Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Long Beach | Upscale Italian Food

14 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Long Beach | Upscale Italian Food

• Valerio's — Italian · rated 4/5: Valerio’s invites guests into a sun-drenched space where the comforting scent of slow-simmered ragu and toasted garlic drifts from a bustling open kitchen. Hand-rolled pastas and vibrant Mediterranean flavors take center stage, served alongside crisp carafes of wine in an atmosphere that feels like a spirited dinner party among old friends.
• Ave 3 Pizza, Subs & Catering — Italian: The air at Ave 3 is thick with the comforting scent of bubbling mozzarella and toasted flour, drawing neighbors into a bustling space where the rhythmic chop of fresh ingredients sets a lively pace. Hand-stretched crusts emerge from the oven with a perfect golden char, while overstuffed subs are layered high with savory meats and crisp toppings on freshly baked bread. It is a neighborhood cornerstone where a soulful approach to classic comfort food turns every meal, from a quick slice to a grand catered feast, into a celebration of simple, hearty flavors.
• Pizza = Two — Italian: This lively urban haunt pulses with energy, drawing diners in with the irresistible scent of bubbling cheese and wood-fired dough. Hand-stretched crusts are transformed into crispy, blistered canvases for vibrant seasonal toppings, creating a communal feast that celebrates the timeless joy of a perfectly baked pie shared among friends.
• Aroma di Roma — Italian: Stepping into Aroma di Roma feels like a morning escape to a bustling Italian piazza, where the rich fragrance of gourmet espresso mingles with the sweet, buttery scent of freshly baked pastries. Whether you’re savoring a crisp breakfast pizza paired with a velvety latte or winding down with a glass of fine wine as the day fades, the space offers a charming blend of European tradition and modern comfort.
• Laventina's — Italian: Laventina’s serves as a vibrant neighborhood hub where the intoxicating aroma of toasted garlic and melted cheese spills onto the sidewalk, inviting guests into a world of unpretentious, savory indulgence. Golden-brown Garlic Dots and crispy, sauce-drenched wings take center stage, offering a symphony of textures that range from pillowy dough to the satisfying crunch of seasoned potato wedges. This is a place where comfort is served by the boxful, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for sharing bold, finger-licking flavors with friends late into the evening.
• Michael's Downtown — Italian: Bathed in the warm glow of amber lighting, Michael’s Downtown serves as a polished urban sanctuary where the rhythmic hum of the city fades into an atmosphere of timeless sophistication. The kitchen transforms seasonal ingredients into vibrant, artfully plated dishes that celebrate bold flavors, while the bar hums with the energy of expertly shaken cocktails and clinking glassware. Whether settling into a plush leather booth for a celebratory dinner or enjoying a crisp glass of wine at the marble-topped bar, guests find a seamless blend of cosmopolitan style and genuine, heartfelt hospitality.
• Thunderbolt Pizza — Italian: Thunderbolt Pizza crackles with an electric energy, drawing guests into a vibrant space where the intoxicating scent of blistered crusts and bubbling mozzarella fills the air. Each pie emerges from the intense heat with a perfectly charred, artisanal finish, balancing bold, zesty toppings that sing against the backdrop of a lively and modern neighborhood hangout.
• La Parolaccia Osteria Italiana — Italian: Stepping into this vibrant osteria feels like entering a bustling Roman neighborhood haunt, where the clinking of wine glasses and spirited conversation dance beneath warm, ambient lighting. The kitchen celebrates the soul of Italian comfort food, serving up silky ribbons of hand-rolled pasta and savory, slow-simmered sauces that evoke the timeless warmth of a traditional family kitchen.
• Michael's On Naples — Italian: Perched in the heart of Naples Island, this sophisticated destination invites guests into a world of refined Italian elegance where a breezy rooftop terrace offers sunset views and the warm glow of the dining room sets a romantic stage. The kitchen celebrates the bounty of the season with silken, hand-rolled pastas and wood-fired entrees that sing with the vibrant flavors of locally sourced ingredients. Every meal is an orchestrated journey of taste, paired with an exceptional wine selection that captures the soulful, sun-drenched spirit of coastal Italy.
• Papa John's — Italian: Golden, hand-tossed crusts emerge from the oven cloaked in bubbling mozzarella and a signature vine-ripened tomato sauce, filling the air with the comforting aroma of a classic neighborhood slice. This reliable favorite transforms a simple night in into a savory feast, where every box opens to reveal a steaming landscape of fresh toppings accompanied by the bright pop of a signature pepperoncini and a side of rich, velvety garlic sauce.
• Portofino Pizzeria & Deli — Italian: Sun-drenched memories of the Italian coast come alive in this vibrant corner spot, where the intoxicating scent of bubbling mozzarella and toasted flour fills the air. Artisanal pizzas emerge charred and blistered from the oven, while the deli counter overflows with hand-sliced salumi and crusty breads that transform simple lunches into Mediterranean feasts. Whether grabbing an overstuffed panino or lingering over a thin-crust pie, guests find themselves transported to a bustling seaside piazza where every bite celebrates the timeless marriage of salt, oil, and tradition.
• Wood & Salt Tavern — Italian: Warm light spills across reclaimed timber and flickering hearths at Wood & Salt Tavern, a neighborhood anchor where the crackle of a wood-fired grill sets a rhythmic backdrop for the evening. The kitchen elevates elemental ingredients through the transformative power of smoke and sea salt, turning out charred seasonal vegetables and perfectly seared proteins that celebrate bold, honest flavors. It is a space where the clink of artisanal cocktails and the hum of lively conversation create a soulful atmosphere, inviting guests to linger long after the last bite.
• Little Caesars — Italian: The air inside this vibrant, high-energy spot is thick with the savory scent of toasted yeast and melted cheese, drawing in hungry passersby with the promise of a meal that is as swift as it is satisfying. Golden-brown crusts emerge from the ovens topped with a generous layer of salty pepperoni, perfectly paired with pillowy, garlic-brushed breadsticks that offer a comforting, nostalgic bite for those on the move.
• Tony's Kitchen — Italian: Tony's Kitchen invites diners into a vibrant, light-filled sanctuary where the sizzle of the grill and the fragrance of garden-fresh produce create an immediate sense of belonging. Each plate arrives as a colorful masterpiece of seasonal flavors, perfectly capturing the spirit of a modern neighborhood bistro where culinary passion meets effortless hospitality.