Where to Eat Near Port of Long Beach

Waterfront Irish pub at Shoreline Village — burgers, fish and chips, and harbor views the kids will love

Order: Fish and chips are generous and crispy. The burgers are solid. The loaded nachos are big enough to share. Kids can watch boats come and go from the waterfront patio.

Pro tip: After lunch, walk the kids through Shoreline Village — there's a carousel, an arcade, and candy shops. It's basically a built-in activity after your meal.

Casual waterfront Mexican at Shoreline Village — tacos, tostadas, and a colorful vibe

Order: The fish tacos are the star. Quesadillas are big and cheesy — perfect for kids. The tequila-glazed baby back ribs are surprisingly good if the adults want something more substantial.

Pro tip: Outdoor seating overlooking the harbor keeps kids entertained while you eat. The bright, festive decor makes it feel like vacation already started. Quick service — you won't be waiting long.

Long Beach's premier BBQ spot since 1980 — baby back ribs and cozy booths the whole family will love

Order: Baby back ribs are the reason this place exists — fall-off-the-bone good. The tri-tip is slow-roasted and excellent. The combo plates let everyone try a bit of everything. Mac and cheese side is a kid magnet.

Pro tip: The cozy booth seating makes it great for families with squirmy kids. Portions are enormous — consider splitting a combo plate between two kids. Been a Long Beach favorite for over 40 years.

Old-school Italian since 1954 — one of the first pizza joints in California, and it still delivers

Order: The made-from-scratch pizzas are the move — simple, unpretentious, and genuinely good. The house salad with their signature dressing is a local legend. Pastas are classic Italian-American comfort.

Pro tip: This is a Long Beach institution — the kind of place where families have been eating for three generations. No frills, just solid food. The 2nd Street location means you can walk off lunch browsing the shops afterward.

Reliable Asian-American chain near the waterfront — lettuce wraps, noodles, and something for every picky eater

Order: The Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the crowd-pleaser. The lo mein and fried rice keep kids happy. The Mongolian Beef is a reliable favorite. Gluten-free menu available.

Pro tip: This is the no-drama choice when you have multiple kids with different tastes. The menu is huge and covers enough ground that even the pickiest eater finds something. Walking distance to Shoreline Village and the Aquarium if you want to combine lunch with an activity.

Movie-themed seafood chain on the waterfront — kids eat it up (literally and figuratively)

Order: The shrimp dishes are the obvious play — coconut shrimp, shrimp scampi, and the sampler platter. Fish and chips are reliable. The movie trivia cards on every table keep kids busy between courses.

Pro tip: Yes, it's a chain. But kids love the Forrest Gump theme, the trivia games, and flipping the license plate signs. The waterfront location with harbor views genuinely makes it more fun than most suburban locations.

Tokyo-born ramen chain on 2nd Street — plant-based broths and rich tonkotsu that kids slurp up

Order: The original tonkotsu ramen is rich and satisfying. The spicy tantanmen is a hit with adventurous eaters. Chicken karaage (Japanese fried chicken) is a safe bet for picky kids. The plant-based broth options are genuinely excellent.

Pro tip: Ramen is a fantastic pre-cruise meal for families — warm, filling, and kids love slurping noodles. RAKKAN uses 100% plant-based broth as a base, making it work for a wide range of dietary needs. Quick service means you're in and out in under an hour.

Gourmet taro-based donuts on 2nd Street — a sweet treat before boarding that the whole family will obsess over

Order: Everything is made with taro dough and cooked fresh. The lilikoi (passionfruit) glaze is incredible. Seasonal flavors rotate. Grab a coffee too — their oat milk latte is great.

Pro tip: These aren't your typical donuts — they're plant-based, made from taro, and genuinely unique. The kids won't care about the healthy part, they'll just think they're delicious. Grab a box to eat on the ship later.

Iconic Long Beach seafood house with panoramic harbor views — the pre-cruise power move

Order: The mesquite-grilled fish is the signature. The clam chowder is a local favorite. If it's brunch, the seafood eggs Benedict is the way to go. Request a window table for the full harbor panorama.

Pro tip: This place fills up on weekends — reserve ahead if you want a waterfront table. The upstairs Queensview Steakhouse has even better views and live jazz nightly if you're feeling fancy.

Zagat-rated Italian institution in a grand early-1900s bank building — white tablecloths and zero pretension

Order: House-made pastas are the star. The osso buco is a sleeper hit. Wine list has won Wine Spectator awards since 2005. Go for the prix fixe lunch if you want the experience without the dinner price tag.

Pro tip: This is Long Beach's special-occasion spot. If you're celebrating an anniversary or just want to start the cruise feeling fancy, book a table here. Lunch is the better move for cruisers — you'll eat well and still make boarding.

Latin-inspired waterfront restaurant with skyline views — right next to the cruise terminal

Order: The brunch is legendary — chilaquiles, ceviche flights, and bottomless mimosas. For lunch, the fish tacos and elote are packed with flavor. The mole dishes are the real star of the dinner menu.

Pro tip: This is the closest quality restaurant to the cruise terminal — you can practically see your ship from the patio. Perfect if you're staying at Hotel Maya the night before. The views of the Queen Mary and downtown skyline are unbeatable.

Stunning Mediterranean spot in the East Village — mezze platters and kebabs in a gorgeous courtyard

Order: Start with the hummus flight and fattoush salad. The lamb kebab plate is outstanding. The outdoor courtyard seating is the move — twinkle lights, greenery, and a chill vibe that feels a world away from LA.

Pro tip: Great option for a lighter pre-cruise meal. The portions are generous enough to share, so order a few small plates and split everything. The courtyard is one of the prettiest outdoor dining spots in Long Beach.

Long Beach's beloved brunch destination — craft cocktails and creative American comfort food

Order: The deep-fried deviled eggs are a cult favorite. Brunch cocktails are taken seriously here — the Bloody Mary bar is legendary. The biscuits and gravy are the kind of thing you'll think about on the ship.

Pro tip: Weekend brunch has a wait — arrive before 10 AM or put your name in and walk around the neighborhood. The cocktail program is no joke, so pace yourself if you're boarding later.

Polynesian-inspired tiki bar and kitchen in a lush tropical setting — inventive cocktails and shareable plates

Order: The tiki cocktails are the main event — elaborate rum drinks served in ceramic vessels. For food, the Korean fried chicken and pupu platter are crowd favorites. The crab rangoon dip is addictive.

Pro tip: This place has serious ambiance — thatched ceilings, bamboo walls, and moody lighting that make you feel like you're already on vacation. The cocktails are strong, so pace yourself before boarding. Open seven days a week.

Rooftop elegance in a newly restored 1926 hotel — harbor views, cocktails, and SoCal glamour

Order: The cocktail menu is the headliner — classic drinks with a California twist. Food leans upscale seasonal. The brunch prix fixe is the best splurge in Long Beach. Go at sunset for the full experience.

Pro tip: The Fairmont Breakers just reopened after a stunning renovation. Even if you don't eat here, walk through the lobby — the 1920s architecture is jaw-dropping. Reservations essential for weekend brunch and dinner.

Long Beach seafood institution since '93 — fresh oysters, seasonal catches, and a lively bar

Order: The oyster bar is the move — they have a rotating selection of fresh varieties. The grilled fish plates with seasonal sides are consistently excellent. Don't skip the clam chowder.

Pro tip: This place has been a Pine Avenue anchor for over 30 years for a reason. Come hungry — portions are generous. Lunch is a better value than dinner and just as good. The bar area has a fun, casual energy.