Downtown Long Beach continues to grow and evolve, with new restaurants and cafés adding fresh flavor and energy to the neighborhood. From a just-opened Japanese restaurant and a Soul Food neighbor on 4th Street to a lively new pizza spot in the East Village, a vibrant Mexican eatery on The Promenade, a fast-casual Korean BBQ restaurant near the Courthouse, and an airy café inside the historic Lafayette building — there’s plenty to explore.
HOMAREYA / 145 E 4TH ST.
Photos courtesy of HOMAREYA
Here’s a quick Japanese lesson, courtesy of owner Yoya: “HOMAREYA means ‘honor.’ Our place is an Isakaya, a pub that serves both food and drink, including Sake. Among our food menu choices is Yakitori, which is skewered, grilled chicken.”
Yoya, a highly respected chef who hails from Kyoto, Japan, brings over 25 years of culinary experience to the table. He soft-opened his new restaurant in mid-September. In-the-know customers say HOMAREYA feels like Japan! Yoya is planning for the Grand Opening next week.
HOMAREYA is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30 PM; Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 10 PM; and Sunday from 5:30 to 9 PM. Closed on Monday.
FISHBONE SEAFOOD / 149 E 4TH ST.
Photos courtesy of Fishbone Seafood
Fishbone Seafood, next door to HOMAREYA, has been open for five weeks and is rapidly gaining a reputation for superb fish-based Soul Food cuisine prepared expertly by Chef Karma White. Owner Greg Walter, whose family is from New Orleans, said that new customers are loving the fish selection (Salmon, Tilapia, Oysters, Red Snapper, Shrimp, and more) along with traditional Soul Food sides such as collard greens, red beans and rice, and fried okra.
Front counter person Jonina Collum invited everyone to visit the new Downtown Soul Food spot. “It’s something delicious you may not be used to,” she said. “Come in and give it a try!”
Fishbone Seafood is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM. Closed Monday.
BUEN PROVECHO / 301 THE PROMENADE N
Photos courtesy of Buen Provecho
The closest translation of “Buen Provecho” is “Enjoy your meal!” This new Promenade spot has been open for one month and is giving much enjoyment to new customers who are loving the Mexican traditional and fusion food.
“Where coastal vibes meet Chicano flavor,” says the slogan on the back of Buen Provecho t-shirts. Server Jesus Ortega mentioned Costillas Nortenas (thinly sliced short ribs served with pinto beans, rice, and tortillas) as one of the most popular dishes. Patrons enjoy the spacious, beautifully decorated interior, the abundance of indoor-outdoor seating, and live Mariachi music on Sunday afternoons!
Buen Provecho is open Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 10 PM; Friday from noon to midnight; Saturday from 9 AM to midnight; and Sunday from 9 AM to 10 PM.
DIRTY PEPPERONI / 149 LINDEN AVE.
Photos courtesy of Dirty Pepperoni
Owner Mikey Loco’s new pizza joint at the corner of Broadway and Linden reflects two of his personal traits: toughness and finesse. Loco, who owns the Dirtbags California motorcycle shop in north Long Beach, has partnered with Chef Lev to create a restaurant that puts fresh nuances on traditional dishes. He’s getting great feedback after being open for just two weeks! “The amount of love we’re getting from the city is insane,” he said.
Loco mentioned the Pastrami Sandwich as a massive seller. He went on to describe his restaurant’s signature dish, the Pepperoni Pizza: “We use imported pepperoni, a really lean mix of pork and beef. It has less grease, which allows the crust to stay crispy. The thin, flavorful pepperoni slices are caramelized with sugar, and we top off the entire pizza with hot honey sauce.”
After the paperwork is finalized soon for the liquor and outdoor dining licenses, visitors can pair their tasty food with an ice-cold beverage of choice and enjoy the picturesque East Village corner to the fullest.
Dirty Pepperoni is open Sunday through Wednesday from 11 AM to 9:30 PM, Thursday through Saturday from 11 AM to 2 AM.
STEADFAST CAFE / 510 E BROADWAY
Photos courtesy of Steadfast Cafe
One of the first things a customer notices when entering the four-month-old Steadfast Cafe is the light! It’s invigorating, enhanced by manager Angie Rivera’s gorgeous, flow-y plant murals and the animals-with-coffee-cups paintings created by owner Brad Rauch’s daughter Ashton.
“Our menu features traditional coffee and unique, thoughtfully crafted drinks,” said Rauch. “Our sandwiches and pastries are made with care and creativity that remind us of home and stretch our imagination. We are more than just a cafe. We see ourselves as a place where relationships grow and local stories are shared. It’s the perfect spot for people to slow down and enjoy something delicious together.”
Manager Rivera mentioned the Breakfast Sando (two eggs, two slices of gouda cheese, and your choice of two slices bacon or ham, served on a croissant) as the current most popular food dish, and the Honey Vanilla Cinnamon Latte as the most in-demand beverage.
Steadfast Cafe is open Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 2 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 7 AM to 3 PM.
SEOULICIOUS KBBQ / 421 W BROADWAY #840
Photos courtesy of Seoulicious KBBQ
Directly across from the Long Beach Courthouse, Seoulicious KBBQ brings a casual, Korean barbecue–inspired spot to the West Gateway neighborhood of Downtown. Co-owners June Choe and Chris Kirkman opened the restaurant in early September, offering an easygoing place to grab a comforting, flavor-packed meal.
Instead of tabletop grills, guests order at the counter, choosing bowls or plates that are built to their liking while the meats are cooked to order in the kitchen. The result is a quick-service experience that still feels like a proper Korean barbecue meal — convenient for workers on a lunch break, nearby residents, and anyone passing through Downtown.
Much of the menu is rooted in recipes Choe’s family has been refining for decades, with Korean classics alongside Hawaiian-influenced items she grew up eating. You’ll find dishes like bulgogi and kalbi short rib, plus specialties such as meat jun and sides including macaroni salad, chapchae glass noodles, and kimchi.
Seoulicious KBBQ is open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday from 11:30 AM to 7 PM.