Downtown Long Beach is getting a new spot to carb-load this summer. Pastaphony, the fast-casual pasta chain known for its build-your-own bowls, is set to move into the Promenade space at 210 E. Third Street, most recently home to Ubuntu Cafe. The arrival adds another quick-service option to a downtown that has been steadily remixing its restaurant roster.
What Now Los Angeles reports that Pastaphony will take over the former Ubuntu Cafe address on The Promenade, and notes that co-founder Leni Benbicaco confirmed the Long Beach expansion in a brief phone call with the outlet.
Chain background and menu
The brand started in Orange County and has been quietly building out a Southern California footprint. Pastaphony lists locations in Fullerton, Glendora, Tustin and Stanton, while city documents show a business entry in Carlsbad that points to a recent push into San Diego County (City of Carlsbad).
The concept is straightforward comfort food: customers build their own pasta bowls by picking a pasta shape, a sauce and toppings. The menu also includes sides like garlic bread, salads and a house tiramisu, according to the company site.
Site history
The Promenade address has seen a fair bit of turnover. Michael's Downtown shuttered at the location, and Ubuntu Cafe stepped in during 2024, part of an ongoing shuffle along this stretch. The block has become a recurring target for restaurateurs hoping to capture downtown foot traffic and nearby event crowds (Longbeachize).
What it means for downtown
The Promenade at 210 E. Third remains a key strip for dining and retail in the city center, and the Downtown Long Beach Alliance still highlights venues at that address as part of the district's daytime and nighttime mix. A quick-service pasta joint is likely to draw both office workers in search of a fast lunch and visitors wandering between the lagoon and nearby blocks.
What Now Los Angeles notes the Long Beach location is expected to open this summer. Pastaphony has so far offered only that brief confirmation to the outlet and has not posted a firm opening date on its own site. We will keep an eye on the rollout and update readers once the chain announces grand-opening details.
