I’ll be attending a conference at the end of the month, and staying at the Hyatt Regency next to the convention center. Looking for four or so dinners (one would be at 10 PM). I like fish, comfort food, Indian, Chinese, and Thai. Open to other things, but not too adventurous. Simple dishes prepared well, are my preference. No high-end, please. I’ve been to Beechwood BBQ on a prior trip and was less than impressed, so if that’s all LB has in the way of BBQ, I’ll just skip it.
I’ll have a car, but would prefer not to travel more than a town or so away. Looking at the map, I see a lot of chains within walking distance, but not much else. Is Gladstone’s any good?
BBQ wise Big Mistas near the Long Beach Airport (either Morning Wood or BBQ) or Bludsoes in nearby Compton are maybe the best we have in LA.,
Jongwaard’s Bake N Broil for lemon lush pie with a burger, chicken pot pies
For breakfast or lunch, try The Pan for pancakes, French toast.
For simple fresh seafood, Berth 55. Very casual.
Take out only, 5000 Pies for Chicago style pizza, and sweet pies to boot.
Santa Fe Importers for meatball sandwiches
Lola’s Mexican Cuisine or At Last Cafe may be good for lunch if you have enough time. About 10-15 minutes drive. Lola has good refined home cooked dishes. At Last is a local favorite, and you should make reservation. If you are in that neighborhood and want a good cup of coffee, try Rose Park Roasters. You may also want to consider The Attic; a bit more hip.
For an old fashion Italian cooking, try Cafe Gazelle in Belmont Shore. It’s kinda run down, but gives out a cozy vibe. Yeah the food is good too.
There is a healthy Cambodian and Laotian community in LB, but don’t know enough to make any solid recommendations.
Should check out Handy’s Smoked Meats in Bixby Knolls. It’s take out only, no seating. Perfect for back at the hotel or packing up something for the conference? The smoked lamb and duck were excellent last time I went.
…and with Long Beach Creamery right next door, you can do a bangbang*.
I recently went to Little La Lune in Long Beach. A small Cambodian/Thai joint. Family run. Good food, excellent service.
For something a little higher scale in food, you can try Restauration. Excellent food at a great value. Phillip Pretty from Fundamental LA is now helming the kitchen.
This might not go over well on this board, but I love the waffles at Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles. The chicken is good, too…but only with dashes on the hot sauce. But back to that waffle…it’s like crack. There are essences of nutmeg and cinnamon in it and it’s super crisp.
Aji makes very very good Peruvian ceviche, and if you’ve never tried causas this is certainly not a bad place to start. But avoid the flourless chocolate cake, it’ll make you wish it had flour.
There is also Cheko El Rey Del Saradeado where Sergio Penuelas is currently in residence. Excellent Mexican Mariscos. Maybe some of the best in the Southland.
Yes, same as the one that opened a yearish ago in Brentwood. Originated in the Bay Area and has multiple locations up there. It is…unfortunately not that great. If you’re familiar with LA Spanish restaurants, it is inferior to both Manchego and Xuntos. Good drinks, some solid tapas if you choose wisely, but very uneven cooking and execution. Soggy shrimp in Paella, unevenly shaped croquettes, flavorless pan con tomate.
It’s indeed quite perplexing. And also very sad. I wonder why there isn’t any amazing Spanish cuisine in LA. Is there just such a small population of Spaniards?
I think Manchego is pretty good but certainly not extraordinarily. Somni is spectacular and about to reopen, but that’s more Spanish-inspired molecular gastronomy rather than a traditional Spanish restaurant.
