Long Beach has no shortage of good restaurants, but every once in a while, a place opens that immediately feels like it belongs here. Not because it’s flashy or trying too hard, but because it understands what this city is about—community, good energy, and food that feels real. That’s exactly the vibe at Bushfire Kitchen, the newest restaurant to land near the Traffic Circle, and I’ll be honest… I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did.
Clean Comfort Food That Actually Tastes Good
Bushfire is built around a simple idea: comfort food that doesn’t make you feel gross afterward. Think grass-fed beef, cage-free chicken, sustainable salmon, and a kitchen that actually cooks—like, from scratch. You won’t see microwaves or pre-made sauces here. And you can taste that right away.
Their menu hits both sides of the spectrum. If you’re craving something indulgent, they’ve got juicy burgers and mac and cheese that should honestly come with a warning label. But if you’re trying to stay on track, they’ve got these chef bowls packed with grains, veggies, and fresh proteins that taste healthy without feeling like punishment.
That’s what makes Bushfire different from most places in the “clean eating” lane—it’s not pretending to be healthy; it just is, naturally.
The Peri Peri Chicken That Stopped Me Mid-Conversation
I have to talk about the Peri Peri Chicken Plate. The owners have South African roots, and this dish clearly means something to them. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like a story. The sauce is spicy but not aggressive, tangy with a citrus kick, and packed with garlic in the best way possible. It hits you with layers of flavor, not just heat.
It’s not just good—it’s memorable. It’s the kind of dish that makes you think, “Okay, these people aren’t playing.”
And Then There Are the Empanadas…
Everyone’s been talking about the empanadas, so of course I had to try them. I ordered the Blueberry + Cream Cheese Empanada, thinking it might be too sweet or gimmicky. Nope. It’s crispy on the outside, warm and soft on the inside, and somehow both comforting and exciting at the same time. You can tell they tested it until it was perfect.
This is the dish I’d bring someone here for. It’s a conversation starter. A “you have to taste this” moment. And that says a lot about a restaurant—when even their dessert tells you who they are.
A Restaurant That Actually Wants to Be Part of Long Beach
What really caught my attention wasn’t just the food—it was the energy. Bushfire Kitchen isn’t just dropping into the city and hoping people show up. They’re already getting involved.
They’ve been connecting with local schools, hosting fundraisers, recognizing first responders and teachers, and looking for ways to contribute to the neighborhood. Even Councilmember Kristina Duggan stopped by during their opening to welcome them in—which doesn’t happen unless a business has already made a positive impression.
That matters. Long Beach doesn’t support places just because they’re new. We show up for restaurants that show respect for the community. Bushfire is doing that right away.
Bushfire Kitchen isn’t trying to be trendy. It’s not trying to reinvent anything. It’s simply good food made the right way, by people who care about what they’re serving and the community they’re serving it to.
This feels like a spot that’s going to quietly build a loyal following—and I can already see myself becoming one of those regulars.
If you love comfort food, but also love feeling good after you eat… if you want to support a place that’s here to be part of Long Beach—not just profit from it… if you just want a damn good meal made with real ingredients… go check out Bushfire Kitchen.
And whatever you do, get the empanadas.
📍 Bushfire Kitchen
3967 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807
Open Daily: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Happy Hour: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Looking for more Long Beach restaurants worth your time?
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