Dine / Ahba
FOOD & DRINK
TOP LEFT : ASHLEY RYAN ; ALL OTHERS : KAILEE WALTERS
Cozy Cuisine
AHBA SHINES WITH CREATIVE FARE , FRIENDLY SERVICE AND COMMUNAL SPACES IN WHICH TO LOUNGE WITH FRIENDS FOR A DRINK AFTER DINNER .
By SHARON STELLO
Clockwise , from top left : Ahba ’ s front patio ; dishes including the filet mignon ( center ); orange wine and the window for ordering ; the Ahba Burger and fries
W hether sitting on the quaint patio , at the chef ’ s counter or long communal table inside , or next door at Helen ’ s — the speakeasy lovingly named after the building ’ s owner — Ahba offers a cozy vibe for sharing some delicious small plates or tucking into one of the tempting entrees , like a filet mignon with herb-garlic butter or the half chicken with harissa and chimichurri .
Nestled in a cottage in south Laguna , in the space once occupied by Eva ’ s Caribbean Kitchen , Ahba was opened in 2019 by chef / owner Nick Bennett and has gained a
following for its Mediterranean-American fusion fare , craft beer , cocktails and natural wine list . The eatery is open for dinner every night except Mondays and , on the weekends , it also serves up breakfast and then lunch starting at 2 p . m . In addition to the regular menu , be sure to check out Taco Tuesdays and the Burger and Beer deal on Wednesdays , plus trivia nights and other occasional happenings at the speakeasy .
When you arrive , grab a classic cocktail like a margarita made with tequila or mezcal , a Negroni , mai tai or specialty drink like the Paper Plane with bourbon , amaro , Aperol and lemon , and choose some appetizers to share with friends . Order at the window then take your number to sit anywhere — inside or out — or over at Helen ’ s ( if it ’ s open ); just be sure to let the staff know where to find you .
When it comes to the small plates , you can ’ t go wrong with any of the tasty dishes . Although the menu appears short , the depth of flavor is impressive . Sweeeeet Papas brings together sweet potatoes with spicy morita peppers and tangy labneh , which is strained yogurt . The roasted cauliflower offers a substantial half head of cauliflower served on a bed of tahini ( sauce made from toasted sesame seeds ) and topped with dukkah seasoning and pickled raisins .
A creative spin on the avocado toast trend is a mushroom option : a thick piece of toast generously slathered with whipped goat cheese and piled high with brown beech mushrooms that are sauteed in garlic and white wine sauce . The squash blossom quesadilla is another fun treat , filled with Oaxaca queso , squash blossoms and salsa macha . But the whipped feta dish will have you coming back for more with a sweet-and-savory mix of tomato jam , pine nuts , mint and parsley , served with thick slices of bread .
There are also some salads , but for meat-eaters , the Ahba Burger is where it ’ s at . The aroma of sizzling beef patties and caramelized onions will draw you in and the taste won ’ t disappoint . Garlic aioli , melted American cheese , pickles and a slight kick from fresno chiles combine for one great burger that ’ s served with shoestring fries . On Wednesdays , add a beer for $ 3 .
For morning meals , choose from a lineup of avocado , harissa or labneh toast , shakshouka , cauliflower hash , a breakfast burrito and French toast with bananas , powdered sugar , maple syrup and whipped cream .
For anyone who hasn ’ t made the trip to Ahba , do yourself a favor and make the short drive to south Laguna — if you don ’ t already live nearby . Trust us , after dining here , you ’ ll be wondering why you waited this long . g
AHBA : 31732 Coast Highway ; 949-549-4556 ; eatahba . com HOURS : 5-9 p . m . Tuesday through Thursday ; 5-10 p . m . Fridays ; 9 a . m . to 10 p . m . Saturdays ; 9 a . m . to 9 p . m . Sundays ; closed Mondays ; Helen ’ s speakeasy follows roughly the same hours except it opens at 2 p . m . on weekends .
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 75