Cuisine Scene: Cake

Look, we’re not going to get drawn into the very volatile cake-versus-pie debate. Everyone knows Long Beach’s credentials as a Pie Town, still the city has equally solid cred when it comes to cake. Here are spots that can serve it up any way you desire: sliced, whole or customized for a special occasion. Afterall, the “C” in LBC stands for “Cake ” … OK, it doesn’t, but you get the point.

BUONO’S PIZZERIA

Well known for serving some of the best pizza and pasta in the city, you might be surprised to find out that Buono’s Pizzeria (250 W. Ocean Blvd./401 W. Willow St.) has an incredible chocolate cake that has long been a staple of its menu. Just one slice is a sort of revelation, alternating rich, dense chocolate cake with a moist chocolate filling that is decidedly airy, giving it a richness of flavor that is both intense and light.

SWEET JILL’S BAKERY

Any local will tell you that one of the great pleasures of strolling Belmont Shore’s Second Street is the heavenly whiff of cinnamon rolls one gets while passing by the iconic Sweet Jill’s Bakery (5001 Second St). Thing is, Sweet Jill’s also offers a wide variety of cakes, everything from chocolate to carrot to pineapple upside down to lemon, all sliced and ready for you to enjoy.

GEMMAE BAKE SHOP

You can find a delicious selection of breads, rolls, and pastries as well as a decadent, purple-hued ube banana cream pie here, and Gemmae Bake Shop (1356 W Willow St) also offers a wide variety of cakes, including a popular pandan tres leches. You can get them by the slice or order them customized in the shape of a unicorn, dinosaur, baby carriage or just about anything that strikes your fancy. Of course, Gemmae also offers a wide array of traditional Filipino dishes like its famed Lumpia Shanghai.

JONGEWAARD’S BAKE-N-BROIL

Simply one of the city’s most beloved eateries, Jongewaard’s Bake-N-Broil (3697 Atlantic Ave) has been serving all manner of food, bakery items and, when you get right down to it, comfort. Their pies might be better known–they hand make more than 2,000 every Thanksgiving–their cakes are no less legendary. Architectural in structure and generous with flavor, some of the more popular creations include their carrot cake as well as their German chocolate, made in the traditional way with frosting not only on top but between layers.

NONNA MERCATO

Nonna Mercato (3722 Atlantic Ave) does just about everything exceptionally right, but the Italian-inspired eatery began as a bakery, creating fantastic breads and pastries. They make fantastic pre-designed cakes–Devil’s Food, Carrot, Lemon Blueberry, etc.–ready for pick up at the counter on a first come, first served basis. They also are a custom bakery ready to create an elaborate birthday or wedding cake with delicate hand-painted designs.

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.