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)

[Sep 2010]  I used to like this place but the last 3 times (one free) I'd been there were less than spectacular.  View the archive to read what happened.

We finally went back to get our free meal.  They seemed to have not gotten their act together.  Both our sandwiches were lukewarm.  When it started getting crowded, they did not put another cashier on to take orders so it was still only one with the line steadily growing.  So, neither of us will be going back.  If you're in the area and decide to try them, 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

It's sad to say that Sambi closed their doors on Oct 24, 2010.  We were lucky enough to have one last meal there on their last night.  We also had our favorite server.  Hopefully, they will open back up somewhere!  This was one of my mom's favorite restaurants.  We could understand why.  Everything we had was yummy!  Good quality food and usually great service.

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.