Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Long Beach

Heritage Restaurant, Long Beach – A Well-Earned Michelin Star by Michael Broderick. In a city where “Californian” culinary ambition often plays second fiddle to casual dining, Heritage in Long Beach has carved out a place of quiet excellence, earning a well-deserved Michelin star. This intimate dining experience is a testament to ingredient-driven, technique-forward cooking, where flavors are both restrained, unpretentious, and deeply expressive. From the first bite, it was clear that Heritage excels at layering textures and flavors in unexpected ways. The meal began with an Amuse Bouche trio: a delicate prawn cracker topped with sweet Dungeness crab, a green leaf with another seafood salad that was to be eaten like a mini street taco, and balanced with the brightness and light crunch of pickled turnip. A seemingly simple couple of bites, but one that foreshadowed the precision and thoughtfulness of the courses to follow. To cleanse the palate, a mint tea infused with palo santo was served—a meditative interlude that was both refreshing and aromatic, setting the stage for the evening’s journey. The first official course, Crème Caviar, featured Russian Sturgeon Heritage Caviar and chive, a chilled preparation that was rich yet elegantly restrained. This was followed by Kanpachi Crudo, presented with carrot, ginger, and macédoine vegetables, offering a balance of clean ocean flavors against bright, vegetal undertones. Then came what I consider the star of the evening: a dish that fully captured the ethos of Heritage—Hen of the Woods Mushroom, topped in a “sunchoke stew” (crispy fried sunchoke) with fermented mushroom. For an additional $25, an indulgent shaving of black truffle took the dish to another level, transforming it into a sensory experience that evoked the deep, earthy satisfaction of foraging. The interplay of umami-rich elements made this course a masterpiece of textural and flavor contrast. The proteins that followed were executed with equal care.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Parker's Lighthouse, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the stunning ocean view that set the perfect backdrop for the meal. The ambiance was relaxed yet elegant, offering a wonderful mix of casual comfort and fine dining. The food was nothing short of spectacular. Each dish was crafted with care and bursting with fresh flavors. I started with the clam chowder, which was rich, creamy, and packed with perfectly cooked clams. For the main course, I opted for the seafood platter, which featured a delicious variety of perfectly prepared fish, shrimp, and scallops. The quality of the seafood was top-notch, and each bite was a true testament to the chef's skill. The staff was attentive and friendly, providing excellent service throughout the meal. It was clear they took pride in offering guests a memorable dining experience. The ocean view was the cherry on top, as we dined while watching the waves crash along the shore, creating a serene atmosphere that made the meal even more special. I highly recommend Parker's Lighthouse to anyone looking for an outstanding dining experience with great food and a breathtaking view. It's a perfect spot for a romantic dinner, a celebratory meal, or simply a fantastic evening out by the water!

The service was terrific. My date and I felt welcomed. The Shirley Temple drink was good, and the food was delicious. The atmosphere was lovely, and we enjoyed every minute of being there. I want to thank the waitress and the chefs for my special request and for making my new girlfriend happy. Thank you. I will come again!

Our service was outstanding. Ray was personable and friendly but not overly attentive which is exactly what I like when I want to talk to my wife while eating out. The food was great and I enjoyed the overall quality of the restaurant. While it was for a Valentine Day dinner it wasn’t anything but nice and enjoyable without being tacky or exaggerated. Will absolutely recommend this restaurant for any occasion.

Went for Valentine day lunch with my wife. Food was great, ambience is outstanding, and service was excellent. Will definitely recommend this restaurant.