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an extensive menu with something for the whole family . Food options include classics such as pizzas , salads , sandwiches , pastas and steaks . Be sure to pair a dish with one of the restaurant ’ s handcrafted beers and top off your meal with a freshly baked Pizookie .
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 , and an intimate ( six person maximum ) chef ’ s table offers front-row seats to a custom-created multiple course meal .
Brussels Bistro 222 Forest Ave . 949-376-7955 brusselsbistro . com Located in the heart of downtown , Brussels transports guests to Belgium with casual dining and premium Belgian beer . Chef Thomas Crijns crafts Belgium-inspired dishes with a French flair , and every Monday , Tuesday and Wednesday there ’ s all-you-can-eat mussels and fries with a Belgian beer or glass of house wine for $ 26 . Every Friday and Saturday , the bistro transforms into an underground disco , with European electro music starting at 10:30 p . m .
Cafe Zoolu 860 Glenneyre St . 949-494-6825 cafezoolu . com Serving “ eclectic California cuisine ,” the menu at Cafe Zoolu draws inspiration from Hawaii , Louisiana , Asia and Mexico . Owned and operated by Toni Leech and her husband-chef Michael , the restaurant ’ s focus is fresh- and wild-caught seafood ; however ,
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beef , pork , lamb , chicken , pastas and vegetarian dishes are also available .
Carmelita ’ s 217 Broadway St . 949-715-7829 carmelitaskitchen . com A stylish addition to downtown ’ s eateries , Carmelita ’ s draws a large dinner crowd every night for its menu inspired by the different regions of Mexico as well as the large selection of tequila and margaritas . Try classics like enchiladas or molcajete , and indulge in inventive drinks like the grilled pineapple or strawberry jalapeno margarita .
C ’ est La Vie 373 S . Coast Hwy . 949-497-5100 cestlavierestaurant . com C ’ est La Vie offers casual indoor and outdoor dining in a European bistro setting . The French cafe and restaurant serves breakfast , brunch , lunch and dinner , in addition to its full bar , happy hour specials and a children ’ s menu . C ’ est La Vie also features a bakery counter offering specialty French pastries and other delectable goodies ; call for information on wedding , birthday and special occasion cakes and desserts .
Chantilly Ice Cream 202 Park Ave . 949-494-7702 Frozen treats are plentiful at Chantilly Ice Cream , where everything from yogurt and tropical smoothies to Dreyer ’ s ice cream is on the menu . The shop satisfies everyone ’ s sweet tooth on a hot summer day from its convenient location across the street from Main Beach .
Chocolate Soldier , The 1200 S . Coast Hwy ., Ste . 103B 949-494-4462 thechocolatesoldier . com Located in the historic Pottery Place , this chocolate shop
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Carmelita ’ s
sells gourmet truffles , peanut butter cups , toffee and other confections . The Chocolate Soldier also sells a selection of housewares and gift items such as fine china mugs and colorful teapots .
Cliff Restaurant , The 577 S . Coast Hwy . 949-494-1956 thecliffrestaurant . com Offering some of the best panoramic ocean views around town , The Cliff Restaurant is a relaxing option for breakfast or lunch , as well as a romantic setting for sunset dinners . With a seasonally changing menu of seafood , pastas , burgers and more , The Cliff is a favorite respite after shopping Laguna Village , or during happy hour from 3-6 p . m . Monday through Thursday .
Coffee Pub 384 Forest Ave . 949-494-5334 For all-day coffee service , Coffee Pub offers a delightful selection of lattes , cappuccinos , espressos and more , along with baked goods and light lunch options . Grab a quick bite to eat
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and enjoy a cup of coffee at the bar inside or at one of the small outdoor patio tables .
Deck on Laguna Beach , The 627 Sleepy Hollow Ln . 949-494-670 deckonlaguna . com Located at the Pacific Edge Hotel , The Deck is the quintessential on-the-beach dining experience . A relaxed , breezy place for light bites and tropical cocktails , happy hour from 4-6 p . m . ( Monday through Thursday ) or a steak or seafood dinner , The Deck also offers live music Sunday through Th u r s d a y f r o m 5 - 9 p . m .
Dizz ’ s As Is 2794 S . Coast Hwy . 949-494-5250 dizzsasis . com Owned and operated by the Pitz family since 1977 , Dizz ’ s is a locals ’ favorite offering a laid-back atmosphere and friendly service in a 1920s wood-shingled house . The eclectic menu features steaks and seafood dishes , and the after-work crowd finds comfort at the cozy bar with a Gingertini or glass of wine in hand .
JODY TIONGCO
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46 SUMMER 2015 CITY GUIDE |