A Taste Of Italy In Long Beach, California

Named after the type of cattle in Northern Italy that also inspired their menu, Chianina Steakhouse serves a variety of steaks from their own Chianina herd that are lean and tender.  The restaurant is part of Michael's Restaurant Group, which also includes Michael's on Naples and several pizzerias.

The 90-seat restaurant houses tables and intimate booths with dark lighting. Diners can choose from a three-course prix fixe dinner that can include monthly special like roasted bone marrow, hanger steak, or jidori chicken and dessert for $49; other special monthly menus, including a new Chianina focused tasting menu, boast items such as marrow crème brulee, Chianina beef tongue salad, Chianina beef tartare, braised Chianina oxtail cavatelli, Chianina bistecca alla fiorentina, and an autumn spice cake dessert for $69; of course, guests can also order a la carte off of the menu.

In addition to the specialty Chianina steak options — which are worth the price but limited in nightly quantity — the steakhouse also serves a variety of Piedmontese and prime rib cuts.

Appetizers include scallops and butternut squash, pork belly, roasted bone marrow, chicken liver mousse, foie gras, and a variety of salads.  For seafood lovers, the restaurant offers a nice selection of fresh oysters and a big mixed seafood platter.

Main courses include rack of Colorado-raised lamb, Liberty Farm duck breast, a pork porterhouse, lobster, swordfish, and a selection of pasta dishes.

Sides run the gamut from traditional to specialized dishes. Standard steakhouse sides such as a wide variety of potatoes (fries, gnocchi, mashed, butterballs and gratin) and vegetables (creamed spinach, mushrooms and cauliflower) are offered, as well as unique seasonal dishes including fairy tale eggplant, heirloom carrots with cumin, and brussels sprouts with pancetta.

Desserts include a chocolate semifreddo with salted caramel, toffee cake, banana pudding, and panna cotta with spiced poached apple.

The bar offers a wide selection of specialty cocktails and wines alongside a limited food menu of a Chianina burger, meatloaf, mussels, duck wings, and corned beef.