Bacari, a Los Angeles-based Mediterranean-inspired restaurant group, is preparing to open a new location in Long Beach at 5620 2nd Street.
The company’s new location appears to be moving into the current home of Michael’s on Naples, a long-standing Italian restaurant in the Belmont Shore neighborhood, according to a recent liquor license application. While an exact opening date has not been announced, this will be the company’s 10th location, and 9th in Los Angeles. The restaurant is known for its small plates, craft cocktails, and casual, social dining experience.
Founded in 2008 near the University of Southern California, Bacari has since expanded to several neighborhoods in the Greater Los Angeles area. The Long Beach opening will be the group’s first location in the city. The restaurant’s current locations include Silver Lake, West 3rd Street, Playa del Rey, Glendale, West Adams, Sherman Oaks, Beverly Hills, and, most recently, Culver City.
Bacari is operated by brothers Danny and Robert Kronfli and Executive Chef Lior Hillel, who has an extensive background in fine dining. A separate location is also planned for San Diego, expected to open in early 2026, which will mark the brand’s first move outside Los Angeles County. While it’s unclear when the new Long Beach site will open, it will likely happen after the company’s San Diego debut.
The menu includes a wide range of Mediterranean-inspired small plates, such as barramundi crudo, green falafel, and lamb hummus, as well as wood-fired pizzas, seasonal vegetables, and handmade pastas. The beverage program features cocktails like the Bacarita and Espress Yourself, along with curated wine and beer selections.
The Belmont Shore location spans two stories and has long served as a dining staple in Long Beach. Bacari’s entry into the space represents a shift toward more casual, shareable dining in a neighborhood already known for its vibrant food scene.
