Belmont Shore, stretching along bustling 2nd Street in Long Beach, is a dining destination that pulses with local energy, distinct eats, and an endless lineup of crave-worthy bites. Whether you’re a casual brunch-goer, a pizza enthusiast, or hunting for artisanal pastries, this beloved neighborhood wraps up the best of Southern California’s food scene in an inviting, walkable package. Here’s where to eat, sip, and savor like a true Belmont Shore local.
Why Belmont Shore Is a Must-Visit for Foodies
Belmont Shore is Long Beach’s unofficial culinary strip, packed along 2nd Street between Livingston Drive and Bay Shore Avenue, mere steps from the coast. The neighborhood’s heartbeat is its independent restaurants, a tight-knit community of inventive chefs, and legacy businesses still plating the same family recipes that have delighted guests for decades. Here, you’ll find food trucks sharing street corners with upscale bistros, and every meal feels like a celebration of SoCal diversity.
Standout Restaurants on 2nd Street
- Nick’s on 2nd (4901 E 2nd St)
Known for: Classic American comfort food, lively ambiance
Price range: $$-$$$
Nick’s is quintessential Belmont Shore. The menu is a greatest-hits album of comfort food—think prime rib dip sandwiches, buttermilk fried chicken, and expertly crafted cocktails. Their bar is always buzzing, and brunches are legendary for the indulgent chilaquiles.
- Michael’s on Naples (starting on Naples Island, just across the Rivo Alto Canal, but a local favorite)
Known for: Upscale Italian cuisine, rooftop dining
Price range: $$$
Technically just outside the neighborhood but within walking distance, Michael’s is where locals go for handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and elegant date night vibes. Don’t miss the rooftop lounge at sunset.
- Simmzy’s (5271 E 2nd St)
Known for: Burgers, craft beer, relaxed patio
Price range: $$
Simmzy’s never fails when you want a juicy burger and a rotating tap of California’s best craft brews. Their outdoor seating is perfect for people-watching, and the sweet potato fries are the definition of addictive.
- La Creperie Café (4911 E 2nd St)
Known for: French-style crêpes, romantic décor
Price range: $$
From savory crêpes filled with creamy chicken and mushrooms to decadent dessert options, La Creperie is a whimsical escape to Paris. Their happy hour cocktails and European brunches are local classics.
Best Bakeries & Coffee Shops
- Sweet Jill’s Bakery (5224 E 2nd St)
Known for: Cinnamon rolls, sticky buns
Price range: $
Sweet Jill’s is the stuff of sweet tooth dreams. The intoxicating smell of cinnamon hits you half a block away, drawing crowds for fresh-baked treats that have cult-favorite status (pro-tip: their crumb cake sells out quickly on weekend mornings).
- Philz Coffee (4801 E 2nd St, corner of 2nd & Argonne Ave)
Known for: Custom-blended coffees
Price range: $-$$
Serving pour-over coffee tailored to your exact taste, Philz is where Belmont Shore starts its mornings. Grab a mint mojito iced coffee and enjoy people-watching from the sidewalk tables.
- Frosted Cupcakery (4817 E 2nd St)
Known for: Colorful cupcakes, gluten-free options
Price range: $
A favorite for birthday treats or just-because sweets, Frosted serves up playful, inventive cupcakes that are almost too pretty to eat.
Global Bites: A World Tour on a Single Street
- Open Sesame (5215 E 2nd St)
Known for: Lebanese/Mediterranean, garlic-laden dishes
Price range: $$
Open Sesame’s soulful Middle Eastern fare makes it an unforgettable stop—tender shawarma, pillowy pita, and their famous garlic sauce that regulars rave about.
- Panama Joe’s Cantina (5100 E 2nd St, at Granada Ave)
Known for: Mexican, late-night crowd
Price range: $$
Energetic and colorful, Panama Joe’s is made for group get-togethers. Tacos, tequila flights, and massive nacho platters headline the menu.
- Domenico’s Italian Restaurant (5339 E 2nd St)
Known for: Red-sauce Italian, comfort food since 1954
Price range: $$
No list could skip Domenico’s—the Shore’s oldest restaurant, famous for its signature pizza piled high with cheese and old-school Italian charm.
Hidden Gems & Local Legends
- Rance’s Chicago Pizza (5258 E 2nd St)
Known for: Deep-dish and stuffed pizzas
Price range: $$
Rance’s is a find for anyone nostalgic for Windy City pies, so thick you’ll need a fork and knife. Their buttery crust gives the best Chicago deep-dish joints a run for their money.
- Taste Wine-Beer-Kitchen (5372 E 2nd St, just past Bay Shore Ave)
Known for: Seasonal small plates, local ingredients
Price range: $$-$$$
This cozy spot is run by passionate locals and feels like a well-kept secret—think rotating farm-fresh dishes, curated cheese boards, and a wine list celebrating California’s best vineyards.
- The Attic (3441 E Broadway, a quick hop from Belmont Shore)
Known for: Southern-inspired cuisine, Bloody Marys
Price range: $$
The Attic is worth the short drive for bacon-wrapped meatloaf, build-your-own Bloody Marys, and their legendary Mac & Cheetos.
Food Trucks and On-the-Go Eats
Belmont Shore’s walkability means you’re never far from delicious quick bites. Several evenings a week, food trucks line up near Livingston Park or the Marina, offering everything from Korean BBQ tacos to gourmet grilled cheese. Keep an eye out for cult favorites like The Lobos Truck (loaded fries), and don’t be afraid to ask local regulars for their most recent discoveries.
Belmont Shore Food Traditions
Belmont Shore isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place to celebrate food year-round:
- The annual Belmont Shore Stroll & Savor event brings locals together to sample dishes from nearly every eatery up and down 2nd Street.
- Don’t miss the monthly Sidewalk Chalk Art & Food Fest, where artists and food vendors take over the boulevards for open-air fun.
Insider Tips
- Parking is easiest in the metered lots just off 2nd Street; come early for brunch or late for dinner if you want to avoid a hunt.
- Many restaurants offer dog-friendly patios—bring your pup and join the locals.
- If you want to beat the weekend brunch crowds, aim for a weekday morning when the Shore feels like your own private food playground.
Belmont Shore is more than just Long Beach’s beachy backyard—it’s a mecca for anyone craving variety, charm, and a shared passion for good food. Block by block, bite by bite, the neighborhood’s flavors never disappoint. Come hungry, bring friends, and discover your own favorites among this unforgettable stretch of Southern California eats.