Restaurant Recommendations

Price Key $ - $0-$20 $$ - $20-$40 $$$ - $40-$60 $$$$ - $60 -$80 $$$$$ - $80 -$100

555 East
555 E. Ocean Blvd. (bet. Atlantic & Linden Aves.) Long Beach, CA 90802 • 562-437-0626 • Fax: 562-435-9246 • www.555east.com

Long Beach’s heavy-hitting crowd convenes at this old-school chop shop for outstanding aged steaks and terrific wines served in clubby, manly man surroundings; service is top-notch. $$$

Alegria
115 Pine Ave. (bet. B’way & 1st St.) Long Beach, CA 90802 • 562-436-3388 • 562-436-9108 • www.alegriacocinalatina.com

Amazing sangria fuels the scene at this mid priced tapas stop serving Nuevo Latino bites in a colorful, kitschy atmosphere; and brings in crazy crowds for flamenco dancing on the weekends. $$

Bono’s
4901 E. Second St. ( St. Joseph Ave.) Long Beach, CA 90803 • 562-434-9501 • Fax: 562-434-9090 • www.bonoslongbeach.com

A hip stop on Long Beach’s trendy Belmont Shore, this upscale eatery owned by Christy Bono (Sonny’s daughter) trades in fresh Californian fare ferried by a good-looking staff; the interior is lovely and bright with a waterwall and busy bar scene, but the place to be is on the outdoor patio, which overlooks the street and affords stellar people-watching. $$

Famous Dave’s
300 S. Pine Ave. ( Shoreline Ave.) Long Beach, CA 90802 • 562-436-9260 • www.famousdaves.com

The mouthwatering brisket and other lightly smoky specialties are a joy at this above-average BBQ chain, so don’t let the fact that some of the food is served on trash-can lids turn you off; the chipper service and fair prices keep it a favorite. $$

Frenchy’s Bistro
4137 E. Anaheim St. (bet. Belmont & Roswell Aves.) Long Beach, CA 90804 • 562-494-8787 • Fax: 562-494-1613 • www.frenchysbistro.com

An intimate bistro showcasing classic Provençal recipes like spectacular sand dabs and delicious soufflés so authentic, you’d think they were teleported from Paris; though the modest storefront setting leaves a bit to be desired, chef-owner Andre Angles keeps the mood warm and prices are moderate for the quality, so in all, it’s well worth a visit. $$$

George’s Greek Café
5316 E. Second St. ( Pomona Ave.) Long Beach, CA 90803 • 562-433-1755 • Fax: 562-433-4648
www.georgesgreekcafe.com

Real-deal Greek cooking takes center stage at this much-loved mini-chain where the fresh-tasting fare is served up by a staff that treats you like family; live music and prices are a great value. $

King’s Fish House
100 W. Broadway Ave. (bet. Pacific & Pine Aves.) Long Beach, CA 90802 • 562-432-7463 • Fax: 4562-36-5432 • www.kingsfishhouse.com

Always packed for a reason, it features affordable dishes that are the real deal; gruff service, tight seating and hole-in-the-wall settings come with the territory, as do disposable plates. $

L’Opera
101 Pine Ave. (bet. Broadway & Ocean Blvd.) Long Beach, CA 90802 • 562-491-0066 • Fax: 562-983-9817 • www.lopera.com

Excellent Northern Italian cuisine and opulent surroundings in a converted bank with soaring ceilings make for a night to remember at this special-occasion choice in Long Beach; there’s a smart, caring staff and live opera singers (weekend nights). $$$

La Creperie Cafe
4911 E. Second St. (bet. Argonne & St. Joseph Aves.) Long Beach, CA 90803 • 562-434-8499 • Fax: 434-8499 • www.lacreperiecafe.net

Delicate sweet-and-savory crêpes head up the menu at this modestly priced bistro also serving salads and sandwiches in a charmingly overdone interior decked out with a Moulin Rouge theme; it plays host to a hopping scene on weekends with sidewalk seating and a spirit that’s reminiscent of Paris. $$

Lasher’s
3441 E. Broadway (bet. Newport & Redondo Aves.) Long Beach, CA 90803 • 562-433-0153 • Fax: 562-433-2735 • www.lashersrestaurant.com

Ultimate down-home hosts Ray and Lynn Lasher preside over this Long Beach institution set in a beautifully preserved Craftsman bungalow that dishes up expertly crafted American comfort food with Southern and New England accents; the warm atmosphere and fair prices help make it well worth a visit. $$$

Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que
4828 E. Second St. (bet. Park & St. Joseph Aves.)
Long Beach, CA 90803 • 562-434-7427 • www.lucillesbbq.com

The plates of down-home, messy BBQ washed down with tasty brews could feed NFL linemen at this moderately priced Southern chain, a faux roadhouse that’s always hopping! $$

Nobu Malibu
3835 Cross Creek Rd., Malibu • (310) 317-9140
www.noburestaurants.com

Although the restaurant is located on the strip mall off the Pacific Coast Highway, the food is described as “off the charts”. The presentations are described as superb. The sushi is described as a high art. The service is reportedly excellent. The Zagat guide notes that this is one of the best places for star gazing in the Greater LA area. One reviewer did comment that the food was expensive and “not for the faint of wallet.” $$$$$.

Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs
709 North La Brea Ave., Los Angeles • (323) 931-4223 • www.pinkshollywood.com

This hangout for the stars has been a Hollywood legend since 1939. It offers 21 varieties of hot dogs, 12 varieties of hamburgers, as well as old-fashioned sodas and cake too! $.

Yamashiro
1999 North Sycamore Ave., Hollywood • (323) 466-5125 • www.yamashirorestaurant.com

Yamashiro is the ultimate Hollywood landmark known for its unique architecture and romantic ambiance. Hailed as “the Most Romantic Restaurant in Los Angeles” by AOL City Guide, this restaurant has consistently offered superior service and excellent food for more than 30 years. Soft lighting and intimate table arrangements create warm, inviting and friendly spaces to dine. Open for dinner; reservation suggested; $$$$.