Greer's OC

Chef Johnathan Benvenuti, a Huntington Beach native and Hell’s Kitchen finalist, has joined forces with Michelin-star restaurant veteran and sommelier Jason Scarborough to open Bar Becky, a vibrant Italian-American restaurant at Long Beach Exchange (LBX).

Bar Becky, which began as a series of pop-ups at LBX before opening earlier this year, serves dinner nightly and now offers weekend brunch. The restaurant is a heartfelt tribute to Benvenuti’s late mother, Becky, whose influence inspired his culinary career.

With a scratch kitchen focused on seasonal ingredients from local farmers and artisans, Bar Becky’s menu is ever-evolving. Highlights include housemade focaccia, fresh pasta, and a blend of comforting classics and contemporary chef-driven dishes. Every dessert is crafted in-house. Signature dishes range from the Squid Ink Cavatelli (shrimp, scallop, octopus, Calabrian breadcrumbs, white wine, cream) to Wagyu Short Rib (potato gnocchi, blue cheese, radicchio, red wine jus), alongside Chicken Parmesan (tomato gravy, mutz), and more.

Guests can also enjoy a three-course prix fixe dinner for $38, offering salad, pasta, and dessert, or opt for the Chef’s Counter Tasting Menu on Friday and Saturday evenings. This exclusive seven-course experience, priced at $125 per person, requires advance reservations and payment.

Bar Becky’s newly launched weekend brunch is a two-course prix fixe feast, beginning with Becky’s Biscuits for the table. First-course options include creations like an Oyster Shooter (clarified Bloody Mary, quail egg, pepita furikake, Imperia caviar), Cold Smoked Salmon (buttermilk donut, crème fraîche, dill), and Tiramisu Stuffed French Toast (72-hour brioche, mascarpone, raspberry). Entrées range from savory dishes like Duck Confit Hash (Kennebec potato, onions, peppers, fried egg) to sweet indulgences such as Lemon Ricotta Pancakes (charred strawberries, vanilla bean syrup). Of particular note is the Monsieur Bourdain, an open-face sandwich honoring Anthony Bourdain, featuring mortadella, provolone, mustard, béchamel, and a fried egg on housemade brioche.

Chef Benvenuti’s culinary journey began in high school when he won a knife skills competition. A graduate of culinary school, he honed his craft in New York before becoming one of the youngest sous chefs at King’s Seafood Company, where he helped open the acclaimed Water Grill in Costa Mesa. Benvenuti later worked with Top Chef finalist Amar Santana and at TRUST in Downtown Santa Ana before realizing his vision with Bar Becky.

The beverage program, curated by Jason Scarborough, reflects his two decades of expertise in the restaurant industry, including stints with New York Michelin-star chefs Scott Bryan at Veritas and John Fraser at Dovetail. The wine list emphasizes California and Italian selections, while the cocktail menu features reimagined classics and unique signature drinks. A standout is the Uncle Tony, a Negroni-inspired cocktail created in homage to Anthony Bourdain, blending the style of a Papa Doble with a modern twist.

The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 5 to 8:30pm; Friday from 5 to 9:30pm; Saturday from 11am to 2:30pm and 5 to 9:30pm; and Sunday from 11am to 2:30pm and 4 to 7:30pm. For reservations, please visit www.barbecky.com or call (562) 421-0200.

Bar Becky is located at LBX (Long Beach Exchange) at 3860 Worsham Ave., Long Beach, CA 90808.