Whether you treat your special someone to a waterfront view at sunset, an intimate lunch at a garden bistro, or a nostalgic evening on the Queen Mary, Long Beach boasts many restaurants perfect for setting a romantic mood.
CHELSEA Queen Mary 1126 Queens Highway Long Beach, CA (562) 435-3511 Hours: Dinner (Wed-Sun) 5:30-10 pm
Gorgeous waterfront views, attentive service, and nostalgic decor give patrons a taste of what dining on a grand cruise ship in the 1920s might have been like. The Queen Mary’s classy dinner spot offers an intimate ambience perfect for a romantic date or anniversary celebration. Choose from an array of taste-tempting entrees including salmon coated in a macadamia crust and topped with Chardonnay citrus sauce, lobster tail rolled in spinach gnocchi, king crab legs basted in lemon butter, or New York steak with peppercorn sauce. Those with lighter appetites may enjoy the warm shrimp salad, seafood soufflé or Mediterranean scampi. Estimated cost per person for dinner: $27-$45 Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Open, New Year's Eve-Closed.
FOUR OLIVES 4726 Atlantic Avenue Long Beach, CA (562) 595-1131 Hours: Lunch (Tue-Fri) 11 a.m.-4pm; Dinner (Tues-Wed-Sun) 4-9pm; (Thu-Sat) 4-10pm; Brunch (Sat-Sun) 10am-4pm; Live Music: (Wed) Alternative Music, 6-9pm; (Thu) Jazz, 7-10pm
Located in the Bixby Knolls area, this quaint bistro features American classic cuisine in a cozy setting perfect for a romantic evening or a lunch with close friends. Along with a selection of more than 75 wines from California, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina, diners can choose from an extensive menu that includes specialties like almond crusted salmon, Caribbean fettuccini, or pan-seared pork chops with apple-plum chutney. On Wednesdays and Thursdays live entertainment features alternative and jazz performers. The weekend brunch is a favorite with locals who like to sleep in (it’s available until 4pm) and includes treats like apple crisp French toast and lemon soufflé pancakes.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $25-$35
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open.
HOUSE OF MADAME JOJO 2941 East Broadway Long Beach, CA (562) 439-3672 Hours: (Tues-Sun) 5:30-11pm
Atmosphere is everything at this intimate eatery that only seats 45. Designed around a bordello theme with 1920s décor, the dining room features candlelight flickering on the tables, ceiling fans, and sensual paintings displayed against copper paneled walls. A romantic mix of music ranging from classic crooners to French pop plays softly in the background while diners feast on appetizers like rolled eggplant and seared ahi, or a tempting selection of continental, California and Cajun influenced entrees including shrimp with spicy andouille sausage, rack of lamb, filet mignon and seafood fettuccini. Apple JoJo is the must-have dessert featuring candied walnut-crusted apple pie served warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $23-$40
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open.
MCKENNA’S ON THE BAY 190 Marina Drive Long Beach, CA (562) 342-9411 Hours: Lunch (Tue-Sat) 11:30 a.m.-2:30pm; (Sun) 11am-2:30pm; Dinner (Sun-Thu) 4:30-10pm; (Fri-Sat) 4:30-11pm)
With a waterside location overlooking the sailboats on Alamitos Bay, McKenna’s offers scenic views from its indoor seating area and a heated patio for romantic al fresco dining. The lively martini bar is popular with locals who stop in for drinks and tasty appetizers like oysters Rockefeller, wood-grilled artichoke, calamari and sushi. Famous for its fresh seafood pan roasted in unique kettles, the restaurant also offers specialty entrees like raspberry-seared Chilean sea bass on a ricotta custard potato cake, beef stroganoff in forest mushroom Dijon sauce, and a variety of prime steak and seafood combos like filet mignon and lobster.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $29-$60
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open.
PARKERS’ LIGHTHOUSE 435 Shoreline Village Drive Long Beach, CA (562) 432-6500 Hours: (Mon-Fri) Lunch 11 a.m.-3pm; (Sat-Sun) 11am-3:30pm; Dinner (Mon-Thu) 5-10pm; (Fri) 5-11pm; (Sat) 4-11pm;(Sun) 4-9:30pm
Featuring spectacular views of the Queen Mary and San Pedro Bay, this landmark restaurant designed around a working lighthouse offers indoor and outdoor seating perfect for drinks at sunset or a special evening for two. The menu features a wide variety of salads, sandwiches, prime beef, chicken and specialty pastas, but the star of the show is fresh seafood. Signature entrees include sea scallops piccata and artichoke crusted salmon. The popular bar offers a good selection of imported beers and specialty drinks like the Cadillac margarita and Irish Kiss. Appetizers span the gamut from fresh sushi and Dungeness crab cakes to lobster taquitos.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $23-$50
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open.
THE REEF 880 S. Harbor Scenic Drive Long Beach, CA (562) 435-8013 Hours: Dinner (Mon-Thu) 4-10pm; (Fri-Sat) 4-11pm; (Sun) 4:30-10pm; Brunch (Sun) 9am-3pm Dinner
Since its opening in 1958 The Reef has provided one of the city’s most elegant spots for dining and special events. Featuring panoramic views of the skyline and the harbor, it’s a popular spot for wedding receptions and rehearsal dinners. There are six gorgeous banquet rooms and two ceremony locations, the rooftop Sunset Deck and the more intimate outdoor garden. The crowd favorite on the dinner menu is the Waterfront Mixed Grill, a sampler featuring filet mignon, shrimp and scallop brochettes, and pistachio chicken. Sunday’s brunch buffet features traditional breakfast favorites, a fresh seafood bar, international themed food stations and champagne for $27.95 (adults) and $9.95 (children).
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $22-$49
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open.
Tucked away in a “secret garden” in the Belmont Heights area, this opulent bistro and tearoom is an ideal site for a wedding proposal or a special anniversary dinner. The Paradise Package ($175 for two, advance reservations required) offers private seating at a secluded grotto table and a luxurious seven-course, prix fixe meal including a server in the period costume of your choice. (A vocal serenade is another option.) It’s also a popular place for high tea, brunch and dinner theater events. Menu favorites include crepes du jour, steak Diane, New Zealand lamb chops topped with mint infused Madeira sauce, and pepper-crusted salmon. Sunday brunch is $19.50 per person including champagne or sparkling cider.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $28-$49
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Closed, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Closed.
STEFANO’S DA VINCI RISTORANTE 2801 Spring Street Long Beach, CA (562) 685-8111 Hours: Lunch (Mon-Fri) 11:30 a.m.-5pm; Dinner (Mon-Thu) 5-11pm; (Fri-Sat) 5pm-12am; Happy Hour (Sun-Sat) 4-7pm)
Inspired by the genius and creativity of Leonardo Da Vinci, this upscale Italian eatery with sweeping third floor views of Long Beach Airport’s runways, features a rotunda-like dining area that resembles the exterior of a Roman villa and an upstairs glass-enclosed wine cellar displaying more than 3000 fine vintages. Soaring ceilings, spectacular arches and reproductions of the famous inventor’s flying machines and art work keep diners enthralled as they await the award-winning cuisine of chef Stefano Colaiacomo. Specialties include regional pastas, veal scaloppini in a sherry cream sauce, rack of lamb, and pork loin chop in an Asian apple-brandy sauce.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $30-$50
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open.
TANTALUM 6272 E. Pacific Coast Highway Long Beach, CA (562) 431-1414 Hours: (Sun-Thu) 11:30 am-11:30 pm; (Fri-Sat) 11:30am-1am
Boasting a see-and-be-seen waterfront lounge and stunning maritime views from every seat, Tantalum offers a fusion of California and Pacific Rim cuisine in a casually elegant atmosphere that complements the exotic cuisine. Sip raspberry lemon drop martinis and share appetizers like Kobe beef sliders or coconut jumbo prawns in the bar, then treat your sweetheart to tantalizing dinner specialties like pan-roasted Indonesian pompano, miso-caramelized Alaskan halibut, or udon noodles with filet mignon and stir-fried vegetables. The dessert menu features many temptations including velvet key lime cheesecake, fried bananas with double dark chocolate ice cream, and a refreshing tropical sorbet trio.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $26-$47
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Closed, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open.
UTOPIA 445 East First Street Long Beach, CA (562) 432-6888 Hours: Lunch: (Mon-Fri) 11am-2 pm; Dinner: (Sun-Sat) 5-10 pm
Warm woods, pale yellow walls, crisp white linens on the tables, and a pianist playing in the dining room give this cozy East Village eatery a romantic ambience that’s not overly formal. A good spot for a pre-theater dinner or a casual lunch, it features a rotating array of paintings from regional artists and an eclectic menu with international influences. Choose from a variety of salads, sandwiches and pastas at lunch and enjoy sidewalk seating on warm days. The dinner menu features everything from roasted duck breast, Bangkok ginger chicken, and Brazilian raspberry scallops to Havana pork tenderloin with wild mushrooms.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $25-$37
Holiday Schedule: New Year's Day-Closed, Valentine's Day-Open, Easter-Open, Thanksgiving-Open, Christmas Eve-Open, Christmas Day-Closed, New Year's Eve-Open.
The Top List of Romantic Restaurants - Long Beach, CA