Jan 30, 2017, 9:26 am
Last edit by: TWA884
Older posts on this topic may contain relevant information and are located in the archived thread:
The Consolidated Greater Los Angeles Area Restaurants Thread (2015 - Date)
Sep 29, 2015, 4:00 pm
#16
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Had the Omakase menu (we spent hundreds of dollars) and asked for a menu after the fact because I wanted to remember all the courses. Was told: no you can't have a menu, sorry, I don't even remember what courses are on that menu today, and just go to our website and maybe you can piece it together. All that for a very large tip!
Last edited by TWA884; Sep 29, 2015 at 7:02 pm
Sep 29, 2015, 5:40 pm
#17
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,438
Quote:
Originally Posted by VivoPerLei
Can't say I was too impressed with that initial hospitality, "You can only have the table for 1.5 hours so we can turn it", but maybe that's the standard in the US.
Quote:
Originally Posted by VivoPerLei
Had the Omakase menu (we spent hundreds of dollars) and asked for a menu after the fact because I wanted to remember all the courses. Was told: no you can't have a menu, sorry, I don't even remember what courses are on that menu today, and just go to our website and maybe you can piece it together. All that for a very large tip!
This is inexcusable. They get with this arrogance because folks put up with their shenanigans. You should have asked to talk to the manager; I would have.
Originally Posted by VivoPerLei
Can't say I was too impressed with that initial hospitality, "You can only have the table for 1.5 hours so we can turn it", but maybe that's the standard in the US.
Quote:
Originally Posted by VivoPerLei
Had the Omakase menu (we spent hundreds of dollars) and asked for a menu after the fact because I wanted to remember all the courses. Was told: no you can't have a menu, sorry, I don't even remember what courses are on that menu today, and just go to our website and maybe you can piece it together. All that for a very large tip!
This is inexcusable. They get with this arrogance because folks put up with their shenanigans. You should have asked to talk to the manager; I would have.
Last edited by VivoPerLei; Oct 3, 2015 at 6:08 am Reason: Removing unclear commentary
Sep 29, 2015, 7:18 pm
#18
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I can recommend any number of restaurants in the greater Los Angeles area (and elsewhere in the US) that serve food as good or better than Nobu's and where the service is impeccable. I can also recount more than a handful encounters at expensive restaurants in Europe where the service was mediocre at best.
The way that you were treated when you called for the reservation should have served as a warning. There are also several posts in this thread critical of the wait staff at Nobu Malibu. I'm glad that you enjoyed the food, though.
Sep 30, 2015, 3:14 am
#19
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Quality of food is most important for me. If the meal is outstanding, I'm okay dealing with bad service, although ideally both would be great for the kind of money you're spending.
Did you get to sit outside by the ocean? Do you have the option?
Did you get to sit outside by the ocean? Do you have the option?
Sep 30, 2015, 9:10 am
#20
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This guide just came out a few weeks ago. Jonathan Gold is the LA Times main food critic, and in my view might be the best in America. He's down-to-earth, and won a Pulitzer Prize while reviewing for LA Weekly:
http://ballots.latimes.com/lists/101...han-gold-2013/
http://ballots.latimes.com/lists/101...han-gold-2013/
Nov 30, 2015, 12:12 pm
#22
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Nashville, TN
Programs: Southwest, Hilton
Posts: 896
Restaurant suggestions for Long Beach or Huntington Beach
Are there any suggestions out there for some good food in Long Beach or Huntington Beach? We won't have a car so not too far out of town. View of something?
Nov 30, 2015, 1:08 pm
#23
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Long Beach, CA
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Nov 30, 2015, 3:37 pm
#25
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It's been years since I've dined in Long Beach, however, these are the best restaurants there according to Zagat:
Michael's on Naples Ristorante
Food 27 | Decor 25 | Service 26
$$$ · Italian
With "superb", "locally sourced" Northern Italian fare, an "exceptional", "deep" yet "not-overpriced" wine list and a "fabulous" staff that "makes everyone feel like a VIP", everything "comes together" at this "truly fine-dining" "gem" in Long Beach; a crackling fireplace adds a "warm" touch to the "elegant" dining room, but those in the know head to the "lovely rooftop bar" for live music and "romantic" dinners under the stars.
Chianina Steakhouse
Food 27 | Decor 26 | Service 26
$$$ · Steak
Transporting "aficionados, foodies and the rest of us" who "can't make it to Tuscany" are "terrific" cuts from a Northern Italian cattle breed, the "unique product" of this "superb" (if "pricey") Long Beach steakhouse from the team behind Michael’s on Naples and Michael’s Pizzeria; "impressive craft cocktails" shaken by "knowledgeable" bartenders in a "comfortable", polished setting add to a "special-occasion" experience that "exceeds expectations."
Michael's Pizzeria (5616 E 2nd St)
Food 25 | Decor 21 | Service 23
$$ · Pizza
"Locally world famous", this "favorite" Long Beach pizzeria pair gets props from the 'hood for "outstanding" "wood-fired" Neapolitan pies topped with the "freshest" "gourmet" ingredients in "unusual combinations"; moreover, the "reasonable" tabs are "money well spent", the atmosphere is "crisp", "contemporary" and "comfortable" enough, and "watching the pizzas being made" by the "engaging" staff is always "a hoot."
Michael's Pizzeria (210 E 3rd St)
Food 25 | Decor 21 | Service 23
$$ · Pizza
"Locally world famous", this "favorite" Long Beach pizzeria pair gets props from the 'hood for "outstanding" "wood-fired" Neapolitan pies topped with the "freshest" "gourmet" ingredients in "unusual combinations"; moreover, the "reasonable" tabs are "money well spent", the atmosphere is "crisp", "contemporary" and "comfortable" enough, and "watching the pizzas being made" by the "engaging" staff is always "a hoot."
La Parolaccia Osteria Italiana
Food 25 | Decor 22 | Service 25
$$ · Italian
"Everything is cooked properly, the Italian way" at these "authentic" amici in Claremont and Long Beach proffering "genuine" wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, "lovely pastas" and other "superb" specialties "your grandmother would cook"; they're "comfortable", "fair"-priced "neighborhood joints" where "you can practice your Italian" with the "friendly" staff — in sum, perfetto for a "casual" night out.
L'Opera Italian Restaurant
Food 25 | Decor 25 | Service 25
$$$ · Italian
True to its name, opera singers occasionally serenade well-heeled locals at this "grand" Italian "mainstay" in Long Beach as "knowledgeable" staffers serve up "superb pastas" and "tender" chops; yes, "the price is high", but for "special-occasion" "fine dining" or an "upscale" "date night" in a "gorgeous" "art deco" space, it's "the place."
Food 27 | Decor 25 | Service 26
$$$ · Italian
With "superb", "locally sourced" Northern Italian fare, an "exceptional", "deep" yet "not-overpriced" wine list and a "fabulous" staff that "makes everyone feel like a VIP", everything "comes together" at this "truly fine-dining" "gem" in Long Beach; a crackling fireplace adds a "warm" touch to the "elegant" dining room, but those in the know head to the "lovely rooftop bar" for live music and "romantic" dinners under the stars.
Chianina Steakhouse
Food 27 | Decor 26 | Service 26
$$$ · Steak
Transporting "aficionados, foodies and the rest of us" who "can't make it to Tuscany" are "terrific" cuts from a Northern Italian cattle breed, the "unique product" of this "superb" (if "pricey") Long Beach steakhouse from the team behind Michael’s on Naples and Michael’s Pizzeria; "impressive craft cocktails" shaken by "knowledgeable" bartenders in a "comfortable", polished setting add to a "special-occasion" experience that "exceeds expectations."
Michael's Pizzeria (5616 E 2nd St)
Food 25 | Decor 21 | Service 23
$$ · Pizza
"Locally world famous", this "favorite" Long Beach pizzeria pair gets props from the 'hood for "outstanding" "wood-fired" Neapolitan pies topped with the "freshest" "gourmet" ingredients in "unusual combinations"; moreover, the "reasonable" tabs are "money well spent", the atmosphere is "crisp", "contemporary" and "comfortable" enough, and "watching the pizzas being made" by the "engaging" staff is always "a hoot."
Michael's Pizzeria (210 E 3rd St)
Food 25 | Decor 21 | Service 23
$$ · Pizza
"Locally world famous", this "favorite" Long Beach pizzeria pair gets props from the 'hood for "outstanding" "wood-fired" Neapolitan pies topped with the "freshest" "gourmet" ingredients in "unusual combinations"; moreover, the "reasonable" tabs are "money well spent", the atmosphere is "crisp", "contemporary" and "comfortable" enough, and "watching the pizzas being made" by the "engaging" staff is always "a hoot."
La Parolaccia Osteria Italiana
Food 25 | Decor 22 | Service 25
$$ · Italian
"Everything is cooked properly, the Italian way" at these "authentic" amici in Claremont and Long Beach proffering "genuine" wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, "lovely pastas" and other "superb" specialties "your grandmother would cook"; they're "comfortable", "fair"-priced "neighborhood joints" where "you can practice your Italian" with the "friendly" staff — in sum, perfetto for a "casual" night out.
L'Opera Italian Restaurant
Food 25 | Decor 25 | Service 25
$$$ · Italian
True to its name, opera singers occasionally serenade well-heeled locals at this "grand" Italian "mainstay" in Long Beach as "knowledgeable" staffers serve up "superb pastas" and "tender" chops; yes, "the price is high", but for "special-occasion" "fine dining" or an "upscale" "date night" in a "gorgeous" "art deco" space, it's "the place."
Nov 30, 2015, 5:00 pm
#26
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: DL
Posts: 289
We always enjoy 555 East American Steakhouse.
http://www.555east.com/
Also - Sir Winston's on the Queen Mary.
http://www.555east.com/
Also - Sir Winston's on the Queen Mary.
Dec 1, 2015, 9:26 pm
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 12,598
I've been to La Parolaccia and it's excellent. I haven't been to any of the others-- I'm way up in Pasadena and have friends in Long Beach who are regulars there. They sometimes will do a Nutella dessert pizza if you ask - it's not on the menu but they seem to always have the Nutella around. It's like an open face chocolate croissant.
Dec 3, 2015, 11:07 am
#29
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: SoCal
Programs: DL PM, HH Gold, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 132
It's been years since I've dined in Long Beach, however, these are the best restaurants there according to Zagat:
[INDENT]Michael's on Naples Ristorante
Food 27 | Decor 25 | Service 26
$$$ · Italian
With "superb", "locally sourced" Northern Italian fare, an "exceptional", "deep" yet "not-overpriced" wine list and a "fabulous" staff that "makes everyone feel like a VIP", everything "comes together" at this "truly fine-dining" "gem" in Long Beach; a crackling fireplace adds a "warm" touch to the "elegant" dining room, but those in the know head to the "lovely rooftop bar" for live music and "romantic" dinners under the stars.
Michael's Pizzeria (5616 E 2nd St)
Food 25 | Decor 21 | Service 23
$$ · Pizza
"Locally world famous", this "favorite" Long Beach pizzeria pair gets props from the 'hood for "outstanding" "wood-fired" Neapolitan pies topped with the "freshest" "gourmet" ingredients in "unusual combinations"; moreover, the "reasonable" tabs are "money well spent", the atmosphere is "crisp", "contemporary" and "comfortable" enough, and "watching the pizzas being made" by the "engaging" staff is always "a hoot."
Michael's Pizzeria (210 E 3rd St)
Food 25 | Decor 21 | Service 23
$$ · Pizza
"Locally world famous", this "favorite" Long Beach pizzeria pair gets props from the 'hood for "outstanding" "wood-fired" Neapolitan pies topped with the "freshest" "gourmet" ingredients in "unusual combinations"; moreover, the "reasonable" tabs are "money well spent", the atmosphere is "crisp", "contemporary" and "comfortable" enough, and "watching the pizzas being made" by the "engaging" staff is always "a hoot."
[INDENT]Michael's on Naples Ristorante
Food 27 | Decor 25 | Service 26
$$$ · Italian
With "superb", "locally sourced" Northern Italian fare, an "exceptional", "deep" yet "not-overpriced" wine list and a "fabulous" staff that "makes everyone feel like a VIP", everything "comes together" at this "truly fine-dining" "gem" in Long Beach; a crackling fireplace adds a "warm" touch to the "elegant" dining room, but those in the know head to the "lovely rooftop bar" for live music and "romantic" dinners under the stars.
Michael's Pizzeria (5616 E 2nd St)
Food 25 | Decor 21 | Service 23
$$ · Pizza
"Locally world famous", this "favorite" Long Beach pizzeria pair gets props from the 'hood for "outstanding" "wood-fired" Neapolitan pies topped with the "freshest" "gourmet" ingredients in "unusual combinations"; moreover, the "reasonable" tabs are "money well spent", the atmosphere is "crisp", "contemporary" and "comfortable" enough, and "watching the pizzas being made" by the "engaging" staff is always "a hoot."
Michael's Pizzeria (210 E 3rd St)
Food 25 | Decor 21 | Service 23
$$ · Pizza
"Locally world famous", this "favorite" Long Beach pizzeria pair gets props from the 'hood for "outstanding" "wood-fired" Neapolitan pies topped with the "freshest" "gourmet" ingredients in "unusual combinations"; moreover, the "reasonable" tabs are "money well spent", the atmosphere is "crisp", "contemporary" and "comfortable" enough, and "watching the pizzas being made" by the "engaging" staff is always "a hoot."
Love these.
Of course, if you just want decent bar food, Tracy's Bar and Grill on Spring/Bellflower is really good too. Plenty of TV's as well.
Dec 3, 2015, 3:36 pm
#30
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Long Beach, CA
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Posts: 3,559
On the Promenade, just behind your hotel, there's also Beachwood BBQ. It's next door to Michael's Pizzeria. It's a BBQ place that is also a micro-brew. If it's warm, they'll open up the garage door-style wall and you can sit outside. Thai District is a new-ish restaurant and I like the food/service/atmosphere.
La Paraloccia is a great local Italian place that has a nice vibe. It's a couple of miles down the road in a more neighborhoody area. Similarly, At Last Cafe (http://www.atlastcafelb.com/) is great, but don't go without a reservation.
Across the water, there's the aforementioned Queen Mary places. Also, The Reef, which I think has declined in quality over the years, still has views to kill for. Fuego at the Maya Hotel has a great outdoor space with fantastic views of the Long Beach waterfront.
I'd recommend avoiding the national chain/tourist/convention places that are in downtown, such as Hooters, Rock Bottom Brewery, PF Changes, etc.
La Paraloccia is a great local Italian place that has a nice vibe. It's a couple of miles down the road in a more neighborhoody area. Similarly, At Last Cafe (http://www.atlastcafelb.com/) is great, but don't go without a reservation.
Across the water, there's the aforementioned Queen Mary places. Also, The Reef, which I think has declined in quality over the years, still has views to kill for. Fuego at the Maya Hotel has a great outdoor space with fantastic views of the Long Beach waterfront.
I'd recommend avoiding the national chain/tourist/convention places that are in downtown, such as Hooters, Rock Bottom Brewery, PF Changes, etc.