64 LAGUNA BEACH CITY GUIDE
DINE
DRIFTWOOD KITCHEN : 619 SLEEPY HOLLOW LANE 949-749-6367 DRIFTWOODKITCHEN . COM Boasting sweeping views plus oceanthemed decor , Driftwood Kitchen offers fresh seafood , steaks and delicious appetizers . The Stateroom Bar provides many different artisanal cocktails , with an emphasis on fine whiskeys and bourbons . Add a gorgeous view of the Pacific and a sun-soaked patio , and you have the recipe for an unparalleled Southern California dining experience .
EVAN ’ S GOURMET : 860 GLENNEYRE ST . 949-715-3707 ; EVANSGOURMET . COM Chef Evan Lewis recently expanded on her Sawdust Art Festival food booth and catering company with this new restaurant , which replaced Roux Creole Cuisine . Find home-cooked meals in a cozy space with specialties such as chicken Dijon , filet mignon , swordfish , fried chicken and Asparagus Cigars . Sunday brunch is also served .
EQUATOR COFFEE ( INSIDE RIVIAN SOUTH COAST THEATER ):
160 S . COAST HWY . 949-424-9410 ; EQUATORCOFFEES . COM Located in the historic South Coast Theater , this local cafe within Rivian ’ s showroom serves specialty coffees like raspberry chocolate cold brew , cherry blossom matcha latte and more alongside a lineup of baked goods , overnight oats and other snacks .
FIN SUSHI & SAKE AT HOTEL LAGUNA : 425 S . COAST HWY . 949-494-1151 ; HOTELLAGUNA . ORG A modern Japanese restaurant on the newly renovated ground floor of historic Hotel Laguna , Fin offers sushi , sashimi , cut rolls and starters like smoked salmon miso and tuna shitake . Fin joins another restaurant , Larsen , and a bar within the hotel .
FINNEY ’ S CRAFTHOUSE : 340 S . COAST HWY . 949-484 8140 ; FINNEYSCRAFTHOUSE . COM This hip brewhouse serves up everything from mini lobster rolls and ahi poke tacos to yuzu hot wings , a chicken sandwich and a variety of pizzas . There are also a number of beers on tap , some of which are from local brands like Laguna Beach Beer Co .
GELATO PARADISO : 448 S . COAST HWY ., STE . A 949-464-9255 ; GELATOPARADISO . COM Inspired by the romantic streets of Italy ,
Gelato Paradiso features artisanal gelato and sorbetto offerings that are handmade in small batches every morning . Choose from a selection of up to 30 flavors daily , or sample several at once with the shop ’ s pairing suggestions .
GG ’ S BISTRO : 540 S . COAST HWY ., STE . 108 949-494-9306 ; GGSCAFEBISTRO . COM GG ’ s Bistro is known for its classic Mediterranean flavors . Open for lunch and dinner every day , as well as for breakfast on Sundays ( complete with morning cocktails like mimosas and bloody marys ), GG ’ s welcomes diners to enjoy salads , sandwiches , kebabs and other entrees . The restaurant also offers a gluten-free menu .
GINA ’ S PIZZA : 1100 S . COAST HWY ., STE . 104 ; 949-494-4342 ; GINASPIZZA . COM Gina ’ s Pizza is a quick , casual option for lunch or dinner . Order pastas , salads , sandwiches , calzones or pizza , including the famous cheese BiggaSlice or the full BiggaPie . Sides , desserts and bottled beer / wine are also available .
GREETER ’ S CORNER RESTAURANT , THE : 329 S . COAST HWY .
949-494-0361 ; THEGREETERSCORNER . COM Named for the town ’ s official greeter , the late Eiler Larsen , The Greeter ’ s Corner Restaurant provides a relaxed setting for visitors and locals alike to enjoy a hearty breakfast or lunch . Choose from morning specials like omelets , eggs Benedict and French toast , or sink your teeth into a hamburger featuring a mustard-based barbecue sauce .
GU RAMEN TAPS & TAPAS : 907 S . COAST HWY . 949-715-0825 ; GURAMEN . COM A casual ramen spot , Gu Ramen offers flavorful bowls of noodles and broth with toppings like egg , corn , spinach and chashu , or pork belly . Choose the level of hotness as well , with bowls ranging from non-spicy to super spicy . Also , try fresh plates such as the spicy poke salad , shrimp tempura or habachi filet mignon .
HAPI SUSHI : 250 BEACH ST .; 949-494-9109 Take a seat at the cozy sushi bar and chat with the chefs as they prepare specialties right before your eyes . This casual spot features Japanese- and island-inspired decor plus a TV at the end of the bar to enjoy sports games and more while noshing on sushi rolls with unique ingredients such as strawberries or mint leaves as well as seafood classics like calamari or an octopus salad .
HEIDELBERG CAFE & BISTRO : 1100 S . COAST HWY ., STE . 116 949-497-4594 ; HEIDELBERGCAFE . COM Have a seat inside and order at the counter or sit outside on the breezy patio at this breakfast and lunchtime gem . Well-known for its coffee creations , the casual cafe ’ s menu showcases morning options like a Belgian waffle and blueberry-stuffed French toast or , for a healthier option , the seafood omelet . Chef ’ s specials like avocado toast and eggs Heidelberg are also offered .
HENNESSEY ’ S TAVERN : 213 OCEAN AVE . 949-494-2743 ; HENNESSEYSTAVERN . COM You ’ ll find menu items ranging from bar bites like pub nachos and beer-battered onion rings to Irish favorites such as the ever-popular fish ’ n ’ chips or shepherd ’ s pie , as well as options for kids . Plus , enjoy $ 6-8 drinks and $ 7 appetizers during the weekday happy hour .
HERB ’ S PLACE ( INSIDE SKYLOFT ): 422 S . COAST HWY .; 949-715-1550 SKYLOFTOC . COM / HERBS-PLACE A retro hideout , this drinks-and-barbecue joint inside Skyloft is like stepping back in time to the 1970s with wood paneling , kitschy decor , neon lights , vintage band posters and a record player spinning throwback tunes . Try cocktails like the Georgia Peach Cobbler or pear mule and dishes from brisket nachos to burgers and barbecue plates .
KEBAB | KURRY : 793 LAGUNA CANYON RD .; 949-715-0340 ; KEBAB-KURRY . COM Middle Eastern and Indian fare come together in this modern kitchen that uses imported spices for unique flavors . Enjoy delicious cuts of beef , lamb and chicken that are expertly seasoned and fire-grilled as well as various selections of curry , hummus , samosas and more .
KITCHEN IN THE CANYON : 845 LAGUNA CANYON RD . 949-715-5388 KITCHENINTHECANYON . COM This friendly neighborhood cafe , located in the canyon , boasts a menu featuring both breakfast and lunch options . Dine on the spot ’ s omelets , breakfast burritos or Benedicts in the morning , but don ’ t forget to stop by in the afternoon for lunchtime wraps , salads or sandwiches .