Thai salad , a mushroom Dijon veggie burger and breakfast selections for all-day dining . And before a show at Laguna Playhouse , consider dinner on Nirvana Kitchen & Pantry ’ s downtown rooftop : Choose from wild mushroom ravioli , pistachio and pankocrusted Chilean sea bass or filet mignon with peppercorn sauce and a cocktail as the sun sinks lower on the horizon , filling the sky with streaks of pink and purple .
CULINARY ADVENTURES While the vibrant outdoor settings of Laguna Beach set the stage , it ’ s within these surroundings that chefs harness the essence of the region to craft culinary masterpieces . Seasonal and locally sourced ingredients are the star of the show , leading to the innovative creations that emerge out of these diverse kitchens .
For breakfast or weekend brunch , there ’ s no better place than Las Brisas , where guests can enjoy cliffside dining that overlooks the natural beauty of Heisler Park , with a fire pit table at the patio ’ s center . This Cal-Mex cuisine offers classics like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles as well as decadent dishes like the surf-and-turf enchiladas stuffed with steak and lobster .
Sapphire now offers its brunch and lunch menus every day , with a bestseller being the Meyer lemon creme fraiche waffles with fresh berries and bourbon-maple syrup . Bendel ’ s personal favorite is the crispy beerbattered fish tacos for a midday meal , while the wild-caught Alaskan halibut is a popular dinner entree .
Additionally , any heirloom tomatoes on these plates likely come from the restaurant group ’ s own garden in San Clemente . “ We ’ ll do tomato salads as well as heirloom tomato soup in addition to using tomatoes in a variety of ways to accompany appetizers and some entrees ,” Bendel says .
Angel Velazquez , executive chef at both Skyloft and Mozambique , also partners with local farmers to acquire seasonal produce . He also collaborates with San Pedro fisheries for the freshest catches from Baja California .
“ I try to play with my plating ,” says Velazquez , who ’ s inspired by the restaurants ’ ocean views . “ A lot of the dishes come with a little coastal flair .”
Seasonal specials abound throughout town , including lamb loin with beetroot tarte tatin on the spring menu at Montage Laguna Beach ’ s on-property restaurant , The Loft , which features two expansive ocean-view
patios . Mosaic Bar & Grille , also at Montage , offers cocktails and dishes like shrimp cocktail , nachos , a lobster roll and more served poolside while the resort refreshes this outdoor eatery ’ s main patio through late spring .
Tuck into Mediterranean fare at GG ’ s Bistro , from a hummus trio to kebabs of filet mignon , chicken , shrimp or lamb , pita sandwiches and charbroiled salmon with veggies , feta and balsamic glaze . Dine on the charming patio nestled among art galleries and shops while watching passersby stroll down the sidewalk along South Coast Highway .
With something to delight every palate , this vibrant culinary scene invites locals and visitors alike to savor not just a meal , but immerse themselves in the region ’ s freshest flavors .
BEYOND THE PLATE The delectable dishes and scenic settings that make Laguna Beach ’ s alfresco dining experience unique are further enriched by sunset views , live music , comfortable amenities and a sense of community .
Panoramic ocean visitas are particularly impressive at The Rooftop Lounge on top of La Casa del Camino hotel . Known for its mojitos , The Rooftop also offers items from ceviche to wings , burgers and salads to nosh on while getting lost in endless views of the Pacific .
Rooftop views can also be found at Skyloft and Mozambique . “[ At Skyloft ,] you can see the lifeguard tower , which is one of the big landmarks for Laguna Beach , and then at Mozambique , … you get to see a nice view of Catalina ,” says Jose Gonzalez , general manager at both of those establishments .
White not quite a rooftop , catch a glimpse of the ocean from the second-level patio at Oak while tucking into a spicy chicken sandwich , pasta , tacos or steak , sipping on a Lagunarita and watching the people pass by below .
Clockwise from above : The patio at Las Brisas ; alfresco dining with a fire pit at Sapphire , Cellar-Craft- Cook ; Faroe Island salmon with seasonal accompaniments at Sapphire
TOP PHOTO : COURTESY OF LAS BRISAS LAGUNA BEACH ; BOTTOM ROW : CARLA RHEA
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