Looking for a nice restaurant in Long Beach.
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,

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 "nice" 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.

If you wish to send them to a "nice" place you may want to consider upping the ante to $45 - $50 per person.

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.

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.

Both of these are very nice places that are going to be more in the $45 - $50 per person range.

Good luck,

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:

Andiamos in the L.B. Marketplace - great Italian food & 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.
If it doesn't have to be right in L.B., there are 2 restaurants next door, in Los Alamitos & Seal Beach, that are really wonderful: The Fish Company & Spaghettini's. Very classy, excellent food.

Here's a second vote for Andiamo's. Had eaten there previously but couldn't remember the name.

Denise,

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!

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.