Best Solo Dining Restaurants in Long Beach
11 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Long Beach Creamery
Organic, handcrafted ice cream with inventive seasonal flavors using hyperlocal ingredients
Notable Picks
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
8.4
Established French bistro since 2003 serving authentic buckwheat and sweet crepes with outdoor Parisian-style seating. The menu extends beyond crepes to include French onion soup, eggs benedict variations, and pasta carbonara, with genuine French cafe ambiance that transports diners to the streets of Paris.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab Cake Benedict, Nordique Crepe with Smoked Salmon, French Onion Soup
What Makes it Special: Over 20 years serving authentic French crepes with Parisian outdoor seating
8.3
Operating since 2003, this intimate Persian grill specializes in Mediterranean cuisine with Tehran-inspired flavors including lamb shank, Turkish chicken kebabs, and vegetarian options. The family-run establishment near Belmont Pier offers cozy indoor seating and a small patio for those seeking authentic Persian-Mediterranean fusion.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Shank, Turkish Chicken Kebab, Beef Kubide
What Makes it Special: Persian flair on Mediterranean classics with 22 years experience
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Walk-up smash burger stand delivering LA-quality burgers at prices that recall In-N-Out's golden era. Mini-chain perfected crispy-edged patties with gooey American cheese, caramelized onions, and bright pink house sauce, though the fried chicken sandwich may steal the show.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Cheeseburger, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Hand-Spun Milkshakes
What Makes it Special: Double patty smashburger for $7.50 rivals pricier competitors
#5
Flamin Curry
8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Business Lunch Power Players
Since 2018, this counter-service spot in Bluff Park has built a following for straightforward North Indian dishes served cafeteria-style with fresh-daily preparation. The streamlined approach focuses on curry plates with rice and naan, delivering solid garlic naan and well-spiced chicken tikka masala at prices that appeal to students and weeknight diners seeking quick, flavorful takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Tikka Masala, Garlic Naan, Butter Chicken
What Makes it Special: Fast-casual format with authentic flavors at budget-friendly prices
Worthy Picks
7.9
This local coffee roaster's third location opened near the Convention Center with a shaded patio retreat. While coffee is the star—featuring house-roasted single-origin beans and seasonal lattes—the expanded food menu now includes grab-and-go breakfast items and house-baked pastries including standout biscuits.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Biscuit, Banana Bread, Maple Lavender Latte
What Makes it Special: Local roastery with house-roasted beans and beautiful shaded patio
#7
Naree Thai
7.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Quick Bites Champions
Established Downtown fixture since 2015 offering sleek dining near the Convention Center with an extensive seafood-focused menu. Affordable weekday lunch specials and heated outdoor patio make this a reliable choice for both business travelers and locals seeking authentic preparations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Spicy Basil Fried Rice, Pumpkin Curry
What Makes it Special: Convention Center proximity with extensive seafood menu and lunch specials from $12.99
Located in Belmont Shore's dining corridor, this family-operated restaurant combines Indian and Nepalese cuisine with outdoor patio seating steps from the beach. The menu spans traditional curries and tandoori dishes alongside Himalayan specialties like chicken momos, with customizable spice levels and a strong vegetarian selection including the praised aloo gobi.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Tikka Masala, Aloo Gobi, Chicken Momos
What Makes it Special: Dual Indian-Nepalese menu near beach with customizable spice levels
#9
Donburi Cafè
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Business Lunch Power Players
Family-run donburi specialist tucked in Pine Square courtyard serves generous rice bowls with quality proteins alongside katsu curry and fusion ramen. Counter-service format and affordable pricing make it a downtown value destination with loyal local following.
Must-Try Dishes:
Katsu Curry Don, Galbi Don, Spicy Pork Don
What Makes it Special: Generous donburi portions with miso soup and fruit sides deliver exceptional value
#10
Sapporo Sushi
7.7
A high-volume sushi operation on PCH that runs BOGO 50% off rolls Monday through Thursday, making it one of the stronger weeknight value plays in Long Beach. The menu leans into crowd-friendly rolls and bento boxes rather than omakase-level precision, and the Bixby Village Plaza location delivers a surprisingly immersive dining room for a strip-mall anchor. Best treated as a reliable rotation spot for casual sushi nights rather than a destination dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked Salmon Roll, Bento Box, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna
What Makes it Special: High-volume Japanese spot on PCH with 2,000+ reviews, all-day BOGO 50% off rolls Monday through Thursday, and a dining room that regulars say feels like stepping into Japan.
7.6
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Neighborhood coffee shop serving breakfast sandwiches, supreme croissants, and specialty lattes on Belmont Shore's 2nd Street. Scratch-made menu includes Hawaiian breakfast egg sandwiches and hash brown wraps alongside creative coffee drinks like banana cream pie latte.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hawaiian Breakfast Egg Sandwich, Supreme Croissants, Hash Brown Wrap
What Makes it Special: Local coffee shop with creative breakfast sandwiches and specialty drinks