Long Beach's Best Tamales [Updated 2025]

I've scoured the city, indulging in mouthwatering bites from twelve top locations, each with its own unique twist on this beloved dish. Trust me, my taste buds have been on a wild ride, navigating through rich flavors and tantalizing textures that make tamales so special.

As someone who lives and breathes food culture, I’ve honed my palate to distinguish the good from the extraordinary. Whether you're a tamale connoisseur or a curious newcomer, I promise you’ll find the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings. Let's dive into this delicious journey together and uncover Long Beach’s hidden gems!

Patricia's Restaurant

Highlights
Family-owned, homely atmosphere
Generous portion sizes
Delicious molcajete and campechana
Affordable pricing
Flavorful carne asada quesadilla

Patricia's Restaurant is a delightful gem that truly captures the essence of family dining in Long Beach. From the moment I stepped inside, the homely atmosphere enveloped me like a warm hug. The friendly staff made me feel welcomed, which is just what you want when you're on the hunt for incredible tamales.

Let me dive into the tamales themselves—oh, what a treat! Generous portions promised satisfaction, and they certainly delivered. The masa was perfectly tender, with a lovely flavor that paired wonderfully with the rich fillings. I opted for the pork tamale, and it was bursting with succulent flavors. It was a little piece of heaven wrapped in corn dough!

But the experience didn’t stop there. I also indulged in their molcajete, which was an explosion of textures and tastes, and that campechana? Quite the revelation! I was impressed by the affordable pricing that allowed me to try multiple dishes without breaking the bank.

Overall, Patricia's Restaurant has certainly earned its place among the best tamales in Long Beach. Whether you're a local or just passing through, make sure to stop by and savor these delightful bites!

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Tepechi Restaurant

Highlights
Cool Pueblo-like atmosphere
Fresh, high-quality ingredients
Wonderful and dedicated service
Large enough for big gatherings
Delightful music enhances dining

Nestled in Long Beach, Tepechi Restaurant greeted me with a charming, pueblo-like ambiance that instantly made me feel at home. As I settled in, I could hear delightful music that added an extra layer of warmth to the experience. My anticipation grew as I dove into their menu, and I knew I was in for a treat.

The tamales here are undeniably exceptional. Each bite offers a burst of flavor, crafted from the finest fresh ingredients. You can taste the commitment to quality, as the masa is perfectly moist, and the fillings are rich and generous. I opted for the classic chicken tamale, and it was heavenly—every bite was a melody of textures and tastes.

What truly impressed me was the wonderful service. The staff was not only attentive but genuinely enthusiastic about the food they serve, making my dining experience even better. Whether you’re planning a cozy meal or a large gathering, Tepechi accommodates all with ease. If you find yourself in Long Beach, don't miss out on a chance to indulge in these delightful tamales—your taste buds will thank you!

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Tamalería La Doña

Highlights
Mouth-Watering Flavors
Moist and Well-Seasoned
Best Tamales Ever!
Quick Service Experience
Loyal Customers Return!

Tamalería La Doña has quickly become my favorite spot for tamales in Long Beach, and let me tell you, it’s a journey of flavors that you don’t want to miss! Upon entering, I was greeted by the enticing aroma of tamales steaming away, an irresistible prelude to the culinary delight that awaited. The moment I sunk my teeth into my first bite, I was blown away by the mouth-watering flavors—each tamale bursting with authentic depth and freshness.

The moist and well-seasoned texture was an absolute game changer. Unlike some tamales that can be dry or bland, La Doña’s tamales are perfectly balanced, with a satisfying softness that hugs the hearty fillings, making every bite an adventure! I can confidently declare these the best tamales ever in the area.

Additionally, the quick service experience made it even more enjoyable. The staff are not only friendly but also passionate about their craft, which is evident from the long line of loyal customers eager to get their hands on these delectable packets of joy. Whether you’re a tamale aficionado or a curious first-timer, you’re in for a treat at La Doña!

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Los Compadres Restaurant

Los Compadres Restaurant is a delightful find for tamale lovers! Upon entering, the vibrant atmosphere immediately sets the stage for a culinary adventure. I savored their pork tamale, which was a glorious blend of rich flavors and tender masa, wrapped in a cozy layer of corn husk. Don’t miss their green chili tamale—its zesty kick was a wonderful surprise! Accompanied by their homemade salsa, each bite was a heavenly experience. The staff was friendly, making it feel like visiting family. If you're on the hunt for the best tamales in Long Beach, look no further than Los Compadres!

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Great Mex

Great Mex is a delightful gem tucked away in Long Beach, serving up tamales that tickle the taste buds! I sampled their pork tamales, which were wrapped in soft, tender masa that just melted in my mouth. The rich, savory filling was a harmonious blend of spices that danced delightfully on my palate. The green salsa on the side added a fantastic zesty kick, elevating the dish to new heights. Each bite felt like a warm hug, and I couldn't resist going for seconds! If you're hunting for mouthwatering tamales, Great Mex is a must-visit on your culinary adventure!

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Chema's Place

Tucked away in a charming corner of Long Beach, Chema's Place is a delightful find for tamale lovers! The moment I stepped in, the aroma of freshly made masa wrapped around savory fillings enveloped me like a warm hug. I tried their pork tamales, and each bite was a delightful dance of flavor—tender, juicy, and just the right amount of spice. The homemade salsa was the perfect companion, adding a zesty kick. If you’re craving a tamale that feels like a hug from your abuela, Chema's Place is the spot to savor these culinary treasures. Don't miss it!

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Nehemiah's Restaurant

At Nehemiah's Restaurant, I found a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Long Beach. Their tamales are an absolute delight—steamy and expertly wrapped, bursting with flavor in every bite. The masa has just the right texture, while the filling is generous and packed with rich, savory goodness. I especially enjoyed the green chicken tamale; its zesty sauce truly elevated the experience! The warm and welcoming atmosphere made my visit even more enjoyable. If you’re in search of authentic tamales, make sure to drop by Nehemiah's—you won't be disappointed!

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Rivera's

Stepping into Rivera's felt like a warm hug! The aroma of freshly made tamales is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. I chose the pork, which was tender and delightfully seasoned, enveloped in a fluffy masa that just melted in my mouth. The green sauce on the side added a zesty kick that I absolutely adored. The staff were engaging and friendly, making my visit even more enjoyable. If you're on a quest for heavenly tamales, Rivera's should definitely be high on your list. Don't miss out on this gem in Long Beach! 🌽✨

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Los Eduardos

At Los Eduardos, I was greeted by the tantalizing aroma of freshly made tamales that danced in the air. I opted for their chicken mole and pork verde options, both bursting with flavor and wrapped in soft, expertly steamed masa. Each bite was a delightful fusion of spices and tradition; the mole was rich and sumptuous, while the verde sauce brought a refreshing zing. The friendly staff added to the warm atmosphere, making me feel right at home. This charming spot is a must-try for any tamale lover in Long Beach looking for a taste of authentic goodness!

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Linda's Mexican Delights

Linda's Mexican Delights is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious tamales in Long Beach. Their pork tamales are a standout—each bite bursts with rich, flavorful meat wrapped in perfectly steamed masa. The mild salsa complements the dish beautifully, adding just the right kick. I also enjoyed their vegetarian option, which was packed with fresh veggies and spices that dance on the palate. The cheerful atmosphere and friendly staff make this hidden gem a delightful dining experience. For those on a tamale quest, Linda’s is definitely a top contender that will leave you coming back for more!

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Tebo's Taqueria

At Tebo's Taqueria, I discovered a delightful tamale that hit all the right notes! Their pork tamale was a revelation—steamed to perfection, with a masa that was both fluffy and flavorful. The rich, savory filling was bursting with a hint of spice that complimented the tender meat beautifully. What truly impressed me was the homemade salsa that added an extra zing. Nestled in a cozy atmosphere, Tebo's combines local charm with authentic flavors. If you're in Long Beach and yearning for tamales that dance on your palate, this spot is not to be missed!

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Holé Molé

At Holé Molé, I was greeted by a vibrant atmosphere that felt just as inviting as their tamales. I tried the pork tamale, which was a delightful blend of spices wrapped in a tender masa. The flavors danced on my palate, and each bite was enhanced by their fresh salsa. What truly set them apart was the perfectly balanced heat and richness, making me crave more. Holé Molé is a gem for tamale lovers, offering a taste of tradition with a twist. If you’re in Long Beach, don’t miss out on these delightful creations!

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