This week, I’m dedicating Business Beat to Long Beach’s unique food scene — and spotlighting some newly-opened restaurants, beloved classics, and a couple that are getting ready to open soon.
Just opened
Khan Saab, serving up Pakistani and Indian cuisine, reopened on Monday, Jan. 19 with a new name, an expanded menu, and a bigger space. The restaurant originally opened under the name Shor, was founded by two-time Michelin Bib Gourmand Award-winner chef Imran Ali Mookhi.
Mookhi’s menu includes several shareable, street-inspired dishes such as Pani Puri, Bhel Puri with pomegranate and sesame leaf, Goat Cheese Kulcha with butter tomato sauce, and the signature Sloppy Khan.
Pani puri available at Khan Saab, which recently opened in Hawaiian Gardens near Long Beach. (Photo courtesy of Khan Saab).
Meals are served family-style at Khan Saab, which recently opened in Hawaiian Gardens near Long Beach. (Photo courtesy of Khan Saab).
Chicken karahi available at Khan Saab, which recently opened in Hawaiian Gardens near Long Beach. (Photo courtesy of Khan Saab).
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Pani puri available at Khan Saab, which recently opened in Hawaiian Gardens near Long Beach. (Photo courtesy of Khan Saab).
Khan Saab’s food and drink menu is alcohol free. The eatery serves some of the finest mocktails I’ve ever had. My favorite is a smoked double apple — which is delivered to the table inside a smoked filled box, created by mixologist Ahmad Hosseini.
They are open nightly for dinner at 4 p.m., and are located at 12155 E. Carson St in Hawaiian Gardens, right on the border with Long Beach.
Sweetgreen, meanwhile, also opened up its first Long Beach location this week on Tuesday, Jan 20 in the Marketplace Shopping Center at 6451 E. Pacific Coast Highway.
The nearly 2,000-square foot space has seating for 42 diners. The eatery is known for its healthy food, passion for the environment, and employee benefits.
Opening soon
Zarape will be opening on Monday, Feb. 2, according to co-owner Stefano Mozher. The Mexican restaurant is located at 4702 Second St., which was previously home to Rubio’s.
Mozher brings experience from his successful eatery in West Hollywood and past work at Rusty Pelican, Ruby’s Diner, Disney and Delta Airlines.
He said the delays in opening were driven by city permitting requirements.
Zarape, according to Mozher, prides itself on its authentic made-from-scratch Mexican menu, which is built around all‑natural, raw, and fresh ingredients.
They serve a wide range of Mexican classics with an upscale touch — including chicken mole poblano, ceviche, and Guisadoes‑style taco platters.
Marathon Burger, at 245 Pine Ave., will open up its first Long Beach location on March 1. The eatery will be located in the former Johnny Rockets space downtown, and the opening was announced at Mayor Rex Richardson’s recent State of the City address.
Anna’s Pizza Joint, which will offer pizza by the slice, is shooting for a mid-February opening, according to owner Elliot Lewis. The sandwich and pizza shop held an employee holiday celebration at nearby Dominico’s Pizza — proof that having two pizza places on the same block will be a positive.
Classics
Domenico’s Pizza on Second Street in Belmont Shore is undergoing a minor shift in the ownership.
A minority owner has sold his portion to majority owner Mike Rhodes, and as a result, the restaurant’s ABC license needs to be updated. They’ve posted a sign announcing the change of ownership as required to update the license — which has caused some alarm amongst readers.
But not to worry. Rhodes assures pizza fans there’ll be no changes to the classics or any other menu item. Domenico’s will remain a local go-to favorite of residents hoping for ground pepperoni pizza and salads with house dressing.
Selva was packed when I visited last Saturday evening. There was a table of 20 guests ordering plenty to eat — and the staff didn’t miss a beat.
Owned by Colombian-born Chef Carlos Jurado, alongside Long Beach locals Geoff and Karna Rau, Selva is located in the Zaferia District of Long Beach 4137 E Anaheim St.
Various small plates available at Selva in Long Beach. (Photo courtesy of Mariana Murray).
Various small plates available at Selva in Long Beach. (Photo courtesy of Mariana Murray).
Various small plates available at Selva in Long Beach. (Photo courtesy of Mariana Murray).
Various small plates available at Selva in Long Beach. (Photo courtesy of Mariana Murray).
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Various small plates available at Selva in Long Beach. (Photo courtesy of Mariana Murray).
“Carlos is looking to open up a ‘mini Selva’ in a new food hall near Anaheim stadium in the near future,” said Geoff Rau. “I think the fact that Carlos changes the menu weekly so regulars have new delicious food to try. It’s definitely a tough time for restaurants right now, but the key is being able to pivot and adapt to different consumer preferences.”
Three generations of the Murray family were able to taste multiple small plates including scallop crudo with yuzu kosho, fermented aji amarillo, coconut vinaigrette and squid ink tuile, croquettes of duck confit with rocoto chili jam and bresaola. My personal favorite was the sweet fritters and Spanish Octopus.
The craft cocktails at Selva have been some of my all-time favorites — since the days when the eatery was called The Hideaway, with an old school Palm Springs vibe. At Selva, the drinks are consistently good, and the recipes are often classics with a creative twist.
San & Wolves
Maligayang kaarawan (happy birthday) to San & Wolves Bakeshop, where they serve scratch-made traditional and nostalgic pastries that are 100% vegan, soy free, and nut free.
“Come celebrate our one year anniversary on Sunday, Feb. 1 and support our vendor friends,” the owners posted on social media. “We’re excited to host another round of all Filipino owned businesses and circulate your monies back into our community.”
The one year birthday celebration will take place Sunday, Feb 1 from 9 a.m. to around 3 p.m. San & Wolves is located at 3900 E. 4th St.