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Best Californian Restaurants in Laguna Beach

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35 restaurants available nearby

A photo of 230 Forest Avenue restaurant
1. 230 Forest Avenue
4.8
Exceptional(2875)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 21 times today
Nestled in the heart of Laguna Beach, 230 Forest Avenue is a beacon of exceptional American cuisine, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and culinary artistry. Executive Chef Marc Cohen, renowned as one of The OC's top chefs, crafts dishes that are both visually stunning and delicious, making each meal a feast for the eyes and the palate. Guests rave about the "amazing food" and "top-notch service," with favorites like the "perfectly cooked halibut" and "fluffy, flakey sea bass." This iconic restaurant, with its modern bistro vibe and art gallery charm, promises an unforgettable dining experience that's quintessentially American and undeniably Laguna.
A photo of Larsen at Hotel Laguna restaurant
2. Larsen at Hotel Laguna
4.6
Exceptional(1559)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 49 times today
Larsen at Hotel Laguna is a seafood lover's paradise nestled in the heart of Laguna Beach, where the ocean's bounty meets culinary artistry. With its prime beachfront location, this restaurant offers not just a meal but an experience. Diners rave about the "wonderful lobster roll" and the perfectly cooked "halibut-based fish and chips." The swordfish sandwich is another standout, praised for its "delicious and generous" portion. The freshness and local sourcing of ingredients ensure each dish captures the essence of the sea. Whether seated inside or on the patio with "amazing ocean views," Larsen promises an unforgettable seafood dining experience.
A photo of Driftwood Kitchen restaurant
3. Driftwood Kitchen
4.5
Awesome(1351)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 48 times today
Driftwood Kitchen in Laguna Beach offers an exceptional American dining experience that beautifully combines "fantastic seafood" with a breathtaking beachfront view. The establishment, praised for its "excellent service" and "delicious food," serves up a delightful variety of ocean-to-table dishes, including freshly shucked oysters and expertly prepared sea bass. The ambiance is described as "relaxing and refined," providing the perfect backdrop for enjoying the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Guests rave about the "attentive staff" and commend the restaurant for making special occasions truly memorable. Driftwood Kitchen's commitment to quality and authenticity makes it a standout destination for American cuisine lovers.
A photo of Las Brisas restaurant
4. Las Brisas
4.4
Awesome(12191)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 144 times today
Las Brisas, a Laguna Beach icon, blends timeless charm with classic Southern California cuisine, offering fresh, chef-curated dishes and world-class hospitality. Start your day with our Weekday Breakfast or unwind during our Weekday Happy Hour with bites like Tuna Poke and a Las Brisas Margarita. On weekends, savor our luxurious 4-course Brunch while enjoying breathtaking ocean views. Whether dining in our elegant rooms or relaxing on the outdoor patio, Las Brisas provides a historic coastal setting perfect for any occasion.
A photo of Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort restaurant
5. Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort
4.8
Exceptional(4444)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 41 times today
Nestled along the picturesque Southern California coastline in Laguna Beach, Splashes offers an exceptional dining experience that celebrates innovative coastal cuisine. Helmed by renowned Chef Ron Fougeray, the menu blends fresh, local ingredients with creative culinary techniques, delivering vibrant dishes that capture the essence of coastal California. Sommelier-selected wines from the restaurant's award-winning wine program enhance the dining experience with perfect harmony. Indulge in modern elegance in a newly renovated dining room, where the soothing sights and sounds of the ocean create a serene atmosphere. Guests will enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific as they savor contemporary coastal flavors, making every meal a memorable occasion. The team at Splashes invites guests to celebrating the beauty of coastal living with an unforgettable dining experience that reflects the spirit of Laguna Beach.
A photo of Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove restaurant
6. Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove
4.8
Exceptional(10532)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Newport Beach
Booked 117 times today
Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove is a beacon of authentic American cuisine, beautifully blending classic dishes with a breathtaking beachfront setting. Nestled in Newport Beach, this gem has been honored as one of OpenTable's "Top 100 Restaurants" for 2023 in the U.S., solidifying its status as a culinary standout. Diners rave about the "absolutely amazing" food and "incredible" service, often highlighting the Pesto Chicken Pasta and beignets as must-try items. With its unpretentious charm and spectacular views of the Pacific, Beachcomber offers a quintessentially American dining experience where every meal feels like a celebration. Perfect for special occasions or a casual beachside bite!
A photo of Harvest restaurant
7. Harvest
4.6
Exceptional(2470)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 32 times today
Harvest in Laguna Beach is a shining example of exceptional Contemporary American cuisine, where farm-to-table freshness meets culinary artistry. Executive Chef Kyle St. John crafts each dish with ingredients harvested from the restaurant's own half-acre Harvest Farm, making every bite a testament to quality and authenticity. Diners rave about the "incredibly fresh options" and "beautiful presentation" of the dishes, highlighting the chef's ability to infuse traditional American flavors with a contemporary twist. The stunning views of Aliso Canyon and the friendly, attentive service further elevate the dining experience, making Harvest a must-visit for anyone seeking remarkable Contemporary American fare.
A photo of Pelican Grill restaurant
8. Pelican Grill
4.8
Exceptional(3288)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Newport Beach
Booked 27 times today
Pelican Grill, nestled in the serene Newport Coast, offers an unparalleled Californian culinary experience that is both authentic and innovative. This dining gem is celebrated for its commitment to using the freshest local and hyper-local ingredients, sourced from local vendors like Oak Grove Farms. Guests rave about the restaurant's vibrant flavors and impeccable service, with one review highlighting it as "a perfect night out with a quiet, relaxed atmosphere." Whether you're indulging in their wood-fired pizza or savoring caviar, every dish embodies the essence of Californian cuisine. Paired with stunning views and an extensive wine list, Pelican Grill is truly a must-visit.
A photo of OPAH Restaurant & Bar restaurant
9. OPAH Restaurant & Bar
4.8
Exceptional(1612)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 12 times today
Opah Restaurant & Bar @ Town Center Aliso Viejo offers an exceptional American dining experience that truly stands out in the heart of Aliso Viejo. Renowned for its consistently great service and high-quality cuisine, this local gem impresses with its diverse menu and meticulous preparation, especially their seafood selections. Regulars rave about the "amazing hazelnut encrusted halibut" and the "delicious bacon-wrapped dates," showcasing authentic American flavors with a gourmet twist. The inviting atmosphere, enhanced by a cozy outdoor patio, makes Opah a favorite spot for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. With glowing reviews praising the "phenomenal service" and "excellent experience on all points," Opah is a must-visit for anyone seeking stellar American cuisine.
A photo of Lost Pier Cafe restaurant
10. Lost Pier Cafe
(0)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Our sandy cafe right on the beach welcomes local legends and sleepy explorers for fresh, beachside, artistically curated California coastal bites. With the sound of the surf and feeling of sand between your toes, allow Laguna’s beauty to set the pace for a true retreat. Dive into a basket of fresh fish and chips or savor our signature coffee and warm beignets as the sun shines on another day in paradise. Our fire pit rentals provide you with everything you need for a cozy evening by the beach. You and your family can roast marshmallows, make s'mores, or simply bask in the warmth of the fire while listening to the rhythm of the ocean. It's the ideal setting for storytelling, sharing memories, and strengthening the bonds that make family so special. Lost Pier Cafe is also proud to be an Ocean Friendly Restaurant certified by the Surfrider Foundation. We strive to do this while delivering the finest ingredients in all our dishes. Please note Lost Pier Café does not take reservations.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Xandra
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Thank you for a wonderful evening, we are so delighted to be back for an amazing dinner after 14 year of marriage. Hotel Laguna is where we tied the night and our experience yesterday evening was so lovely. The staff were friendly and our server brought us a surprise dessert, so kind! The food was fantastic- I had the chilean seabass and my husband had the gnocchi. We truly enjoyed our valentines day dinner. Thank you!
    More info
    Larsen at Hotel LagunaPrice: Expensive• Californian• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.6
  • Jeannie
    Los Angeles •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Best dinner. Can't believe we had never been before this evening. Wonderful experience. Thank you to our amazing waiter - Jorge ... and the manager on duty this evening. Excellent. Everything was amazing. O
    More info
    230 Forest AvenuePrice: Moderate• Californian• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.8
  • Duane
    Orange County •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We were so excited to visit Splashes since the remodel and we were pleasantly impressed! We started with a cocktail in the new lobby lounge that overlooks the ocean. What an outstanding use of this location that use to be hotel suites. Next it was on to Splashes where we were met by Julian (from Paris) who found us a marvelous table overlooking the picturesque sunset. Julian is a great ambassador for the hotel and Splashes. Our Waiter was Patrick from Buenos Aires, Patrick and his server Jose have been with the hotel for years and were very attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. We started with the lobster bisque, this is a must have when visiting Splashes, it was outstanding! Our dinner was beautifully presented and delicious. I had the sea bass special for the evening, it was tender and buttery and it melted in my mouth. My wife had the halibut which was also outstanding. We ended the evening with a shared Baked Alaska, it was the perfect sweet treat to complete this great evening. We can’t say enough about how much we enjoyed our experience at Surf and Sands Splashes. We will be back very soon!
    More info
    Splashes at Surf & Sand ResortPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.8
  • Michael
    Orange County •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Excellent ocean-view dining. Delicious food, high prices, and valet parking add$$. It is nearly impossible to beat the view and food quality!
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    Driftwood KitchenPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.5
  • Robert
    Orange County •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We enjoyed a wonderful Valentine’s Day lunch of freshly made guacamole and chips along with ribs for appetizers. The main course was a delicious grilled chicken plate featuring fingerling potatoes with an amazing cream dressing! Our server was very attentive and helpful, providing us with all the modifications requested of our meal. The ambiance was great, the view spectacular, and overall feel of warmth in all of the staff we encountered! A perfect place to celebrate the occasion, and we will definitely return in the future!
    More info
    Las BrisasPrice: Moderate• Californian• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.4

Discover best Californian restaurants in Laguna Beach

Discover the heart of Californian cuisine in the picturesque setting of Laguna Beach, South Orange County. This coastal gem is renowned for its diverse dining scene that celebrates local, fresh, and sustainable ingredients, offering a unique blend of flavors that encapsulate the spirit of California. From organic, farm-to-table experiences to innovative seafood dishes and vibrant bistro vibes, each restaurant provides a distinctive taste of the region's culinary excellence. Patrons can expect menus that frequently refresh with seasonal items, ensuring every visit offers something new and exciting. Alongside delicious dishes, the ambiance in these establishments usually pairs stunning local views with artful decor, enhancing the overall dining experience. Whether you're enjoying a meal amidst the artistic backdrop of the Festival of the Arts or savoring the ocean-to-table fare with panoramic ocean views, Laguna Beach's restaurant scene delivers both quality and creativity. This destination is a must-visit for food enthusiasts looking for an authentic Californian dining experience in a breathtaking locale.

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