The Bungalow Kitchen Belmont Shore Opening in Long Beach

 

Long Beach gained a chic, new restaurant with The Bungalow Kitchen Belmont Shore–the latest outpost of the Bungalow Hospitality brand. A departure from its Santa Monica and Huntington Beach predecessors, this unique brand concept of a lounge-worthy eatery is the result of a partnership between Bungalow’s Brent Bolthouse and award-winning Chef Michael Mina. The “social dining” space opened its doors on March 4th, 2021 to a community of Long Beach’s Belmont Shore diners.

Brent Bolthouse has established himself as a veteran in the hospitality and nightlife industries through decades of success in Los Angeles. After opening the first Bungalow in 2012, the brand has grown to become a staple in its Santa Monica and later Huntington Beach neighborhoods. Joining with Michelin-starred Chef Michael Mina for The Bungalow Kitchen was a natural collaboration for the two. “Brent is a longtime friend of mine,” notes Mina, “We are so excited to collaborate on our first brand new restaurant concept and to utilize his deep roots in the industry with the launch of The Bungalow Kitchen.”

While plans for a Long Beach Bungalow have been in the works for years, the untimely pandemic spurred a shift in plans for the restaurateurs. “The original plans for Belmont Shore was to open the third Bungalow location, but Michael and I quickly shifted gears to rebrand and pivot to The Bungalow Kitchen in response to the pandemic, opting to launch our new brand concept there first,” Bolthouse explained. Plans for a Northern California Bungalow Kitchen in Tiburon are still currently in development.

Guests of The Bungalow Kitchen Belmont Shore can expect to be wowed by the living room-like setting, a “community clubhouse” for cocktails, dining and socializing. Perched on the upper floor of the 2nd & PCH shopping center, the eatery overlooks the water of Long Beach’s Alamitos Bay. Similar to other Bungalow locales, eclectic, bohemian decor will make the comfy hideaway perfect for lounging. The 10,000 square foot space, designed by frequent Bungalow collaborator Studio Collective, boasts custom furnishings, stylish artwork and rock and roll-inspired decor reflecting the nostalgia of Long Beach’s punk rock influences. Mixing a traditional bungalow style with sleek, musical elements creates an environment of eccentric refinement for visitors to unwind.

Similar to other Bungalow outposts, the multi-room layout allows for a residential feel that creates a welcoming ambiance of comfort. Rooms in varying sizes and styles add an additional layer to the dining experience, offering multiple backdrops for guests to enjoy themselves. The plush seating in the dining room is perfect for large party visits or cozy date nights, with a fireplace bringing warmth to the space. The game room features a pool table for a fun, post-dinner activity, while the sunroom provides a sophisticated locale for sipping cocktails. No waterfront restaurant would be complete without outdoor seating, making Bungalow Kitchen’s 3,000 square foot patio ideal for al fresco dining with a view of the bay.

The social dining experience at The Bungalow Kitchen Belmont Shore is elevated by Chef Michael Mina’s dinner and late night menus of California cuisine, with a brunch menu soon to be added. An emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients brings fresh flavors to the variety of indulgent plates. Guests can start their dining experience with table snacks like Crispy Duck Wings or Prosciutto-Wrapped Asian Pears. A raw bar includes items like Tai Snapper Ceviche Verde and Tuna & Tomato Poke, as well as platters that may be shared between 2-4 people. Salads like the King Crab & Endive Caesar are sure to impress, while pastas like the House-Made Rigatoni and Spicy Lobster Spaghetti will be seaside favorites. The Kitchen also offers grilled and roasted selections like Charcoal-Grilled Lamb Tenderloin and Grilled Sea Bream, alongside Chef Michael Mina’ signature Lobster Pot Pie, featuring whole Maine Lobster, Truffle-Lobster Bisque & Petite Root Vegetables. 

 

Aside from dinner, the limited late night menu will also satisfy cravings with items like the Bungalow Burger and “Boardwalk” Crinkle-Cut Fries. Bites will be paired with a drink menu of classic cocktails and an expansive wine list of curated selections. Delivery and takeout are also expected to be in The Bungalow Kitchen’s future, soon allowing patrons to enjoy Chef Mina’s creations right at home. Bolthouse and Chef Mina bringing a fresh, new dining destination to Long Beach is sure to attract excited local patrons ready to enjoy their piece of the renowned Bungalow brand. The success of Bungalow Huntington Beach suggests this twist on the widely-acclaimed bars will make waves in the Long Beach restaurant scene for years to come.