Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Orange County
  4. South Orange County
  5. Laguna Beach
Driftwood Kitchen, Laguna Beach, CA

Driftwood Kitchen

4.5
4.5
1367 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 32 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for scenic views
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighborhood gem
Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom bar is a casual restaurant that serves ocean-to-table fare next to a lovely waterfront view. Helmed by executive Chef Rainer Schwarz, the menu showcases an eclectic selection of seafood dishes that highlight the diversity of the Pacific. Menu highlights include hand-shucked oysters, salmon, octopus, swordfish and lobster, prepared with nothing but the finest and freshest ingredients. Driftwood also offers alternative menu items for landlubbers, such as dishes made of chicken or steak.

Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom Bar is open all through the week. In addition to its dinner menu, the restaurant serves brunch 7 days a week between 9 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. The airy dining room is a great place to enjoy a casual business lunch or a fun outing with friends. Driftwood Kitchen also boasts a bar, open from 9am - 10:30pm everyday.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Californian
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 9:00 am–2:15 pm Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (949) 715-7700
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Executive chef
    Rainer Schwarz
  • Catering
    The Driftwood Private Room is just upstairs of the Driftwood Kitchen and State Room Bar, and offers sparkling ocean views. Inspired by the historical charm of the building, the rich dark hardwood floors and paneling, grey tufted chairs and bay windows, this ambiance offers a very private setting for your business or social gathering.
  • Private party facilities
    With unobstructed views of the Ocean, our unique ocean front property offers a spectacular location for special events and weddings of many styles and sizes. We are able to customize each of our unique spaces to accommodate birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, corporate gatherings, weddings ceremonies and receptions, or a day at the beach,
  • Neighborhood
    Laguna Beach
  • Cross street
    Coast Highway and Cleo
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Public transit
    Trolley stop Coast Hwy @ Cleo St, SB - Stop 14
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,367 people are saying

Driftwood Kitchen reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Orange County

    Great for scenic views

  • South Orange County

    Great for scenic views

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Driftwood Kitchen enchants with "amazing ocean views" and "delicious food." Guests rave about the "fantastic service" and the "coastal ambiance" that enhances the dining experience. While some find service inconsistent, the "stunning setting" and "exceptional menu" make it a must-visit for brunch or sunset dining.

1,368 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles1 review

    1.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    The check in process for a reservation was stressful. The host was overwhelmed and trying his best. However, the whole experience was uncomfortable, we ended up leaving and not eating there. Noise level is loud. There was nothing relaxing about the experience but the ocean breeze.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Maddie VIP

    Cincinnati2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely delicious sea bass!! It just fell apart in your mouth

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    New York City1 review

    4.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    great food and the server. only complaint is it was so cold in the restaurant but they couldn’t do anything about it

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner VIP

    Los Angeles6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic food, great service. First time visiting, will return.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I love driftwood kitchen!! I’ve been here 5-6 times now over the last 2 years and it’s always such a pleasant experience! Can’t beat the view, food is delicious and service is also so great. Can’t recommend this place enough!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Beverly

    Los Angeles1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful experience for a breakfast date. Friendly and welcoming staff. Delicious food and drinks. Would return and highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Sarah VIP

    Orange County6 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on March 2, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    I made the reservation and got there around 6:30pm for a 7:15 reservation . We were served and done by 7pm. They rushed out appetizers and at the same time dropped all of our mains at the table. The servers nor those serving the food noticed we had just gotten our appetizers. We were finishing up and then our plates were cleared while my son was still eating. The lobster carobonara was not good..I almost choked on shell from the lobster my son had the chicken which was barely cooked. They then rush cleaned the table and had us out in 30 minutes for a $200 plus meal to be treated differently then the rest of the restaurant was disheartening. Based on this visit and quality of food I would not recommend going.

    Is this helpful?

  8. nina VIP

    Toronto28 reviews

    2.0

    Dined on March 1, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    The Laguna omelet was so basic and had little to no flavor. Essentially dry egg omelette with crab in the center. Tells me the flavor is dependent on the cheese, which I did not want. That’s so disappointing. And very little salsa. The potatoes were delicious. Service was friendly

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Driftwood is always a serene and peaceful indulgence for a special brunch and breakfast setting. Great ocean views in a relaxed and pleasant environment. Food and service never disappoint.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Dr. Samuel

    Orange County1 review

    5.0

    Dined on February 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Second time dinning at Driffwood and again the food was amazing. The service and view were worth the cost alone.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Driftwood Kitchen is rated 4.5 stars by 1367 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 32 times today
Google Map for Driftwood Kitchen

619 Sleepy Hollow Ln., Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Coast Highway and Cleo
  • Neighborhood
    Laguna Beach
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 9:00 am–2:15 pm Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Californian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Public transit
    Trolley stop Coast Hwy @ Cleo St, SB - Stop 14
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Rainer Schwarz
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (949) 715-7700
  • Catering
    The Driftwood Private Room is just upstairs of the Driftwood Kitchen and State Room Bar, and offers sparkling ocean views. Inspired by the historical charm of the building, the rich dark hardwood floors and paneling, grey tufted chairs and bay windows, this ambiance offers a very private setting for your business or social gathering.
  • Private party facilities
    With unobstructed views of the Ocean, our unique ocean front property offers a spectacular location for special events and weddings of many styles and sizes. We are able to customize each of our unique spaces to accommodate birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, corporate gatherings, weddings ceremonies and receptions, or a day at the beach,
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo