Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. -  87 Aquarium Way (The Pike at Rainbow Harbor), Long Beach
(562) 437-2434

First thought: a restaurant based on a movie?!  OK, we were surprised.  Though not 4 star, it's fun.  Food is not bad; lotsa shrimp!  The prep types are varied and some are very tasty. Try the Garlic Bread and, most definitely, the Po'Boy sandwich!! (Sharky really likes it and also the Strawberry Lemonade)  There are various other locations throughtout the U.S. (though not in San Diego, CA. — wanna help get one there?)

Fresh Foods Cafe -  340 Golden Shore, Long Beach  (other locations in Garden Grove and CSULB)
(562) 980-9200
8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (M-F)

[July 2010]  I really like their food and I normally don't totally diss a place but had to make an exception here.  The last 2 times I've been there were less than spectacular.  In fact, the last time was absolutely unacceptable.  The second-to-last time, the sandwich was soggy (a bit too much sauce) and took longer than expected to get there.  The last time was almost beyond belief!  I waited 40 minutes for my food.  Yes, they were very busy but 40 minutes?!  It was like they lost my order.  After I FINALLY received my food, I asked to speak to the manager; waited 5 minutes or so but couldn't stick around because it was my lunch hour.  I decided to just take my food back to the office to eat.  When my dining companion went up and asked for a "to go" box, they couldn't even be bothered with that and just handed her a plastic bag.

I sent an email to them.  They finally responded after 3 days.  We met with them after 1 delay and the fact that they showed up 20 minutes late.  They came bearing gifts (LOVE the coffee!) and started off with apologies and the "I don't want to make excuses" then laid on a bunch of excuses.  LOL  I still have to credit them for trying.  We received an email for a free meal so I'll go back and try again.  I hope they get their act together because the menu is eclectic, fresh food is used, and they used to be spot on.  So, yes, try them if you're in the area (and let me know how it goes).

Kabuki -  11431 South Street, Long Beach  (and various other locations)
(562) 467-8003
11:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. (Monday - Thursday) - approximate
11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. (Friday - Saturday) - approximate
11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. (Sunday) - approximate

A bit out of the way for us but if we're in the area we run for this place!  Our first trip here, we were at one of the smaller tables (4 of us) and ordered the boat (for 2 of us).  We needed a bigger table!  But we were ecstatic with the order!  Can never wait to go back.

Sambi of Tokyo -  8649 Firestone Blvd., Downey
(562) 869-1171
Call for hours

This is now one of my mom's favorite restaurants.  We can understand why.  Everything we've had is yummy!  Good quality food.  They also have a teppan area.  The ambience is nice with live piano music (sometimes a bit loud).  I've heard people complain about the service but it's always been good for us.

The Stinking Rose - 55 North La Cienega Boulevard, Beverly Hills
(on "restaurant row")
(310) 652-7673
11:30am - 11:00pm (Daily)

Ahhhh!  Just went here again. Must have smelled like garlic for days. It was worth it!! The Bagna Calda is a must and try the Garlic Roasted Prime Rib. It was again "to-die-for". There is another one of these in San Francisco. My father-in-law prefers this one.

Sushi of Naples - 5470 E 2nd Street, Long Beach
(562) 434-1122

[May 2006] Uh oh!  Did they change owners?  Or chefs?  Last report was that the food has gone way downhill.  That was a while ago but nobody's been back to test it again.