The Taco Stand ( left ) and some of its dishes ( middle ); right : the b8kery by Selanne
Cream expanded from San Clemente to Laguna in June 2023 to cater to patrons with a sweet tooth . Vanilla or chocolate ice cream bars , frozen bananas and soft serve with creative toppings are just the tip of the iceberg in this ice cream parlor . The rotating menu allows patrons to even further their taste buds ’ exploration of flavorful adventures .
COMING SOON Additional new restaurants are slated to open soon . Pinafini Restaurant & Bar will feature fine dining that blends Mediterranean flavors with California style in dishes like grilled meats and calamari . Pinafini has announced it will open in early 2024 in the former
Fishbone Kitchen & Bar space along Coast Highway . Only a few doors down , the space vacated by Rum Social Kitchen & Cocktails this past fall remains empty and waiting for the next culinary concept .
And in north Laguna , local favorite 242 Cafe Fusion Sushi will be returning soon . It closed when owner and chef Miki Izumisawa passed away in 2022 . To honor her memory and legacy of culinary arts , the restaurant will reopen as Miki Sushi + Sake this April in the same location ; the dining room is undergoing a remodel with all new finishes . Izumisawa ’ s original menu and the original female staff will be a highlight of the new concept , plus upgraded wine , sake and beer selections will be available .
“ For those that have been there , the menu was exceptional and the same original menu will be available along with the ability to make reservations and order to go online ,” explains proprietor Chris Olsen , who is also co-founder of the Wine Gallery in town . “ The food and vibe were very unique to Laguna Beach . It was my wife , Heather , and myself , along with my business partner Greg Washer ’ s favorite restaurant in town . We are extremely honored to carry on Miki ’ s legacy and honor her life ’ s work .”
Stay tuned for more emerging concepts catering to the foodies of this town — with more to come and excited chefs and owners behind each concept , the summer months are looking pretty tasty for Laguna Beach . g
EYE-OPENING ELIXIRS
SEVERAL NEW COFFEE SHOPS HAVE ALSO RECENTLY OPENED IN LAGUNA BEACH .
JEDIDIAH COFFEE : Striving to keep Laguna caffeinated , Jedidiah Coffee opened this February and has created a commuity gathering place in north Laguna with consistent coffee drinks , pastries and other locallymade foods and snacks .
MOONGOAT COFFEE ROASTERS : Filling the long-empty drivethrough coffee stand in north Laguna , the brand ’ s Pacific Goat Highway kiosk began grab-and-go coffee service last May with the motto of “ Making Coffee . Better . Easier . Daily .” The business serves made-from-scratch foods and pastries , as well as internationally sourced coffees and teas , to delight customers with quick service .
BEAR COAST COFFEE : Opened in December on South Coast Highway , Bear Coast provides approachable coffee excellence to customers . Known for its version of a lavender caramel latte , the cafe shares its love for artisanal specialty coffee plus a lineup of breakfast sandwiches and bowls .
ENDLESS QUEST ROASTERS : Opened in early March in north Laguna ’ s Boat Canyon Shopping Center , Endless Quest ethically sources unique international specialty coffee beans and brings out the full potential of each flavor profile through small-batch roasting . The brand ’ s owners visit farms to participate in harvest and collaborate with producers .
TOP , FROM LEFT : SALSA DIGITAL AGENCY /@ SALSA . DIGITAL ; ASHLEY RYAN ; COURTESY OF THE B8KERY BY SELANNE ; BOTTOM LEFT : COURTESY OF JEDIDIAH COFFEE ; BOTTOM , THIRD FROM LEFT : COURTESY OF BEAR COAST COFFEE
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