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QUICK-SERVICE CUISINE Several smaller eatery concepts have also opened during the last year , including one of the most recent , Coast Kitchen , which took over the Coast Highway spot previously occupied by Taco Loco . This February , Coast started offering a menu of tacos , burritos , nachos , sandwiches and smash burgers .
A little over a year ago , in January 2023 , The Taco Stand chain — started in San Diego and inspired by Tijuana taco stands — moved into the space long held by Taco Bell . The concept offers an authentic taco experience with handmade tortillas , high-grade meats and fresh ingredients coupled with flavored ice pops , churros and imported beer .
In March 2023 , Grazie Grazie ! Pizzeria set up shop in the north Laguna space that was formerly home to Gina ’ s Pizza in Boat Canyon Shopping Center ; Grazie specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza with toppings from prosciutto to burrata and tuffles , and even one
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pie finished with pistachio pesto and honey . Downtown , Yummy Dogs began serving gourmet hot with creative toppings in April 2023 in a family-friendly space complete with an arcade . In July , Wigz repurposed Laguna Beach ’ s only wig shop into a sandwich shop , serving high-quality deli meats , fresh ingredients and breads from Bread Artisan Bakery .
“ We haven ’ t had a proper sandwich shop in quite a while . While there are places that serve great sandwiches — Orange Inn and Jan ’ s [ Health Bar ], to name a few — we are 100 % dedicated to the sandwich , which is what our town has needed ,” co-owner Zac Cornwell says . “ Combine that with our fresh , high-quality ingredients and it ’ s the perfect lunch spot for Laguna Beach .”
Two bakery concepts are also now available . Rye Goods opened in May and the b8kery by Selanne opened in October . Rye Goods is an all-organic sourdough bakery that works with small-farm , West Coast heritage grains
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and produce , and highlights the importance of locally sourced ingredients . In addition to baguettes , Danish rye , brioche , challah , bagels and other breads , Rye Goods offers sandwiches , soups , salads and breakfast items like avocado toast and an egg bagel sammy .
“ Rye Goods fits Laguna ’ s passion for healthy food , its focus on the importance for community , and bringing more small business to the area ,” says owner Sara Lezama . “ I ’ m a local Laguna-ian and all I ’ ve ever wanted for Laguna is more local restaurants that match the vibe of the town . We make really yummy food that we think the community has asked for .”
The b8kery by Selanne , which opened in October , offers guests a neighborhood pastry and coffee shop in a cheerful white-and-pink interior with charming decorative touches , and an array of pastries from “ bang pies ,” like gourmet Pop Tarts , to muffins , cookies , cinnamon rolls , banana bread , scones and more .
For another type of treat , South Swell Ice
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LEFT PHOTOS : WALES COMMUNICATIONS ; RIGHT : SARA LEZAMA |
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