10 Iconic Italian Spots in Long Beach That’ll Transport You Straight to Rome

Long Beach might be known for its beautiful shorelines, but it’s also home to a vibrant Italian food scene. From family-owned pizzerias to upscale eateries, these spots serve up authentic flavors that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Roman trattoria. Whether you’re craving homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, or classic tiramisu, these ten Italian gems will satisfy your appetite for Mediterranean magic.

1. Nico’s Restaurant

Family-owned since 1969, Nico’s Restaurant serves up old-world Italian charm with every plate. The red-checkered tablecloths and vintage photos of Italy create the perfect backdrop for their legendary lasagna and hand-tossed pizzas.

Regulars rave about the gnocchi in sage butter sauce, a recipe passed down through generations. The warm bread basket arrives steaming, begging to be dipped in their house olive oil.

Weekend evenings feature live accordion music, completing the transportation to a cozy spot in Naples rather than Naples Boulevard in Long Beach.

2. Ellie’s

Modern Italian meets California fresh at this Naples neighborhood hotspot. Chef Jason Witzl transforms seasonal farmers’ market ingredients into Southern Italian masterpieces that would make any nonna proud.

The pasta is made fresh daily – you can sometimes catch a glimpse of it hanging to dry in the open kitchen. Their bucatini cacio e pepe has developed a cult following among locals who know to arrive early for a seat on the intimate patio.

Small but mighty, Ellie’s proves that authentic Italian dining doesn’t require white tablecloths or formal service – just impeccable ingredients and passion.

3. Marri’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant

Walking into Marri’s feels like entering a time capsule of 1970s Italian-American dining glory. Red vinyl booths, dark wood paneling, and the irresistible aroma of garlic bread greet hungry visitors who’ve been coming back for generations.

Their Chicago-style deep dish pizza requires both hands and a hearty appetite. Families gather around giant platters of spaghetti and meatballs while couples share bottles of Chianti in corner booths.

The walls showcase photos of celebrity visitors from Long Beach’s past, adding to the nostalgic charm that keeps this neighborhood favorite packed every weekend.

4. Vino E Cucina

Hidden away on 4th Street, this intimate wine bar and restaurant feels like a secret you’ve discovered in a Roman side street. Exposed brick walls and soft lighting create the perfect ambiance for date night or catching up with friends.

The wine list showcases small Italian producers you won’t find elsewhere in Long Beach. Each dish comes with a suggested pairing – trust the recommendations for an extraordinary experience.

Don’t miss their arancini stuffed with wild mushrooms and fontina cheese. These crispy rice balls arrive at your table still sizzling from the fryer, demanding to be broken open and savored immediately.

5. Michael’s on Naples

Perched on a rooftop, this upscale eatery delivers panoramic views alongside impeccable Northern Italian cuisine. White-jacketed servers glide between tables with the precision of a ballet, presenting each dish as a work of art.

The seasonal tasting menu changes monthly but might include handmade agnolotti filled with braised short rib or pan-seared branzino with Mediterranean herbs. Their house-made limoncello provides the perfect finale to an extraordinary meal.

Summer evenings on the rooftop, with string lights twinkling above and the sunset coloring the sky, create moments that feel magically transported from the Amalfi Coast.

6. Mario’s La Traviata

Velvet curtains and candlelight transport diners to old-world elegance at this downtown institution. Mario himself still visits tables most evenings, sharing stories of his childhood in Sicily while recommending the perfect wine pairing.

Opera music plays softly in the background – a nod to the restaurant’s namesake. The veal osso buco falls off the bone after braising for hours in a sauce that servers will proudly tell you hasn’t changed in 40 years.

A hidden courtyard in the back offers al fresco dining under the stars, complete with a bubbling fountain that masks the sounds of the city just beyond the walls.

7. L’Opera Ristorante

Dramatic high ceilings and grand columns make this downtown landmark feel like dining in an Italian palace. Once the historic First National Bank of Long Beach, the space now houses some of the city’s finest Northern Italian cuisine.

Servers in crisp black attire present tableside preparations of Caesar salad and flaming desserts with theatrical flair. The wine cellar boasts over 900 labels, primarily Italian vintages that the sommelier describes with passionate detail.

Saturday evenings feature live opera performances that echo magnificently through the space, creating an immersive experience that goes far beyond just exceptional food.

8. Buono’s Pizza

The scent of wood-fired dough hits you before you even open the door at this beloved pizzeria. Three generations of the Buono family have been crafting authentic Neapolitan pies since 1973, using the same imported Italian flour and San Marzano tomatoes.

Kids press their noses against the glass to watch pizzaiolos toss dough high into the air before sliding perfect circles into the fiery brick oven. The margherita pizza emerges blistered and bubbling, topped with housemade mozzarella and fresh basil.

Weekday lunch brings a crowd of local workers who know the value of the $10 slice-and-salad special that beats any fast food option in flavor and quality.

9. La Parolaccia Osteria

Step through the unassuming storefront and find yourself in a lively Roman trattoria where Italian is spoken as often as English. The boisterous atmosphere comes from both staff and regular customers who are treated like extended family.

Handwritten specials change daily based on what looked best at the morning markets. Pasta arrives al dente – truly Italian style – with sauces that rely on simplicity and quality rather than complexity.

Thursday nights bring spontaneous singing from the kitchen staff, who emerge occasionally to top off wine glasses and share a chorus of classic Italian folk songs that have diners clapping along by the second verse.

10. Modica’s Deli

This isn’t just a sandwich shop – it’s a time portal to mid-century Italian-American culture. Glass cases display imported meats, cheeses, and olives while shelves overflow with imported pasta and olive oils you won’t find at regular supermarkets.

The Italian combo sandwich is the stuff of legend – stacked high with mortadella, capicola, salami, provolone, and dressed with oil, vinegar, and oregano on crusty bread baked in-house. Regulars know to grab a number and browse while waiting, as lines often stretch out the door during lunch rush.

Family photos and vintage Italian advertisements cover every available wall space, creating a museum-like atmosphere that celebrates immigrant food heritage.