Archive for the 'Long Beach - Italian' Category
L’Opera
By Amanda Knoles
L’OPERA
101 Pine Avenue
Long Beach, CA
(562) 491-0066
Setting the standard for fine dining on Pine Avenue, this Northern Italian gem features an artsy décor and an attentive staff who go out of their way to make any occasion from a power lunch to an anniversary dinner a memorable event. There’s an extensive wine list to complement the gourmet menu featuring pasta, veal, pork, lamb, sausages, steak, and fresh fish prepared with contemporary Italian and European influenced sauces. Bison medallions wrapped in proscuitto and smothered in brandy sauce are a specialty along with ravioli stuffed with black truffles and wild mushrooms. The must-have dessert, Luna Piena, is a decadent white chocolate cheesecake featuring a dark chocolate cookie crust topped with fresh blackberries and blueberry sauce.
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Cafe Piccolo
by Amanda Knoles
CAFÉ PICCOLO
3222 East Broadway
Long Beach, CA
(562) 438-1316
Specializing in Northern Italian cuisine with some Middle Eastern influences, Café Piccolo is perfect for those seeking a special night out without paying an exorbitant price. The enclosed outdoor patio surrounded by waterfalls and greenery is particularly charming at night when twinkling lights, flickering candles on the tables and two fire pits provide romantic ambience in an otherwise casual setting. On cooler days the indoor dining area provides comfortable seating and garden views in a room decorated with rich tones of red. Menu standouts include penne Antenello, shallots and porcini mushrooms in a cream sauce topped with chicken, veal Florentine, and black linguini with shrimp and calamari. Popular desserts are chocolate mousse cake and premium vanilla ice cream covered in raspberry or caramel sauce. Periodic wine dinners are $49.95 per person by reservation only.