A Local’s Guide to the Best Eats in Long Beach, California

Coastal Flavors and Street-Side Bites

Long Beach has a culinary personality that’s as laid-back as our ocean breeze. Whether you are craving a messy, authentic taco that hits the spot after a day at the beach or you’re looking to sit down for some fresh catch, this city never misses.

We don’t do stuffy dining here. We do flavor, fresh ingredients, and the kind of meals that make you want to order a second round. If you’re hungry, you’ve come to the right place.

The Taco Scene

When it comes to tacos, the secret is usually in the salsa and the handmade tortillas. You know you’ve found the right spot when there’s a line of locals standing on the sidewalk waiting for their al pastor fix.

Long Beach is packed with hidden gems where the grill is always hot and the onions are always chopped fresh. Don't be afraid to pull up a plastic chair at a corner stand—that’s where the real magic happens.

Here are a few things to look for when you're hunting for the best taco:

• Look for the "trompo" (the vertical rotisserie) for the most authentic al pastor.
• Check if the tortillas are hand-pressed on-site.
• If there’s a self-serve salsa bar with spicy pickled carrots, you’re in the right place.
• Always ask for extra cilantro and onion.

Fresh Seafood by the Water

Being a coastal town, we take our seafood pretty seriously. You can find everything from high-end oyster bars to humble shacks where the fish is pulled right out of the harbor.

There is nothing quite like sitting on a patio, feeling the salty air, and enjoying a plate of grilled fish or a mountain of peel-and-eat shrimp. It’s the quintessential Long Beach experience.

Why We Love It Here

What makes the Long Beach food scene so special is the diversity. You can get a world-class ceviche that tastes like it came straight from a Baja beach, or a fish taco that rivals anything in San Diego. It’s unpretentious, it’s vibrant, and it’s always evolving.

If you’re planning a weekend here, I recommend pacing yourself. Start your day with a walk along the shoreline, hit a neighborhood taco truck for a late lunch, and save your appetite for a sunset dinner at one of the spots overlooking the bay.

Insider Tips for Foodies

If you really want to eat like a local, avoid the chains. Look for the neighborhood spots where the menus are handwritten on chalkboards.

Don’t be shy about asking your server what’s fresh today. When the fish is local and seasonal, you really can taste the difference. And always, always order the extra salsa. You’ll thank me later.