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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

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25 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Driftwood Kitchen restaurant
1. Driftwood Kitchen
4.5
Awesome(1366)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Laguna Beach
Booked 43 times today
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.
A photo of Salt Creek Grille Orange County restaurant
2. Salt Creek Grille Orange County
4.4
Awesome(391)
Price: Expensive
• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 42 times today
Nestled along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, Salt Creek Grille proudly returns to the Dana Point community under new ownership. Our newly remodeled interiors and stunning outdoor patio exude elegance and comfort for unparalleled ambiance, setting the perfect stage for savoring our enhanced menu that features a true, wood-fired American steakhouse with a California coastal twist.
A photo of Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar restaurant
3. Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar
4.8
Exceptional(78)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 4 times today
Owners Jordan and Creig Mullikin love to eat delicious food, drink great wine and be treated like family. They want every bite, every sip, every visit to be delicious and a treat. Our goal is to serve you fresh, homemade, and thoughtful dishes focused on our family's heritage and our customers' needs to make everyone feel like family at our neighborhood spot which sports a modern yet vintage vibe. We have a large outdoor patio that is both heated and covered. One of the more popular things here at Bricco is our live music Friday's and Saturday's with very talented singers and performers.
A photo of El Adobe de Capistrano restaurant
4. El Adobe de Capistrano
4.7
Exceptional(1083)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 10 times today
Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in a historic setting at El Adobe de Capistrano. This landmark features a wedding chapel, stained-glass windows and additional beautiful architectural details. Its kitchen has a mesquite-burning grill where chefs prepare deliciously flavored seafood and steak dishes. Soups, salads and appetizers are also on the menu, including tasty desserts.Owners Tony Moiso and Gilbert Aguirre have kept the atmosphere and traditions of the El Adobe de Capistrano going. This establishment still prepares the dishes that President Nixon and his wife enjoyed while visiting during his administration. It has a full bar that serves various drinks, a lounge area for socializing and a patio in the front. El Adobe de Capistrano offers private rooms for banquets and other events. The Palenque features a retracting roof, making it ideal for hosting an event under the night sky. It offers brunch and has a Happy Hour.
A photo of Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook restaurant
5. Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook
4.7
Exceptional(2923)
Price: Moderate
• American • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
Booked 25 times today
Welcome to Ironwood, Cellar. Craft. Cook. located in Laguna Hills. Our menu features seasonal ingredients of the highest quality and are prepared daily from scratch. Menu selections include exceptional meats, flavorful seafood, handpicked produce from our garden, and diverse beverage selections. We have over 25 wines by the glass, 10 craft beers, and a full bar featuring a wide variety of craft cocktails.
A photo of 230 Forest Avenue restaurant
6. 230 Forest Avenue
4.8
Exceptional(2883)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 11 times today
230 Forest Avenue is the place to be, with its unique Californian cuisine and lively atmosphere. With rave reviews like 'Fantastic food, service and ambiance!', 'Food is always delicious' and 'Service is always top notch', this spot is a hit. The fusion appetizers and entrees, crafted by one of The OC's top chefs, are not to be missed. Plus, the modern bistro, martini bar, and art gallery vibe makes it a truly Californian experience. So, worth the drive, indeed!
A photo of Nirvana by Chef Lindsay restaurant
7. Nirvana by Chef Lindsay
4.6
Exceptional(1756)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Laguna Beach
Booked 4 times today
We are an independent neighborhood restaurant in the heart of Downtown Laguna Beach, between Main Beach & the Historic Festival of Arts, owned by Laguna Beach native, Executive Chef Lindsay Smith. Inspired by Wine Country and California Coastal cuisine, our focus is on serving guests the way Chef Lindsay would feed her own family, in a warm, inviting atmosphere. We source the freshest ingredients, including free-range, organic poultry, sustainable seafood, antibiotic- and hormone-free meats, and seasonal, local produce. We strive to minimize our environmental impact and support the local community. Chef Lindsay, named one of the Top 10 chefs in Orange County and Top 5 in Laguna Beach, is dedicated to quality food, friendly service, and a memorable dining experience.LUNCH: Casual table service, Counter service for Grab & Go (reservations not required) DINNER: Table service (reservations recommended)
A photo of Maro Wood Grill restaurant
8. Maro Wood Grill
4.4
Awesome(369)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Laguna Beach
Maro Wood Grill is an Argentinean-inspired steakhouse that brings out the riches flavors of simple, seasonal, sustainable farm-to-table cuisine in a revolving rustic menu cooked under bright embers.Maro Wood Grill has been awarded for \"best burger\" in Laguna Beach, two years in a row for \"Most Delicious Dessert\" in Orange County On Fridays and Saturdays, after 9:00 pm please call the restaurant for availability.
A photo of C'est La Vie Restaurant and Bakery restaurant
9. C'est La Vie Restaurant and Bakery
4.3
Awesome(186)
Price: Expensive
• French • Laguna Beach
Booked 8 times today
Established in 1982C'est la Vie Restaurant and Bakeryoffers patrons a truly unique dining experience Centrally located on Pacific Coast Highway in the heart of Laguna Beach, our California French Cuisine is just feets from the Pacific Ocean . Locals and visitors alike are drawn to the ambiance and relaxed atmosphere of our indoor bistro and are delighted to discover the best outdoor patio dining in Orange County. To complete the evening, try one of our house-made desserts with a glass of 10-year-old tawny port. C'est La Vie invites you to dine with us for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends or family!Merci et Bon AppetitAntonio Mecheri (Restaurateur)
A photo of Pub Thirty-Two restaurant
10. Pub Thirty-Two
4.7
Exceptional(426)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Mission Viejo / Rancho Santa Margarita
Booked 5 times today
Located in Mission Viejo, California, Pub Thirty-Two represents our desire to bring the type of restaurant and bar experience we enjoy to Mission Viejo; a place you will be as comfortable holding a professional lunch meeting as you are having drinks and great conversation with friends. We strive to provide a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere with food, drinks, and events that exceed expectations. Our restaurant is farm-to-fork, and our menu changes seasonally. We are proud to be partnered with local ranches and farms to bring you fresh, local, and sustainable food.

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Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Discover a selection of must-visit eateries in South Orange County, specifically around Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel, that truly live up to the phrase "worth the drive." These restaurants are celebrated not just for their exceptional culinary offerings but also for the unique dining experiences they provide. From innovative dishes that showcase local ingredients to restaurants with breathtaking views that enhance your dining pleasure, every establishment promises a memorable meal. The dining scene in this part of Orange County is vibrant and diverse, catering to both casual diners and gourmet enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a quaint bistro tucked away in the hills or a bustling eatery in the heart of the town, the region offers a variety of settings and menus that reflect its rich cultural landscape. Patrons commend these restaurants for their commitment to quality, evident in the skillful preparation of every dish and the attentive service from staff. Each location not only meets the culinary expectations but also creates an atmosphere that makes every visit special. Ideal for food lovers seeking a truly distinctive dining adventure, these restaurants ensure that every drive, no matter the distance, is absolutely worth it.

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