Love at first bite. Café Gazelle is spectacular! It’s a cozy and charming restaurant hidden on the inner corner of La Verne and 2nd street. This must have been a 1 bedroom apartment converted into a restaurant because it’s quite small yet they manage to fit about 9 tables, a wine bar, and kitchen in probably less than 500 sq ft. I came here on a Friday night around 6:00PM and my boyfriend and I luckily beat the dinner rush. The wine list was generously decently priced as I had a Montpellier pinot noir and my bf had a chianti. First, we had the sautéed calamari to start and it was delicious. I’ve never had calamari sautéed like this; usually it’s breaded and fried — but this was so great. The lemon butter sauce and the herbs made it so tasty. We licked the plate clean and even used the sauce to dip our complimentary bread. Onto the next course: my bf had the soup, which tasted like minestrone and I had the salad. It wasn’t visually appealing as the dressing was pink but I was raised not to judge a book by its cover. ;) I ordered the chicken milanese and my bf had the pasta carbonara and both were exceptional. Our meals were cooked to perfection and our waiter was attentive and anticipated what to serve next and when we needed drink refills etc. I think I found my new favorite hole in the wall mom and pop Italian restaurant. I am giving this only 4 stars although it is deserving of 5 but this is only because it was kind of hot in there and cramped because it’s such a tiny restaurant with so much body heat — especially because it’s summer too. Other than that — Dinner was lovely and I’ll be back here soon.
Brandon B.
Tu valoración: 1 Phoenix, AZ
The other one star reviews are a better reflection of the service here. I had really wanted pasta but my girlfriend and cousin were trying to get food at a pub down the street. I was about to order some appetizers for them and a plate for myself. The owner, which Im assuming was our server, rudely refused us service stating that everyone needed to order a plate to stay. It is clear that customers are only a dollar sign and nothing else to this guy.
Lisa S.
Tu valoración: 3 Long Beach, CA
I’ve heard so much about Café Gazelle that I was overly excited to try it. Everyone kept telling me what a gem it is – small, yet beyond comparison. My mom and I were about to eat at another location when we changed our minds. Trying to think of somewhere else to go, I finally remembered that I had yet to try it! Knowing the space is small, I called ahead and asked if there was a table available. Lucky for us, there was! We walked over quickly(well, as quickly as my mom walks… which isn’t very quickly), and I guess we took too long, because there was no available space. We ended up waiting outside for maybe thirty minutes. This was a bad idea, because we were starving. Finally inside, we ordered the calamari appetizer, the seafood pasta, and the chicken tetrazzini. We shared a soup and a salad. The calamari was different than the norm. I guess I’m always used to the fried kind, but this one was marinated. My mom said it reminded her of a Thai dish, but for a few missing ingredients. The soup and salad were standard. My mom’s seafood pasta was very nice, though a small serving. My chicken tetrazzini was not what I expected. Granted, I don’t know all that much about it. All I know is the version that Giada makes on the Food Network and which I’ve copied back home in my own kitchen. It’s delicious, just let me tell you. Anyway, this version was completely different. The sauce reminded me of a thick biscuits and gravy gravy, nothing reminiscent of something I’d add to pasta. I wasn’t a fan, but I ate it anyway.
Nicole G.
Tu valoración: 4 El Sobrante, CA
Just ordered to go so we could take back to our hotel. Carbing up for our half marathon tmrw and this was great! I got the Michelangelo is a perfect mix of my favs — Alfredo sauce, mushrooms and chicken. I really liked the sautéed mushrooms to add the extra flavor. My husband got the Polpette which was perfect for him — the sauce was very meaty and included two meatballs. He substituted for fettuccine noodles. Everything was nicely packed for us including Parmesan cheese. The bread included was very good but we didn’t get any butter which would have made it better. Nice that it came with a salad but it was just okay, mostly lettuce. The bread pudding sounded better than it tasted but probably our fault for getting it to go. Very cute hole in the wall — would make a very nice date night!
Sarah B.
Tu valoración: 1 Long Beach, CA
We were really looking forward to eating at this cute café near our house. We stopped in at 9:15 on Friday night and were greeted by the owner. He let us know right away that he was closing in 45 minutes. It felt like we were not wanted in this establishment, even though we are all in our 30s and professional people. We were a party of 4 and ordered 2 main dishes, 2 $ 30 bottles of wine, and an appetizer. We were informed by the owner that unless we each ordered our own main dish that we would not be served. We were shocked at this blatant rudeness. It was extremely awkward and it felt very desperate. We paid for our appetizer and wine and left. Will not be back and will let others in our community know how we were treated. I have never felt so unwelcome or insulted in any establishment in Long Beach. Don’t waste your hard earned money at this restaurant that is run by rude people!
Jeff J.
Tu valoración: 5 Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
This place is a local gem. I grew up on LaVerene and Café Gazelle has almost always been here. For the price of dinners here there is no place better. Itbhas to be easily one of the top 3 restaurants on 2nd street.
Jerry d.
Tu valoración: 1 Long Beach, CA
I was with my friend and grand daughter to have appetizers and dessert at Café Gazell. We were the only people in the restaurant at 5p after waiting an hour for the restaurant to open. As we were eating our appetizers the owner came to our table and said I am not open for only appetizers and desserts and told us to leave after we finished our appetizers. I was so angry and offended by the owner who was rude and offensive. I have no idea why he would kick anyone out of his restaurant.
Rene S.
Tu valoración: 3 Santa Ana, CA
First time visit. Might come back here or will try their second location, depending on distance. The restaurant is very small, but offers some good Italian dishes. I am not sure if the pastas are made in-house, but I definitely perceived them to be after trying their Michel Angelo pasta. The pasta entrée was not the actual highlight of the night for me, it was the breaded shrimp appetizer and chianti wine that did it for me. I would like to try more of their offerings, but the commute to Long Beach from the OC really makes me think twice about it, especially considering that I have tried Panxa Cocina in the LBC, which is totally worth the drive.
Kim Q.
Tu valoración: 5 Long Beach, CA
Came here Sunday night with my boyfriend and we were both extremely happy with the taste, authenticity, and quality of the dishes we ordered. We’re both looking forward to coming back so we can try more dishes and sauces!
Miaa E.
Tu valoración: 5 Long Beach, CA
Delicious food. But it’s in a really small spot. So cute. I think it’s family owned. The owner was working there on site. All the staff is friendly. We waited 30 mins to be seated, but that was fine. It’s a lightly dimmed area at night. Parking outside is kinda hard and you have to have quarters ready for the meter. The food was delicious. It came with a soup or salad and bread. The soup was delicious as well. I got the Michael Angelo and it was perfect. Would I come back? Most definitely.
Dennis T.
Tu valoración: 4 North Las Vegas, NV
Keeping my Italian restaurant reviewing streak alive, my daughter and son-in-law took me and Diane here for a double belated birthday dinner, and we were both quite pleased with the outcome. We opened with good complimentary bread served small loaf style with long rectangles of butter; and Shrimp Dore, plump lightly battered shrimp pan-fried in Choron Sauce, an orange-colored lubricant with an ever so slight whisper of spice. Hot Lentil Soup, featuring delicate shards of spinach, bits of cooked carrot, and of course Lentil Beans in a hot and tasty broth was very good, and a side of house salad with unusual beet-oriented Italian Dressing was an interesting and enjoyable third course. Veal Parmigiana with penne and broccoli was fork tender and amply covered with Tomato Sauce and baked Mozzarella Cheese. Diane also enjoyed her specially requested Veal Parm Alfredo. Lemony Chicken Milanese and Gluten-free Pasta Formaggio were also spot on. And for dessert we were surprised with an absolutely great large slice of rich and decadent fudge-like Chocolate Cake along with a large scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream. Diane and I let our three-year-old granddaughter Sofie blow out the birthday candle, which she ably accomplished in one try. Except for having to ask for one Iced Tea refill, dinner service was attentive and very good, as was the Iced Tea. And with few tables and fellow diners, the setting was casual but intimate situated as the restaurant is hidden away on a side street just off the bustling Belmont Shores main drag. This first outing for me is definitely worthy of a reprise via a repeat visit.
Eric R.
Tu valoración: 5 Long Beach, CA
I was very tempted to give this place 1 star because I don’t want you coming here. Out of respect for Café Gazelle I couldn’t do it. Came here for my 3 year anniversary with my lovely lady and we loved every minute of it. From the quaint low lit atmosphere, to the amazing culinary mastery. Love how the owner(I think) brings out a plate of the dessert offerings. It was a nice touch. Do not ruin this place for us all and if you’re annoying and use your phone a lot while you eat please stay away.
Jayne G.
Tu valoración: 5 Long Beach, CA
Wow how did we miss this little gem for three years. 5 tables, and the best Italian around. Love it !
Vivi T.
Tu valoración: 5 Long Beach, CA
This is a very small, cute, and cozy eatery right off of 2nd St. My friend and I went on a Friday night and it was packed(the entire 10 or so tables!). Because of the small number of tables, there will probably be a wait. We were lucky and only had to wait 15 minutes or so. After being seated, we were greeted by a very friendly waiter and were given water and hot bread with butter. I ordered the chicken marsala, which was absolutely delicious. I’m usually not big on Italian food, but man this was good! It was simple, fresh, and perfectly cooked. The portion size was just right for a person with a normal sized appetite. The dinner also came with a nice salad. The service here is exceptional. Everyone is extremely friendly and welcoming. At the end of the meal, a waiter brings around a massive tray of desserts — very tempting, but I had to pass sadly. Maybe next time! The restaurant is small, and a pretty tight fit, but I absolutely loved the coziness! I definitely will be back soon!
Rachel D.
Tu valoración: 4 Los Angeles, CA
The space is small. Would be really hard to accommodate more than 2 people per table. That is a downside to this place. With that being said, for a party of 2 it is a great place(this coming from my party of 4-although a little tight it worked fine and felt cozy). The menu is simple and has all the favorites of good Italian. The cream sauce pasta dishes are made to perfection, not to heavy. The seafood pasta dishes are great. Of course it’s not a genuine Italian restaurant without some veal dishes and they were fantastic. The service is old fashioned and very quick. My water glass was always filled, the bread was hot out the oven. My plate wasn’t rushed out from in front of me. Overall great service-that might have been the best part. The environment is great, the kitchen is in semi-plane view of the dining room, the smell from the kitchen made you really excited to be there.
Ally T.
Tu valoración: 4 Washington, DC
We came to Café Gazelle when we were recently in Long Beach visiting some family. We got there right as they opened up for their dinner service. The plan is teeny tiny! I don’t know if I’d ever seen a resto so little!(to go to the bathroom you walk through a part of their kitchen, haha). The waiter came over to us right away and got us drinks. We started with bruschetta(because why not?!) and it was very good. I had a veal dish that was veryyy tasty and came with pasta, but not gonna lie, I thought the portion I got was a bit small. Others got a wide array of dishes, pastas, a spicy chicken dish was popular. Overall, the food was very good! For dessert I had the cheesecake which was honestly amazing. Easily one of the best cheesecakes I’ve had in a WHILE! If you’re in the area and want authentic Italian food without any frills, this is the place for you.
Ralph L.
Tu valoración: 3 Long Beach, CA
Decent lunch at a good value. Maybe we ordered the wrong things – spaghetti carbonara and eggplant parm – but we felt the food quality was not up to the standard that other reviewers set(currently the average is 4.5* on Unilocal). The food wasn’t bad, but our dining out budget is limited these days, so we are trying to be more discriminating. I will return because it’s convenient to me, and I hope to have a tastier experience next time. As mentioned in other reviews, this place is more casual homey than fancy.
Lew K.
Tu valoración: 4 Long Beach, CA
This place cracks, do yourself a favor and buy a bottle and throw those grapes in a decanter and prepare for battle. Order a little bruschetta i usually get the chicken Milanese… i promise you, every time i order this dish i cannot wait to put it inside of me. pasta on the side service is on point. i just like to make alot of eye contact with people while eating. they hire someone to push around desserts that are super dank as well. i just walk down but def worth checking out. #battlepig #pasta #moosemeat
Barry H.
Tu valoración: 1 Long Beach, CA
My second time here. With many other Italian restaurants in Belmont Shore/Naples to choose from. Only 2 blocks from my house. The Chicken Parmesan was so soggy and mushy and the owner tried to tell me it’s supposed to be like that. Won’t come back.
Caitlin H.
Tu valoración: 5 La Palma, CA
This is a secret hidden gem located in the heart of Belmont Shores. It’s ran by two older gentlemen, not sure if they’re related. I’ve dined here for lunch and also ordered to go. Their lunch price and portion are very reasonable. Service is always excellent. It’s close to work so my coworkers and I would frequent here. My fave is the Spaghetti Funghi and Bolognese. Delish!