50 Best American Restaurants near Sunset Beach

“A small surf themed diner on Highway 1 in Huntington Beach/Sunset Beach, very close to the water. I live in West Los Angeles, so this area is a lot calmer and less crowded than what I am used to so it’s nice to be able to find easy parking and no lines. It’s right next-door to Harbor House Café, which is also a surf themed diner and between the two I would say that Harbor House is my favorite although Woody’s is another good option, especially if Harbor House is full. There are many Woody’s locations, I believe at least six and none are in the Los Angeles area. They are all in Orange County, this being the most northern one. Our waiter was nice, but the service was very slow. He took a while to take our orders and our food items came out pretty slowly. He also forgot my coffee and gave it to everyone else around me before me, even though I ordered before them, and by the time I inquired about it, they had to brew another batch so I had to wait even longer. They have a tiny parking lot on the side of the restaurant otherwise it’s pretty easy to find free street parking.

For my breakfast I ordered my favorite breakfast dish, which is the Eggs Benedict. I decided to try the Woody’s Benedict, which is basically a regular Benedict with cheese and gravy. I honestly thought it was pretty good and it was extremely filling. The biscuits weren’t very flaky or as good as I hoped, but I still enjoyed them. They tasted a bit like microwave biscuits versus something very fluffy and crispy.

Overall, a nice little surf theme diner in North Orange County. I would recommend if you are in the area.“

“Rode our bikes down here to try a new to us spot . The beers hit the spot after a long bike ride and the pretzel was amazing .“

“nice breakfast this morning, always enjoy HH Cafe when we visit.“

“Heritage Restaurant, Long Beach – A Well-Earned Michelin Star by Michael Broderick. In a city where “Californian” culinary ambition often plays second fiddle to casual dining, Heritage in Long Beach has carved out a place of quiet excellence, earning a well-deserved Michelin star. This intimate dining experience is a testament to ingredient-driven, technique-forward cooking, where flavors are both restrained, unpretentious, and deeply expressive. From the first bite, it was clear that Heritage excels at layering textures and flavors in unexpected ways. The meal began with an Amuse Bouche trio: a delicate prawn cracker topped with sweet Dungeness crab, a green leaf with another seafood salad that was to be eaten like a mini street taco, and balanced with the brightness and light crunch of pickled turnip. A seemingly simple couple of bites, but one that foreshadowed the precision and thoughtfulness of the courses to follow. To cleanse the palate, a mint tea infused with palo santo was served—a meditative interlude that was both refreshing and aromatic, setting the stage for the evening’s journey. The first official course, Crème Caviar, featured Russian Sturgeon Heritage Caviar and chive, a chilled preparation that was rich yet elegantly restrained. This was followed by Kanpachi Crudo, presented with carrot, ginger, and macédoine vegetables, offering a balance of clean ocean flavors against bright, vegetal undertones. Then came what I consider the star of the evening: a dish that fully captured the ethos of Heritage—Hen of the Woods Mushroom, topped in a “sunchoke stew” (crispy fried sunchoke) with fermented mushroom. For an additional $25, an indulgent shaving of black truffle took the dish to another level, transforming it into a sensory experience that evoked the deep, earthy satisfaction of foraging. The interplay of umami-rich elements made this course a masterpiece of textural and flavor contrast. The proteins that followed were executed with equal care. First, a perfectly prepared Rainbow Trout, sauted to perfection with a crispy layer of skin on one side, delicate pink flesh on the other, bathed in a delicate dashi and punctuated with bursts of smoked trout roe in a light creme sauce, which lent salinity and depth. Then, a 32-day dry-aged rib chop, a cut that can sometimes lean too “gamey” in the tradiinal steak house that cuts corners on a post aging trim, yet here was a revelation—tender, deeply beefy, but balanced. Accompanying the dish was sous vide endive, black garlic, and a shaving of Parmesan, which surprisingly lacked the usual sharpness, instead presenting a more rounded, delicate, nutty flavor. Desserts were a study in technique and balance. The first, a Grilled Strawberry with strawberry granita and Meyer lemon crème, was bright and refreshing, its layers revealing different expressions of cool and sweetness. Then came the Coco Craquelin, a delicate choux pastry filled with beurre noisette ganache and banana cremeux, meant to be eaten with the hands—a playful and interactive moment in the meal. Finally, a Sage Basque Cake, its subtle herbaceousness complemented by toasted hemp seeds and lemon curd, provided a grounding, crispy finish. Heritage is the kind of restaurant that doesn’t simply chase trends—it refines them into something personal, something intentional. The execution is confident but never showy, and the experience is paced with precision, allowing each dish to tell its own story. This is not just a meal—it’s a quiet, profound meditation on flavor, technique, and the land from which it all comes. Where other restaurant profess to be a true “Californian” style farm to table experience , Heritage is, without a doubt, a must-visit for anyone who seeks out truly exceptional dining in California.“

“To John Hansen, My wife and I would like to thank you for such a lovely evening. Chez Bacchus represents the “True Expression of a Dining Experience”. Starting with the welcoming staff at the entrance. John, your hospitality is the beginning of the joyful experience. The restaurant is so elegant. We enjoyed the vaulted ceilings with wood beams. We enjoyed the large window at the kitchen area so you can see the Chefs at work. We got to sit next to the impressive wine rack display. The restaurant’s ambiance wouldn’t be complete without the soft background music. Our waiter, Issac, was a delight. He provided us with his expertise in choosing our wines, appetizers, entrees, and desserts. It was a pleasure to meet to give special thanks to the Chef, Danny Le and Su Chef, Donald. Their expertise is why we had an amazing and delicious dinner.“

“The service was great, the ingredients were fresh, and we will be back next time.“

“The food was yummy and affordable!“

“Good food and drinks! Reasonable prices. Great service!!“

“This place is always busy. We find seating there at the counter and we do not need to wait for 20 minutes. We love the bean soup? And the apple pie was great.“

“Nick’s food and service doesn’t disappoint! Menu options are great, and they’ll take a classic comfort dish such as a meat loaf to a gourmet degree. Service is impecable too. Worth every dollar you spend here in every aspect! They have my respect and heart! ♥️“

“Had the Little Mule burger and Reservoir Hog at Dog Haus - friendly service and they got our order out pretty quick. Both were really juicy and packed with flavor, exactly what you want from a good meal. Really liked how they use Hawaiian rolls instead of regular buns, makes a noticeable difference. Perfect spot for a sunny day in Long Beach when you want something solid and satisfying.“

“the food is great but I think the people make the place!!!!“

“Great place to eat!!! We’ll be back!!!“

“This was a very cozy and affordable place. Compared to “Americas Diner” (Den**s) this place provides better quality and better prices. It felt like it was family owned and ran. Always love to promote and help local businesses. I shall return and thank you for your hospitality. Food was great!“

“Awesome place to visit for the entire family . Great service , food , and price . Also , super kid friendly and they accommodate dietary restrictions as well !“

“First class all the way. Great experience.“

“Great Burgers and Breakfasts“

“We are from Puerto Rico and visited your restaurant last week. We all loved, the atmosphere is cozy and the food is excellent. Your staff is absolutely great. A great choice and a wonderful experience. Definitely a great 💯. Will visit you again on my next trip to California.“

“Thank you so much for my Grand slam on my 55th Birthday 🎂;)“

“Fantastic service and delicious wings and a salad.“

“Easily the best craft beer tap list on 2nd Street. Lots of local SoCal breweries in rotation: Green Cheek, Pizza Port, Trademark. Many taps, lots of IPAs (which I like) but other options too.

Food is pricey but solid. Upscale but casual bistro feel.“

“While traveling from Idaho we were fortunate to have brunch with our dear friends in Long Beach before heading out on a cruise. They took us to this quaint, fun restaurant. Spectacular service, delicious food, Hazelnut coffee, yum! Thanks for the very cool stickers!“

“Hidden gem! Needed a quick bite with the kiddos and tried this place. Glad I did because the food was amazing. I got the blue cheese bacon burger and it's one of the best burgers I've had. Patty cooked perfectly and all ingredients compliment each other. Yummmmmm.

The chicken tenders are better than average and good enough for the kids. They loved the shoestring fries so did I. They had a 2 player arcade cabinet that kept them occupied while waiting for the food.

Great place! Would eat here again!“

“Was so happy to see that they had vegan options available. Their menu is quite varied and I liked that there is something for everyone. 🥰. I even noticed that they are quite thoughtful like a water-bowl for dogs, etc.
This place is a nice place to hangout by the beach and the playground is just next to it.
We ordered two vegan burritos and an oat milk coffee. The burrito was very delicious, beyond my expectations.
Polite staff.
We are definitely visiting them again!!“

“Jennifer was a wonderful server, she's always checking up on us and never fails to make us laugh! She's great at attending us and makes sure we have what we need, perfect server!“

“Good service, big servings at reasonable price 👍🏻“

“My husband and I love Country Cafe! We come here almost every weekend, it is our favorite local breakfast spot with the best food, nicest staff, and a warm and friendly atmosphere. We've brought many friends here too, and everyone has loved The Country Cafe!“

“I was here we come from Nederland 🇳🇱 and it was so nice good food and bartenders“

“Comfort food in Los Alamitos 😍😊
Love how simple and easy it is to order here. The portions are generous, prices are fair, and the chicken is seasoned just right—not too salty, not bland, just super satisfying. You can really tell the owners care. They’re so kind and hardworking. Definitely a go-to spot when you’re craving something comforting and delicious!“

“Love The Crest. Amazing boutique apartment complex. Feels so homey and cozy. The leasing people are super cool and so close to everything walking distance. Oh.... and did I mention they have the most legit balconies. I spent most of my time on the beautiful balcony ❤️ I searched for a place for 3 months and this was it. ❤️❤️❤️“

“Good food and service……..“

“Had Fathers Day breakfast here and it was delicious. Great service, wonderful food and can’t wait to go back.“

“Delicious food and smoothies! I had the chicken salad sandwich and it was the best I’ve found. The honey mustard salad dressing on my green salad was amazing. My husband was actually adding it to his chicken sandwich. We enjoyed the vegetable split pea soup down to the last drop. This lovely little restaurant has a very friendly vibe and we could hear repeat customers engaging the owner in conversation and laughter. We plan to become repeat customers too.“

“Great restaurant and food. Will be a great addition to the Valley!“

“Grilled Chicken pesto sammie was yummy....everything was!! Terrific service too...Thx Ryan...good fun!“

“Service was wonderful. Food was delicious great waiters and waitresses wonderful atmosphere. Can’t wait to go back.“

“This was my first visit to Lazy Dog restaurant.
I was worried about the taste of the food, but it was excellent.
The service was good and I had a pleasant and enjoyable lunch.
If I had one wish, it would have been closer to the road so that it was covered by a curtain or artificial flower pot.“

“What a nice breakfast to start my morning but should have more breakfast deals“

“Delicious and clean food. The lattes are tasty, and the service was amazing. Food came out quickly and freshly prepared. People were nice, and the atmosphere is great for a nice chat with friends or family. Overall cool place with great food and drinks!“

“Nice spot, especially out on the patio. The kitchen was a little slammed so our food took awhile. The food was solid but not fantastic. I’m a little bit of a foodie so I look for something with pizzazz. Still it was a nice day and a great place to connect with a couple of friends.“

“so far everything I've had from here has been top notch. 👌🏻 Just tried the hangover burger for the first time today, I highly suggest you try it.👍🏻👍🏻“

“Great placed for eat good food!“

“Everything! All meals are plentiful & good prices.“

“muy rico yodo, sabor especial!!!“

“First timer says really good need to go back and try something other than the lobster roll, just for a variety😋“

“Good food and amazing service!“

“We were greeted warmly by a server and got seated in a little cute and cozy corner of our choice. The foods were brought out pretty quick and very fresh. We got French Toast Royal, the blueberry cream cheese is so delicious and vegetarian omelette which was a big enough portion for sharing. The sourdough toast with butter is so good. When we left, we met Amy the owner. Amy is very friendly and sweet. We definitely will come back.“

“I was here we come from Nederland 🇳🇱 and it was so nice good food and bartenders“

“Good food good service decently priced!!“