Nonna in Long Beach, CA

Pros

• The pasta is incredible and the pastries are delicious.
• The pistachio croissant and the strawberry cream croissant are absolutely delicious.
• Brioche French toast is insanely good.
• The croissant melts in the mouth with a well-balanced meat and cheese ratio.
• The carbonara is authentic, creamy, and flavorful.
• Mafaldine is delicious and almost too good to share.
• The patio seating is adorable and the service is great.
• The bread and pastries are world-class and the pastas are spectacular.
• The croissants are among the best ever.
• The café bakery atmosphere is cozy and inviting with excellent service.
• The coffee and drinks menu are great.
• The overall food is consistently delicious.

Cons

• They described the restaurant's customer service as poor and the staff as inconsiderate.
• They said the staff refused to accommodate a stroller, making the experience painful.
• They decided to leave because they didn't want to support a business with poor customer service.
• They called the service horrible.
• They criticized the ordering process, noting that staff did not log or pack orders and relied on memory.
• They found the croissants extremely disappointing—dense, not flaky, and chewy.
• They found the coffee watery and underwhelming.
• They reported missing pastries upon returning home and no apology when contacted.
• They had to wait 1.5 hours for a group of five.

Review

Nonna Mercato in Long Beach is best suited for food-forward diners who prize artisanal bread, flaky pastries, and handmade pastas, and who want a warm, cafe-bistro atmosphere where meals feel crafted in-house. It’s ideal for pastry enthusiasts who enjoy sampling across a bakery-meets-Italian menu, for brunch lovers seeking a comforting, shareable spread, and for locals who value a neighborhood spot with a distinctly crafted feel. The setting, bright, cozy, with a welcoming outdoor space, encourages lingering over coffee, pastries, or a multi-course lunch. It’s not the pick for those who need rapid turnover, a quiet dining room, or a late-evening meal.

Those who should consider alternatives include guests who prize speed, predictability, or a straightforward, value-driven price point. Weekend brunch can demand a substantial wait, and seating is limited, which can complicate plans for families or larger groups. The hours are restrictive, food stops around 3 pm, so for dinner or late-afternoon cravings it’s not the first choice. A few diners have encountered service inconsistencies or pricing quirks, and the coffee program doesn’t always rise to the same level as the pastry and pasta. For those seeking a quick, quiet, mid-day bite or a guaranteed seat, other nearby options may serve better.

Where Nonna shines is in its bread and pastry program paired with genuinely satisfying pasta. Croissants, strawberry and cream, pistachio, Nutella, are consistently flaky and flavorful, and the house breads are among the best in the area. The pasta lineup, often handmade and al dente, delivers comforting, authentic sauces, from a creamy, yolk-rich carbonara to Mafaldine and other seasonal plates. The kitchen’s commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident, and the atmosphere, patio dining, a market-like bakery, and attentive staff, offers real value for a casual meal that still feels special.

Yet the upside comes with trade-offs. Brunch crowds inflate wait times, and seating realities can frustrate groups, especially on weekends. Some dishes have drawn critique for portion sizes relative to price or for salt or texture that doesn’t meet every diner’s expectations. Beverage quality can be uneven, with coffee occasionally underwhelming in certain preparations, and there are occasional service hiccups during peak hours. Parking remains a practical hurdle, and the 3 pm cutoff on dining limits opportunities for a late lunch or dinner, which can influence decisions for those balancing busy weekend schedules.

Effective planning turns Nonna’s strengths into solid value. Arriving early or being prepared for a wait is wise, and leveraging the bakery counter for pastries and bread allows sampling without committing to a full meal. Lunch offers a balanced mix of antipasti, breads, and pasta, often delivering the best price-to-satisfaction ratio. Standout items include the carbonara and the array of breads, with croissants that are easy to share. Beverages, coffee and specialty drinks, are worth exploring as complements to the pastry-and-pasta focus, even if the espresso isn’t guaranteed to be a homerun every visit.

In the decision framework, Nonna Mercato stands out as a craft-forward destination that rewards time spent exploring both bakery and pasta offerings. It is a strong choice for those who savor artisan bread, elegant croissants, and hearty, well-made Italian pastas in a warm, neighborhood setting. Those prioritizing brisk service, a quieter dining room, or a predictable price point may want alternatives. Plan around hours, anticipate potential waits on busy days, and lean into the bakery-and-pasta strengths to maximize the Nonna experience. For the right crowd, this is a memorable, quality-forward staple in Long Beach.

This part of Long Beach, California offers convenient access to transportation options such as Long Beach Airport, Metro stations, and a nearby port. There are several pharmacies in the area for easy access to medication and healthcare needs. Additionally, there is a variety of cafes, restaurants, and theaters for entertainment and dining options. The proximity to hospitals and physicians provides peace of mind for any potential health concerns. The numerous parks and places of worship offer opportunities for leisure activities and spiritual fulfillment. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded community with amenities that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment in Long Beach.

Transportation

• Long Beach Airport (LGB) (0.6 miles)
• Komar Aviation Group (1.5 miles)
• Metro - Willow Street Station (3.3 miles)
• Port Of Long Beach (6.4 miles)
• Metro La Mirada & Alondra Bus Stop (9.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Costco Vision Center (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2 miles)
• Bopomofo Cafe (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (8.3 miles)
• Starbucks (9.1 miles)

Restaurants

• In-N-Out Burger (2.9 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.9 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (4.1 miles)
• Falcon (4.1 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (4.3 miles)
• McDonald's (4.3 miles)
• Ballast Point Long Beach (5 miles)

Hospitals

• VA Long Beach Healthcare System (3 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Hospital (7 miles)
• Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center (7.8 miles)
• PIH Health Hospital (8.1 miles)
• Department of State Hospitals (8.3 miles)
• Kindred Hospital Westminster (8.8 miles)
• Martin Luther King Jr / Drew Medical Center (9.5 miles)

Parks

• Rossmoor Park (3.5 miles)
• Bluff Park (4 miles)
• Bixby Park (4.1 miles)
• Cerritos Regional County Park (4.8 miles)
• Rainbow Lagoon Park (4.9 miles)
• Shadow Park Hoa (5 miles)
• Shoreline Aquatic Park (5.2 miles)

Theaters

• Harkins Theatres Cerritos 16 (3.8 miles)
• AMC Norwalk 2 (7.5 miles)
• Century Huntington Beach And Xd (10 miles)

Places of Worship

• Saint Hedwig Catholic Church (3.9 miles)
• Cottonwood Church (4.8 miles)

Physicians

• Paramount Physicians (4.9 miles)
• Dostzada, Ghulam Dr - Los Alamitos Cardiovascular (5.5 miles)
• Harbor Ucla Medical Center - David Durkovich Do (9.3 miles)
• Monica B Espiritu M.D. | Kaiser Permanente (9.4 miles)