Where to Eat near Port of Long Beach

Waterfront Irish pub at Shoreline Village serving burgers and fish and chips, with 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.

Tacos, tostadas and a colorful room, casual and right on the water at Shoreline Village.

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.

Baby back ribs and cozy booths at a Long Beach BBQ favorite that has been going since 1980.

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: Order a made-from-scratch pizza, which is 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, doing 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. The plant-based broth base makes it work for a wide range of dietary needs, and service is quick enough that you won't linger.

Long Beach seafood house with panoramic harbor views, and an easy pre-cruise splurge.

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, so reserve ahead if you want a waterfront table. The upstairs Queensview Steakhouse has even better views and live jazz if you're feeling fancy.

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

Order: House-made pastas are the star, and the osso buco deserves more attention than it gets. The wine list is an award winner. 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: Come for weekend brunch, served 10 AM-4 PM Friday through Sunday. The menu is built around handcrafted cocktails and shared small plates, with the guacamole and Ropa Vieja as the signatures.

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 The Maya the night before. The views of the Queen Mary and downtown skyline are unbeatable.

Mezze platters and kebabs in a gorgeous East Village courtyard.

Order: Start with the hummus flight and fattoush salad. The lamb kebab plate is outstanding. Ask for a table in the outdoor courtyard, all twinkle lights and greenery and a chill 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, where craft cocktails meet 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 draws a wait, so arrive early 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.

Harbor views, cocktails and SoCal glamour from the rooftop of a restored 1926 hotel — dinner only, plus Sunday tea.

Order: The cocktail menu is the headliner — classic drinks with a California twist. Food leans upscale seasonal. There's no brunch, but Sunday afternoon tea (11am-3pm) is the alternative to evening dining. Go at sunset for the full experience.

Pro tip: Dinner runs Tuesday-Saturday, 5-10pm — closed Sunday dinner and all day Monday. Even if you don't eat here, walk through the lobby — the 1920s architecture is jaw-dropping. Reservations essential.

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

Order: Start at the oyster bar for its 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.