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I've been meaning to stop by this very quaint and cute spot you'd never know was hidden amongst the bustling 2nd street corridor. But it is a very small space; so I'd recommend coming at a non peak dinner hour with less people bumping into tables. Service was non intrusive and polite. Bread service was perfect, and my eggplant parmigiana was an authentic preparation with lots of eggplant and less breading. But I wish it were seasoned more. Same for the starter cream of spinach soup. My friend enjoyed his formaggi pasta. Dessert menu has a very nice selection of cakes, and the multi layered pistachio cake really grew on me, with a lovely texture and surprisingly delicious lemon cream! Espresso was astoundingly high quality. There's a nice wine list by bottle and a handful of selections by the glass. I am glad I came but will definitely consider another visit during the off hours.
Me and my husband came here for our anniversary and the food was PHENOMENAL! We will DEFINITELY be returning in the future! The food tasted like it was made with love, and it reminded me so much of the Mediterranean flavors and styles of cooking that I grew up with. The service was perfect and on time every time between the bread service, the apps, the food, and the owner even offered us dessert afterwards and brought them to the table using a display platter just like they do in Europe. I was so full I couldn't even think about dessert but I can't wait to come back and try the Tiramisu! The ambiance is amazing- it is dimly lit, small, and feels like a perfect little off-the-wall mom-and-pop shop. 1000/10 the best Italian food i've ever had here in Southern California.
Cozy little restaurant with big flavors. There were four of us this evening. We started with a bottle of Chianti, 2019 Gabbiano. It was the perfect amount without over indulging. Smooth and was an excellent pairing, it goes without saying. Three appetizers were shared amongst us: The mushroom al limone - sauteed with garlic, lemon, and butter. Very saucy and best to scarpetta - The art of using bread to soak up the last drop of sauce on your plate. And very healthy for your immunity, gut and brain health! The Melanzana - roasted eggplant, shallots, and fresh mozzarella. Calamari - sauteed with garlic. Not fried. I love this. Much healthier. A plate of angel hair pasta would have married well with all three apps! For our meal, I ordered the meatball pasta. Paying homage to my dad who loves this dish wherever Italian is served. It was delicious. Loaded with two giant meatballs and bolognese, this is your definition of comfort food. Husband had the Chicken Florentine - lemon, capers, lemon, spinach. With green beans and pasta. Very balanced. My sister and BIL ordered the veal piccata and mushroom pasta with sausage. They look good too! Can't forget dessert. The tiramisu and the Pistacchio cake. Wow. I could have easily eaten both, myself but we shared lol. I am so ready to come again and try all the rest of the menu. Service was super friendly and fairly quick. Glad to have dined and support local business. Buon appetito!
The food was excellent. My wife had the chicken piccata and I had the pescatore. So many flavors we hadn't experienced before. The bruschetta was also fantastic.
In 50 years when I'm in the senior living home, someone will ask me what my favorite restaurant is. I won't remember much, but I WILL remember this one hole in the wall Italian spot called Cafe Gazelle. Best Italian food I've ever had. I went there all the time. Frank was always so wonderful. Glad it's still there. I'm a bit of an Italian food snob. I cook lots of it at home, and I always try to be as authentic as possible. No heavy cream in my carbonara. Simple, tasty ingredients. Always San Marzano. I'm picky about pasta quality and firmness. Cafe Gazelle seems like the kind of place I dream of one day opening. When Frank brought the soup of the day out, I was pleasantly surprised to see how hearty and flavorful it was. The bread was delicious, and the soup tasted heavenly. As I was waiting for my food, I looked into the kitchen. Frank was inspecting the plates and garnishing them with parsley. Then, he brought the food out. I cried tears of joy inside. It looked like it was made with love and care. I took a bite. I was right. The sauce was not watery. It clung onto my penne, yet its flavor was delightfully refreshing. Eggplant was beautifully lightly charred. Hearty mushrooms to accompany it. Penne was al dente. Every piece. Same with the other pasta we got. The chicken was tender and seasoned just right. Everything looked like it was made at home; with love, care, and simple and fresh ingredients. When we were done, Frank brought out a platter of desserts to display. When we were finished, out came the check. Handwritten. No POS system. Like how I like my watches analog, I like my checks and bills handwritten. What a place. The staff here are all wonderful. Intimate service accompanying an intimate and classy setting. No frills. Hearty, classy, and good-for-the-soul food. 20/10 recommend.
This is a tiny Italian restaurant with an intimate feel to it. It's a bit dated but that adds to the charm. It seemed there were only 3 people working: the chef, the waiter and the food runner, but with less than 10 tables that's all you need. I loved that the meal was served with hot, fresh bread and a simple salad. You don't often see that these days. You'll find all of the classics on the menu and the portions were quite large. We started out with the sautéed calamari and with all that butter and garlic it was just wonderful. We even dipped our bread into it so that none of that sauce would go to waste. I had the Spaghetti and Meatballs. The meatballs were on the small side but it also comes in a meat sauce with nice flavor that's well prepared. It was a nice touch that they bring the desserts out on a tray for you to select from. And of course once you see them you can't pass them up! We had a lemon cake that we both enjoyed as a way to cap off the meal.
I hate paying for pasta on most days, but I would return for the attentive service by the younger gentleman, cozy mom and pop vibes, and delicious food. This is a no frills kind of casual restaurant, and not inundated by social media crowds (yet). It's definitely a hidden gem in Belmont Shore! There was bread and salad service, which was a pleasant surprise! My partner and I ordered the Melazana (roasted eggplant) and gnocchi for apps. I ordered the frutti de mare because I heard their seafood is excellent. We ordered with my eyes because we could not finish everything. Leftovers are always welcomed.
My first visit to Cafe Gazelle after visiting Long Beach many times. It is my family friend's favorite in the Belmont Shore. It is certainly a very small, cozy, intimate spot so always best to make a reservation. There are only about 4-6 tables at a time. The owners and staff are so kind and delightful. The wine, salad, bread, and pasta were delicious. Their menu is expansive and you cannot go wrong with any plate. Try it for yourself, enjoy.
Small, intimate, hole in the wall. Well-made pasta. Perfect portion sizes. Tried a few pasta dishes here and everyone is great. Pasta is well cooked and the ingredients seem fresh.
What a gem ! Small Italian restaurant , located in the busy Belmont shore area parking is obviously busy , so expect to walk here from your spot ... Came on a not so busy night and got sat down right away , loved the atmosphere, very cozy , very close , table was set up nicely , everything looked clean , kitchen was firing up dishes ! When with the gnocchi for a starter .. wow loved it been thinking of it since .. and then I went with a pasta dish and got shrimp in it ... first of all how they slice the shrimp is so amazing ... definitely means they properly and devein it !! Love that .. everything tasted fresh , amazing flavors . Stafff was great ... didn't try any desserts ... I did see a waiter with a tray asking the couple next to me if they wanted desserts when I was leaving and I was a bit bummed because if they would have flashed me that tray I would have definitely been convinced lol ... A must try Italian restaurant!
Parking is rough because Belmont Shore is always busy. You'll probably have to arrive early or wait for a table because there are only 7 inside. The food is well worth waiting for though. I went with a couple of friends and was able to try a few different dishes. Bruschetta, chicken Parmesan, michaellangelo, gnocchi with bolognese and a few desserts. Every single dish was a hit. I would order all of them again.
The food was delicious! It's a very small place so just be cautious of that and be prepared, the staff is quick and friendly. Can't wait to go back and try a new dish
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Had dinner at this place after a long day at the aquarium. My friends and I were served bread and salad that went along with our pasta. The bread was super fluffy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. We ordered the chicken parmigiana, Russa (cream and tomato sauce), and fettuccine Alfredo. All three were so good, the pasta was super creamy and flavorful and was perfectly cooked. It was so good and I totally recommend coming to this place if you are ever in Long Beach! My friends also rate 10/10 btw. read more
4 years ago
My son recommended this spot. We both love the food and the service. We typically order Carbonara and artichokes (both are his favourite). read more
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I was walking down a side street of 2nd street and I noticed this little gem and I had to go! The ambience was so beautiful and romantic. We started out with complimentary fresh bread which was SO GOOD. We decided to order a bottle of white wine, which was so crisp and fresh. We started off with the bruschetta and gnocchi, both were AMAZING. We ordered the Checca pasta to split, also really good. Finished off the night with 2 desserts, one lemon cheesecake and one tiramisu. I loved how nice and helpful the staff was! Even though it was off 2nd st, it felt so homey and peaceful and romantic. Will definitely be coming back to his place for many date nights! 10/10 read more
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Took my girlfriend here for her birthday as she loves Italian food. The plates were amazing and had so much flavor. I ordered the chick parmesan and it was the best I've ever had. She got the chicken Alfredo and it was the best she's ever had. They serve you right away! The place is a bit small, only about 7 tables but it's worth it! The food is very delicious here! read more
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Delicious! Chicken piccata was delicious. Frutti di mare was delicious. We where planning on leaving some for lunch the next day or even as a late bite that same night. It didn't have a chance. Everything was so good we cleaned our plates. It's bittersweet that when things go back to normal [Corona2020]2nd Street LBC will go back to its crazy self and it will be impossible to find parking to get to this little gem. read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
What a gem. This tiny family owned hole in the wall is everything I love about going out to eat. The place is tiny and the kitchen is just as small so it seems like a small miracle that they can churn out so much great food that is meticulously supervised and efficiently offered. The service is very kind and accommodating. We sat at a table of four and started with a bottle of their house Pinot noir and some artichoke and capers salad starters. Then we ordered our entrees which came with a solid dinner salad or soup. I got the chicken parm and it came with a side of garlic cheesy pasta and green beans. Wife got the chicken franchise, the food is delicious and well made. It reminded me of the small Italian joints in New Jersey. We ordered some amazing dessert and another bottle of wine. Just a great time. We will def be back when we're in Long Beach read more
4 years ago
Talk about a Taste of Italy in Long Beach! It's definitely an authentic Italian restaurant and the service was so warming. My absolute favorite part was dessert because I asked for the dessert menu and they brought out a tray full for me to pick from (I have a video but Yelp doesn't allow me to post it unfortunately just know it looked so bomb!) The pasta was so comforting and homey. If you're looking for an authentic Italian restaurant with a very romantic homey vide, this is the best place in Long Beach I've been! read more
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I loved the pasta, i enjoyed my time there. It was a cozy nice restaurant. I would go again. read more
3 years ago
Authentic Italian food with a reasonable price tag is hard to come by, and Cafe Gazelle certainly did not disappoint. Upon perusing my smart phone, I came across this little gem and decided to head on over to sample their offerings. I was warned of the close proximity of patron's dinning experience and while the room certainly was intimate, I thoroughly enjoyed the cozy, warm environment. I ordered the Michael Angelo, which was a penne pasta with ham and mushroom in a cream sauce. It came with a complimentary soup or salad, but it wasn't memorable. Not the case with the rest of their offerings. When my pasta arrived I knew it was going to be a delicious meal. The pasta was cooked al dente (the only way pasta should be presented) and the sauce was rich and creamy. Mmm... The entree was fairly heavy, so I actually packed half of it for lunch the next day and... so I could sample their Chocolate Hazelnut Bread pudding with vanilla ice cream. Now, I rarely save room for dessert, but this indulgence is one where you'll just have to make an exception. Warm bread pudding combined with melted ice cream is just heavenly. Grazie Cafe Gazelle for a terrific meal! read more
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. read more
2 years ago
Came here last Monday with my husband and cousin and her husband for lunch. If I did not see the sign "Cafe Gazelle, Lunch Specials" from 2nd street, I would have never found this place since it is down the street from the main street. After we all walked down La Verne Ave, my cousin thought this would be a nice place to grab a bite to eat, so we sat down. My initial though to this restaurant is that it is nice and small and kind of looks like the restaurant was made from a house. The dining area has only a handful of tables (maybe 10 small tables). Anyways, this is what my husband and I ordered: Balsamic & Gorgonzola Salad- ($6.95 before tax) I actually ordered this salad with the dressing on the side and to have the cheese omitted. The balsamic vinegar was nice (one of my favorite vinegars actually). I thought this salad was a little above average. I liked the tomato slices, cucumber slices & artichoke hearts. But this salad would have been better if it was made with the dark green leafys. The size of this salad is actually an okay portion for the lunch special price, but still would have liked the salad to be a bit bigger. Spaghetti Carbonara- ($5.95 before tax) I was pretty disappointed with the portion size of this dish and also wished it came with more protein. There were only little bits of bacon in it, but it did give a nice flavor to the creamy sauce. I think this dish would have been better with a few ounces of grilled chicken breasts. I thought this dish was pretty tasty despite the lack of meat in this dish. The creamy sauce was excellent. Each person was given a nice piece of hot bread, which tasted nice. But I was actually a bit disappointed to see a bag of the exact bread pieces we were given in the restroom on top of a shelf. Honestly, that is not sanitary at all to have that in a restroom, even though it is kept in a closed bag. The health department would for sure bring that up with the owner/ manager of the restaurant about that if he/ she found that. Overall, although the prices for lunch are pretty affordable, the food itself is just average. I don't know if I would really want to come back, but I suppose if a friend wanted to meet me here for a meal, I guess I would come (but would probably skip the bread). read more
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This gem is amazing! I hesitate to tell people about It because I want to keep it for me/my wife and friends. It's quaint and has a great vibe. They offer an eating experience that is made with love. Service is personal and the food is delicious! You're welcome... read more
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Do they offer gluten free pasta?
Yes, they do. They always accommodate my gluten free needs.
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