Taste of The Queen Mary: Best Restaurants, Brunch & Afternoon Tea in Long Beach

By Erin

If you know me, you know I’m always chasing the next great food experience… and something you might not know, The Queen Mary is not just a historic icon, it’s a full-on foodie destination. I recently experienced the Taste of The Queen Mary, and I’m still thinking about it. From elevated dining to casual bites to one of the most iconic Afternoon Tea services in Long Beach, there is truly something for everyone onboard.

Why The Queen Mary Is a Must-Visit Foodie Destination in Long Beach

In 2026, The Queen Mary celebrates 90 years since her historic maiden voyage in 1936, and you can feel that history the second you step onboard. Once the most advanced ocean liner in the world, she’s now a vibrant destination blending history, hospitality, and incredible dining experiences, all set against stunning Art Deco design.

Located in Long Beach, California, The Queen Mary is more than a tourist attraction. It’s a one-stop destination for restaurants, brunch, cocktails, and unique dining experiences. Whether you’re planning a date night, girls night out, brunch with friends, or a full day exploring, there’s something here for every kind of foodie.

Best Restaurants on The Queen Mary (Where to Eat Onboard)

Jubilee

We kicked things off at Jubilee. The Jubilee coffee shop is the perfect spot to pause and recharge while exploring the Queen Mary. With a warm, inviting atmosphere, it offers freshly brewed Starbucks® coffee alongside a selection of sweet and savory bites that make it easy to refuel at any time of day. Whether you’re starting your morning onboard or grabbing an afternoon pick-me-up between experiences, it’s a simple, satisfying stop that keeps you going throughout your visit.

Chelsea Chowder House & Bar

If you’re searching for seafood on The Queen Mary, this is your spot. Chelsea Chowder House & Bar brings those comforting, coastal flavors with a New England-inspired twist. It is one of those spots that feels effortlessly elevated but still relaxed enough for a perfect night out. Known for its fresh seafood and signature chowders, it’s the kind of place where you can settle in, enjoy a beautifully paced dinner, and just take it all in. Add in the ocean views and a great glass of wine, and it becomes a really memorable dining experience that feels both special and easy at the same time.

The Seafood Tower at Chelsea Chowder House & Bar is one of those show-stopping dishes that instantly elevates the entire dining experience. Stacked with fresh oysters, clams, king crab claws, jumbo shrimp, and smoked salmon, it’s beautifully presented and perfect for sharing, with classic accompaniments like cocktail sauce, mignonette, lemon, and tabasco tying it all together.

It’s the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and fun, ideal for a date night or group dinner, and honestly one of the best ways to sample a little bit of everything the restaurant does so well.

They’re also introducing a “Dining Through the Decades” menu for the 90th anniversary, which ties the food back to the ship’s history. It is such a fun and unique touch.

The grilled lamb chops at Chelsea Chowder House & Bar are a standout for land lovers, featuring tender, flavorful meat finished with a rich roasted garlic rosemary sauce that adds a savory, aromatic depth. Perfectly cooked and beautifully plated, they offer a hearty, elevated option that balances the restaurant’s seafood-forward menu.

Don’t forget dessert! There are some delicious dessert options to choose from here!

Observation Bar

The Observation Bar aboard the Queen Mary is one of those spots you can’t miss. Once the ship’s original first-class lounge, it still carries that Art Deco charm, paired with incredible views of the Long Beach skyline and harbor. With live music, a fun, lively atmosphere, and expertly crafted cocktails, it’s the perfect place to unwind, soak in a little history, and just enjoy the moment.

The Observation Bar is easily one of the most iconic cocktail spots in Long Beach. It’s giving full Art Deco glam, cozy vibes, and expertly crafted drinks.

Whether you’re stopping in for a pre-dinner cocktail or winding down at night, this is a must for the ambiance alone. There are also a lot of tasty bites here to enjoy! Both sweet and savory, whatever you’re craving, you can find something tasty! We tried the Charcuterie Platter, Sweet Heat Pork Belly Sliders and the Smooth Road Brownie. I would get all of those again.

Charcuterie Platter

Sweet Heat Pork Belly Sliders

Smooth Road Brownie

Promenade Café

For something quick and casual, Promenade Café is perfect. It is such a great go-to for a more relaxed, anytime dining experience. It has that easy, casual vibe with a menu that blends classic American comfort food with more modern options, so there’s truly something for everyone. I love that you can grab a bite any time of day while still soaking in those beautiful ocean and harbor views. It’s simple, convenient, and still feels like part of the full Queen Mary experience. I highly recommend trying the fish and chips!

I love that the Queen Mary balances upscale dining with more laid-back options. You can truly choose your own experience.

Midship Marketplace

The Midship Marketplace aboard the Queen Mary is the perfect grab-and-go stop when you want something quick without slowing down your day. From freshly made sandwiches to warm flatbreads and a solid selection of drinks, it’s super convenient for refueling between exploring the ship. It’s simple, satisfying, and ideal for when you want good food on the move without missing a moment of the experience.

Afternoon Tea on The Queen Mary (A Must-Do Experience)

We need to talk about Afternoon Tea on The Queen Mary, because this was one of my favorite parts of the entire experience. Every Saturday from 2–4PM, you can step aboard the Queen Mary for one of the most charming experiences onboard, the Afternoon Tea. It’s such a beautiful, slow moment to pause and enjoy freshly brewed teas, delicate finger sandwiches, and sweet treats, all served with those stunning harbor views. It feels like stepping into another era in the best way, and it’s the perfect little escape right in the middle of the ship.

There is just something so special about enjoying tea service on a historic ocean liner, it truly feels like you are stepping back in time. From delicate pastries to savory bites and perfectly brewed tea, the entire experience is elegant, relaxing, and completely unique to Long Beach.

Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want a slower, more intentional experience, this is absolutely worth booking.

Royal Sunday Brunch in Long Beach (On The Queen Mary)

The grand finale? Embark on a global culinary adventure aboard The Queen Mary, The Royal Sunday Brunch in the Grand Salon, and yes, it lives up to the name.

If you’re searching for the best brunch in Long Beach, this needs to be on your list. The setting is stunning, the variety is incredible, and it truly feels like an experience. NOT just a meal.

Set inside the stunning Grand Salon, once the ship’s original first-class dining room, the Royal Sunday Brunch feels like stepping into something truly special. Between the live music, bottomless champagne, and an incredible spread of food, it’s such a fun mix of elegance and energy. It’s not your typical brunch. It’s an experience, and honestly one of those Long Beach staples you just have to try at least once.

From savory dishes to sweet treats from around the world, it’s the kind of brunch where you want to try everything… and you probably will.

More Than Dining: Events & Experiences on The Queen Mary

What makes the Queen Mary stand out is that it’s not just about food! It’s the full experience.

In 2026, the 90th anniversary brings:

• Special exhibits and historic displays
• A new “Embarkation Tour”
• Themed events like Art Deco dances, movie nights and date nights
• A Food & Wine Festival
• Seasonal celebrations including Fourth of July events

It’s a place where you can eat, explore, learn, and celebrate, all in one visit. Go here for tickets and more info!

Why The Queen Mary Is a Food Lover’s Dream

The Queen Mary is truly a foodie paradise in Long Beach. Whether you’re coming for the restaurants, the brunch, the cocktails, or the unforgettable Afternoon Tea, there’s something here for everyone.

It’s one of those rare places where history and modern experiences come together, and somehow, the food makes it even better.

If you haven’t experienced the a taste of The Queen Mary yet, consider this your sign. Check out all the dining options aboard The Queen Mary here.