Long Beach Seafood

Long Beach lays claim to inventing black pepper crab back in 1959, and that peppery, buttery, intensely aromatic wok-fried crab remains the reason to come. Now a small chain, its sprawling Dempsey Hill branch is a classic spot for a big, leisurely seafood dinner under the trees. Beyond the signature crab, regulars order live Boston lobster, drunken prawns steeped in herbal wine, and the gloriously messy bamboo clams in garlic. It's built for groups and celebrations, so come hungry and with a crowd. Reserve ahead at weekends, and remember crab and lobster are priced by weight at seasonal rates.