Modica's Deli — Restaurant in Long Beach

In April of 2023, my videographer and I had finished at FormulaDrift where we filmed for a company called Torque Motorsport. After walking for 12+ hours, we wanted to find a quiet place to have dinner to celebrate our success. As we walked by this location, someone asked us to come in. We politely accepted and the rest was history. The owner, son, and staff were incredibly polite. They asked us about our history in motorsport, spent time talking through the menu, and then recommended their favorite dishes (which were delicious). Afterwards, we met a local resident who visited this restaurant frequently and knew the owners who had seen that I was cold and since a trip back to the hotel would end the night early, offered a spare jacked for me. I was blown away. The owners spent the night with us talking a bit about their racing history & support, their family involvement in racing, and laughed as we tried all sorts of different dishes. A larger group came a bit after us who were also very sweet (and new us from youtube) and it became just 1 big happy atmosphere. I promised this staff I would return in 2024 and I am hoping to do so for the Long Beach Grand Prix with Michelin. Either way, this review is 9 months late, but still well...

New in town and thought this was a coffee shop. Stayed to try a new place by my home. Ordered the lobster ravioli. It was ok. Not bad, not great. What I didn’t like was the service. My waitress was cute and sweet but the hostess wasn’t the most pleasant at first. I ordered coffee and the pesto toast. She explained that they weren’t serving that to go. So I ordered ravioli but it just felt sort of awkward and confusing. Maybe it’s normal in Long Beach that restaurants serve breakfast lunch and dinner at different times etc. but I didn’t really get it. It didn’t feel like a sit down restaurant at all. I realized how important service is. I think food is important too but good service and a light positive attitude goes such a long way: The young blonde waitress was sweet and she kind of made up for the rest. It just didn’t have that warm and welcoming feel that I appreciate. It’s unfortunate because it’s in a nice location and close but I doubt I’ll be returning. I’ll probably go back to 4th street. The people seem much more friendly and open. It could have also been the time of day. Maybe they were just tired. Not sure but a bit disappointed. Looking forward to trying the coffee...

I stopped in here for the first time last night. Anthony was extremely welcoming and the set up was fantastic.

The Caprese was done SO well and it had the best looking basil I have ever seen. I usually like my basil somewhat shredded on Caprese but I much preferred this presentation. The Olive oil Balsamic combination was the perfect consistency as well.

Then I moved on to the olive oil + garlic with spaghetti with 4 meatballs and it was excellent. The meatballs are perfect size with the combination of flavors slowly making you realize you are devouring the entire dish.

Finally, I had the soup of the day which was sausage and... other stuff. I honestly took it down in like 5 seconds so I only remember it was fantastic.

Can't wait to bring friends and family...