Best Italian Restaurants in Long Beach
Updated June 16, 2026 · Ranked by combined rating and review volume
Where to find the best italian restaurants in Long Beach
La Parolaccia Osteria is a beloved local gem serving traditional Italian dishes and Neapolitan pizzas in an art-lined setting. Diners consistently praise the flavorful and creamy pasta dishes, with the Timballo con Carne and its excellent sauce receiving particular acclaim. Despite occasional minor inconsistencies with pizza execution, the friendly and fast service, coupled with a fun atmosphere, makes it a popular spot, especially for a delightful tiramisu.
L'Opera Italian Restaurant offers a sophisticated Northern Italian dining experience with handmade pastas and grilled meats in an elegant setting, perfect for a date night or special occasion. Guests rave about the delicious food, particularly the New Zealand Rack of Lamb and lobster ravioli, complemented by great cocktails and outstanding, attentive service. The ambiance is enhanced by live Jazz music on Friday nights, creating a truly memorable meal.
Santa Fe Importers is a cherished Italian deli offering an array of hot and cold sandwiches, pasta, pizza, and salads in a classic old-school atmosphere. Patrons love the extraordinary food, with the pastrami sandwich often highlighted as one of the best, and generous portions that can easily feed two. The friendly and fast service, combined with the aroma and selection of Italian products, makes it a unique and satisfying stop for a hearty meal.
Housed in the historic Willmore building, La Traviata offers an elegant yet casual Italian dining experience with a creative menu. It's frequently chosen for special celebrations like birthdays and wedding receptions, thanks to its spectacular service, accommodating staff, and delicious drinks, foods, and desserts. The restaurant beautifully blends old-world charm with a vibrant atmosphere, ensuring a memorable and refined evening.
Ellie's brings modern Southern Italian cuisine to Long Beach with a stylish, energetic vibe and a roomy patio. The restaurant is celebrated for its well-balanced, high-quality dishes, featuring standout handmade pastas like the Baked Parmesan Cavatelli and exquisite gnocchi, especially with shrimp. Guests appreciate the thoughtful details in every dish and the friendly, informed staff who contribute to a wonderful dining experience.
Contenders
Places submitted by the community. The top contender with more points than #5 gets promoted.
How we ranked the best italian restaurants in Long Beach
Every place on this list is scored by a Bayesian weighted formula combined with a volume bonus. It rewards consistent positive feedback at scale, not just a high average rating — a 4.9-star place with 12 reviews ranks below a 4.6-star place with 800.
score = (v / (v + m)) × R + (m / (v + m)) × C + γ × log₁₀(v)
The prior m adapts to each neighborhood: it's the median review count among local candidates. So 200 reviews counts as “small sample” in dense markets like the West Village, but “solid” in quieter neighborhoods. Places with extreme review volume that clearly dominate their peers are promoted to #1. No paid placements — every spot earns its position via the public data.
Frequently asked about Long Beach italian restaurants
What is the highest-rated italian restaurant in Long Beach?
La Parolaccia Osteria - Long Beach has the highest Google rating in our list of the best italian restaurants in Long Beach, with 4.7 stars across 1,404 reviews.
How are the best italian restaurants in Long Beach ranked?
Each place is scored using a Bayesian weighted formula that combines its average Google rating with its review count. This pulls small-sample places toward the local mean — so a 4.9-star spot with 12 reviews is ranked below a 4.6-star spot with 800 reviews. Volume and consistency matter, not just an inflated average.
When was this ranking last updated?
This ranking of the best italian restaurants in Long Beach was last refreshed in June 2026 using the latest Google ratings and review counts. Restaurants and bars change constantly — always verify hours and current status before visiting.
Why isn't my favorite italian restaurant on the list of best italian restaurants in Long Beach?
To be considered, a place needs enough Google reviews for the rating to be statistically meaningful (at least 5 reviews, ideally 25+). Newer or hyper-local spots can be excellent but score lower until enough people review them. Boundaries also matter — a spot just outside the Long Beach area may show up on a neighboring ranking instead.