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dining and premium Belgian beer . Chef Thomas Crijns crafts Belgian-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 .
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 .
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Chocolate Soldier , The 1200 S . Coast Hwy ., Ste . 103B 949-494-4462 thechocolatesoldier . com Located in the historic Pottery Place , this chocolate shop 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 .
Deck on Laguna Beach , The 627 Sleepy Hollow Ln . 949-494-6700 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 4:30-6:30 p . m . ( Monday through Thursday ) or a steak or seafood dinner .
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 .
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Dolce Gelato 247 Broadway St . 949-715-9249 gelatobydolce . com Meaning “ sweet ” in Italian , Dolce Gelato features the authentic Italian treat . More than 20 handcrafted flavors are offered daily on a rotating basis , with new flavors introduced every week .
Driftwood Kitchen 619 Sleepy Hollow Ln . 949-715-7700 driftwoodkitchen . com Boasting sweeping ocean views , Driftwood Kitchen offers fresh steaks , seafood and hand-shucked oysters . The Stateroom Bar provides artisanal and hand-shaken cocktails , with an emphasis on fine whiskeys and bourbons . Add a gorgeous view of the Pacific and a sun-soaked outdoor patio , and you have the recipe for an unparalleled Southern California dining experience .
Gelato Paradiso 448 S . Coast Hwy . 949-464-9255 gelatoparadiso . net 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 more than 30 flavors daily , or sample several at once with the shop ’ s popular pairing suggestions .
GG ’ s Café-Bistro 540 S . Coast Hwy ., Ste . 108 949-494-9306 ggscafebistro . com With charming indoor seating and an outdoor patio perfect for people watching on Coast Highway , GG ’ s is known for Mediterranean flavors . Open for lunch and dinner every day , as well as for breakfast on Sundays , GG ’ s welcomes diners to enjoy salads , sandwiches , kebabs and entrees representative of the owners ’ Mediterranean roots . The restaurant also offers a gluten-free menu , and happy hour runs weekdays from 4-6 p . m .
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Gina ’ s Pizza 1100 S . Coast Hwy . 949-494-4342 ginaspizza . com Gina ’ s Pizza is a quick and casual option for lunch or dinner . Order salads , pastas , sandwiches or pizza , whole or by the slice . The pizzeria has another location on North Coast Highway .
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 the restaurant ’ s secret sauce .
Gu Ramen 907 S . Coast Hwy . 949-715-0825 A casual ramen spot , Gu Ramen offers flavorful bowls of noodles and broth with popular toppings like eggs , corn and spicy chashu . Also try fresh plates such as the spicy poke salad .
Hapi Sushi 250 Beach St . 949-494-9109 Take a seat at the long sushi bar and chat with one of the chefs as they prepare seafood specialties . The casual spot features Japanese- and island-inspired decor , and a TV at the end of the sushi bar so you don ’ t miss the game while noshing on sushi or a Japanese burrito .
Heidelberg Cafe and Bistro 1100 S . Coast Hwy . 949-497-4594 heidelbergcafe . com Order at the counter and have a seat inside or out on the breezy patio at this breakfast and lunchtime gem . Well-known for its coffee creations , the casual cafe ’ s menu showcases comforting options like potato cakes and cinnamon French
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54 SUMMER 2016 CITY GUIDE |