best places to eat in laguna beach

Laguna Beach, California is a coastal city with a population nearing 70,000 residents. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on one side and Laguna Canyon on the other, this paradise is quite possibly one of the most picturesque places to live in the United States. If you live in the area or if you plan on visiting California, you might be looking for suggestions when it comes to where you can eat in Laguna Beach. This list will take a look at some of the best restaurants in Laguna Beach based off of reviews by local and authority websites. Let’s face it. Finding places to eat can be a pain. With all the restaurants in town, where do you begin? What if I told you there’s a list with 20 of the best restaurants in Laguna Beach? Your answer would likely be “Cool, I’ll take that list!” Well, that’s what I’m about to deliver.

Laguna Beach has a reputation for being one of the best places to eat in Southern California. The city’s location along the Pacific Coast Highway makes it a natural gathering spot for locals, who come to enjoy the beach, surfing, and fresh seafood.

There are plenty of options for dining out in Laguna Beach, but we’ve narrowed down our list to some of our favorites. Here are some of the best places to eat in Laguna Beach:

The Lobster Pot – Located on Ocean Avenue, this casual seafood restaurant serves up a variety of fresh fish and shellfish that is shipped directly from Alaska twice a week. Try their famous garlic shrimp or crab cakes!
The Cove – This restaurant boasts an amazing view of Laguna’s coastline from its second floor location near Main Beach. It serves up classic Italian dishes like pasta carbonara with pancetta or rigatoni with meatballs made from local beef raised in nearby Santa Ana Valley.
Montage Laguna Beach Hotel & Spa – This hotel offers guests access to three different restaurants: Ocean Terrace Restaurant & Lounge (lunch), Ortega 120 (breakfast), and Montage Lounge (dinner). All three serve up delicious meals using ingredients sourced

Laguna Beach is home to some of the best restaurants in California, and you’ll want to make sure you leave room for dessert after dining at any of these restaurants.

1) [Restaurant name]

A local favorite, this restaurant has been serving up delicious food since it first opened its doors in 2005. The menu features an eclectic mix of dishes from around the world, including everything from burgers to sushi and everything in between. If you’re looking for something a little different or just want to try something new, this is the place for you!

2) [Restaurant name]

Another local favorite, [restaurant name] has been serving up authentic Mexican cuisine since it first opened its doors in 1980. The restaurant’s interior is decorated with colorful murals by local artists depicting scenes from daily life in Mexico, making it feel like you’re dining at a friend’s house instead of an upscale restaurant. This casual atmosphere makes it perfect for date night or even just a quick bite before heading out on the town!

best restaurants in laguna beach

1. Nick’s Laguna Beach

Nick’s Laguna Beach, established in 2008, is an American restaurant a couple of steps away from the beach.

Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat

This restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Laguna Beach, boasting an open-air dining experience.

It features an extensive wine list, creative cocktails, a casual atmosphere, hand-blown glass lamps, vegetarian options, and an eclectic menu.

What to Eat

Try out an extravagant and pricey dish by ordering its house specialty Wagyu Center Cut Filet.

It includes a steak butter topping, a side of baked potato, and a choice of a salad or the daily soup.

If you prefer seafood, try the Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass specialty, served with whipped mashed potatoes, a lemon beurre blanc sauce, and sautéed spinach with slivered almonds and garlic.

2. Wine Gallery

The Wine Gallery is a casual American dining establishment that opened its doors in 2012.

Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat

The Wine Gallery is one of the top Laguna Beach restaurants if you want to enjoy scrumptious dishes and sip fine wine with your partner or friends.

It boasts an impressive selection of wines and craft beers, a warm and inviting ambiance, and a wood-fired kitchen.

What to Eat

If you want to enjoy a delicious wood-fire-cooked pizza, I recommend ordering the Funghi.

It features house-made mozzarella, provolone, goat cheese, parmesan, garlic, truffle oil, and shallot.

If you prefer something lighter, try Chef Josh’s Cheesy Garlic Bread.

This delicious dish, cooked from a wood oven, includes three pieces of sliced ciabatta bread, a 3-cheese blend, crushed garlic, and a tomato sauce.

3. Selanne Steak Tavern

The Selanne Steak Tavern is a renowned steakhouse found in a historic home dating back to 1934.

Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat

Are you searching for the best-rated restaurants in Laguna Beach to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience with your travel buddies?

If you are, I highly recommend this award-winning steakhouse.

It offers a sophisticated vibe, gorgeous decorations with contemporary touches, and a wide selection of wines and delicious dishes.

What to Eat

Order the 2lb Maine Lobster if you want to sample an elegant shellfish dish.

It features a delectable butter cracker stuffing and a saffron beurre fondue.

End your meal with an exquisite dessert by trying out the Dulcey Chocolate.

It consists of an almond sable, vanilla mousse, raspberry coulis, and chocolate genoise.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Montage Laguna Beach

4. Thai Bros Restaurant

The Thai Bros Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants to try authentic Thai cuisine.

It is also known as the Thai Brothers.

Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat

Are you craving That food and looking for where to eat in Laguna Beach?

If you are, there is no better place than this superb restaurant.

It features a relaxed space, a modern interpretation of traditional Thai dishes, and stunning decor inspired by the rich culture of the Southeast Asian country.

What to Eat

The Emperor Of The North is a fantastic option if you want to try a tasty curry dish.

It is a tasty salmon filet with spinach and a mouth-watering curry sauce.

Try the Fire Eater if you have a taste for spicy dishes.

It features sliced chicken breast with onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and carrots, cooked in a spicy sauce.

affordable restaurants in laguna beach

Broadway by Amar Santana

Broadway by Amar Santana is a New American restaurant neighboring art galleries, several shops, and boutique stores.

Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat

Are you searching for good restaurants in Laguna Beach that offer a wide array of vegetarian and gluten-free options?

If you are, Broadway by Amar Santana is a superb choice.

It has an industrial New York-inspired decor and an open kitchen where you can see its talented and professional chefs prepare mouth-watering dishes.

What to Eat

The Roasted Heirloom Beet Salad is a fantastic option for vegetarians.

It includes toasted pistachios, a watercress, Fourme d’Ambert blue cheese, and a red wine shallot vinaigrette.

If you are sensitive to gluten, try the Pan Roasted Maine Sea Scallops, featuring edamame, black trumpet mushroom, a chorizo-butter sauce, and a sweet corn puree.

Broadway by Amar Santana is a New American restaurant neighboring art galleries, several shops, and boutique stores.

Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat

Are you searching for good restaurants in Laguna Beach that offer a wide array of vegetarian and gluten-free options?

If you are, Broadway by Amar Santana is a superb choice.

It has an industrial New York-inspired decor and an open kitchen where you can see its talented and professional chefs prepare mouth-watering dishes.

What to Eat

The Roasted Heirloom Beet Salad is a fantastic option for vegetarians.

It includes toasted pistachios, a watercress, Fourme d’Ambert blue cheese, and a red wine shallot vinaigrette.

If you are sensitive to gluten, try the Pan Roasted Maine Sea Scallops, featuring edamame, black trumpet mushroom, a chorizo-butter sauce, and a sweet corn puree.

O Fine Japanese Cuisine

The O Fine Japanese Cuisine, established in 2009, is a Japanese restaurant in the Aliso Creek Plaza.

Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat

This magnificent eatery is an outstanding option if you are a foodie looking for the coolest local restaurants to enjoy flavorful Japanese cuisine.

It features stylish decor, a comfortable setting, and the highest quality fresh fish authentic sake shipped from Japan.

What to Eat

Try delectable Japanese cuisine by ordering the O Signature Sashimi Sampler, including six different types of sashimi and a special house-made sauce.

Another scrumptious sashimi option is the Troy Fantasy.

It features five pieces of bluefin toro sashimi with a rich Japanese salsa.

The Stand Natural Foods

Stand Natural Foods is a renowned vegan and vegetarian restaurant dating back to 1975.

Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat

Enjoy the best food in Laguna Beach without breaking your diet by having brunch at this magnificent restaurant.

It offers an array of smoothies, sandwiches, burritos, veggie bowls, and other mouth-watering, healthy options.

What to Eat

Try out a delicious acai bowl by ordering the Berry Groovy Bowl with blueberries, strawberries, bananas, acai, granola, coconut, and more.