Nonna

Pros

• The focaccia sandwich was delicious, and the rigatoni that followed was equally delightful with a hint of spice.
• Incredible homemade pasta and delicious pastries are standout items on the menu.
• The pistachio croissant and the strawberry cream croissant were amazing.
• The bread and jam are a must, and the quiche is amazing with the kitchen running smoothly and service being great.
• Carbonara is authentic, creamy, and flavorful; mafaldine is delicious and perfectly al dente.
• The croissant melts in the mouth, and the steak frites are yummy.
• The outdoor patio is adorable, and the coffee and drinks menu is great.
• Attentive servers, like Marissa, elevate the overall dining experience.

Cons

• They described the service as poor and inconsiderate: the stroller request was refused, making the experience painful and leading them to leave and vow not to return.
• They alleged racial discrimination by the hostess toward them and their wife, noting management did not resolve the issue to their satisfaction.
• They criticized the coffee as watery and underwhelming, suggesting coffee is not the restaurant's strength.
• They were disappointed by pastries being only okay and by leftovers available after arriving late.
• They cautioned that brunch can involve a long wait, which negatively affected the experience.

Review

Nonna Mercato in Bixby Knolls feels like one of those warm, welcoming spots where the bakery steals the show even as the kitchen turns out sturdy Italian-inspired plates. The place has a cozy, earth-toned cafe-restaurant vibe, with a charming outdoor patio that invites lingering and a low-key buzz from a kitchen that seems to be constantly moving. Inside, the bakery section is almost its own stage, offering a tempting array of breads, croissants, and pies that you can grab for the road or enjoy at a table. It's the kind of spot where you can pair a casual lunch with a pastry-heavy breakfast or a more ambitious dinner, all under one roof, and the overall mood feels perfect for a relaxed outing with friends or a weekend treat.

Savory dishes pair nicely with comfort-food nostalgia, and the menu is generous enough to please a range of cravings. One reviewer kicked off with a bologna sandwich on focaccia that was delicious, and recommended the accompanying rigatoni with a little kick - an encouraging sign of how the kitchen treats everyday ingredients with confidence. The same person noted a dessert and cake that were memorable, while another guest described the cake as "delish," and the passion fruit cake in particular as so good it made the eater's mouth water. The pastry side of the menu is equally exciting, with flaky croissants and fruit-filled pastries that keep turning up in the best possible ways.

Pastries, in fact, emerge as a recurring highlight. Pistachio croissants and strawberry cream croissants are called out as standouts, and the shop's repertoire includes chocolate and Nutella croissants as well as various fruit pastries. The croissants are praised for their flaky texture and satisfying fillings, with one guest declaring the strawberry-and-cream version a clear winner and another praising the brioche French toast as "insanely good." There's a sense that the pastry game here is deep and well-curated, though there's also a heads-up that late-in-the-day pastry stock can be thinner or less fresh if you're arriving toward closing time.

For pasta lovers, the restaurant earns high marks. Reviewers repeatedly point to handmade pastas that deliver genuine Italian texture and flavor: mafaldine described as delicious, and carbonara noted for authenticity, creaminess, and balanced seasoning. The kitchen's pasta dishes are said to be perfectly al dente, a detail that matters to true pasta fans, and there's also a sense that the menu offers both comfort staples and more inventive options. The croissant dish and the well-balanced meat-and-cheese croissant alongside a well-curated bread selection contribute to a broader sense that the kitchen's skill extends across both savory and sweet offerings. The drinks menu earns praise too, with options like a pistachio matcha latte standing out among a thoughtful lineup of coffee and beverages.

Service experiences span a broad range, highlighting how a place can deliver both memorable hospitality and moments of frustration. Several guests sing the praises of attentive staff - one server in particular is lauded for being friendly and knowledgeable, while Alli the hostess earns enthusiastic appreciation for her work ethic and consistency. Bekah is thanked for accommodating a guest with dietary restrictions, and Marissa receives high marks for making the dining experience feel personal and attentive. Yet there are notable counterpoints: a diner recounts a painful experience trying to seat with a newborn in a stroller, with management and staff reportedly unable to accommodate the situation, leading to a decision to leave rather than accept a less-than-ideal arrangement. Separately, a harsh encounter with a host is described as racist in tone, stirring a broader critique of how staff conduct can impact the experience when institutional standards aren't upheld. These stories underscore that hospitality can elevate or sour a meal, depending on how sensitivity and rules are handled on the floor.

The venue's market presence and practical logistics are also part of the tapestry. Nonna Mercato has a strong footprint at local markets, notably the Soco Farmers Market, where guests hope to see pastas back in rotation and where the bakery's bread and individual pastries are a constant draw. Patrons praise the baguettes and fresh loaves as ideal for a picnic or a quick breakfast, and they routinely mention craving more pasta options when at the market. There's a practical side to the experience as well: parking can be tricky, and brunch crowds can mean a longer wait, with some guests noting an hour-long wait even when they arrive prepared to be seated. The OpenTable waitlist is a practical tip many readers pick up, as is an occasional dissatisfaction with coffee, described as watery, even as the food and pastry quality remains a bright spot.

All told, Nonna Mercato comes across as a neighborhood gem that excels in pastry and pasta, offers a welcoming patio and easygoing brunch-to-dinner versatility, and rewards patience with food that's crafted with care. The bakery's loaves, croissants, and brioche stand up beside a solid line-up of pastas and Italian-inspired dishes, and the service can truly shine when staff members bring warmth, attentiveness, and clear restaurant standards to the table. It's a place that invites you to linger over a pistachio croissant with a pistachio latte, savor a perfectly al dente mafaldine, or enjoy a brioche French toast that converts breakfast into a small celebration. Just be mindful of busy hours, the occasional long wait, and the reality that experiences can vary depending on the moment and the people serving you. If you're pastry- and pasta-obsessed, this is one you'll likely want to return to, time and again.

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)