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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Laguna Beach

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75 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Skyloft OC restaurant
1. Skyloft OC
4.6
Exceptional(892)
Price: Moderate
• American • Laguna Beach
Booked 26 times today
Skyloft is located in downtown Laguna Beach. The diverse menu offerings a balance of seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches and Specialty Smokehouse BBQ items. Skyloft also boasts an open-air rooftop dining area, highlighting an exclusive and coveted view of Laguna Beach"s main beach. In addition, we offer live entertainment Wednesday - Sunday! PLEASE NOTE: SEATING AREA IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITYReservations will guarantee a table in our restaurant, but NO SPECIFIC AREA will be guaranteed with a reservation. Please expect an additional wait for Rooftop Seating, Live Music, and other high demand areas. To book a Private Event or guarantee a specific table, a deposit will be required in addition to a food and beverage minimum, please contact our events coordinator at 949.715.7107 for pricing. Complimentary Transportation available! 5pm and later, within Laguna Beach or a 5-10 mile radius depending on group size). For customers w/ dinner reservations only - call to schedule.
A photo of 230 Forest Avenue restaurant
2. 230 Forest Avenue
4.9
Exceptional(2821)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 25 times today
230 Forest Avenue is a neighborhood gem in Laguna Beach. With its modern bistro and martini bar vibe, it's a favorite spot for locals. Reviewers rave about the consistently great food, excellent service, and laid-back atmosphere. The Executive Chef is even recognized as one of the top chefs in the OC. It's described as a place where the food is so stunning it competes with the artwork on the walls, creating a thoroughly satisfying 'artistic' experience.
A photo of Lumberyard restaurant
3. Lumberyard
4.7
Exceptional(3232)
Price: Moderate
• American • Laguna Beach
Booked 26 times today
In 1912, at the bend of Forest Avenue, 23 year old Joe Jahraus opened the Laguna Lumber Company, he and his father(cigar maker, first postmaster and real estate agent) built the beautiful French Normandy building that is here today. Prior to the lumberyard opening, building supplies needed to be dragged in by mule or floated in on the tides, and therefore, Laguna Beach had less than three hundred permanent residences. After the lumberyard opened, the area began to grow at unprecedented rates, transforming it from a tent town into a thriving city. Laguna Lumber operated for seventy three years, sixty two of them in this location and its' architecture, influenced by Joe's tour abroad in World War I, is one of the most significant influences on the town's aesthetic. Half timbers, mud walls and shingled roofs grace many of the downtown storefronts and homes throughout the city because of this landmark. Today, 384 Forest is home to Lumberyard - a contemporary American restaurant.
A photo of Brussels Bistro - Laguna Beach restaurant
4. Brussels Bistro - Laguna Beach
4.7
Exceptional(1275)
Price: Moderate
• Belgian • Laguna Beach
Booked 23 times today
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.
A photo of Alessa by Chef Pirozzi restaurant
5. Alessa by Chef Pirozzi
4.5
Awesome(1559)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Laguna Beach
Booked 15 times today
Bustling pizzeria just steps from the beach that serves thin-crust pies & pasta amid a rustic dining room.NOTE: This is not affiliated with Cucina Alessa in Newport Beach or Huntington Beach.
A photo of Tango restaurant
6. Tango
4.6
Exceptional(62)
Price: Moderate
• Tapas / Small Plates • Laguna Beach
Booked 13 times today
Tango Laguna embarks on a culinary voyage blending global flavors with local dedication. Our menu boasts tapas, sandwiches, and main courses meticulously prepared with care and precision. Each dish, influenced by worldwide inspirations, is paired thoughtfully with wines and cocktails, complemented by bites enhancing the dining experience.Featuring premium meats, artisan cheeses, and fusion small plates sourced globally, our commitment to quality defines every meal, offering a unique culinary journey exclusive to Tango in Laguna Beach, CA.Join us for weekend brunch, a delightful twist on classic favorites paired with cocktails in a coastal ambiance. Wednesdays bring the International Wine Experience, presenting a curated wine selection paired with small plates celebrating diverse culinary traditions, transporting your palate worldwide from Laguna Beach.
A photo of Nirvana by Chef Lindsay restaurant
7. Nirvana by Chef Lindsay
new
4.9
Exceptional(1720)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Laguna Beach
Booked 2 times today
We are a neighborhood independent restaurant owned by Laguna Beach Native, Executive Chef Lindsay Smith with Wine Country Inspired California Coastal Cuisine in the heart of Downtown Laguna Beach, between Main Beach & the Historic Festival of Arts. Her main focus is to feed our guests the way she chooses for her our own family. In a warm and inviting atmosphere, the hope is that each guests leaves as if she were welcoming friends and family into her home. We take pride in sourcing the freshest ingredients available when creating our menus with Free Range & Organic Poultry, Sustainable Seafood, Antibiotic & Hormone Free Meats, Seasonal, Local and/or Organic Produce. We are conscious about the food we serve, the impact of our waste in lessoning our environmental footprint & supporting the local community we are within. Named one of the Top 10 Chef's in Orange County and Top 5 Chef's in Laguna Beach, Chef prides herself on quality food, friendly service and an experience to return for.
A photo of Las Brisas restaurant
8. Las Brisas
4.3
Awesome(12091)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 94 times today
With world-class hospitality and a chef-curated menu, Las Brisas delivers classic Southern California cuisine and stunning ocean views Enjoy the panoramic view of Laguna Beach's coastline in our elegant dining rooms or relaxing outdoor patio, and you're bound to discover the magic of Las Brisas.
A photo of Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove restaurant
9. Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove
4.8
Exceptional(10385)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Newport Beach
Booked 84 times today
Voted as one of the "Top 100 Restaurants" for 2023 by OpenTable in the United StatesThe Beachcomber at Crystal Cove provides "world class" ocean front dining in the Historic District of the Crystal Cove State Park with breath taking views of the Newport Coastline and Catalina Island. Situated on the sandy beach, The Beachcomber's outdoor patio provides the perfect spot to enjoy the ocean's breeze while sipping on your favorite cocktail or enjoying one of the many favorite entrees and appetizers. The Beachcomber's outdoor tropical bar 'The Bootlegger' with thatch roofing provides the perfect spot to escape from the world while enjoying one of many tropical libations.
A photo of Mastro's Ocean Club - Newport Beach restaurant
10. Mastro's Ocean Club - Newport Beach
4.7
Exceptional(8560)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Newport Beach
Booked 93 times today
Mastro's collection of sophisticated, classic Steakhouses and Ocean Club seafood locations are recognized for their combination of world-class service, highly acclaimed cuisine, and live entertainment in an elegant yet energetic atmosphere. A truly unparalleled dining experience.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Dinavip
    Orange County •54 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We celebrated my friend's birthday at 230 Forest today. We sat outside on their beautiful patio and enjoyed the great weather and perfect food. We ordered fish tacos and the candied walnut and salmon salad. Pure deliciousness all around! The service was excellent and attentive. I have dined at 230 Forest since 1998. I love it every time! I highly recommend this Laguna Beach treasure.
    More info
    230 Forest AvenuePrice: Moderate• Californian• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.9
  • Jessevip
    Los Angeles •125 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Thank you! Food was fantastic! Service from Johan was perfect! See you soon!
    More info
    Alessa by Chef PirozziPrice: Moderate• Italian• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.5
  • Steve
    Los Angeles •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 15, 2024
    The food was fantastic. The atmosphere was fantastic. The wine list is fantastic. The restrooms were very clean. Overall 10/10. Special mention to Ms Becky, she is a delight. Thanks!
    More info
    Brussels Bistro - Laguna BeachPrice: Moderate• Belgian• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.7
  • Edward
    Orange County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 14, 2024
    Great atmosphere, awesome service and delicious food all very reasonably priced. Plus live music! Good selection of beer on tap too. Locals favorite.
    More info
    LumberyardPrice: Moderate• American• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.7
  • beth
    Orange County •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 10, 2024
    Enjoyed their rooftop with a wonderful view of the ocean. Reservation for 2 was at 5:45 and they sat us very quickly. All employees were super friendly and helpful. We ordered the cornbread appetizer, a bowl of their clam chowder soup and a 3 item barbecue combo. Everything was delicious, especially the soup. Also had a very well made old fashioned. Had a great time and felt the price was well worth it…Would definitely come back again.
    More info
    Skyloft OCPrice: Moderate• American• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.6

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Laguna Beach

Discover the charm of Laguna Beach's neighborhood gems with our curated list of local favorite eateries. These establishments are celebrated for their unique blend of excellent cuisine, warm ambiance, and top-tier service, making them true standouts in South Orange County. Each restaurant offers a distinctive dining experience, from seaside spots with breathtaking views to cozy bistros that showcase culinary creativity. The dining scene in Laguna Beach is diverse, offering everything from sophisticated seafood dishes to artisan pizzas and fine wines, ensuring a memorable meal for every palate. Whether you're seeking a special spot for a romantic evening or a casual hangout with friends, these neighborhood gems provide perfect settings with consistently high-quality food and a welcoming atmosphere. Join the locals in appreciating these culinary treasures that make dining in Laguna Beach truly special.

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