TASTE OF THE TOWN DINING GUIDE A RESTAURANT RESOURCE FOR DINING OUT IN LAGUNA BEACH

MARINE ROOM TAVERN 214 OCEAN AVE .; 949-494- 3027 : This downtown bar has been “ where the locals gather ” since 1934 . The oldest bar in Laguna Beach , the Marine Room features great drinks , a pool table and live music from musicians from throughout Southern California .

MARO WOOD GRILL 1915 S . COAST HWY .; 949-793- 4044 ; MAROWOODGRILL . COM : Dedicated to sustainable and seasonal ingredients , this establishment features a small heated patio , some indoor tables and a few seats at a counter near the open kitchen . But what the restaurant lacks in size , it makes up for in flavor : Find a selection of empanadas , seafood , salads and steaks on the menu .

MCCLAIN CELLARS 849 LAGUNA CANYON RD .; 949-590-9980 ; MCCLAINCELLARS . COM : This tasting lounge , located at The Hive shopping center in Laguna Canyon , showcases wines made in Santa Ynez . Many of the bottles feature interesting names , like the Laguna Sunrise muscat . Visitors can also purchase things like olive oil and flavored popcorn while enjoying live music on the patio .

MCCLAIN CELLARS WINE LIBRARY & TASTING LOUNGE 381 FOREST AVE ., STE . 100D ; 949-490- 5998 ; MCCLAINCELLARS . COM : A new downtown space next to the Visitors Center houses a temperature-controlled wine cellar with more than 600 of the brand ’ s library wines , with another 500 labels available on-site in the tasting lounge . The library is exclusively for wine club members .

MOULIN 248 FOREST AVE .; 949-715-6990 ; MOULINBISTRO . COM : Take a trip to France without leaving Laguna Beach . Try artisan breads and pastries , along with assorted cheeses and cold cuts . The bistro and

cafe also features prominent French dishes that aren ’ t easy to find in America , such as the croque-monsieur and ratatouille plus a crepe station unique to this location .

MOZAMBIQUE 1740 S . COAST HWY .; 949-715-7100 ; MOZAMBIQUEOC . COM : Mozambique brings Africa to Laguna with flavorful dishes and exotic decor . Signature items like the peri-peri prawns and vegetable samoosas populate the menu at this steakhouse . With a romantic atmosphere downstairs and a hip ambience upstairs at the Shebeen Lounge , Mozambique is a popular choice for those looking for a cultural experience .

NATRAJ CUISINE OF INDIA 998 S . COAST HWY .; 949- 497-9197 ; NATRAJLAGUNABEACH . COM : Tandoori delicacies , like the specialty chicken marinated in yogurt sauce and fresh spices , along with an array of appetizers , soups , entrees and desserts , are plentiful at Natraj Cuisine of India . The fresh , authentic dishes are on the menu for lunch or dinner .

NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA & BIRRERIA 31542 S . COAST HWY .; 949-499-4531 ; NEALAGUNA . COM : Neapolitan Pizzeria & Birreria is a casual eatery featuring wood-fired pizzas made from scratch such as the Funghi , which contains shiitake mushrooms , fontina cheese and fried egg . Classic versions like the margherita pizza and pepperoni are available here as well , plus there is a selection of small plates , desserts and craft beers on the menu .

NICK ’ S LAGUNA BEACH 440 S . COAST HWY .; 949-376- 8585 ; NICKSRESTAURANTS . COM : With an expansive , contemporary bar and exposed brick walls , Nick ’ s hosts a diverse clientele , from the after-work crowd to visitors looking to dine on American favorites like burgers , sandwiches , fried chicken , steak , salads and more . The “ liquid assets ” menu showcases a selection of wine , beer and specialty cocktails .

Even as summer fades to fall , Laguna Beach remains the perfect place for waterfront dining and , at Splashes , the waves crashing on the sand below provide wonderful background music for the meal . In November , the signature restaurant at Surf & Sand Resort unveiled a new autumn menu that will be available until springtime . Seasonal ingredients populate dishes like the Autumn Garden Salad , where goat cheese is smeared on a plate then topped with greens , pears , persimmons , quinoa crisps and a pomegranate-grapefruit

vinaigrette for the perfect touch of sweetness . Other starters to Crisp Octopus at Splashes share include the crisp pork belly covered in a maple-yuzu glaze

and the crisp Brussels sprouts , which offer a touch of citrus flavor thanks to an orange mascarpone and a touch of heat from the lemongrass-habanero vinaigrette . When selecting main entrees , the seafood can ’ t be beat : Seared scallops come with blood orange gel for the fall while a whole Mediterranean branzino served with ricotta gnocchi , pomegranate seeds , butternut squash and lobster emulsion is unrivaled . Or , try the braised short rib , filled with the autumnal flavor of parsnip plus Calabrian chile-fig marmalade . Pair with wines like the albarino from Spain or pinot noir from Ken Wright Cellars in Oregon — and don ’ t forget to end the night with the strawberry shortcake or brownie a la mode . ( 949-376-2779 ; surfandsandresort . com ) — Ashley Ryan

NIRVANA GRILLE 303 BROADWAY ST ., STE . 101 ; 949-497-0027 ; NIRVANAGRILLE . COM : Nirvana Grille Executive Chef Lindsay Smith describes her food as clean California cuisine , with a culinary philosophy centered on local , seasonal and organic ingredients . Smith finds culinary influences in American , French and Latin flavors , and the eatery also offers gluten-free and vegan menus .

OAK LAGUNA BEACH 1100 S . COAST HWY ., STE . 202 ; 949- 940-3010 ; OAK-LAGUNABEACH . COM : Owned and operated by Laguna Beach locals , this eatery ’ s menu focuses on California cuisine that highlights locally sourced ingredients as well as tempting desserts and cocktails . A brunch menu is also available , complete with dishes that range from tostadas to omelets and chilaquiles .

OLIVER ’ S OSTERIA 853 LAGUNA CANYON RD .; 949-715-0261 ; OLIVERSOSTERIA . COM : Italian chef Erik De Marchi brings his traditional family recipes to Laguna , blending them with American influences to create unique lunch , dinner , weekend brunch and takeout menus at this canyon eatery . Dishes include pastas like cacio e pepe and tagliatelle alla Bolognese as well as risotto , various antipasti and classic desserts .

ORANGE INN 703 S . COAST HWY .; 949-494-6085 ; ORANGEINNCAFE . COM : The wood-paneled beach cottage on the corner of Coast Highway and Cleo Street has long been a favorite of beachgoers for both breakfast and lunch . With boardshorts-and-sandals charm , Orange Inn , which started as a juice bar , serves sandwiches , soups and salads , as well as breakfast burritos , baked goods and refreshing smoothies .

PENGUIN CAFE 981 S . COAST HWY .; 949-494-1353 ; THEPENGUINCAFE . COM : A local favorite for more than 50 years , the family-owned Penguin Cafe proudly owns the label of “ hole in the wall .” With diner staples , the cafe draws breakfast and lunch crowds daily for omelets , bowls , burgers and more .

PIZZA BAR 397 S . COAST HWY .; 949-497-2277 ; PIZZABARLAGUNABEACH . COM : Featuring handcrafted pizzas , along with gluten-free crusts and vegan options , Pizza Bar also has filling pastas , crisp salads , ciabatta sandwiches and fresh-baked cookies . Grab your lunch as you head down to Main Beach .

RASTA TACO 170 BEACH ST .; 562-715-1510 ; RASTATACO . COM : This casual , grab-and-go eatery offers affordable tacos , burritos and other dishes inspired by the flavorful street food of Jamaica and Mexico . Take advantage of deals on Taco Tuesday as well . The small patio is dog-friendly so you can enjoy a bite on-site even though there is no inside dining room .

REBEL OMAKASE 361 FOREST AVE ., STE . 103 ; 949-664-3186 ; REBELOMAKASE . COM : Set aside two hours to experience this sushi restaurant ’ s 19-course omakase , or “ chef ’ s choice ,” meal that changes every day based on what the chef finds at the LA fish market that morning . Reservations are required for omakase . Walk-ins may be accommodated for the a la carte menu as space allows .

RISTORANTE RUMARI 1826 S . COAST HWY .; 949- 494-0400 ; RUMARI . NET : A romantic Coast Highway

COURTESY OF SURF & SAND RESORT