8 Best Restaurants in Laguna Beach, CA

The Rooftop Lounge

The Rooftop Lounge is one of the hippest, trendiest and most hangouts in Laguna Beach, serving amazing cocktails and California casual cuisine over breathtaking panoramic ocean views.

Catch an epic sunset while you savor tasty dishes such as Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Hawaiian Ahi Poke, or Shrimp Fra Diavolo.

You can also stop in for brunch and try their delicious Cinnamon Apple & Cheddar Waffle.

Award-winning Chef Craig Connole, a Newport Beach native, brings his intense passion for creating culinary masterpieces to the kitchen at the Rooftop.

You will find this posh lounge on the roof of the iconic La Casa del Camino hotel near Halfway Rock.

1289 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA, Phone: 855-990-0282

230 Forest Avenue Restaurant & Bar

For a fun night out, you will want to check out 230 Forest Avenue Restaurant & Bar, a bistro-style eatery that serves innovative California cuisine. You can’t go wrong with incredible dishes like Seafood Fra Diavolo, Short Rib Tacos, Butternut Squash Arancini, or King Crab Spring Rolls.

Or enjoy a scrumptious appetizer with an amazing, handcrafted cocktail on the popular outdoor patio. World renowned Chef Marc Cohen founded 230 Forest Avenue in 1995, and it has been a local favorite since. Enjoy the chic, upbeat atmosphere at 230 Forest Avenue, located in the heart of downtown Laguna Beach.

230 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA, Phone: 949-494-2545

The Cliff Restaurant

The Cliff Restaurant is one of the most elegant and popular restaurants in Orange County. Enjoy the breathtaking ocean views as you pour over their fabulous menu, which focuses on classic Californian cuisine. Treat yourself to amazing dishes such as Calamari Burger, Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos, Braised Short Rib, or the Quesadilla Especial. Or stop in early and try the Apricot Orange Layered French Toast!

They also offer an extensive wine list, beer, spirits, and tasty, handcrafted cocktails. You will find this chic, sophisticated eatery nestled in the Laguna Village off Coast Highway.

577 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA, Phone: 949-494-1956

The Deck

The Deck is one of the only open-air Laguna Beach beachside seafood restaurants. The Deck is literally right on the sand. Treat yourself to tasty dishes such as Laguna Cioppino, Jumbo Maine Scallops, or Shrimp & Dungeness Crab Louie Salad, or stop in for a juicy Beach Burger. A full bar is at your disposal here, and they offer amazing handcrafted cocktails like the Silver Surfer.

Chef Rainer Schwarz brings his intense passion and talent to the kitchen at The Deck. Bring your beach towel and flip flops and make a day of it at The Deck, nestled between the Pacific Edge Hotel and the surf.

627 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Laguna Beach, California, Phone: 949-494-6700

Maro Wood Grill

The popular Maro Wood Grill is an Argentinian-inspired steakhouse that emphasizes grass-fed beef, organic chicken, and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Treat yourself to incredible dishes such as the Spicy Chicken Empanada, Argentinian-Style Short Ribs, or Mesquite Baseball Steak. Or stop in for brunch and try their Brioche French Toast! The Molteni family from Argentina founded this popular restaurant in 2010.

Owner Chef Mariano leads the kitchen with his brother, world renowned Chef Martin Molteni, while Mariano’s wife Patricia and his other family members run the front of the house. Visit Maro on South Coast Highway right down the road from Heisler Park.

1915 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California, Phone: 949-793-4044

Driftwood Kitchen

Driftwood Kitchen is one of the hottest new steak and seafood restaurants of Laguna Beach. Soak up the breathtaking ocean views as you feast on incredible dishes like Grilled Spanish Octopus, Butcher Steak & Pork Belly (in a chimichurri sauce), or a Buttermilk Fried Soft Shell Crab Sandwich. Or stop in for brunch and try the Scottish Smoked Salmon Bagel.

Wine, beer, spirits, and handcrafted cocktails are all available from the in-house bar, The Stateroom. Austrian-born partner Executive Chef Rainer Schwarz is the mastermind behind the culinary creations here. Visit Driftwood Kitchen, which is located just steps from Main Beach and adjacent to Pacific Edge Hotel.

619 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Laguna Beach, California, Phone: 949-715-7700

Selanne Steak Tavern

Selanne Steak Tavern is a gorgeous neighborhood tavern that serves delicious contemporary American cuisine. Dive into unbelievable dishes like Wagyu Beef Tartare (with fingerling chips, wild rocket, and quail egg), Filet Mignon & Half Main Lobster, or Guinea Hen. Alternatively, try something from the tavern menu like American Kobe Steak Frites. Hockey legend Teemu Salanne and his friend and neighbor Kevin Pratt opened the joint in 2013.

They’ve brought in Executive Chef Josh Severson to lead the culinary creations. Selanne Steak Tavern is situated inside the fully remodeled, landmark Laguna Cottage on the Pacific Coast Highway at Halfway Rock.

1464 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California, Phone: 949-715-9881

Starfish

Starfish serves incredible Asian fusion cuisine, including specialties from the coastal regions of Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, China, and India. Savor exquisitely prepared dishes such as the Lobster Macadamia Roll, Kobe Banh Mi Sliders, Thai Basil Banana Leaf Sea Bass, or a hot bowl of Pho. Try something from their wine list or the full bar to accompany your delicious selection.

Gretchen Andrews, Archie McConnell, Marco Romero, and a small group of silent partners own and operate Starfish. Together, they opened the restaurant in 2011. It is located across the street from the Montage Hotel & Resort.

30832 South Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California, Phone: 949-715-9200