Starling Diner

Diner · Long Beach

Starling Diner

Diner · Long Beach

2

4114 E 3rd St, Long Beach, CA 90814

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Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
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Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null
Starling Diner by null

Highlights

Casually stylish cafe serving updated diner eats with coffee & wine  

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4114 E 3rd St, Long Beach, CA 90814 Get directions

starling-diner.com
@starlingdiner

$10–20 · Menu

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4114 E 3rd St, Long Beach, CA 90814 Get directions

+1 562 433 2041
starling-diner.com
@starlingdiner

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 8, 2025

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@onthegrid

On the Grid : Starling Diner

"Thankfully for all the denizens of the LBC, our city is ahead of the walkability curve that is creeping into Los Angeles County. Throughout the city you'll find charming establishments like Starling speckled among the city’s many craftsman neighborhoods. When you stop by Starling, make sure at least one of your party members orders their delicious and well known french toast and/or one of their ever-changing specials. Tip: If you want to have some mimosas with your brunch, make sure to sit inside as they don’t serve alcohol on their outdoor patio. You can also walk in and pour yourself a cup of coffee while you wait to be called to your table." - Down the Street Designs

https://onthegrid.city/los-angeles/long-beach/starling-diner
View Postcard for Starling Diner
@onthegrid

"Starling Diner, Long Beach. Thankfully for all the denizens of the LBC, our city is ahead of the walkability curve that is creeping into Los Angeles County. Throughout the city you'll find charming establishments like Starling speckled among the city’s many craftsman neighborhoods. When you stop by Starling, make sure at least one of your party members orders their delicious and well known french toast and/or one of their ever-changing specials. Tip: If you want to have some mimosas with your brunch, make sure to sit inside as they don’t serve alcohol on their outdoor patio. You can also walk in and pour yourself a cup of coffee while you wait to be called to your table."

Los Angeles
View Postcard for Starling Diner

brian perez

Google
Came here for the first time last month with my family and had a lovely time here. Everything in the menu sounds so good, it was a bit difficult to decide. I got the chorizo scramble, others got the stuffed french toast and a salad. I'm convinced you can't go wrong with any of the dishes here. Will be back.

Zan Lee

Google
Stopped in for my first time this past weekend and I enjoyed my breakfast more than I anticipated. It's tucked away in a sleepy, quiet neighborhood part of Long Beach, which I really like because they don't have a dedicated parking lot so it will be street parking, but it's very easy to find in this part of LB. I would not really call this place a diner. It's more of a local hidden gem breakfast spot. Don't expect a giant menu or a coffee counter or other things that you would see at a traditional diner. That being said the food quality is really good and I feel the prices are fair. Our server was also very nice and everything that we ordered arrived quickly after placing our order. They have a few tables outside, but most seating is indoors, but it is quite small so there may be a wait if there are large groups in front of you. I started off my meal with a Caramel Steamer, which is basically like a cappuccino, but with caramel flavoring. For my meal, I chose the Chorizo Scramble and honestly really liked it. It came with a baguette on the side, which was a unique addition and the eggs and chorizo combo really hit the spot. It was also a good sized portion, but I was still able to finish it all. I would definitely recommend this spot to anyone living in Long Beach or to anyone searching for a great local breakfast option.

Jordan Baker

Google
So, I originally wanted the seasonally Nutella French toast but my wife and I shared and she said no. So we got some French toast with fruits and stuff. Man, I did not expect this kind of French toast. This thing looked some someone took a baguette and threw it on a plate, but it was fire. I felt super fancy and stuff. The atmosphere was great, the service was great as well. I’m definitely coming back, for sure. Also, all San Francisco themed which was pretty cool.

Alejandra Castillo

Google
Comfortable space with friendly servers and amazing food. The menu has lots of great options whether you're craving a light breakfast or a hearty dinner meal. There's always lots of parking nearby and they almost always have seats available even on busy Sunday afternoons. The restroom is clean and accessible. The inside space can get pretty loud as there isn't much to absorb sound, but otherwise I have no complaints.

Steve W

Google
Food was creative and well prepared. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. Clean and comfortable setting. This is a definite must visit.

Tony Fu

Google
Relaxing place to enjoy delicious breakfast with prompt and friendly service. I tried the breakfast Polenta, I was a bit surprised it came out like a nice dessert, ha ha. I enjoyed it very much. My friends had the twice baked granola and omelettes, they liked their dishes as well. It was a reunion breakfast, and we were there for a while (90+ min), the server came by many times to top our coffee which was very nice. Parking: avoid Thursday morning if possible, no street parking on one side of the street due to street cleaning. Mist of my party had to find spaces pretty far away. I was lucky to get a space right across the street as someone left.

CeCi Ceci

Google
All the servers were great. It was my birthday and one if the customers and her beautiful toddler daughter came over and sang Happy Birthday to me...so thoughtful and sweet. Victoria was very kind, compassionate and caring💞. The absolute best! Forever grateful for the love I was shown at Starling. The scones are wonderful🤎

Poupee Cabalar

Google
our favorite little diner closed and we we're searching for another place for breakfast. Starling Diner showed up and we gave it a try. We were lucky and got the best table in the house, I thought. And we were seated within 5 minutes. Husband ordered the Chicken sausage and Eggs and I had the Egg Benjamin. Oh and do order the double cream scone, and do the basket as it's a better deal. Comes with house made lemon curd and honey orange butter. oh so good. Coffee was good too! Service was superb. All the servers were super attentive.
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Kamisha S.

Yelp
Always a lovely spot for a catch up with a friend. Their fresh baked scones are my first love and their drinks are my second. I love a chai latte or their boozy drinks. They offer specials for early birds and I am early bird. They also have indoor and outdoor seating, a plus! Check street sweeping times when you are parking nearby.
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Cat N.

Yelp
Probably one of the better diners in the area but mid in my opinion overall. I came here for brunch/lunch on a weekday. I was surprised how busy it was and it seemed like mostly locals. Starling is known for their brunch and lunch items. They have breakfast items such as different scrambles, a variety of stuffed french toast and signature items, sandwiches, and salads. Some items on the menu they have that other diners may not have are things like the blue crab salad and pot roast. But most seemed like items you would find at a typical brunch spot. I do like that they have different alcoholic drinks. For myself, I got their signature Eggs Benjamain which was poached eggs on top of sautéed spinach and topped with smoked salmon. It was served with some roasted potatoes. I wished the menu stated that it came with potatoes because I don't eat potatoes. It was mid and lacked some flavor. But overall it was okay. Probably wouldn't get it again. Service was great. The food came out quick and the waitress was nice. Although it was busy we got seated right away. Starlings is smaller and casual spot. They did have outside dining as well. Parking can be annoying since it is located on the street. You can park in the resident areas.
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Felix M.

Yelp
Had breakfast on Thursday December 12th with three of my golf Buddies and we had a great time. Wanted to bring my wife back today Friday and OSCAR would not let me see it by myself and wait for her even though she was in route to have a cup of coffee. He told me that everyone must be present even though there were empty seats all over. When I told him I was here yesterday and they sat us at different times, he said that he could not remember. I then said well can I have a cup of coffee while I wait for my wife and he said yeah but she won't be able to join you. Really wtf? Last time! Last time! Customer service is number one these days. Anybody can make bacon and eggs anywhere but absolutely ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous, that I can't be seated and order for both my wife and her without her present. Never again! Save your money and go elsewhere. Million places here in Long Beach Belmont Shore area and only came here because it was near the golf course ... but again as you can see half the place is empty. My wife just showed up, 5 minutes from OSCAR not seating me...last time.
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Darla B.

Yelp
Trying a couple different breakfast nooks in Long Beach, Belmont Heights specifically. Some cute decor, the name is the best. We came at a time that they were not busy, which doesn't seem often as they have a podium outside the door to make a wait list. Tried the Peach Brandy Butter Stuffed French Toast, it was totally sweet. Like too much sweet. Create a savory French toast please! Starling Chicken maybe? Also wish they'd offer jam in a jar instead of these single use containers with high fructose corn syrup. I'll check back next visit!
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Nazh D.

Yelp
This is a cute little brunch diner in long beach. Parking is of course side street but if you get there early enough then it shouldn't be too bad. We had a few items we tried, my favorite was the prochutto with marscapone and berries. The blue crab cake was good too and the smoke salmon spinach was delicious. Would definitely like to come back here again.
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Allen Z.

Yelp
Great portion sizes and a lovely ambiance. The drinks were delicious and food came out within 5 minutes of ordering. Couldn't believe how fast service was. Parking was plentiful in the surrounding neighborhood, and we were surprised that there was no wait at 10:30 on a Saturday morning. Scones - came with a lemon sauce and butter. They were clearly fresh and very filling. Texture was a bit more biscuity however. 7/10 Pork sandwich - Came with chimichurri and a salad. The bread was super fresh, and there was a really nice balance of acidity, savory, and richness. 8.5/10 Stuffed french toast with caramelized apples - This was to die for. Super rich so I'd recommend splitting with someone and ordering something savory to go along with it. 9/10
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Dennis G.

Yelp
We stopped in for lunch because we like trying places featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Cute neighborhood restaurant. Friendly staff. Food was great.
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Uel L.

Yelp
Unexpectedly, the place is in the middle of residential community. More like a hole on the wall. Very simple style diner. Service is quick. The waiter was helpful and accommodating. I tried the smoked salmon with scrambled eggs. That was different however, I'm going to try their French toast next time. I heard it's the most popular one that people orders.
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Mary T.

Yelp
I've cycled past this place a gazillion times but finally made a point of stopping in this past Sunday. What a treat. We put our bikes on the rail and sat outside. Table service is quick and friendly. You may need to let them know if you got a table outside as there is indoor dining which gets pretty busy. We ordered the Classic Breakfast, large side of berries and coffee. Simply marvelous. My companion loved the thick applewood bacon and potatoes with their spice blend. I loved the fruit which was fresh and sweet. Coffee was good too. This place is understandably a neighborhood favorite serving breakfast and meals till about 4pm. People just walking over; I think some in their PJs! Family run it's super friendly but also efficient. They don't bog you down with endless chatter while your food gets cold but kindly respond to your questions. I don't eat breakfast out a lot so I'll have to pop back by for lunch.
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Kristen Lemay L.

Yelp
Found this wonderful little gem in the middle of a beautiful residential neighborhood. This makes parking easy and plentiful. Great food. Flavors.. prices,, and wonderful ambience
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Emily B.

Yelp
Walked my dog over to this hidden Belmont Heights diner. It is literally smack dab in the neighborhood and is such a secret treat. Today I ordered their smoked salmon caper crostini and it is delicious. Now, the salmon is quite 'fishy' so warn whomever you are dining with lol. And 'fishy' means good quality. Their vanilla latte hits the spot. Starling Diner is a unique Long Beach gem and their incredible team makes sure you have a nice, casual dining experience.
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Kimberly H.

Yelp
Review is from April 2024. This is our second time visiting Starling Diner. My husband and I came around 11:30AM on a Sunday and waited about 30 minutes before being seated. The restaurant feels very homey but it's very loud inside.. Service is quick and friendly, our dishes came out quickly as well. We ordered: 1. Starling Cooler: Cranberry juice, orange juice, and sparkling water, this drink was super refreshing. 2. Breakfast Bruschetta: The mascarpone was creamy, berries were sweet, and the drizzle of honey was the perfect topper. I really enjoyed this dish! 3. Roasted Mushroom, Spinach & Monterey Jack Egg Scramble: This dish came with potatoes and baguette. I appreciated the amount of mushrooms and cheese that were in the scramble, I just wished the baguette was a bit more toasted. 4. Eggs Benjamin: This dish also came with potatoes and baguette. My husband enjoyed it! Overall we enjoyed our experience and I'm sure we'll be back!
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Noemi N.

Yelp
I recently visited Starling Diner with a friend, and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Parking was a breeze, and there was plenty of indoor seating as well as a few tables outside. Despite being busy, we put our names down and were seated in less than 10 minutes. The menu selection is excellent, with a variety of tempting options. We ordered the breakfast bruschetta, smoked salmon and capers crostinis, and the blue crab cake and scrambled eggs. Every dish was absolutely delicious--fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The staff were quick and incredibly kind. I'm already looking forward to coming back to try more items on the menu. Highly recommend!
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Marcella F.

Yelp
My husband loves "Triple D" (Diners, Drive-ins and Dives) spots when we travel, and I picked this gem. Cute place with outdoor seating. We were told it was going to be a 15 minute wait, so we walked around the block. Cool neighborhood and neat vibe! When we got back to the restaurant, we were seated quickly, outside. Amazing food choices. Husband picked stuffed French toast and salmon crostinis and I had to try the "amazing" scones that I had read about. It was absolutely delicious. The best scone I ever had with an epic orange custardy spread. The French toast and crostini were pretty amazing too! Great service and fun ambiance. Only downfall was canned soda, but the scones made up for it.
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Monica G.

Yelp
Whoa, Starling Diner is beyond delicious, and the ambiance is everything! Tucked away in a charming residential area of Long Beach, this cute little diner is worth seeking out. Parking is street-only, but don't worry--finding a spot isn't too difficult. The service was great, and the Irish coffee was phenomenal. It woke me up and put hair on my chest at the same time--exactly what I needed for a girl's breakfast! The blue crab cakes and eggs were beyond amazing. But the real showstopper was the breakfast polenta. It's not your run-of-the-mill breakfast dish--slightly sweet with the freshest berries on top, served at a soothing warm temperature. I didn't finish it all, but it reheated well the next day. I'm so happy I don't live closer, or I'd be really ripping the scales from indulging here regularly. Highly recommended!
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Leslie M.

Yelp
Omg, it reminds me of a local European cafe. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. They play Bridgeton style classical music. The staff is extremely kind and very attentive. The food and drinks are delicious and beautifully arranged. I went for savory today but I am going to have to go sweet next time. The French toast smells amazing! I am definitely going to be a regular customer.
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Marisol E.

Yelp
Had breakfast with a friend today! Excited to try this place because they had great reviews. I don't live in the area, and always looking to try a good breakfast place. This place did not disappoint. Although alcohol beverages options are available, I ordered simple coffee and my friend order A dirty chai latte. They have an expreso bar, so I'm sure they can prepare fancy express so drinks. So many great choices, I ordered the feta, mushrooms, and spinach scramble, served with potato's and bread. Super tasty scramble, and potatoes were perfection. My friend ordered the crab cakes and eggs, and she enjoyed it also, next time I will try that entree. We also ordered the sweet bruschetta with mascarpone and berries. Super yummy! The mascarpone was just light and sweet. Great service too, didn't have to ask for a coffee refill, they come around and refill! You know it's a great spot, when you don't have wait and ask for a coffee refill. The place is cozy, super cute and home like, but small if it gets busier. We came during the week, but I would imagine it gets busy on the weekends. Only negative thing, it's far from my area. Wished you had a location in Brea!

Gideon G.

Yelp
Great food and service! I love sitting inside or outside in my new favorite diner! All of the scrambles are amazing, along with the potatoes and French toast!!
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Jordyn C.

Yelp
A cozy little diner off 3rd Street with a nice, old-fashioned vibe. There was no wait, and the staff mentioned the diner has been around for over 16 years--understandably so! The food was great. The roasted potatoes were just right, the mascarpone-filled French toast was delicious, and I really enjoyed the citron pressé. The service was friendly and efficient. Definitely worth a visit!
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Jessi C.

Yelp
The Starling Diner is a much loved neighborhood spot. It's surrounded by cute houses with neighbors out walking their dogs. The feeling you get is homey Americana, first half of the 20th century vibes. The food is immaculate. They have well deserved awards and newspaper articles on the walls. We got the roast beef hash and eggs and the stuffed French toast with berries. As well as the citron press, an effervescent minty lemonade which was exceptionally refreshing. As all the reviews have said the French toast is absolutely fantastic. Sweet and crunchy and not remotely heavy. It's balanced and delicious. I've never had roast beef has before but it was really good and well seasoned. I appreciated that it was crunchy on the edges and tender shreds inside. Portions are good but won't leave you stuffed. Could definitely have added a breakfast appetizer which was a new thing to see on a menu. Breakfast for two was in the $50 range. We went at an off time so we were able to walk right in and get a seat. Service was quick and friendly.
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Lisa B.

Yelp
I came here on a weekday for lunch with a couple of my girlfriends. One of my friends said she had seen an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives that featured this restaurant. I had the BLT with a cup of split pea soup. Both were very good. The bacon was thick cut and the sandwich was well constructed. The split pea soup was delicious. One of my friends did not like her tuna melt. She said it was the cheese, but I wondered if it was the capers. It looked good to me. My friend who chose the salad said it was very good and it looked nice and fresh. The service was excellent. Our server's name was Victoria. I had asked her, as I usually do when I'm torn between two dishes, should I have the BLT or the tuna melt. She quickly recommended the BLT. The restaurant is very cute to me and I like the name. It's in a nice residential area in Long Beach.
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Glydia C.

Yelp
Delicious breakfast. Not busy for weekday mornings. Service was good. There was AC on a hot day. Not a bad choice in the area!
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Maria E.

Yelp
Wasn't the greatest fan of the stuff I ordered. I got the "hand carved" turkey sandwich with a side of barley soup: I thought it was going to be actual Turkey but instead I got 2 thick slices of really cheap deli meat which completely ruined the entire sandwich. I ended up returning it and got a BLT instead. The barely soup was way too overpowering with rosemary and was a bit on the sour side. The other people in my party got amazing stuff tho so I'll have to go back and try that. Their French toast was definitely amazing. I would go back but to try other stuff!
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Tony F.

Yelp
Relaxing place to enjoy delicious breakfast with prompt and friendly service. I tried the breakfast Polenta, I was a bit surprised it came out like a nice dessert, ha ha. I enjoyed it very much. My friends had the twice baked granola and omelettes, they liked their dishes as well. It was a reunion breakfast, and we were there for a while (90+ min), the server came by many times to top our coffee which was very nice. Parking: avoid Thursday morning if possible, no street parking on one side of the street due to street cleaning. Mist of my party had to find spaces pretty far away. I was lucky to get a space right across the street as someone left.

P.A. H.

Yelp
Went here for lunch with two friends. Service was immediate, friendly and attentive. Special shout out to Alfredo, our waiter! Friendly, fast and really wants his customers to be happy! We had salmon, pot roast sandwich, slow cooked pork sandwich, and two of us got in house made split pea soup. One friend took home beautiful, fragrant just baked scones to his wife. We all had coffee and agree it's especially delicious! Such ample portions that I was full from the soup! Took a couple of bites of the incredible pot roast and brought it home for dinner tonite.! Can't wait! You definitely should go!!!!!
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Hank W.

Yelp
Such a cute neighborhood cafe. You can feel great in so many ways at this spot: Fresh ingredients, healthy-ish menu with soul, and family vibes from the staff. Bring your family or partner or out of town guest with confidence! Our crew got egg dishes but my Sonoma Salad was the show stealer! Look at all the berries on this tasty fresh salad! Get into it!

Linda E.

Yelp
Came on Sunday Jan 5th at 2:20 just getting into town from San Diego to visit our daughter.I know it was 40 minutes before closing but, it was 40 minutes from closing ! I LOVE LONG BEACH the vibe, the retro feel, the people and love supporting small independent business.We were seated immediately( only 3 other parties present) Asking for a chai latte & was told the machine was cleaned and off.This is 40 minutes before closing.I understand trying to clean what you can before closing but, at the customers expense?I think not.The food was marginal at best.My husband isn't very picky and he didn't like the food.Also, the rather heavy set manager (?) was seated in a booth waiting for us to leave..... A true lack of customer service Won't be back
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Jennifer W.

Yelp
11/12/23 Best breakfast experience in town! It's like "Cheers" where ...Everybody knows your name...and they're always glad you came . Alfredo gives us this big Kool-Aide smile and says, "Hey! How are you guys doing?! Long time no see!" Then hugs us. There's no feeling like this anywhere else. Of course the food is amazing--our usual order: my Eggs Benjamin (I added a side of apple wood bacon coz bacon makes everything better lol) & Hubby's chorizo & eggs with tortillas + his oat milk latte. This is one of the very few places, too, that I order a cup of coffee because it's always great. Do not forget the basket of scones-this completely finishes this wonderful breakfast meal. Freshly baked, crumbly, buttery goodness with orange butter & lemon curd. Jordan was our server, Alfredo always coming b refilling water & coffee. Oscar says Hi. Peter, the owner, very pleasant & hands on helping out & checking up on the customers. The atmosphere overall is what makes the experience here top notch. Hubby & I only hope to find a place like THIS in the Montclair & Claremont area....
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ElizaRose A.

Yelp
I love the food but I won't be back...not sure why they decided to hate on the pups, but they aren't allowed outside anymore. Therefore, I must delete it off my bookmarked faves. Where my pup can't go, I can't go! Not on brunch weekends!
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Jenny A.

Yelp
Having a craving for sweet and delicious french toast? Look no further! The service for a phone order was just as amazing as their dine in. After walking in to pick up, you'll find yourself inside all cozy, and the smells are nostalgic! Highly recommended

Vinnie L.

Yelp
Great service, excellent food. Tried the chorizo scramble & brandy peach French toast. Yum

Manny G.

Yelp
Tasty and friendly hidden restaurant in the heart of Belmont Heights. Walking distance to our old apartment. The food is delicious, can't go wrong with anything in the menu and the staff is very friendly.
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Natasha K.

Yelp
Honestly, this place is a great value and hands down the BEST brunch place in Long beach Everytime I come here, I love it. The food comes out fast and the service is great. It's a cute little place but I wouldn't really call it a diner - I think it's nicer than that!
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Kathleen C.

Yelp
This place is adorable. It's in the neighborhood, and looks nice. It's like a comfy Sunday brunch, it's not posh or hipster, it has its own family/ grandma house vibe. The food was good and service was good. Nothing was really spectacular but with good company, this place held everything we needed to have a pleasant brunch.
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Gladys F.

Yelp
Still good after all these years. The fresh scones, bloody mary are a must. Can't go wrong with any of their offerings. Service is pleasant and love the relaxed vibe.

Leslie D.

Yelp
Darling cafe! I had a chai tea latte, unfortunately it was not as good as it looked. However the ambiance was lovely.
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Kyle N.

Yelp
This is just a note for the Starling Schooner, which is a 100% valid option on the menu here despite lots of other worthy contenders. The yogurt is sweet and vanilla-forward with a consistency like the yoplait yogurt you might have forgotten about in these modern times where Greek yogurt looms heavy. The granola is perfectly sweet and very nut-heavy with a good solid crunch. The fresh fruit is essential and makes this whole thing work. The ratio of yogurt to fruit to granola may vary - I'd say my order today was 15% yogurt, a heavy pile of granola and just enough fruit to cover the top. Filling enough for a leftovers box. Perfect with a black coffee. Service and atmosphere impeccable as always here.
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Ashley R.

Yelp
This was my second visit and it did not disappoint. I was in the mood for their deluxe Bloody Mary. It has a crab claw and the spice is just right. I went with a group of 4. We all tried different dishes: crab cake and eggs, classic with poached eggs, peach French toast, and eggs Benjamin. Prices are reasonable which makes it so much more delicious. Our wait time was about 37 minutes on a Saturday at Noon. We were pleasantly full.
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Mia Kirsten S.

Yelp
Came on a Sunday for brunch, and I was so pleased with how quick it was to be seated! Despite there being a long list, the servers and host were quick to seat us. The food was incredible! I'm a huge fan of savory breakfast items, so the Eggs Benjamin which comes with salmon & poached eggs with potatoes, were delicious. Their coffee is one of the best I've had for a brunch spot. Inside was super cute and very cozy!
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Shawna H.

Yelp
Super cute spot in a residential neighborhood. It appears to have been a house at one time, which makes it unique. They have three tables for two just outside, which provided a quaint, quiet dining experience. Both the menu and the service is great.
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Gissel M.

Yelp
We're turned away because of our dog even though there's outside seating. Love the food but as a dog family we opt for places that are dog friendly. Major disappointment (especially how rudely and un-empathetic the host was )
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Moonnica C.

Yelp
Have had an extreme cravings for a sweet breakfast and Starling Diner was the first to come to mind! To be honest, have never stopped thinking about their french toast since the last time I've had it! It's that good!! This time I got the banana and nutella french toast and yes it's delicious!! It's definitely way sweeter than the peach one I had, but the warm bread is a great balance. Speaking of bread, the temperature it comes out at is delectable! So warm and fluffy, just perfect. I also got a side of smoked salmon because bouncing back from sweet and salt makes each taster better! The salmon is simply amazing. Love that it's folded so prettily as well! Good service, thank you again!
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Kellie A.

Yelp
I've been going to Starling Diner for more than a decade. When I have out of town guests, Starling is where I've taken them for a lovely breakfast. The food has always been great, as has the service. While I'm not what one would be considered a regular, I have brought a good deal of business their way over the years, and have suggested Starling Diner to several of my friends. So, why the one start review? I've always brought my dog with me, and we've always sat on the patio. Today I showed up with my dog, and was told dogs aren't allowed, even on the patio. I asked "Since when?", and was told they'd had "an incident". I was not given details about what happened, so I can only surmise that someone who had a poorly trained dog either bit someone or got into a kerfuffle with another dog. I'm a former restaurant manager. Some of the restaurants I've managed allowed dogs on their patio dining area. While we did have the occasional issue with a poorly behaved dog, the responsibility fell to the owner for any damages or injuries incurred, and we simply let the owner know that while they were welcome to come back, it would have to be without their dog. Perhaps California laws have changed in recent years, but as far as I knew several years ago, the restaurant was not liable for what a guest's dog did: the owner was. Ban the dog who caused the problem, not all dogs. Sorry Starling Diner, you've lost a customer, and I won't be sending anyone else your way. My trained and very well behaved dog will go to The Attic or Ubuntu from now on. I'll miss your French toast the most.
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Eileen A.

Yelp
01/20/24 Have not been here in years. Probably close to 8. It has the same local diner/cafe vibe. I assume since it was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, their popularity looks to keep them busy. I got there around 9:45am and there was a party of 2 ahead of me on the wait list. I consider myself lucky because after my friend and I were seated after a 10 minute wait, it's like they put out a free food sign outside or something because the front door was bombarded with people. I wanted to order everything. Especially the San Francisco stuffed French toast. From their website: VOTED "BEST FRENCH TOAST" BY THE OC WEEKLY TAKE FRESHLY BAKED BAGUETTES & STUFF 'EM W/ SWEET CREAMY MASCARPONE-Y GOODNESS, DIP IN CRÈME ANGLAIS THEN BROIL, NOT FRY. IT'S FRENCH TOAST RE-IMAGINED. I was torn between a regular breakfast and this. But I wasn't ready for a sweet breakfast I guess. I opted for the breakfast bundle: APPLEWOOD BACON, SCRAMBLED EGGS, CHEDDAR CHEESE & POLENTA POTATOES. TOPPED W/ COUNTRY GRAVY. When my order came, I was a little disappointed because it was wrapped in a tortilla. Not so much like a burrito but like a cone. It was really good but I was wanting more of a country breakfast. Yes, I could've easily just opened it up and not eat the tortilla, but I didn't. I still ate it all lol it comes with a side of house baby green salad. We also ordered the Basket of double cream scones. Baked every morning in small batches. Served w/House-Made Lemon Curd and Orange-Honey Butter. These were yummy with the amazing butter. Overall 7/10 for today's dish. There are so many items on their menu. I'll definitely be back to try them all.
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Jemila P.

Yelp
We were greeted properly and had our choice of seating upon entering. The restaurant was quietly busy, but we felt attended to throughout our meal. The scone was buttery, moist and delicious. We ordered crab cakes and roast beef hash. Both were excellent choices- seasoned well with crispy edges!

T D.

Yelp
Have been here several times years ago. Unfortunately our experience this time was completely different. Now I see what the negative reviews were talking about. Service and food have gone downhill. Very disappointed. Won't be back
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Ryoung K.

Yelp
A group of us went on Saturday around 10:30 am and we had to wait about 20 minutes until the big table was cleared. I ordered the French toast with the caramelized apples... I have to say that it is the best French toast I've tasted. So warm and perfectly sweet... and can you believe I didn't even like French toasts before trying starling diner's French toast? Nice homey ambiance and the staff are friendly and accommodating. There was enough street parking on a Saturday during 10:30-11 am. Just FYI on certain weekdays there is street sweeping. Sorry I don't remember which days!
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Debra T.

Yelp
Always a wonderful experience to go to the Starling Diner! The food is unique and delicious .. offering tasty dishes and the best scones ever!! It's small and quaint, with excellent service and ambience
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Jonathan N.

Yelp
The breakfast at this place is like no other. The French style meal and the their honey something coffee. Omg! Yes I have forgotten most of the name but I have I forgotten the taste, NO! Go try it.