Featured Businesses
Happy Hour: 3-7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 4-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Happy Hour: Tu – Fri 2:30pm – 6pm, Fri – Sat 9:30pm – Close, Sun 12pm – 2pm
Oak Restaurant, bringing the community a new local flavor of rustic modern, California comfort fare. Bar dedicated to crafty cocktails with exotic flavors, wine by the glass, brewed ales, IPA and lagers. Fun friends family ….experience Laguna Beach from the inside out.
Happy Hour: Monday 3 pm – Close, Tuesday through Friday 3 pm – 6 pm
Happy Hour (Aloha Hour) – 2:30pm – 5:30pm (Wed-Sun)
Mozambique brings the flavors of Africa to the California coast with flavorful dishes and exotic decor. Signature items like the peri-peri chicken and prawns, seafood platter and Maputo platters populate the menu at this steakhouse, bar and lounge. With a romantic atmosphere downstairs and a hip ambience upstairs at the Shebeen Bar, Mozambique is a popular choice for those looking for a cultural experience and live music. Check the restaurant’s website for the entertainment schedule.
Nirvana Grille’s Executive Chef Lindsay Smith-Rosales describes her food as clean California cuisine, with a culinary philosophy centered on local, seasonal and organic ingredients. Chef Lindsay finds culinary influences in American, French and Latin flavors, and in addition to the changing dinner menu, Nirvana Grille offers gluten-free and vegan options as well as happy hour and kids menus.
Blending classic French tastes with modern California styling, Studio serves dinner in an elegant, craftsman-style restaurant. Hand-selected ingredients make up a carefully crafted menu that includes daily-caught seafood, farm-raised meats and game, artisanal cheese and fresh produce, some of which comes from the on-site garden.
The Laguna counterpart to the wine-only Corona del Mar location, Wine Gallery Laguna perfectly serves the happy hour and dinner crowd around their marble-topped bar. Culinary creations like wood-fired pizza, short rib tacos and seared scallops, along with cheese, salami and bruschetta, complement the extensive wine list.
The fine art of the getaway Every element is in place for an idyllic retreat: A refined resort perched high on a coastal bluff. Pristine, white sand beaches below. And the picturesque arts community of Laguna Beach all around. Montage Laguna Beach offers a seaside destination unlike any other, pairing extraordinary amenities with the genuine warmth of a cozy, Craftsman-style estate. It’s the ideal Southern California beach retreat, whether you’re seeking a restorative midweek or weekend vacation, planning a small to mid-size meeting, or hosting a romantic wedding reception. Montage Laguna Beach has received award-winning distinction for its comfortably elegant accommodations, ocean-inspired spa and distinctive regional dining. Three sparkling swimming pools, onsite activities and access to outstanding tennis, golf and the town’s vibrant arts community will keep guests as active and engaged as they wish to be. The artistry of Laguna Beach reaches back to the early 1900′s, when artists – inspired by the area’s raw natural beauty – settled here. In that spirit, the history and beauty of the region prevail at Montage. Here, the resort’s décor and architecture artfully meld with the surrounding natural beachfront habitat. Museum-quality fine art that reflects the early California Arts & Crafts movement […]
Exotic Laguna Beach happy hour from 3 – 6 PM every day! Enjoy 3 hours of refreshment with Chang Beer, Sapporo Premium, and half off our specialty libations around the horseshoe shaped-bar.
Pacific Edge, Joie de Vivre Hotels’ Laguna Beach property, unveils The Deck, the ultimate beachfront dining experience. Located literally steps from the sand with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, this relaxing, 160 seat open-air restaurant offers a food and beverage menu specializing in classic beach fare in a breathtaking setting. The Deck, which gives guests a front row seat to watch surfers, paddle boarders, dolphins and sunsets, captures the unrivaled feeling of escaping to a faraway place, right in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach. Locally celebrated Chef Michael Ingrino created the menu at The Deck, which includes seafood, steak, burgers, salad, and paella, as well as specialty drinks like the “Guava Mango Margarita” and “Blue Crush.” To create the menu, Ingrino drew inspiration from flavors found in favorite beach towns across the globe, focusing on simple, light dishes. The cocktail menu includes fresh fruits and spices, with ingredients such as cucumber, lemon, blueberry, basil and honey. The Deck will be open daily from 11:00 am to 9:30pm, with Sunday Brunch beginning at 9am.
With dining that’s practically on the sand, Splashes offers cuisine inspired by the sea, as well as salads, pastas, steaks and more. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or one of the restaurant’s inventive top shelf cocktails indoors or out. Splashes is a good choice for casual light bites or date night with a view that’s sure to impress.
Happy Hour: Daily, $6 Cocktails, 4:30pm-5:30pm
Happy Hour: 3-7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 4-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Pacific Edge, Joie de Vivre Hotels’ Laguna Beach property, unveils The Deck, the ultimate beachfront dining experience. Located literally steps from the sand with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, this relaxing, 160 seat open-air restaurant offers a food and beverage menu specializing in classic beach fare in a breathtaking setting. The Deck, which gives guests a front row seat to watch surfers, paddle boarders, dolphins and sunsets, captures the unrivaled feeling of escaping to a faraway place, right in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach. Locally celebrated Chef Michael Ingrino created the menu at The Deck, which includes seafood, steak, burgers, salad, and paella, as well as specialty drinks like the “Guava Mango Margarita” and “Blue Crush.” To create the menu, Ingrino drew inspiration from flavors found in favorite beach towns across the globe, focusing on simple, light dishes. The cocktail menu includes fresh fruits and spices, with ingredients such as cucumber, lemon, blueberry, basil and honey. The Deck will be open daily from 11:00 am to 9:30pm, with Sunday Brunch beginning at 9am.
Happy Hour: Daily, $6 Cocktails, 4:30pm-5:30pm
The fine art of the getaway Every element is in place for an idyllic retreat: A refined resort perched high on a coastal bluff. Pristine, white sand beaches below. And the picturesque arts community of Laguna Beach all around. Montage Laguna Beach offers a seaside destination unlike any other, pairing extraordinary amenities with the genuine warmth of a cozy, Craftsman-style estate. It’s the ideal Southern California beach retreat, whether you’re seeking a restorative midweek or weekend vacation, planning a small to mid-size meeting, or hosting a romantic wedding reception. Montage Laguna Beach has received award-winning distinction for its comfortably elegant accommodations, ocean-inspired spa and distinctive regional dining. Three sparkling swimming pools, onsite activities and access to outstanding tennis, golf and the town’s vibrant arts community will keep guests as active and engaged as they wish to be. The artistry of Laguna Beach reaches back to the early 1900′s, when artists – inspired by the area’s raw natural beauty – settled here. In that spirit, the history and beauty of the region prevail at Montage. Here, the resort’s décor and architecture artfully meld with the surrounding natural beachfront habitat. Museum-quality fine art that reflects the early California Arts & Crafts movement […]
Mozambique brings the flavors of Africa to the California coast with flavorful dishes and exotic decor. Signature items like the peri-peri chicken and prawns, seafood platter and Maputo platters populate the menu at this steakhouse, bar and lounge. With a romantic atmosphere downstairs and a hip ambience upstairs at the Shebeen Bar, Mozambique is a popular choice for those looking for a cultural experience and live music. Check the restaurant’s website for the entertainment schedule.
Nirvana Grille’s Executive Chef Lindsay Smith-Rosales describes her food as clean California cuisine, with a culinary philosophy centered on local, seasonal and organic ingredients. Chef Lindsay finds culinary influences in American, French and Latin flavors, and in addition to the changing dinner menu, Nirvana Grille offers gluten-free and vegan options as well as happy hour and kids menus.
Oak Restaurant, bringing the community a new local flavor of rustic modern, California comfort fare. Bar dedicated to crafty cocktails with exotic flavors, wine by the glass, brewed ales, IPA and lagers. Fun friends family ….experience Laguna Beach from the inside out.
Happy Hour: Tu – Fri 2:30pm – 6pm, Fri – Sat 9:30pm – Close, Sun 12pm – 2pm
Happy Hour (Aloha Hour) – 2:30pm – 5:30pm (Wed-Sun)
Happy Hour: Monday 3 pm – Close, Tuesday through Friday 3 pm – 6 pm
With dining that’s practically on the sand, Splashes offers cuisine inspired by the sea, as well as salads, pastas, steaks and more. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or one of the restaurant’s inventive top shelf cocktails indoors or out. Splashes is a good choice for casual light bites or date night with a view that’s sure to impress.
Exotic Laguna Beach happy hour from 3 – 6 PM every day! Enjoy 3 hours of refreshment with Chang Beer, Sapporo Premium, and half off our specialty libations around the horseshoe shaped-bar.
Blending classic French tastes with modern California styling, Studio serves dinner in an elegant, craftsman-style restaurant. Hand-selected ingredients make up a carefully crafted menu that includes daily-caught seafood, farm-raised meats and game, artisanal cheese and fresh produce, some of which comes from the on-site garden.
The Laguna counterpart to the wine-only Corona del Mar location, Wine Gallery Laguna perfectly serves the happy hour and dinner crowd around their marble-topped bar. Culinary creations like wood-fired pizza, short rib tacos and seared scallops, along with cheese, salami and bruschetta, complement the extensive wine list.
Located in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach, 230 Forest Avenue has earned its spot as a landmark dining destination. For nearly 20 years guests have enjoyed innovative California cuisine from award-winning executive chef/owner Marc Cohen. The bistro style restaurant features an upbeat and chic atmosphere with a bustling outside patio and bar. The ever changing wall of art adds to its charm. Steaks, seafood and award-winning martinis await you. Reservations are recommended for this upbeat casual dining spot. Lunch is served daily at 11:00am. Dinner begins at 5:00pm.
With an ocean view and skimboards as tables, this upbeat sushi restaurant is located across from Main Beach. Come enjoy the fresh and unique cuisine of Miki Izumisawa, a renowned woman sushi chef. Open Mon.–Sun. for dinner.
Inspired by classic country music and speed metal alike, vintage cars + knives, surfing, skating and a good bloody rib-eye, Ryan’s food is dynamic. Hes traveled far and wide, and has cooked, sweat + yelled in over 40 kitchens, now, at the helm of his new eatery, he brings it back to home. No matter where you come from or what happens during your day, You always find yourself around the table, sharing a meal with the ones you love.
Active Culture is a family-owned Natural Foods Café and self serve frozen yogurt shop located in the heart of Laguna Beach. The offer organic shakes, smoothies, breakfast & lunch bowls, salads, bagels, soups, wraps and coffee. In addition to our delectable menu, you will also find the FOAsouth art gallery in their shop.
Adolfo’s has been a go-to for fast, casual and affordable Mexican food since 1985. Also on the menu are burgers and French fries. The surf crowd tends to file in around lunchtime, kicking back with a horchata or beer at the counter or on the patio.
Gyros rotating on a spit give this little shop the savory scent that draws in people in from the beach or shopping on PCH. The simple menu consists of Mediterranean dishes like the gyro or chicken wrap and veggie plate. Adonis is perfect for a quick meal to go or enjoying the small outdoor eating area.
Fans of this Italian kitchen brave the “noisy” dining room in quest of Chef-owner Alessandro Pirozzi’s high-quality Italian food. All menu items are reasonably priced. The personal attention given by staff will make you feel welcome.
This stylish little cafe adjacent to Anastasia Boutique provides a selection of breakfast and lunch options including omelets, pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, salads, pastas, pizzas, soups and fresh-squeezed juices. Large windows provide a bright and cheery indoor atmosphere, and the dog-friendly patio is the perfect option for sunny mornings and afternoons.
With all natural fruit juices and no added sugar, ice or fillers, a Banzai Bowls smoothie is one of the healthiest snacks in town. Try a smoothie featuring ingredients like fresh fruit and soy milk, or indulge in an acai bowl loaded with fruit toppings for a light meal.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific from every table at this award-winning oceanfront restaurant. Open daily. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
Located across from Main Beach . BJ’s is a Laguna Beach landmark. Deep dish Chicago-style pizza, fresh salads, unique sandwiches, awesome burgers and amazing desserts. Featuring BJ’s Brewhouse brand of handcrafted beers. Dine in, take-out and delivery.
Inspired by the theaters in New York City, Chef Amar Santana an award wining chef along with his partners, Ahmed Labbate and Rich Cadarette will create an atmosphere where the food becomes the main “show”. The restaurant’s menu is inspired by the creativity of Chef Amar Santana and his version of Modern Cuisine of The Americas. It features top quality ingredients, with a focus on local farms who can provide the menu’s seasonal requirements. The interior reflects an industrial New York look with an open kitchen that will be the center stage, with six coveted seats at the chef’s table overlooking the activity of the kitchen. Chef Amar Santana will personally create and prepare a multiple course menu, to those guests that chose to be adventurous with their cuisine. Images of New York Skylines, Times Square, and of course, Broadway will surround you as you indulge in this “cutting edge” food experience.
Serving “eclectic California cuisine,” the menu at Cafe Zoolu draws inspiration from Hawaii, Louisiana, Asia and Mexico. Owned and operated by Toni Leech and her husband-chef Michael, the restaurant’s focus is fresh- and wild-caught seafood, however, beef, pork, lamb, chicken, pastas and vegetarian dishes are also available. The Zagat guide called the restaurant’s swordfish plate “the best on the planet.”
Winner of the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” and Laguna Beach local, Casey Reinhardt opened the first Casey’s Cupcakes in 2009. The adorable shop is known for its creative varieties of beautifully decorated treats. Try the flavors featured on the show—white Russian, chili chocolate, white chocolate cherry and lavender—or be adventurous and sample the shop’s flavor of the month.
Laguna’s only California French restaurant located in downtown Laguna, with spectacular ocean views overlooking Main Beach. Excellent cuisine with a French bakery. Full liquor license. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and parties. Free parking on premises. Romantic outdoor patio, incredible dinner menu, best coffee and dessert. Lobster special on Wednesday and Live music on Saturday.
Frozen treats are plentiful at Chantilly Ice Cream, where everything from yogurt and tropical smoothies to Dreyer’s ice cream is on the menu. The shop satisfies everyone’s sweet tooth on a hot summer day from its convenient location across from Main Beach.
Located in the historic Pottery Place, this chocolate shop sells gourmet truffles, peanut butter cups, toffee and other fine confections. Chocolate Soldier also sells a selection of gift items such as China mugs and teapots.
Taco Tuesday: Taco Specials All Night Long with Live Music!
For all-day coffee service, Coffee Pub offers a selection of patters, cappuccinos, espressos and more, along with baked goods and a light lunch. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy a cup of coffee at the bar inside or at one of the small outdoor tables.
Just outside the trendy hustle and bustle of Downtown Laguna Beach is the friendly Coyote Grill. We are a very casual “locals” spot and have been serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily since 1989. Coyote Grill was a modest little shack opened by Kim Bryant. He worked tireless hours in the kitchen for years, cooking food from the place that he loved visiting, Baja Mexico. After many renovations and building a great loyal staff, it is now known for its tranquil views, addictive Baja-Style Mexican food, and satisfying margaritas & spicy bloody marys that will cure any hangover. Coyote Grill has been recognized on Rachel Ray’s“$40 A Day” from the Food Network. Our food is prepared fresh by hand everyday. Many of our customers enjoy our homemade margaritas and grilled fish tacos on the patio by day while enjoying the Catalina Island views. By night, feast on fresh local lobster dinner by the fireplace. Our friendly bartenders start Happy Hour everyday from 3-6:30pm. Come take a breather, relax in the sun or party with us in the palapa bar. Hours: Sunday-Thursday 7am-9pm Friday & Saturday 7am-9:30pm Happy Hour: Everyday 3-6:30pm.
Owned and operated by the Pitz family since 1977, Dizz’s is a locals’ favorite offering a charming, laid-back atmosphere and friendly service in a 1920s wood-shingled house that seems to blend right in with the surrounding residential area. The eclectic menu features steaks and seafood dishes, and the after-work crowd finds comfort at the cozy bar, with a Gingertini or glass of wine.
Meaning “sweet” in Italian, Dolce Gelato features the authentic Italian treat from a small shop in downtown Laguna. More than 20 handcrafted flavors are offered daily on a rotating basis, with new flavors introduced every week.
Boasting sweeping ocean views, the newly opened Driftwood Kitchen offers diners fresh steaks, seafood and hand-shucked oysters, all with a classic coastal vibe. The restaurant’s Stateroom Bar provides artisanal and hand-shaken cocktails, with an emphasis on fine whiskeys and bourbons. Add a gorgeous view of the Pacific and a sun-soaked outdoor patio, and you have the recipe for a perfect dining experience.
An intimate steakhouse inside The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, enoSTEAK features grass-fed, pasture-raised beef and organic, locally grown produce. The fine dining restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday and also offers an extensive wine list, artisan cheese and charcuterie options.
Eva’s Caribbean Kitchen, located a stones throw from the beautiful Pacific Ocean invites you to sample the best Caribbean offering on the West Coast.
Inspired by the streets of Italy, Gelato Paradiso features artisan gelato and sorbetto offerings that are hand-made in small batches every morning. Choose from a selection of more than 30 flavors daily, or sample several at once with popular pairing suggestions.
Since 1975, Gina’s Pizza & Pastaria has enjoyed the privilege of serving customers Italian home-style cuisine lovingly inspired by Gina. They start with the freshest ingredients, mix their dough from scratch, and stir up small batches of specially seasoned sauces every day. Dine in, delivery, take out & catering available. Free parking. Both locations are open daily.
The Greeters Corner Restaurant. Named after the town’s official greeter, the late Eiler Larsen, The Greeters Corner Restaurant provides a relaxed setting for visitors and locals alike to enjoy a hearty breakfast or lunch. Choose from morning specials like omelets, eggs Benedict and French toast or sink your teeth into a hamburger featuring the restaurant’s secret sauce.
Take a seat at the long sushi bar and chat with one of the chefs as they prepare seafood specialties. The casual spot featuring both Japanese- and island-inspired decor, and a TV at the end of the sushi bar so you don’t miss the game while noshing on sushi or a Japanese burrito.
Order at the counter and have a seat inside or out on the breezy patio at this breakfast and lunchtime gem. Well-known for its coffee creations, the casual cafe’s menu showcases comforting options such as the potato cakes and cinnamon French toast, or for heartier appetites, the German sausage omelet.
Located in the heart of Southern California’s premiere art destination – the masterpiece – HENNESSEY’S !
A drive-in style burger joint that serves the ultra-casual crowd, Husky Boy Burgers is known for its namesake burger, which includes pastrami atop a beef patty with cheese. Plenty of other burgers, sandwiches and breakfast items populate the menu; for something sweet, try the classic banana split or root beer float.
Burgers, fries and shakes are plentiful at Johnny Rockets, served with a side of 1950s nostalgia. Indulge in classic American eats at this diner-inspired restaurant while enjoying views of the beach and bustling downtown area.
A quintessential independent coffee shop with comfy couches and chairs, a cozy outdoor patio and free Wi-Fi, The Koffee Klatch is a quaint place to sit down with a magazine or meet with friends. Coffee is a given, but patrons also enjoy salads, sandwiches, pastries and breakfast items like granola, yogurt or scrambled eggs.
Whether you’re looking for chocolates in the shape of farm animals or German gummy bears, La Rue du Chocolat probably carries it. Known for its specialty handmade confections from around the world, the small shop tucked in Pepper Tree Lane between The Saloon and Watermarc will satisfy any discerning sweet tooth.
Let your taste buds guide you through Laguna Canyon Winery’s tasting rooms, where visitors can sample 1-ounce sips of the boutique wines. Every first Friday of the month, visit the winery for a tasting party featuring small sips of the handcrafted wines, food and live music.
A boutique micro-coffee roaster, Laguna Coffee Co. uses a European roasting process to create distinctive blends. Enjoy your coffee black, blended or any way in between while relaxing with a pastry at one of the shop’s quaint tables.
Known for “Taco Tuesday all day long,” Laguna Feast’s version of the regional holiday offers $1 tacos and $2.75 beers. On the regular menu, you’ll find omelets, burritos, quesadillas and other Mexican dishes.
Food lovers will take delight in Laguna Foodies’ walking culinary tour of Laguna Beach, where guests can choose a variety of gastronomic expeditions that focus on different cuisines, from happy hour spots to the best in seafood.
Laguna Beach a la Carte (March). Laguna Beach a la Carte®—A Food & Wine Experience taking place around town from Thursday, March 7—Sunday, March 10, 2013. Enjoy four days of special restaurant offers, daily events, chef & winemaker dinners, educational seminars, prix fixe menus and more.
Open for lunch and dinner, this small, casual restaurant offers such dishes as stagy, pad Thai and plenty of seafood options like steamed green mussels and scallop curry.
Serving Mexican-inspired, California coastal cuisine, Las Brisas also offers diners some of the best views in town. Popular for their weekend brunches, tropical margaritas and impressing out of town visitors or clients, the Las Brisas menu is seafood-heavy with signature dishes such as the Frutas Del Mar (half a lobster tail with shrimp, scallops, mahi mahi and crab claws) and grilled seafood skewers.
Featuring a restaurant, bar area and interactive cheese bar, The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach offers fine dining during breakfast, lunch and dinner hours with panoramic ocean views. Resort guests and locals enjoy the menu of American cuisine with dishes highlighting seasonal ingredients. Contact the restaurant to find out more about its wine education series, The Artistry of Wine, which features tastings from around the world led by Montage sommeliers.
Charming, fanciful homestyle shopping experience with a delightful garden cafe/patio. Located in North Laguna Beach, the heart of Gallery Row on Pacific Coast Highway. Featuring unique elements for home, plus yard and plantscape exteriors. Children & pet friendly. Open for breakfast/lunch 8am–3pm. Closed Tuesdays.
Open for lunch and dinner, Mandarin King serves Mandarin and Szechuan cuisine free of MSG. Since 1984, this cozy and casual restaurant on Coast Highway has been a go-to for Chinese food favorites such as orange peel chicken, kung pao dishes and more. Also available are a lunch menu and family dinner options.
Under the purview of chef Alessandro Pirozzi, Mare Culinary Lounge offers Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist. With chic, modern decor, a full bar and live music on select days, Mare is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Sample from uniquely crafted seafood plates, homemade pastas, savory steaks and more.
This downtown bar has been “where the locals gather,” since 1934. The Marine Room features great drinks, a pool table, live music from local musicians, dancing and TVs, making it a popular local hangout.
Dedicated to sustainable and natural ingredients, this hip establishment features a markedly small heated patio and very few seats at a counter inside. But what the restaurant lacks in size it makes up in flavor: Find a selection of empanadas, pizzas, salads, burgers and of course steaks on the menu, which Executive Chef Debra Sims has thoughtfully constructed with simplicity and seasonality in mind. Closed Mondays, Maro is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday.
Tandoori delicacies, like the specialty chicken marinated in yogurt sauce and fresh spices, along with an array of appetizers, soups, entrees and desserts are plentiful at Natraj Cuisine of India. The fresh, authentic dishes are on the menu for lunch or dinner, with a weekday lunch buffet offering an all-you-can-eat spread for dining patrons.
Opened in 2012, NEApolitan is a casual eatery featuring wood-fired pizzas made from scratch and featuring unique toppings. The Funghi, one of their signature pies, is topped with hen of the woods, potato, fontina cheese and egg. For those with a taste for something sweet and savory, the blackberry pizza has spiced jam, ricotta, bacon and arugula. Classics like the margherita and NEA meatball are also available, as well as small plates, desserts and a variety of beer and cocktails.
Fruits and vegetables take center stage at Nekter Juice Bar, which offers a healthy selection of juices, smoothies, cleanses, acai bowls and snacks. The juices and smoothies served at Nekter are 100 percent all natural, raw and vegan for the healthiest drink possible. Order ahead online or stop by on your way to the beach.
Nick’s Laguna Beach 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 culinary talents of the Chef and his team. Nick’s has become a favorite for dining, cocktails and people-watching. Open daily for breakfast from 7:30am-11:30am, lunch and dinner.
Offering both traditional and fusion Japanese fare as well as a premium sake list, the chefs of O Fine have more than 30 years of combined experience. Have a seat around the contemporary, blue-lit sushi bar and dive into an adventurous menu of sushi, sashimi, teriyaki, katsu and other Japanese favorites.
Opened in December of 1994. Created by the husband and wife team of Jonathan & Maria Thomas, OCEAN AVENUE is a redefinition of the traditional brewpub concept. If not for the gleaming copper tanks behind the bar, you might not suspect that OCEAN AVENUE is, in fact, a brewpub. The tastefully muted decor, accented by original works of art and unique floral arrangements provide a comfortable, yet unpretentious atmosphere for dining. The restaurant and brewery features fare such as burgers, pastas, and pizzas as well as a selection of Ocean Avenue craft brews, classical and inventive cocktails, and wines. The restaurant also brings in disc jockeys on Friday and Saturday nights after 9:30 p.m. for a lively evening on the town.
On the ground level of the historic Hotel Laguna, OceanView Bar & Grill delivers the spectacular views its name promises. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, including a sports bar with five large TVs. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus are full of traditional American classics and the bar offers an extensive wine list along with beer and a wide selection of specialty cocktails and martinis.
A recent addition to the Laguna seafood scene, Okura Robata Grill & Sushi Bar serves up some of the freshest sushi and Japanese-inspired entrees in town. From sashimi and Atlantic salmon to hanger steak, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this contemporary eatery. Okura also offers a daily happy hour from 4:00-6:00 p.m., with specials on appetizers, sushi and drinks.
A casual Mexican eatery with a popular outdoor patio. Olamendi’s restaurant and Latin lounge serves house specialties such as fajitas, tamales, seafood plates and steaks. Olamendi’s also satisfies diet-conscious diners with a “lite menu,” in which all items are 300 calories or less.
The wood-paneled beach cottage on the corner of Coast Highway and CLeo has been a favorite of beach goers for breakfast and lunch. With board-short-and-sandals charm, Orange Inn serves a large selection of sandwiches, soups and salads, as well as breakfast burritos and refreshing smoothies.
This small corner shop serves quick and tasty, made-to-order Mexican food favorites, and its breakfast menu of items like chilaquiles and huevos archers are available throughout the day. With limited seating indoors, Papas Tacos is an ideal spot for carryout meals.
A local favorite for decades, the family-owned Penguin Cafe proudly owns the label “hole in the wall.” With limited seating and diner staples like sandwiches, omelets and griddle combos, the cafe draws breakfast and lunch crowds every day of the week.
Tucked away in the corner of Laguna’s small outdoor Food Village, Peony serves up quick and convenient Chinese cuisine for lunch and dinner. Grab a table in the cozy dining room or on the shared patio space outside, and enjoy traditional options like orange chicken, wonton soup and other assorted dishes.
Stop into this quick and casual corner shop just steps from Main Beach for a whole pizza or just a slice. Pizza Lounge is known for specialty pizzas such as the Santa Fe Pizza; peaches, chicken and Gorgonzola; and Thai chicken pizza. Salads, pastas and sandwiches are also available for dine in or take out.
A Laguna Beach staple since 1975, Polina’s Salerno Italian Restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Salads, soups, pastas, meat entrees and seafood populate the menu, with the option to create your own pasta. Gluten-free pasta is available, and specials are offered Tuesdays through Thursdays.
An upscale culinary concept by acclaimed chef Richard Sandoval, Raya at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in an elegant resort setting. Spectacular ocean views are the backdrop for gourmet meals from a Latin-inspired menu of sustainable seafood, local produce, natural and organic meat.
Just a few blocks from Laguna’s historic district, The Retreat is an intimate Tuscany-style village, offering eight distinct villas for rental. Combining five-star service with ocean views, this exclusive rental community is perfect for a relaxing getaway.
A romantic Coast Highway restaurant open for dinner, Ristorante Rumari offers Italian fare including pastas, salads, meat, poultry and seafood, and an extensive wine list. Perfect for date night, enjoy the family-owned upscale fare in an intimate environment. Reservations are recommended.
Visitors to Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop will experience a tremendous sense of nostalgia and galactic energy as soon as they enter the store. Boasting a number of funky sweets and sodas in flavors like bacon, green apple jalapeno and s’mores, the shop is nothing like your typical confectionary. In addition to the sugary snacks, Rocket Fizz carries a number of retro-inspired gifts, posters and more. Those looking for a sweet pick-me-up after a day of lounging at the beach should stop by to see the selection for themselves.
Pulling inspiration from regional cuisine from Chicago to New Orleans, Rock’n Fish’s menu features seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches and more. Twenty-four craft beers are available on tap, as well as California wines and unique cocktails. Receive 50 percent off all wines by the glass on Wednesdays, taco deals on Tuesdays and happy hour specials weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m.
Fudge, truffles, caramel apples and other indulgent treats line the walls of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, located across the street from Main Beach. A chocolate lover’s haven, Rocky Mountain entices with a huge selection of confections made on-site.
Since 1976, Royal Thai Cuisine has been serving authentic Thai dishes. As a consistent winner of the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association Gold Award, Royal Thai has also been voted “The Best Thai Restaurant” by local newspapers and magazines. Join us for cooking classes and catering for any event. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, daily early bird service and delivery service available. Parking available.
Stop into Ruby’s Diner for American classics and a serving of nostalgia. This family-friendly restaurant offers diner staples for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the young (and young at heart) will enjoy the classic cars parked out front and the 1940s decor. Kids eat free on Tuesdays after 4 p.m.; contact the diner for more details.
No frills here—The Saloon is a small bar with a friendly staff and good drinks. With an intimate setting and chalkboards displaying daily specials, the bar makes for the perfect stop before or after dinner at one of the surrounding restaurants.
Known as the “Dirty Bird” by locals, The Sandpiper is where legends are made. The old bar is a true dive, complete with dartboards, strong drinks and live music. Open late, the bar doesn’t serve food but is known as a late-night hangout after many of the other local venues close.
Chef Azmin’s motto has always been: “When you dine at my restaurant you are traveling through the world’s markets with your palate, and you don’t even need a passport.” Now, Chef Azmin Ghahreman opens global portals to diners and shoppers who visit him at Sapphire Laguna. He is well-known among industry professionals and diners alike for quality. He grew up in a large, extended family and a food culture in which real pleasure was derived from feeding people, and seeing them enjoy the food and the experience of eating. “That’s what life is all about,” he’d say. His global market cuisine strikes a balance between comfort food and innovative, creative tastes.
Part bakery, part deli, part cafe – downtown wanderers often end up in Scandia after seeing the irresistable display of baked goods through the doorway. For something savory, try the selection of sandwiches, salads and other deli items toward the back of the shop.
Selanne Steak Tavern brings the spirit of much-loved classic American steakhouses and taverns to California’s iconic Laguna Beach. Our proprietors Teemu Selanne, hockey legend and former NHL Anaheim Ducks star player and local businessman Kevin Pratt are friends who share a commitment to providing a comfortable and appealing eatery for friends and families to enjoy great food and libations. Executive Chef Joshua Severson creates distinctive versions of contemporary American steakhouse fare, while his talented pastry crew pleases diners with playful retro-treats. Our guests can enjoy Chef Severson’s dishes, artisan cocktails, beers and selections from our wine list (focused on California cult wines and other highly-rated, world-class wines) in any of our five classic dining settings: The Loft – our upstairs dining room; The Wine Library; downstairs in The Tavern; or outside on The Veranda or Sunset Terrace. To extend the Selanne Steak Tavern experience, we offer our guests a chance to “take home” a piece of the restaurant experience at our TS Gourmet Shoppe. Located adjacent to the restaurant, this intimate space offers a wide range of specialty foods such as aged prime meats cut to order and a few of Chef’s favorite ingredients. The Shoppe also carries signed hockey […]
Supplying fresh boiled and baked goods to Orange County since 1986, the selection at this small shop includes classics like poppy, onion and everything bagels, and the more adventurous jalapeño and sundried tomato. Stop in for bagel sandwiches, sandwiches, or a cup of Kéan Coffee.
A small shop favored by locals, South Swell Donuts features a menu with an eclectic mix of items. In addition to traditional donuts and sandwiches, the shop offers more substantial fare in the away of Vietnamese-style pho, spring rolls and egg rolls.
Order vegan bowls, soups, sandwiches, tamales, burritos and desserts from this little walk-up window on Thalia. The Stand prides itself on natural ingredients and is a local favorite for those getting ready to play in the sand.
Renowned chef Michael Mina presents Stonehill Tavern at The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, offering fine American cuisine in a sophisticated, contemporary setting. Open for dinner only, the restaurant also houses one of the area’s most extensive wine list selections, with a focus on boutique producers in California. Enjoy dining indoors near the fireplace or on the terrace, a romantic option for warm summer nights.
Nestled in a cozy courtyard in the heart of Laguna Beach, complete with a bubbling fountain, our Laguna restaurant is sure to please. Walking distance to the beach, Pageant of the Masters and the Festival of Arts, it’s a favorite of locals and tourists alike. The restaurant boasts a cozy bar and dining room with an expansive patio where you are always sure to see a canine friend or two! During the summertime there is an additional upstairs patio with a birds eye view of downtown Laguna.
A casual downtown spot for sushi and sake, Sushi Laguna attracts dinner crowds for both traditional and non-traditional rolls such as the Luke Skywalker, a deep-fried concoction of jalapeno and spicy tuna.
The word Tabu is from the Polynesian Tongan people’s tongue and means, ‘Set apart or Forbidden’ which sets the tone for this unparalleled restaurant located in Laguna Beach. As you enter the mysterious oasis that is Tabu Grill, a ring of exotic plants surrounds the front patio entrance, guarding it from the prying eyes of the outside world. The seductive curve of the grill top overlooking the display kitchen beckons you to engage in some voyeuristic urges and watch as they work their magic with their delectable ingredients. Entrancing hues of oceanic blues, exotic purples, and aquamarines, reminiscent of the South Pacific, add a cool and relaxing air to the space. Seagrass chairs seem to want to embrace you and the banquets lure you in with their plush and inviting look. Dozens of candles ensconced in the muted stone walls add an intimate feeling and give a silky depth to the rich wood table tops. The ceiling is decorated with colorful tapestries that add to the opulent feeling of intimacy, the feeling this is somehow secret and ‘forbidden’ from the world. Tabu Grill truly feels like an oceanic oasis in which to indulge yourself. Tabu Grill is ‘in its stride’ […]
Mexican fusion seafood, vegetarian, meats, and elicit taco bar with sidewalk atmosphere.A casual spot for quick lunches and late night eats, Taco Loco’s employees don tie-dye T-shirts while whipping up delicious tacos, salads, quesadillas, nachos, burger and even Mexican pizzas. Order at the counter and have a seat outside.
Located in beautiful Newport Beach, California, Tamarind of London sets the standard for an elevated Indian dining experience for locals and visitors alike. Tamarind of London pays homage to India’s flavorful traditional favorites while artfully integrating California’s robust selection of seasonal, fresh and sustainable ingredients in every dish. In 2013, Tamarind of London was declared “Best Indian Food” in Southern California by the Los Angeles Times’ Pulitzer Prize-awarded restaurant critic, Jonathan Gold.
Family owned Thai Restaurant located near the ocean in Laguna Beach. Been operating since 1994 now and our food only gets better. So do our service! We love the locals, the regulars and the ones who wander in and keep coming back for more! Come in and have a taste.
Modeled after an authentic Italian villa, Ti Amo Ristorante transports diners to an Italian village with stone tablet menus, fresco artwork adorning the walls and dim lighting to create an intimate atmosphere. The menu showcases homemade pasta and Italian comfort food created by chef Pino Domicolo. It’s now open for special events and banquets only.
Located on the grounds of Art-A-Fair, Tivoli Too! features an airy courtyard and scenic seating overlooking a waterfall. The Southwestern-inspired menu offers options such as stuffed jalapenos, sandwiches, south-of-the-border favorites like enchiladas and chile relleno, and desserts like Tivoli’s ice cream mud pie. The restaurant’s margaritas are also a must try.
The romantic garden setting of Tivoli Terrace is the perfect location for your wedding and reception. We are nestled in the hillside of beautiful Laguna Beach, the heart of the Southern California Rivera. Our property has two distinctly unique levels. The bride to be makes a dramatic entrance into the upper terrace chapel by walking up a grand staircase. Up in the trees you and your guests are surrounded by twinkle lights, antique wood doors, flowering plants, lush greenery, fountains and a beautiful arbor for your ceremony. Downstairs in our intimate reception area you will be greeted by candlelight, stained glass, our giant California Sycamore tree and an antique gazebo to display your wedding cake.
Sit back and enjoy the island lifestyle at our Laguna Beach Bar & Grill, scenically situated along the majestic Pacific Ocean. Serving contemporary American cuisine and delicious hand-crafted cocktails, our Laguna Beach location is perfect for lunch, dinner and pick-me-ups all day long. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.
Although part of the Umami Restaurant Group empire, the Laguna location of the specialty burger maker has its own unique identity with a casual, beach cottage feel and nostalgic photos and artwork adorning the walls. The restaurant also offers a specialty Laguna burger, the lemon miso crab melt, in addition to its signature burger options, which pair well with a selection of wines and beers.
Born in Orange County, Wing Lam’s Wahoo’s Fish Taco epitomizes the beach lifestyle with its walls and furniture adorned with skate and surf company stickers and casual Baja-style fare. The famous fish taco restaurant offers a kids menu, both indoor and outdoor seating and beer by the bottle or pitcher.
The White House Restaurant & Nightclub in Laguna Beach is almost certainly the oldest, restaurant in Orange County. First established in 1918, it later became very popular with stars of stage and screen from Hollywood when they would come to dine and hear the latest popular music by the sea in Southern California. Totally renovated and remodeled, it is now in the forefront of innovative casual California cuisine. The dining room displays an ever-changing exhibition of artwork by local Laguna Beach artists.
A Laguna favorite for Mediterranean-inspired dishes, the Zéytoon’s seasonal menu includes delicious items such as the meatless stuffed grape leaves, Zéytoon flatbread and toasted caprese panini. The casual cafe also features a top deck with stunning views, perfect for a light lunch before or after a romp on the beach.
Zinc is a business that provides our employees and customers a sense of place. Zinc has a beating heart. It is designed for people to connect to each other and to the community in which they live. Zinc provides through esthetics, food and emotions a special landscape for our customers to gather. Zinc is a retreat for our employees and customers. It provides a resting spot for regaining and sustaining our strengths, emotions and values through a caring, nurturing, thoughtful and artistic environment. Great food, thoughtful people and a beautiful environment is what Zinc strives for every day of its life.
Founded in Laguna Beach, the fast-casual ZPizza offers both signature and classic pizza topping combinations, as well as salads, sandwiches and pastas. Pizza and rusticas are made with 100 percent organic wheat flour, with gluten-free and vegan options available.
Featured Restaurants
LIKE A LOCAL
Whether you want to focus on food, family or outdoor fun, residents offer insight to help you craft the perfect day in Laguna Beach. By Elizabeth Nutt Laguna Beach teems with gourmet eateries, outdoor thrills and adventurous activities for all ages. With no shortage of things to do, the challenge lies in narrowing down the options, especially if you have limited time to explore. To help you create the perfect day, we gathered tips and suggestions from locals who know the ins and outs of our beachside town and who can help point you in the right direction, no matter what it is that you’re looking for—be it a fun family experience, a tasty burrito and a craft beer, or a workout that takes advantage of Laguna’s pristine coastline or many hiking trails. Here, we’ve created three distinct itineraries for the ultimate day out. They’re so chock-full of tempting to-dos that you may as well clear your calendar. Hands down, my favorite way to spend the day … is surfing on the beach that i grew up on, [pearl street beach]. — James Pribram Food-Focused Day Behind every great adventure is a delicious meal that fuels it, and Laguna offers […]
Grilled Cheese, Please!
April 23, 2014 As the French know all too well, there’s nothing more satisfying than indulging in the simple, but delicious pairing of bread and cheese. And, as April is Grilled Cheese Month, we decided it was the right time to seek out some of the best places around town to enjoy this popular sandwich. No need to order off the kids’ menu—from gourmet to traditional-style sandwiches, several Laguna restaurants offer an adult version of this childhood favorite. Whether a delectable grilled cheese sandwich is paired with soup, french fries or a la carte, this comfort fare always hits the spot. Gourmet Lobster Grilled cheese enthusiasts craving a gourmet version of their favorite need look no further than Tommy Bahama Laguna Beach Bar & Grill, which is located in the Heisler Building in the heart of downtown and features a decadent lobster grilled cheese sandwich on its menu. With succulent pieces of fresh Maine lobster and four types of melted fromage on thick slices of grilled sourdough, this rich, flavorful entree is a must-try for grilled cheese sandwich connoisseurs. Served with a bowl of tomato bisque, this satisfying option is large enough to share—depending on your appetite, of course. (949-376-6886; […]
Guilt-Free Fare
Enjoying healthy food and drinks at happy hour might sound like an oxymoron, but that’s no longer the case in our foodie-obsessed culture. With diners now seeking fresh, healthier sustenance at all times—not to mention attempting to keep all those New Year’s resolutions to eat better—Laguna’s restaurants are successfully meeting the demand for lighter fare and libations at the end of a long work day. From organic veggie burgers and low-cal cocktails to light seafood dishes, our town’s eateries have got you covered. So, gather a group of friends or coworkers and indulge in tasty happy hours without the guilt—we’ll cheers to that. Nutritious Nosh Chef Lindsay Smith-Rosales of Nirvana Grille is known for her “clean” California cuisine, which utilizes local and organic ingredients; sustainable, fresh seafood; and hormone- and antibiotic-free meats and poultry to make the scrumptious dishes found on both Nirvana’s regular and happy hour menus. “At Nirvana Grille, we change our menus seasonally and, as such, the happy hour menu changes with our dinner menu,” Lindsay says. In addition to a bar menu featuring wild mushroom ravioli, an organic veggie burger and a grass-fed organic beef burger, Nirvana’s happy hour menu includes tantalizing dishes such as organic […]
The Tastes of Broadway
April 11, 2012 Broadway by Amar Santana continues to lure in locals with a constantly changing menu of adventurous seasonal cuisine. –By Micaela Myers / Photos by Jody Tiongco When Amar Santana and his business partners Ahmed Labbate and Rich Cadarette opened Broadway by Amar Santana last summer, the inspiration was Amar’s native New York City. He wanted to create a place where guests could “come in, sit down and enjoy the show.” Amar says Broadway brought to Laguna something completely different, and like a night in New York City itself, an evening at Broadway is never the same. The open kitchen complete with front row seats at the chef’s table provides a live show of dinner in the making. The industrial design with a high ceiling creates an open feeling, inviting everyone to one big party. “I basically want to create a comfortable atmosphere,” Amar says. Locals have welcomed Broadway, making for a loyal base of customers. “We have a lot of repeat customers, them to have the so we don’t want same thing all the time,” he explains. His new restaurant venture allows him to change the menu every couple of weeks, which wasn’t such an easy task when he […]
Las Brisas
Seafood by the Seashore Las Brisas serves a menu chock-full of seafood and some of the best views in town.- By Linda Domingo | Photos by Jody Tiongco “The coastal cuisine of the Mexican riviera,” is how chef Abe van Beek describes Las Brisas. Since 1979, the restaurant has served Mexican-inspired cuisine and some of the best views in the city. Chef Abe started at the institution about five months ago, and says the staff is working hard on evolving the restaurant for 2013. With a background that includes Studio at Montage Laguna Beach and Aqua, formerly at The St. Regis Monarch Beach, Abe is excited for what’s to come, and helping more clearly define Las Brisas’ identity. One thing that won’t change, he mentions, is the view: “You just can’t beat that.” Even if you’re a local, the colors and tastes of the margaritas will make you feel like you’re on vacation. For those wanting to taste the tropics, the Diver’s Cove is made with Blue Curacao, perfectly matching the ocean below, and the mango margarita tastes like it was just plucked from a tree. Meanwhile, margarita purists will be pleased with the salty and sweet Ultimate Margarita. The popular […]
Carmelita’s Laguna Beach
The Right Ingredients Carmelita’s serves up delicious Mexican cuisine in a friendly, inviting atmosphere. –By Micaela Myers | Photos by Jody Tiongco Carmelita’s has all the right ingredients—a great location, an inviting interior, friendly staff and, most importantly, tasty Mexican cuisine. Recently opened, the Laguna location is the second restaurant for owner Clemente Heredia, a third-generation restaurateur. Clemente opened the first location in Rancho Santa Margarita in 2009. After just a couple of months in business, Carmelita’s is packed for dinner seven days a week. Clemente credits his locals-first emphasis. “They’re my foundation for everything,” he says. The restaurant will change as needed to meet the desires of the locals, he promises. The staff is also an important part of that equation. By our second visit to Carmelita’s, they knew our names. “They’re just trying to make the experience better,” Clemente comments. He explains he has a rigorous interview process and seeks out a service-oriented staff with just the right personalities. That same attention to detail applies to the food, and Clemente monitors the quality of all ingredients. And while the food is authentic, Clemente says he’s not afraid to use new techniques with old favorites. Cheese lovers can start […]
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