nduja, Potato Croquettes, Grilled Bread with Pork Butter
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven pasta showcase with California seasonal ingredients
#12
Kimu Sushi
8.3
Vibrant izakaya experience featuring a sushi bar styled like a Japanese street-side restaurant complete with roof overhang. Creative specialty rolls blend traditional techniques with modern presentations, while the yakitori and small plates program appeals to groups seeking variety.
Must-Try Dishes:
Star Roll, Grilled Skewers, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
What Makes it Special: Authentic izakaya atmosphere with theatrical sushi bar design transports diners to Tokyo
#13
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
What Makes it Special: Michelin-trained chef bringing fine dining technique to creative Asian-fusion brunch
#14
Bruxie
8.1
Culinary-casual concept featuring signature waffle sandwiches since opening in 2023. Belgian-inspired waffle batter serves as bread for both savory fried chicken combinations and sweet options, alongside jumbo buttermilk chicken tenders and artisan custard shakes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken and Waffle Sandwich, Jumbo Chicken Tenders, Nutella Banana Waffle
What Makes it Special: Unique waffle-as-bread concept for both savory and sweet sandwiches
8.1
Croatian-run beachside café adjacent to Rosie's Dog Beach offering Mediterranean-inspired burgers and burritos alongside a dedicated dog menu. Opened in 2024 with fairy lights creating magical evening ambiance, agility courses for pups, and sourdough bun burgers that impressed first-year visitors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sourdough Bun Burger, Breakfast Burrito, Ceviche
What Makes it Special: Only Long Beach beach bar with dog agility courses and dedicated canine menu
#16
Madres Brunch
8
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Girls Night Out Approved
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram-centric Mexican-American brunch chain bringing colorful, shareable plates and mimosa flights to Downtown Long Beach since October 2024. The menu features vibrant dishes like birria benedict and churro French toast, with the signature "Journey" pancakes paying homage to co-owner Mel Zepeda's strawberry shortcake inspiration.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Benedict, Chilaquiles Verdes, Journey Pancakes (Strawberry Shortcake)
What Makes it Special: Technicolor sugar-bomb presentations perfect for social media moments
Worthy Picks
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Sports Bar Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Pizzeria and sports bar combo in a visually striking space with eclectic decor and arcade games. The loaded specialty pizzas feature generous toppings and slightly spicy sausage, appealing to families during early hours before transitioning to bar atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Works Pizza, Godfather Pizza, Potato Wedges
What Makes it Special: Heavy, topping-loaded pizzas in striking interior with vintage arcade games
7.9
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Modern deli concept at 2nd & PCH serving artisan ciabatta sandwiches with premium ingredients. The Italian sub stacks imported meats with house-made dressings, while creative combinations like turkey-brie-apple balance traditional and contemporary flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Perfect Italian, Turkey Brie Apple, Roast Beef Cheddar
What Makes it Special: Fresh artisan ciabatta with quality ingredient combinations at shopping center
#19
Thai District
7.9
Northern Thai specialist in downtown Long Beach where the kao soi and hung lay pork curry represent the regional focus. Chefs with backgrounds from the old Frenchy's Restaurant bring French technique to Thai flavors. The pineapple curry with black grapes surprised reviewers who expected standard fare; the menu accommodates vegetarians and allergy concerns. Parking near downtown Long Beach requires extra buffer time.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kao Soi, Hung Lay Pork Curry, Panang Curry
What Makes it Special: Northern Thai specialist in downtown Long Beach with photogenic plating
#20
Blue Burro
7.9
Modern fast-casual concept combining Baja ranch traditions with efficient service since 2019. Made-from-scratch salsas, all-day breakfast burritos, and creative options like Surf-N-Turf Quesadilla set this apart from typical quick-service Mexican. Fresh ingredients and house-made aguas frescas keep quality high despite rapid service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Burrito, Surf-N-Turf Fries, Breakfast Burrito
What Makes it Special: Fast-casual format with scratch-made salsas and all-day breakfast
7.8
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Sports Bar Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Historic 1903 Masonic Temple transformed into craft brewpub and coffee roaster with pizza menu. Award-winning lagers and IPAs paired with straightforward pies in prohibition-era setting with dark walnut tables and custom chandeliers overlooking brewing kettles.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza, BBQ Chicken Pizza
What Makes it Special: Craft brewery in converted 1903 Masonic Temple with visible brew kettles
#22
A PCH
7.8
River Jetty Restaurant Group's 2023 addition to 2ND & PCH brings seasonally-focused modern American cuisine with Alamitos Bay views. Executive lineup from partners McG Nichol and Jordan Otterbein showcases signature land and sea dishes from their portfolio of coastal restaurants.
Must-Try Dishes:
Table-Side Chicken Pot Pie, Seasonal Seafood, Craft Cocktails
What Makes it Special: Waterfront views in 2ND & PCH shopping center from proven restaurant group