Short Drive. Big Reward.

Long Beach comes to life with an array of diverse dining options.
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Just over 30 miles down the 710 Freeway southbound, the dining scene in Long Beach has come a long way in recent years—even the Michelin Guide has taken notice. Here, we map out a one-day eating itinerary that showcases some of the best and most diverse new offerings in the LBC.

Breakfast/Brunch: Start your day with Colombian concept Selva from South American chef Carlos Jurado, who has worked in L.A. at Vespertine and with Thomas Keller at The French Laundry. The menu centers around live-fire smoked meats with native sauces. Order the smashed avocado patacon served with fried crispy plantain and queso fresco, topped with a fried egg, and ask for the pork belly add-on. Jurado’s Colombian hot dog is made with chorizo, charred onions and peppers, cotija, jalapeño jam, and crushed potato chips, and pairs well with a mimosa mixed with fruits like lulo and guanabana. You can also enjoy sangria and single-origin Colombian coffee from MoonGoat Coffee Roasters.

Lunch: Linda Sivrican of Sesame L.A. marketplace in Chinatown has recently expanded her brand to Sesame Dinette in the former Retro Saigon Bistro space. Pop in to admire the local artwork, pick up some unique provisions, or linger over a bowl of chicken pho noodle soup and pork banh mi with pâté. Behind the scenes, this new space showcases the talents of Sivrican’s mother, Judy, and the elders in her community, along with a new wave of young chefs, as part of the restaurants rotating residency program, which highlights generational Pan-Asian cooking and supports the Asian Pacific community.

Afternoon Snack and Wine: Stroll around the “vintage row” shops and pick up a slice of white pie at Little Coyote pizza or visit the new wine bar in the back of The Hangout, then try the vegan ice cream at Hug Life.

Dinner: Michelin Plate–awarded Heritage is a fine-dining concept located in a 100-year-old Craftsman house in the historic Rose Park neighborhood that offers artisanal sandwiches by day and a refined tasting menu by night. The sibling-owned, sustainable concept is run by owner and chef Philip Pretty and his sister Lauren Pretty who strongly support local purveyors and are set to launch Heritage Farm, which will supply more than 70% of the restaurant’s produce. Favorites on the current four-course tasting menu (wine pairings can be added for $30) include pork belly smoked for six hours on site and the seven-day-aged duck with lavender honey.

After Dinner Drinks/Dessert: Watch the last of the sunset from The Bungalow Kitchen by Michael Mina in Belmont Shore, which boasts an extensive wine list alongside California cuisine.

To-Go: Before you jump back on the 710, stop at Georgia’s for a spicy andouille po’ boy sandwich, which travels well for the next day.

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