Our Expert's Take
As a food critic, I can confidently say that The MODERN Kitchen + Bar stands out in Long Beach for its commitment to quality and taste. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it an ideal spot for both casual outings and special gatherings. The standout dishes, like the hatch chile dip and tuna melt, showcase a creative flair that keeps diners coming back for more.
What truly sets this restaurant apart is the evident love and care put into each dish. The homemade soups, especially the tomato bisque, are a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in comfort food that warms the soul. With a stellar rating of 4.8, it's clear that The MODERN Kitchen + Bar is a culinary treasure worth discovering.
At a Glance
Pros
- Exceptional dishes made with high-quality ingredients.
- Warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for gatherings.
- Homemade soups that are a comforting delight.
Cons
- Limited seating may lead to wait times during peak hours.
- Menu may not cater extensively to dietary restrictions.
What Diners Are Saying
"The Modern Kitchen is a hidden gem in LB. Every dish I have had is exceptional. You can tell when food is prepared with love. My go to dishes are the hatch chile dip, tuna melt and the homemade soups are divine. My favorites are the tomato bisque and Italian wedding soup. You will not be disappointed with any selection."- A W
"This is a wonderful little place, tucked into a large building on the ground floor. There's an excellent wines-by-the-glass selection (and bottles can be bought, too), and a wide array of appetizers and other things. I made a lunch out of beef carpaccio and chicken lettuce wraps - very nicely done. The ambience is modern and informal, with lots of kinds of seating - round tables, rectangular tables, small tables, a small outdoor seating area. If you're in the (somewhat industrial looking) area, this is a worthy spot to relax for a bit."- Bror Saxberg
"I have never EVER been to a restaurant where I've loved every single thing I've ordered without wanting to change something, ie. "Needs salt, needs pepper, isn't hot enough, zero flavor, etc." I fell in LOVE with every single thing we ordered! I didn't have ONE critique, everything was perfect. The hummus was so fresh I was in awe, perfect chips and cucumber slices. The tomato bisque was seasoned perfectly, very very hot (it's my biggest pet peeve when soup isn't hot), we got the California club and it was perfect. The croissant was flaky and light, perfect addition. Delicious lunch meat, again, I'm the pickiest person alive and I could have just ordered a side of the meat. We also ordered the charcuterie board, and every bite was perfect. The presentation was beautiful, and it was a great size for 2. The chicken pot pie had to be my favourite. Fresh, super hot (how it should be), so flavorful, and just perfect. I will never go anywhere else for my chicken pot pie needs! Even the side SALAD was perfect, and I hate salad. Emily was our server and not only was she extremely attentive, personable, and quick, she was just so KIND. I felt so seen and appreciated as a consumer. She gave great recommendations and was so fun to talk to. It definitely added to the ambience of the place. Additionally, we found out that day that the restaurant is family owned! Mary is the owner, just as sweet as pie, and Shannon, her daughter, is equally as sweet! We raved to them over how delicious everything was, and their appreciation warmed my heart. I came back again yesterday and they all remembered me by name and made me feel even more welcome. From the pickiest girl on the PLANET: YOU NEED TO EAT HERE! 11/10 recommend! Also, you can get cocktails to GO!? in BATCHES!? It can't get any better. Thank you Emily, Mary, and Shannon for continued great experiences. I'll be back next week! :)"- Mason House
"Their soups - tomato bisque and pumpkin are bomb!! Also love the 1/2 sandwich 1/2 soup or Caesar salad combo. My fave sandwiches here are the tuna and chicken club. Sooo delicious!! 😋"- Ciara Freeman
"Well, I couldn't be happier that I tried this place. I went with two friends for lunch after some local LB shopping. We knew we were in for a great experience from the moment we walked in. It has a really cool vibe and a welcoming staff. The cocktail list was unique with many interesting options. Two of us decided on the Paloma and one had the Kumquat Ginger Margarita, both so delicious! Best Paloma I've had, hands down. They also have a great wine list, which we got into later with a wonderful Rosé. Choosing a dish for lunch was difficult because everything looked so good. We started with the House-made Kettle chips which came with a tasty chipotle ranch, yum! For meals, we went with the smoked salmon tartine, pastrami sandwich, and the Caesar with grilled shrimp. The food was beautifully presented and tasted as good as it looked. The sandwich was huge so I had the second half the next day for leftovers, still so good! I'm excited to have a new "go-to" place for great food & drinks, and cool a atmosphere. Oh, and totally reasonably priced! Win-win! Cannot wait to go back and take more friends :)"- Wendy Becker
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there parking available?
Yes, there is ample street parking and nearby lots.
What is the dress code?
The dress code is casual, so feel free to come as you are.
What is the best dish to try?
The hatch chile dip and homemade tomato bisque are popular favorites!