Starling Diner

4114 E 3rd St, Long Beach, CA 90814, United States
$$$ Diner
(1076 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Starling Diner, a charming gem tucked away at 4114 E 3rd St in Long Beach, CA—a place where the essence of a classic diner meets a vibrant, modern twist. From the moment you step inside, the inviting atmosphere, filled with laughter and friendly chatter, assures you that you are about to embark on a delightful culinary journey.

The menu at Starling Diner boasts a delectable array of choices, perfectly capturing the spirit of American diner cuisine with a fresh and creative flair. Their Cheeseburger Scramble and Breakfast Polenta are must-tries, showcasing a mixture of savory tastes and comforting textures that will leave your taste buds dancing. The B.L.T. Salad artfully combines thick applewood bacon with luscious roasted tomatoes atop field greens, dressed with a house-made balsamic vinaigrette—perfect for those looking for a lighter option!

Looking for something unique? Dive into their Blue Crab Cake & Eggs, where perfectly seasoned crab cakes meet fluffy eggs, or the Eggs Benjamin, which tantalizes with sautéed spinach and smoked salmon. The French toast, recommended by satisfied patrons, is not to be missed and presents itself as an unexpected delight, each bite infused with a fusion of sweetness and warmth.

As you savor your meal, you’ll appreciate the diner’s homey yet lively ambiance—where the décor evokes nostalgia while still feeling modern and welcoming. The staff mirrors this sentiment, with genuine smiles and attentive service noted by visitors like 'CeCi Ceci,' whose birthday celebration was made even more special by the thoughtful gestures of both staff and fellow diners.

Whether you're a local or a traveler, Starling Diner offers an outstanding breakfast experience that becomes a cherished memory. As 'Zan Lee' shared in a review, this diner stands out as a hidden gem in a peaceful neighborhood, away from the hustle and bustle, and it maintains a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal.

The community feel, accessibility, and consistent quality of dishes make Starling Diner an excellent choice for any occasion—be it a casual brunch with friends or a more intimate breakfast date. With 'Alejandra Castillo' praising its comfortable space and the variety of menu options available, it's clear that there's something for everyone here.

So, if you find yourself in Long Beach craving a bite that warms both heart and stomach, make your way to Starling Diner. Indulge in delicious food amid friendly faces, where every visit feels like returning home. For reservations or inquiries, don't hesitate to call them at +1 562-433-2041. Your taste buds will thank you!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Usually has a wait
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Sunday

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

1076 Reviews
CeCi Ceci

17 Sep 2025

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

Zan Lee

02 Sep 2025

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.

Alejandra Castillo

17 Aug 2025

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.

Jordan Baker

09 Aug 2025

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.

brian perez

07 Aug 2025

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.

Steve W

30 Jul 2025

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

Ellen Jaskulsky

02 Jul 2025

Cute little Diner, in a long beach neighborhood, you'd never know its there if you weren't looking for it. No wait to be seated, and very prompt to get water, and drinks order. We were in no hurry, a girls catch up brunch... But once we got our food it was difficult to get anyone's attention for some salsa, coffee & cocktail refills. Even our leftover box & check took a while. So if you don't have a lot of time, I suggest you make them aware of that. Otherwise I'd say definitely a great place for delicious slow placed meal and or get together

Tony Fu

05 Jun 2025

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.

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