My favorite place for breakfast or brunch in Long Beach is a diner – but it’s not what you think. 

While I love a good greasy spoon – and there are a few good diners in town – the word diner conceals more than it reveals about the Starling Diner. 

The owners are conscious of this – they create a new category of “neighborhood gourmet diner” to describe the Starling.  But whatever you call it, there is no denying the appeal and quality of the food they serve. 

Open only for breakfast and lunch, the Starling Diner offers a wonderful selection of breakfast and lunch options. (NOTE: The website still mentions dinner, but it’s no longer served.) They also have a beer and wine license which allows them to offer a mimosa to readers like me who find that an irresistible addition to a Sunday brunch.  

I have been to Starling more times than I can count and have always been impressed with the quality of the food they serve.  Some of my favorite dishes are the scrambles – which happen to be the most cost-conscious offerings too.  My favorite is the applewood bacon and cheddar scramble, but any of them are worth trying.  An essential ingredient of this breakfast is their signature potato polenta.  It is no longer on the menu – but if you are savvy enough to ask, they will serve it to you.  It is sublime.

Photo by Mark Taylor

My wife is a huge fan of the housemade granola – and it is outstanding but cannot compete with eggs and the potato polenta.  In addition, the San Francisco French toast is outstanding no matter which of the toppings you choose to accompany it.

I also suggest you start with a basket of scones which are baked fresh in house and served with lemon curd and orange flavored butter.  They are the perfect accompaniment for your coffee or mimosa while you wait for your meal.

On my last visit this weekend, I was actually tempted to try their special – gumbo.  Not surprisingly, it was also outstanding.  A very healthy bowl of gumbo with shrimp, sausage, okra, pepper perfectly seasoned so the heat builds gradually with each bite.  By the end of the bowl, I was sweating slightly but I enjoyed every bite!

Photo by Mark Taylor

So whether you want something sweet or savory (from French toast to gumbo) the Starling Café – oops! – DINER is the place for you!

Starling Diner
4114 E. 3rd Street
Long Beach, CA 90814
562.433.2041
Starlingdiner.com
Hours are 8 am to 3 pm Tues – Sun.