Classic upscale Italian in downtown Long Beach with polished service, lively ambiance, and a menu that shines most with seafood, lamb, and house pastas, though occasional service lapses and pricing pushback appear on busy nights.
L'Opera delivers reliable upscale Italian dining with strong food quality anchored by well-prepared seafood and signature dishes like rack of lamb. Knowledgeable service and wine guidance elevate the experience, though inconsistent execution on peak nights and occasional service slowdowns prevent grade A territory. The historic bank setting with wine cellar provides genuine charm and destination appeal for special occasions, making it a competitive choice among the area's better neighborhood restaurants.
One caveat: Holiday and peak times can overwhelm bar and floor service, leading to long waits or missed checks