The former general manager of Second Street’s Michael’s on Naples restaurant, Massimo Aronne, is set to open his own Italian Restaurant right next door.
Local diners are excited to have Aronne — along with his wine expertise, culinary knowledge and can-do personality — back on the block.
The new restaurant had its soft opening on Thursday, Jan. 29. The eatery is located at 5616 E. Second St., and throughout the building’s remodel, Aronne made sure to include some subtle homages to his culinary history.
Some of those Easter eggs include Chianina artwork in the restroom, a prized Murano glass collection, a photo of a vintage Vespa and another featuring an old school red Fiat.
A peek inside Massimo’s, a new Italian eatery in Belmont Shore. (Photo by Jo Murray).
Massimo Aronne poses outside his new restaurant in Belmont Shore. (Photo by Jo Murray).
Artwork inside Massimo’s, a new Italian restaurant in Belmont Shore. (Photo by Jo Murray).
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A peek inside Massimo’s, a new Italian eatery in Belmont Shore. (Photo by Jo Murray).
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The spot once home to a pizzeria and market has been transformed. Marble tables have been reimagined, and the room has been adorned with wall treatments to reduce noise and artwork featuring towns that hold significance to Aronne.
The restaurant’s offerings of filtered water, small plates, the glassware and the tasteful cases with simple flowers at each table all have a familiar feel to them — almost like coming home.
Aronne, at one time, thought the name of his new restaurant should be Bella de Napoli in honor of his daughter and his hometown — but later decided naming it after himself was a better fit. It truly is Massimo’s: He’s the chef and manager.
And locals will likely recognize the staff as well, since he’s brought the Micahel’s on Naples band back together.
The new menu includes antipasti, salads, focaccia and pizzas.
Some dishes will be crafted from his own mother’s recipes, including a comfort food pasta with potatoes and smoked mozzarella.
Panxa Cocina
Panxa Cocina’s new chef, Richie Ramirez, has unveiled a new menu — which is a delightful reflection of his culinary talents that pays respect to the legacy of the restaurant’s late chef Arthur Gonzalez.
With three months at the restaurant’s helm, as the chef, Ramirez is hitting his stride. While he’s kept some of his predecessor’s recipes on board, he’s also added a few of his own creations. The result is a wonderful dining experience honoring New Mexico favorites with a California touch.
Charred pulpo (octopus) served with pickled grapes in a mole blanco sauce at Panxa Cocina in Long Beach. (Photo by Jo Murray).
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Charred pulpo (octopus) served with pickled grapes in a mole blanco sauce at Panxa Cocina in Long Beach. (Photo by Jo Murray).
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Gonzalez and his wife Vanessa Auclair opened Panxa Cocina in 2014 in Belmont Heights. The restaurant’s vibe from the Gonzalez era remains — and there is a renewed sense that every recipe has been tested and retested to make its offerings as delicious as possible.
On my recent visit, I enjoyed the shrimp and creamy grits, charred pulpo (octopus) served with pickled grapes in a mole blanco sauce, and caramelized corn. Many of the menu items incorporated New Mexico Hatch chiles — showcasing the restaurant’s classic Southwestern influence.
New businesses
Belmont Shore Business Association executive director Heather Kern reports that Zarape Cocina & Cantina will be celebrating its grand opening Monday, Feb. 2nd at 9:30 a.m.
It will be the second location for Zarape, which already has a restaurant in West Hollywood. The Long Beach spot will live at 4702 E. 2nd St.
“Come meet Stefano, the visionary behind Zarape, explore their beautifully designed space, and hear the story behind this much-anticipated new addition to the Shore,” Kern wrote in an email.
Kern also noted that the ice cream shop dubbed “Sorry not Sorry” plans to open in late February or early March.
Speaking of new businesses, Buen Provecho will also join Long Beach’s culinary offerings.
The Mexican restaurant will celebrate its grand opening on Wednesday, Feb. 4 with a ribbon cutting ceremony at noon. The event will feature special menu items, handcrafted cocktails, and free tacos for the first 100 guests.
Buen Provecho is located at 301 The Promenade North.
Chiang Rai
If you’re looking to enjoy a Long Beach restaurant with some history, search no further than Chiang Rai.
The eatery, named after one of Thailand’s major cities, was one of the first Thai restaurants opened in Long Beach. It was originally named Dear Heart Café when it opened in the 1970s. Chef Junyawan Noi-Inta and her husband, Kiattisak Suyanon, recently took over the longstanding Thai restaurant, with its unique brick corner facade, on Anaheim Street.
Chiang Rai is a popular Thai eatery in Long Beach. (Photo by Jo Murray).
Chiang Rai is a popular Thai eatery in Long Beach. (Photo by Jo Murray).
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Chiang Rai is a popular Thai eatery in Long Beach. (Photo by Jo Murray).
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It is a small café that doesn’t accept reservations and always seems to have a line out front. Regulars either opt for takeout or stop by in advance and add themselves to the online queue.
Chiang Rai has been recognized in the 2025 Michelin Guide USA as a restaurant that offers “good cooking” and does not disappoint.
Dining and Cooking