60 LAGUNA BEACH CITY GUIDE
DINE alongside gourmet cuisine and delicious desserts and pastries . The menu includes options that are exclusive to the Laguna Beach location as well .
DOWNTOWN / MIDTOWN
230 FOREST AVENUE :
230 FOREST AVE . 949-494-2545 ; 230FORESTAVENUE . COM Chef-owner Marc Cohen leads the kitchen at 230 Forest Avenue . The restaurant serves contemporary California cuisine with options such as toasted garlic salmon and a chopped seafood salad with shrimp and crab , as well as meats , sandwiches , various appetizers , desserts and handcrafted cocktails .
237 OCEAN AVENUE : 237 OCEAN AVE . 949-497-3381 ; BREEZEANDBREW . COM Formerly Breeze & Brew , this space was reimagined by chef Leo Bongarra in mid-June , shortly after he left Tango . The menu features internationally inspired cuisine from 11 different countries , with nearly everything personally created by the chef .
ACAI REPUBLIC : 213 BROADWAY ST . 949-734-0593 ; ACAIREPUBLIC . COM Scattered throughout Southern California , regional chain Acai Republic offers refreshing smoothies , fresh juices , acai or pitaya bowls , chia pudding , pastries and more . Grab and go as Main Beach is right across the street .
ACTIVE CULTURE : 1006 S . COAST HWY . 949-715-5188 ; ACTIVECULTURECAFE . COM A vegetarian and vegan haven , Active Culture ’ s menu is made up of meatless choices with fresh ingredients for a light meal . The cafe serves bowls , salads , wraps , soups , shakes and smoothies — all perfect for enjoying on the patio .
ADOLFO ’ S MEXICAN FOOD : 998 S . COAST HWY ., STE . A 949-497-2023 ADOLFOSLAGUNABEACH . COM Adolfo ’ s has set the standard for fast , casual and affordable Mexican food since 1985 . The surf crowd tends to file in around lunchtime , kicking back with a horchata or beer at the counter or on the patio .
ADONIS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL : 202 PARK AVE .; 949-715-4581 ADONISRESTAURANT . CLUB Gyros rotating on a spit give this little shop a savory scent that draws people in as they walk by . A simple menu consists of Mediterranean dishes like gyros , a falafel wrap , hummus with pita bread and various plates . Adonis is perfect for a quick grab-and-go meal before taking in the downtown sights .
ALESSA BY CHEF PIROZZI : 234 FOREST AVE .; 949-497-8222 ; ALESSALAGUNA . COM Part of award-winning chef Alessandro Pirozzi ’ s culinary collection , Alessa ’ s inviting atmosphere and artfully crafted Italian food have made it a downtown staple . The restaurant serves lunch and dinner ; be sure to try one of Pirozzi ’ s house-made pasta dishes or one of the varieties of risotto .
ALOHANA ACAI BOWLS & COFFEE : 1100 S . COAST HWY . 949-573-2385 ; ALOHANAACAIOC . COM Dine on a healthy snack at this smoothie and acai spot , which took over the former Banzai Bowls space . Made fresh to order , Alohana ’ s creations are filed with delicious ingredients with no ice , dairy or preservatives and can be customized with toppings and drizzles .
ANASTASIA CAFE : 470 OCEAN AVE . 949-497-8903 ; ANASTASIACAFE . COM This stylish little cafe adjacent to Anastasia Boutique has a hearty selection of French and American breakfast and lunch options including omelets , sandwiches , salads , pastas , fresh-baked bread , squeezed juice and more . The dog-friendly patio is great for sunny days .
AVILA ’ S EL RANCHITO : 1305 S . COAST HWY .; 949-376-7040 ; AVILASELRANCHITO . COM Avila ’ s El Ranchito has been a staple in town for over a decade . The Mexican chain serves up classic dishes like fajitas , burritos , tacos , tamales and enchiladas , but guests can also grab a seat around the bar or outside on the spacious patio to enjoy one of the restaurant ’ s refreshing Cadillac or skinny margaritas .
B8KERY BY SELANNE , THE : 1456 S . COAST HWY . 949-715-9881 ; THEB8KERY . COM Selanne Steak Tavern has opened a bakery next door with house-made breads and sweet treats like blueberry streusel muffins , chocolate-and-peanut butter brownies , cookies , cupcakes , glazed strawberry bang pie and more ; diners can also opt for gluten-free options . In addition , guests can grab coffee , tea and wellness smoothies .
BEAR COAST COFFEE : 1391 S . COAST HWY . 949-516-2060 ; BEARCOASTCOFFEE . COM Expanding north from its Dana Point and San Clemente locations , this new cafe serves specialty drinks like vanilla nutmeg , horchata and lavender caramel lattes , as well as drip coffee , matcha , cold brew , cappuccino and more , plus a morning menu with bowls , a breakfast sandwich , pastries from Chaupain Bakery and , on weekends , a burrito .
BODEGA LAGUNA COCINA & CANTINA : 400 S . COAST HWY . 949-715-1002 ; BODEGALAGUNA . COM Whether visiting for happy hour margaritas , luxurious Mexican favorites or weekend brunch , this lively spot has something for everyone , with plush velvet seating , vibrant decor filled with color and Loteria games on the tables . There is also a small shop selling wares from south of the border .
BROADWAY BY AMAR SANTANA : 328 GLENNEYRE ST .; 949-715-8234 BROADWAYBYAMARSANTANA . COM Local and seasonal ingredients make up the inventive dishes that populate chef Amar Santana ’ s menu at Broadway . The contemporary cuisine at this fine dining establishment includes expertly crafted steaks , seafood , salads and small plates , plus an intimate chef ’ s table for a custom meal that is prepared in front of you .
BROADWAY SANDWICHES : 260 BROADWAY ST .; 949-394-9152 ; BROADWAYSANDWICHES . COM This new sandwich spot downtown offers a range of handhelds , from Le Caprese , grilled cheese and turkey avocado to a vegan portobello panini and breakfast options . Get your meal delivered to Main Beach if you spend $ 80 or more .
BRUSSELS BISTRO : 222 FOREST AVE . 949-376-7955 ; BRUSSELSBISTRO . COM This downtown eatery transports guests to Belgium with a cozy dining room and premium Belgian beer . Chef Thomas Crijns crafts Belgian-inspired dishes with a French flair , including classics like burgers , soups and appetizers as well as a variety of mussels .
CARMELITA ’ S KITCHEN DE MEXICO : 217 BROADWAY ST .; 949-715-7829 CARMELITASRESTAURANTS . COM A stylish addition to the area ’ s eateries , Carmelita ’ s draws a large dinner crowd every night with its menu inspired by different regions of Mexico . Try classics like enchiladas or chile rellenos , and