If you’ve been searching for the best new waterfront restaurant in Long Beach, look no further. Fuego, the signature lounge at The Maya, has officially unveiled its reimagined identity, and I got to experience it firsthand at an exclusive evening celebrating the transformation, complete with an overnight stay at the hotel. My mom and I joined in on the festivities, and from the food to the cocktails to the ambiance, it was truly a fabulous night from start to finish — confirming this is one of the most exciting openings on the Long Beach waterfront this year.
A Coastal Lounge Reimagined
Fuego has evolved into a Latin-inspired lounge and bar experience, featuring refreshed indoor and outdoor spaces, new furnishings, cozy fire pits, an updated cocktail program, and an entirely new menu. The redesign draws inspiration from Long Beach’s coastal setting while honoring Mayan craft heritage, blending weathered wood, sun-faded stone, raw plaster walls, breezy linens, and woven textiles with a palette of coastal blues and warm neutrals. The result is a refreshed waterfront setting made for relaxed dining, easy conversation, and sunset margaritas.
Tequila Cocktails & Handcrafted Drinks
At the heart of Fuego’s new identity is its vibrant bar program, led by Manager of Beverage and Mixology Preston Crespo. The rollout of new tequila cocktails and handcrafted concoctions includes the Shoreline Spritz, made with berry-infused tequila, peach, simple syrup, lemon, and sparkling wine, and El Fresco del Verde, a refreshing mix of señora leona blanco, pineapple, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime. For something bolder, the Crimson Coastline blends Latin flavor with tiki-lounge flair, combining Havana Club Puerto Rican rum, sherry manzanilla, passoã, blood orange, and lime.
New Menu, New Favorites
Executive Chef Luis Torres has introduced a lineup of flavor-driven dishes, and after visiting, I have a few new favorites I can’t stop thinking about: the Ahi Tuna Tostada, the Poke Nachos, and the Ancho Fried Calamari were absolute standouts, along with the Branzino a la Plancha, served with tomatillo, mango, charred onion, lemon, and black garlic. Other dishes to try include the Hamachi Crudo with cucumber, aguachile, avocado, mango, jicama, and serrano, and the White Bean Hummus with sesame, espelette, and house za’atar, served with a grilled flour tortilla. My party also ordered the Petit Filet, and while I didn’t get to try it myself, it earned rave reviews at the table.
Café de Fuego: A New Morning Ritual
The next morning, we took a peaceful walk along the water, stopping to admire the Queen Mary in the distance before heading back for breakfast at the new Café de Fuego.
Fuego’s evolution didn’t stop at dinner. The new Café de Fuego brings a morning coffee and pastry program to the space, featuring local Long Beach favorites Sheldrake Coffee Roasting and Colossus Bakery. Guests can start their day with freshly roasted coffee blends and indulgent pastries, including seasonal muffins, butter croissants, and chocolate croissants.
Hours:
- Café de Fuego: Daily, 7 – 11:00 am
- All-day dining: Sundays – Thursdays, 11:00 am – 9:00 pm and Fridays – Saturdays, 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Brunch: Saturdays – Sundays, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Bar & Lounge: Sundays – Thursdays, 11:00 am – 10:00 pm and Fridays – Saturdays, 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Reservations can be made on OpenTable
A Night to Remember
Between the standout dishes, the handcrafted cocktails, and the effortless coastal design, our time at the newly refreshed Fuego was everything a waterfront getaway should be — relaxed, memorable, and full of little moments worth savoring. Whether you’re planning a mother-daughter escape of your own or simply a night out with friends, Fuego at The Maya is officially a must-visit on the Long Beach waterfront.
More Things to Do in Long Beach
While you’re in the area, make a whole day (or weekend) of it. Visit the Long Beach Aquarium for an up-close look at marine life, or take in the beautiful water views with a picture-perfect vantage point of the historic Queen Mary. For something more active, rent jet skis and take advantage of Long Beach’s calm waterfront waters. Between the food, the views, and the laid-back coastal energy, Fuego and its surrounding waterfront make for one of the best day trips — or overnight escapes — in Southern California right now.
