La Parolaccia Osteria - Long Beach

When you walk into La Parolaccia Osteria, you might feel the urge to say things like “ciao bella” and take pictures in front of some Roman pottery. That’s because this restaurant looks like a villa in Tuscany where servers greet their regular customers with consensual cheek kisses. Most people come here to feast with groups of friends, but there are also a couple of candlelit two-top tables that work well for a lively date night.

The many wonders of the carb master and gluten samurai that is pizzaiolo Michael Procaccini cannot be understated: glorious pastas, spectacular paninos made from in-house focaccia, and, of course, practically perfect Roman pizzas. For its many years, many of the patrons at the long-loved (and rightfully so) Roman restaurant that is La Parolaccia have been led toward their pastas and pizzas—but it wasn’t until son of the patriarch Michael began honing his pizza skills that the restaurant became what could arguably be called the best pizza in Long Beach. Beautifully straddling the line between a nearly carb-for-carb imitation of Roman pizza proper and something distinctly Long Beach, Procaccini ability to master gluten, toppings, and the 900-plus degrees of his shipped-from-Italy wood fire oven are nothing short of spectacular.

Nearly every local pizza restaurant offers a gluten-free option, from the traditional Roman style woodfired pizzas at La Parolaccia Osteria (2945 E Broadway) to the pizzas inspired by the love of horror and metal at The 4th Horseman (121 W 4th St). Both will substitute a gluten-free crust on request, and the Horseman also offers cauliflower crust for any pizza. Other pizza shops friendly to gluten-free diners include Rance’s Chicago Pizza (5258 2nd St) and Buono’s (250 W Ocean Blvd A / 401 W Willow St), which also offers gluten-free pasta.

La Parolaccia has been family-owned and operated since 2006, and that family-oriented focus shines through the restaurant's welcoming atmosphere and quality cuisine. Founder Stefano Procaccini originally hails from Rome, and uses La Parolaccia as a platform to spotlight classic homestyle Roman fare. The Italian staples that stock their menu have kept Southern Californians wanting more, and over the course of its 17 years in business, the restaurant has become a go-to favorite for many locals.

When you walk into La Parolaccia Osteria, you might feel the urge to say things like “ciao bella” and take pictures in front of some Roman pottery. That’s because this restaurant looks like a villa in Tuscany where servers greet their regular customers with consensual cheek kisses. Most people come here to feast with a group of friends, but there are also a couple of candlelit two-top tables that work well for a lively date night.

La Parolaccia Osteria is a family owned and operated restaurant with a relaxed and intimate atmosphere where everyone is treated as family and comes to enjoy delicious pastas, pizzas, great wine and occasionally bad language, but strictly in Italiano. Its’ got a real lively feel with all the right noise, smells and service to be classified as a true trattoria. Pasta and Pizza done right under one roof.

By that, I mean that it was largely described as basic and inexpensive. While I am honored and happy to see my heritage’s cuisine reaching the upper echelons of fine dining, I am discovering more and more that high-quality, simple Italian food, the kind that made “ The Silver Spoon” so important, is no easy feat to find. Much like a good mole on the Mexican end.

La Parolaccia means "bad language" in Italian, and for those that are speakers of Italian may notice the staff is swearing up a storm. Done in good spirits and only between staff members, it only adds to the charm of this cozy and inviting Long Beach spot. The menu offers all the traditional favorites expected from two chefs hailing from Milan and Rome.

If you’re looking for an incredibly authentic Italian pizza, make your way down to La Parolaccia Osteria. This Long Beach gem specializes in classic Roman cuisine and has a full scale Italian menu in addition to their pizza selection. The atmosphere at La Parolaccia is relaxed and intimate.

2945 E Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90803Phone:562-438-1235 Visit Website. A post shared by La Parolaccia Osteria Italiana (@laparolacciausa). Absolutely a customer favorite, La Parolaccia Osteria is one of the busiest restaurants in all of Long Beach, so be sure to make a reservation first.

My second favorite Italian restaurant in Long Beach is La Parolaccia Osteria, where the Pizzolo is actually from Italy!. Outstanding quality and great prices. Vino E Cucina is more high-end, but it’s also a great option for great handmade pastas.

La Parolaccia Osteria Italiana is a dog-friendly Italian restaurant with a large, outdoor pet-friendly patio. You can add a delicious bread basket to any meal. And while you’re there, you’ll want to try some of their most popular dishes.

At La Parolaccia Osteria, it’s easy to feel very well tended to, and cared for. The place is painted in a vintage, somewhat distressed ochre, making it look like a venerable villa in Tuscany. There’s a blazing pizza oven in one room.

For a real homestyle Italian-cooked meal, La Parolaccia Osteria is the place to visit. The chefs in the kitchen only make the experience more genuine as they toss pizza dough over their heads while speaking Italian.

With the literal translation being “The Bad Language,” it might be surprising to see that La Parolaccia made the list. But if you’ve ever been there, you’ll get it. It’s the epitome of charming.

Milana's New York Pizzeria" is a family owned and operated restaurant. We wanted to bring an authentic New York style pizza to Long Beach.