Cafe Gazelle
191 La Verne Ave, Long Beach, CA 90803, United States+1 562-438-5033
About This Place
Cafe Gazelle is a charming Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Long Beach at 191 La Verne Ave. This intimate gem offers an authentic taste of Italy through a thoughtfully curated menu that emphasizes traditional, old-fashioned recipes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, accentuated by white tablecloths that lend a touch of elegance without sacrificing comfort—perfect for both a quiet date night or a memorable family gathering.
What truly sets Cafe Gazelle apart is its ability to deliver deeply satisfying flavors across a variety of classic Italian dishes. Customers consistently rave about the Ravioli with Gorgonzola, thick parcels of pasta enveloped in a luxuriously creamy gorgonzola sauce that melts in the mouth. The Chicken Marsala, featuring tender chicken breast sautéed with mushrooms and a rich Marsala wine reduction, is another standout that perfectly balances savory and subtly sweet notes. For seafood lovers, dishes like Calamari with Linguini and the Seafood Pasta burst with fresh ocean flavors, enriched by garlic and delicate herbs.
The appetizers set the tone for the meal—imagine the crisp, vibrant Bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, or the savory Mushrooms Al Limone offering a zesty lemon-infused kick. Pasta options are abundant and impressive, from a creamy Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp to the hearty and comforting Spaghetti Bolognese. Each entree arrives complemented by a fresh house salad or soup and warm, soft bread that invites you to savor every bite.
Regular patrons describe the experience as nothing short of phenomenal. One visitor called the restaurant a “little gem on 2nd Street,” praising the freshness of the hand-made pasta and the delightful vegetarian options available. Others highlight the outstanding service—attentive, kind, and genuinely invested in making each dining experience special. The balance of attentive hospitality and top-tier cuisine leaves a lasting impression, often transforming first-time guests into loyal regulars.
For dessert, the Raspberry Crème Brûlée and Lemon Cake offer the perfect sweet ending—both bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that feel just right after a savory meal. Whether you’re craving rich, creamy sauces, fresh seafood delicacies, or classic Italian comfort food, Cafe Gazelle crafts every dish with passion and precision.
For those exploring the Long Beach culinary scene, Cafe Gazelle offers a soulful, authentic Italian dining experience that delights the senses and warms the heart. It’s a place where every bite tells a story, where tradition meets quality, and where you’ll repeatedly find reasons to return.
Contact: +1 562-438-5033
Location: 191 La Verne Ave, Long Beach, CA 90803, United States
Service options
Takeaway Dine-in DeliveryHighlights
Fast service Great coffee Great dessert Great wine listPopular for
Lunch Dinner Solo diningAccessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
Alcohol Beer Coffee Comfort food Small plates WineDining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert Table serviceAmenities
ToiletAtmosphere
Casual Cosy RomanticCrowd
LocalsPlanning
Accepts reservationsPayments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cardsParking
Free of charge street parking Paid street parking ParkingOpening Hours
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Monday
04:00 PM - 09:00 PM -
Tuesday
04:00 PM - 09:00 PM -
Wednesday
04:00 PM - 09:00 PM -
Thursday
04:00 PM - 09:00 PM -
Friday
04:00 PM - 09:00 PM -
Saturday
04:00 PM - 09:00 PM -
Sunday
04:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Map & Directions
Visitor Reviews
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Morbidly Odd
1 month agoBEST Raviolis I've ever had. Absolutely wonderful atmosphere and service. We ordered the, Michelangelo which was very flavorful and in a large quantity, The Chicken Marsala, which was very easy to cut through, the mushrooms were cooked to perfection and the amount of sauce added was just right. And last but not least, the Ravioli, thick but creamy gorgonzola sauce that blended beautifully with the Raviolis. Will definitely be coming back here and highly recommend visiting. -Alt/goth couple that came in around 7:15 pm.
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Mayra Herrera
1 month agoThis is a hike in the wall place that makes old fashion Italian food that is really good. It’s tiny and charming with white table cloth's. I had the clam linguine that was really good with lots of garlic and clam bits and a few clams on top. I will return and try something new next time.
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M H
2 month agoWe discovered this restaurant on a walk from our air bnb. Everything about it is phenomenal! The serving staff are attentive and kind, and the menu knocks it out of the park. Each entree comes with salad/soup and a fresh hot roll. We’ve come here several times and will certainly be returning! Our favorites so far are the seafood pasta, chicken piccata and chicken Parmesan.
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Filecia Wietzema
2 month agoWow is all I can say! The food is beyond amazing, full of flavor, fresh ingredients, and perfectly prepared. The service is the best I have ever had! This made my whole trip to Long Beach memorable and we will come back and visit again. Thank you for an excellent meal
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Jojo Radio
3 month agoTalk about a little gem on 2nd Street! I had 2 vegetarian pasta dishes and they were both fantastic! This is a very small intimate place to eat, a little pricey (avg $26 a vegetarian dish), but the food really was delicious. The funghi pasta was my favorite of the 2, but like I said, I couldn't have gone wrong with either dish. You can tell the pasta was freshly made too. Yum! Good wine selection and the service is wonderful. I believe we met the owner, a nice happy old man who was smiling the whole time we were there. I will be back to try more dishes soon. Thank you!
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Jennifer Buti
3 month agoThis authentic Italian restaurant has excellent food, a warm atmosphere, and top-notch service. The meat sauce was especially delicious! Rich, flavorful, and clearly made with care. Prices are very reasonable for the quality you get. A cozy spot that feels like a true taste of Italy. I’ll definitely be back!
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Mary T
3 month agoCafe Gazelle has been around for decades and is well-known by locals. A tiny cafe with only about 6-7 tables, it does a superb job of getting out wonderful food at a reasonable price. Is it a bit tight? Yes. Do you occasionally have to watch out for your neighbor or a server? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely. All entrees include a wonderfully toasted, warm roll with fresh butter on the table! You then have a choice between a fresh little salad or a small bowl of soup. I always take the salad and it's light and refreshing. I usually chow down the whole roll but try to pace myself before my pasta arrives. I recently had the Artichoke Pasta and it was wonderful with olive oil, garlic, and, of course, artichoke hearts. My companion had the lasagna and raved about it. I loved that the lasagna had ample sauce on the plate for dipping one's bread! Parking can be absolutely a problem albeit I lucked out and got a space right in front. Free parking after 7pm. Parking lot behind BofA for those of us who drive and find it easier just to pay. Yes, you might have to wait for a table. There are a few outside. They turn over quickly! It's worth it! I'd get there before 7pm or after 8:30! PS. They have a restroom but super small and through the kitchen. Best to skip.
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Griffin Jerke
4 month agoBest Italian food I've ever had. We ordered the chicken meatballs, gnocchi, ravioli and it was all so amazing. It is a hole in the wall but it is a must if you are looking for Italian food in Long Beach. I was telling the server that it was the best Italian food I ever had and multiple people in the restaurant were shaking their head yes.
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