Long Beach restaurant
 

Looking for a nice restaurant in Long Beach.<BR>Seafood or Italian. Want to give our daughter and boyfriend a gift certificate for Christmas. Something in the $20.00 to $25.00 per person range.

Barbara,<BR><BR>Is your $20 - $25 per person limit meant to include everything from appetizers to dessert (including a drink or glass of wine) or is it just meant to get them started. The reason I ask is that, if it's meant to cover most everything, then you may have to redefine what you mean by a &quot;nice&quot; restaurant. I am not making light of your gift, however, in this day and age, that amount of money might only cover dinner at a chain like Macaroni Grill--which is fine.<BR><BR>If you wish to send them to a &quot;nice&quot; place you may want to consider upping the ante to $45 - $50 per person.<BR><BR>For Italian in Long Beach I have heard good things about a place called L'Opera. It's right downtown in a beautifully restored historic building, features classic Italian dishes and live opera performed on the weekends. You can learn a lot from their web site at www.lopera.com. Although I have not personally eaten here, I have walked by it and it's a beautiful restaurant that always looks busy.<BR><BR>For seafood we used to go to Simon and Siefort's also close to downtown. Since I haven't been there in several years, perhaps someone else will chime in to let you know if it's still good.<BR><BR>Both of these are very nice places that are going to be more in the $45 - $50 per person range. <BR><BR>Good luck,<BR><BR>Davidcs

Yes, L'Opera is a good place to eat. I have been travelling to Long Beach once a year for a while. It is right in the downtown area, and pretty. Also nice is Mum's across the street - you can eat outside there - both places have very good food. Steak house not far from the main drag called 555 was also good. These all may be a bit higher than your 20 to 25/person. I would say entrees would be 17 to 28, and so once you add in drinks or appetizer it would be more. If you gave her a 50.00 certificate, possibly they could pitch in more to cover the rest! Would be a lovely evening for them.

Other than downtown Long Beach:<BR><BR>Andiamos in the L.B. Marketplace - great Italian food &amp; cozy, romantic atmosphere. If the weather is nice, they can eat out on the patio near a little lake with ducks. Unique shops to explore before or after the meal. At Christmas time last year, they had strolling carolers.<BR>If it doesn't have to be right in L.B., there are 2 restaurants next door, in Los Alamitos &amp; Seal Beach, that are really wonderful: The Fish Company &amp; Spaghettini's. Very classy, excellent food.<BR>

Here's a second vote for Andiamo's. Had eaten there previously but couldn't remember the name.<BR><BR>Denise,<BR><BR>Since you mention Seal Beach (I grew up there) do you happen to know if Walt's Wharf is still there on main street? Is it still good? I know it's not much on atmosphere but the fish used to be outstanding!<BR><BR>Davidcs

Ginos Pizzeria, Long Beach, N.Y.

As a native Long Beachian, I couldn't resist weighing in on this one:) L'Opera has a nice setting, but frankly, the food and service is overrated. Same for Mum's. One of our favorite restaurants is called Lasher's,located in a converted California bungalow on Broadway. Cuisine is continental, very good, service great, and pretty setting. Cafe Piccolo, located also on Broadway, is also a nice selection, a good value for the money. Andiamo's in the Marketplace has gone out of business (their previous owners were my neighbors -- they moved to the San Diego area and opened a restaurant there). Walt's Wharf in Seal Beach is always fun, and a walk on the pier after dinner a treat.