Location: Laguna Beach
Top Restaurants in Laguna Beach
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Top 10 restaurants in Laguna Beach, United States
About an hour south of Los Angeles, Laguna Beach has a spectacular clifftop setting above some of the finest beaches in California. Outdoor enthusiasts can snorkel, scuba dive, body-surf, or hike the trails in nearby Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. A center for artists, there are a number of special events and festivals,such as the Sawdust Art Festival, Festival of Arts/Pageant of the Masters, Art-A-Fair and Plein Air Painting Invitational. The Laguna Art Museum focuses on California artists. Window shoppers and collectors will enjoy strolling the village’s quaint streets, as well as visiting galleries spotted along Pacific Coast Highway.
Things to do in Laguna Beach
1. Montage Lobby Lounge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By Ann B
I enjoyed my birthday at the Montage in Laguna. The Loft has good food and a nice atmosphere and the service was great. I was given a cute slice of cake which said happy birthday and it was delicious. The baked chicken and sausage was beyond what I expected and my overall experience was fabulous‼ The lounge is relaxing and cozy and I even picked up a few items at the gift shop. Everyone wished me a happy birthday and I picked a pack a post cards that were so beautiful.
2. Nick's Laguna Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Nick's indoor/outdoor Laguna Beach venue features Classic American comfort food, crave-able bar snacks, plus unique cocktails & an extensive wine list. Located in the heart of Laguna Beach, our intimate 80-seat restaurant features a chic bar and beautiful outdoor patio. Our décor highlights several artistic touches, from inlaid abalone and oyster-shell accents to artistic mosaic tile floors. The Exotic wood-trimmed booths and hand-blown glass lamps along with warm tones of brown, blue and sand complement the exposed brick walls. Our exhibition kitchen showcases the talents of our passionate culinary team. Nick’s Laguna Beach has become a favorite in Orange County to dine, drink and escape.
Reviewed By alanroytbak - Fair Lawn, New Jersey
Excellent spot right near the Laguna Beach. Staff is very friendly here, my wife changed her mind on her side and they brought her a different plate. We had tuna tartar appetizer, which was amazing. I had the fillet mignon steak and my wife had the Chilean Sea bass. Both were great, we also had kids with us, they loved the burger and the Mac and cheese.
3. Brussels Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
Since 2004, Brussels Bistro has brought the best in Belgium flavors to the heart of Laguna Beach. Relax on the terrace with a premium Belgian beer or dine underground in our casual-urban setting. Offering Belgian cuisine with a French flair, our Executive Chef, Thomas Crijns has created a superb menu of authentic dishes ranging from Beef Bourguignon to Steamed Mussels. Complimenting our wide variety of imported Belgian beers are mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres including Cheese Croquettes and our world-famous Belgian Fries. Join us on Friday and Saturday nights when the Bistro transforms into one of the hottest nightclubs in town.
Reviewed By RFMATUTE
I went for dinner with a friend.. we had to choose from 3 restaurants and Brussels Bistro was the last we went to. It was a great choice.!!
The ambiance is cozy and it was located hidden down one level.
We had oysters, mussels in garlic and wine, half a Caesar salad and a fettuccine dish with slow cooked meat, shrimp croquettes, and a certain pie with ice cream for dessert. I cannot remember the name but it was flavorful as well.
It was fantastic!! The flavor of the food was amazing, especially the shrimp croquettes. I will definitely go back with other friends!
The servers are very friendly and helpful.
Price wise was okay but a bit in the steep side, but worth it!!
I definitely recommend this bistro to everyone!
4. Studio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 340 reviews
With a panoramic oceanfront location and modern french cuisine with California influences, Studio is the portrait of beachside indulgence a refined and inventive menu reflects masterful attention to detail accented with an elegant, creative touch. Set on an oceanfront bluff in the artistic village of Laguna Beach, Studio is designed to captivate the senses. Ocean breezes, panoramic views and lush landscapes create a refreshing sense of place at the water's edge and a fitting backdrop for the shared enjoyment of fine food and wine.
Reviewed By jmc007 - Hinsdale, Illinois
3rd visit and hard to improve on perfection. The setting, service and uniquely created choices on the menu make this by far one of my favorite restaurants. This visit was with my immediate family for my daughter's birthday and everything was perfect. We sat outside...MoreThank you for your kind review and for choosing to celebrate with Studio restaurant. We look forward to welcoming you and your family back in the near future. Sincerely, Rick Riess Managing Director
5. 230 Forest Avenue Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 623 reviews
Reviewed By SMFSanFran - San Francisco
The food was terrific but perhaps even better was the waiter who said something like “perhaps that’s more food than you expect” with the terrific lamb chop appetizer (3 little perfect lamb chops) AND a candied salmon salad piece of salmon that was a full 6 ounces. That was so truly nice of him! We were so grateful and so appreciative. And, of course, the food was delicious. And the chocolate bread pudding! Don’t skip that!
6. Starfish
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
The tastefully provocative STARFISH LAGUNA is located directly across from the Montage Resort, home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This gem of a restaurant is located in the heart of the Aliso Creek Shopping Center off Pacific Coast Highway, South Laguna Beach. From the moment you enter STARFISH , you will feel transported to an exotic wonderland of Coastal Fusion. The menu features Asian Fusion cuisine, highlighted with ingredients from Thailand, Vietnam, China, Korea, and Japan. From delectable fish fresh from the sea, to savory and enticing beef, chicken and vegetable dishes, STARFISH has something to excite every palate. Delightfully unpredictable, the menu will pleasure your palate with tastes of Ginger, Lemon Grass, Thai Basil, Jasmine, Daikon, Thai curries and soy sauces. Summer rolls, pho, udon noodles, coconut rice, wok sauté, ribs and other chef's expressions of American renditions of classic Asian cuisine will be served. Equally as enticing as the menu is the ambience. STARFISH is destined to enchant with exciting contrasts of deep, vivid colors of the sea with those of radiant sunset skies. Tufted banquettes in luminous soft turquoise sensuously welcome guests, while sultry black lacquered tables and chairs complement the lush decor. The elegant, horseshoe-shaped STARFISH bar further welcomes you as it takes center stage. Muddled libations flavored with tarragon, ginger, coconut, lemongrass and mango will be prepared as you observe. Asian mojitos, martinis, sakes, craft and imported beers, and boutique wines are served to excite your palate.
Reviewed By monika_everywhere - Wuppertal, Germany
Very nice surprise. Located between Yoga studio, drug store etc we found a wonderful place for lunch - sure to be a great choice for dinner as well. Spicy and full of natural flavours. Highly recommended. Good service as well.Hi Monika, Thank you for reviewing Starfish Laguna! We are glad you found a wonderful lunch/dinner hideaway in our little South Laguna gem, and hope to have the opportunity to serve you again soon!
7. Broadway by Amar Santana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
Open Daily at 5pm. Ongoing specials: Monday ~ $39 Prix Fixe, Tuesdays ~ Small plates, Wednesday ~ No corkage
Reviewed By 3522
We've been going there since it opened. Always fabulous. Then Amar appeared on TV and began gaining popularity. He opened another restaurant that became a super star.Perhaps his attention has been placed else where but The Broadway has declined in quality. The service is great and the menu is interesting. Unfortunately the details have been overlooked. Be prepared for a lot of noise, in fact you may have difficulty having a conversation. There really isn't any ambiance.
Aside from the aesthetics we waited almost 30 minutes for our appetizers to arrive and then almost an hour for our main. During that time we were not offered anything such as nuts, bread, or any of their quick dishes we could nibble on as an hr and a half is a long time to wait.
The food was the biggest disappointment. 2 of the 4 orders were cooked incorrectly. The soup was tasteless and everything was heavily salted. Although the manager did apologize and gave us a reduction on our bill it was all we could do to finish our coffee (that was the only good thing) and get out of there. It was a unpleasant evening.
It was evident that both the restaurant management and the chef were not paying attention to the details because there was a large group that took precedence over the other patrons. It was poor planning and lack of consideration for those of us who had to endure the night at The Broadway.. I don't believe we will go back. There are many great restaurants in Laguna Beach and at this price point you may do better.
8. Crystal Cove Shake Shack
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By PascalEvent - Suresnes, France
This place got a wonderful view on the beach from a high location.
The pancakes are good and huge! The sausages and fried eggs are good but nothing crazy.
Service is the only slightly negative point: no smile... the exaggerated translation could be “what do you want? ‘Right 32 bocks and get out of my way”
If you’re looking for an American breakfast with a nice view, to start the day head to this place early and fill your eyes and belly! (Of course it’s not gonna be healthy... but so good!)
Note to the diner: be gentle, smile and the 5th star will be yours :)
9. Selanne Steak Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
Reviewed By Byron R - Laguna Beach, California
We were very lucky to be seated at Michael’s station along with Christiano. We were provided friendly and professional service. We had the recommended scallops- delicious. Then shared the iceberg salad and a rib eye. The sides included mushrooms and Mac and cheese. Dinner concluded with two very nice deserts. Everything was perfectly prepared and servings were more then ample . Originally seated at a very nice window seat inside we found it way to noisy so
chose to move to outside seating . There is an extensive wine list.
10. Splashes Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 722 reviews
Terraced above the beach, with waves breaking just 25 feet below, the casually elegant Splashes Restaurant boasts some of California's best views and finest cuisine. Whether seated in the dining room or alfresco on the palm-shaded patio, you'll enjoy American Coastal Cuisine set against a dramatic backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
Reviewed By mariellamp - Laguna Niguel, California
We loved the beach atmosphere and the spectacular views of the ocean from the outdoor patio of the restaurant in a cold but sunny winter day. Surrounded by glass windows and gas heaters we enjoyed a very cozy and wonderful lunch special recommended by our waitress. We had a delicious Lobster Bisque and a lobster sandwich with gluten free bread. The food was excellent and the waitress was very attentive and very knowledgeable of the ingredients which helped make our selection easy.
