Laguna Beach Magazine December | January 2022 Digital_Magazine_LB112_12.22 | Page 74

Taste of the Town / Dining Guide

TASTE OF THE TOWN DINING GUIDE A RESTAURANT RESOURCE FOR DINING OUT IN LAGUNA BEACH
NORTH LAGUNA
242 CAFE FUSION SUSHI 242 N . COAST HWY .; 949-494-2444 ; 242CAFEFUSIONSUSHI . NET : Restaurant owner , chef and artist Miki Izumisawa ’ s cozy and casual sushi spot on Coast Highway blends her passions for sushi , art and fun . Open only for dinner , with a small patio and a view of the ocean , the restaurant offers fusion rolls , traditional nigiri and omakase meals .
ASADA TACOS & BEER 610 N . COAST HWY ., STE . 108 ; 949-226-7263 ; ASADATACOS . NET : Asada Tacos & Beer features a menu full of Mexican dishes as well as snacks like carne asada fries , street corn or short rib nachos . The brainchild of restaurateur Scott McIntosh , expect tasty plates , handmade tacos and a great selection of brews and margaritas .
BIANCHI WINERY TASTING ROOM 496 N . COAST HWY .; BIANCHIWINE . COM : Bianchi Winery of Paso Robles , owned by Laguna Beach resident Glenn Bianchi , is opening an intimate tasting room in north Laguna for locals and visitors to sip the label ’ s various varietals . Charcuterie plates from The Butchery may also be offered .
BLKDOT COFFEE 656 N . COAST HWY .; 949-371-0288 ; BLKDOTCOFFEE . COM : Known for its slow-dripped Vietnamese craft coffee , this shop offers hot , blended and iced drinks in addition to banh mi sandwiches and savory toasts topped with avocado or sausage and egg .
HUSKY BOY BURGERS 802 N . COAST HWY .; 949-497-9605 ; HUSKYBOYBURGERS . COM : A drive-instyle burger joint that serves the ultracasual crowd , Husky Boy Burgers is known for its namesake burger , which features pastrami atop a beef patty with cheese . Try a classic banana split or a root beer float for dessert .
JAN ’ S HEALTH BAR 610 N . COAST HWY .; 949-371-0023 ; JANSHEALTHBAR . COM : Popular Orange County chain Jan ’ s Health Bar offers smoothies , fresh juices and acai bowls , in addition to sandwiches and wraps , which are ideal after a long day in the sun .
LAS BRISAS 361 CLIFF DR .; 949-497-5434 ; LASBRISASLAGUNABEACH . COM : Serving Mexicaninspired coastal cuisine , Las Brisas offers diners some of the best views in town . Popular for weekend brunch , the menu at Las Brisas also includes seafood-heavy signature dishes such as the steak and lobster enchiladas and the grilled rockfish tacos plus margaritas and other cocktails .
MANDARIN KING 1223 N . COAST HWY .; 949-494-8992 ; MANDARINKINGLAGUNA . COM : Open for lunch and dinner every day of the week , Mandarin King serves made-to-order Chinese cuisine that is free of MSG . Since 1984 , this cozy restaurant has been a go-to for traditional favorites such as orange peel chicken , Mongolian beef and mu shu pork as well as other signature items .

Made from Scratch

Rye Goods , an organic sourdough bakery and deli with a shop in Newport Beach ’ s Lido Marina Village , plans to open a Laguna Beach location in January . Filling the space formerly occupied by The Grove on Forest , Rye Goods will offer the same bread , pastry and deli menu as the Lido location , plus beer and natural wines . In the afternoons and evenings , the bakery will take on more of a wine bar feel with small bites available , according to owner and pastry chef Sara Lezama . Started in a garage in 2016 , the business quickly grew and opened its first brick-and-mortar spot in 2021 . Lezama works with wild yeast and freshly milled heritage grains from small farms on the West Coast . The bakery ’ s moniker is based on its 18-year-old , all-rye sourdough culture nicknamed Wynona Ryeder . Choose from seasonal items like apple turnovers and almond marzipan cake to breads like brioche and jalapeno-cheddar rye as well as baguettes , bagels , croissants , cookies and pizza dough . Deli items range from lemon pasta to seasonal veggie soup , a cheese plate and a baguette sandwich . ( ryegoods . com ) — Sharon Stello
NUMBER THREE RESTAURANT 320 N . COAST HWY .; 949-549-4817 : Located in a charming historic building with space for outdoor dining , this restaurant offers delicious meals at modest prices . Popular items include the cinnamon swirl French toast and California omelet for breakfast , the Madison Burger and a wide variety of shrimp dishes , from salads to burgers , dips and generously portioned shrimp pots .
REUNION KITCHEN + DRINK 610 N . COAST HWY ., STE . 102 ; 949-226-8393 ; REUNIONKITCHEN . NET : Reunion , operated by restaurateur Scott McIntosh , has a menu that features modern comfort foods like slow-braised short ribs and turkey pot pie . Perfectly crafted cocktails as well as a wide range of wines and beers are also available .
SALINE AT HOTEL JOAQUIN 985 N . COAST HWY .; 949-494-5294 ; HOTELJOAQUIN . COM : Although temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic , this Mediterranean-inspired eatery typically offers complimentary meals for hotel guests . While it is not currently open to the public , a stay may be worth it to try dishes like crab gnocchi , braised lamb and truffled tuna .
URTH CAFFÉ 308 N . COAST HWY .; 949-376-8888 ; URTHCAFFE . COM : Located in a restored historic house with ample patio seating , Urth Caffé offers heirloom coffee , tea and boba drinks alongside gourmet cuisine and
Rye Goods will offer breads , pastries , deli items , beer and natural wines .
delicious desserts and pastries . The menu also includes options that are exclusive to the Laguna Beach location .
ZÉYTOON CAFE ( CLOSED BRIEFLY TO SWITCH BACK TO ORIGINAL OWNERS ) 412 N . COAST HWY .; 949-715-9230 ; ZEYTOONCAFE . COM : A Laguna favorite for dining on Mediterranean-inspired dishes , Zéytoon ’ s menu includes delicious items such as artichoke and mushroom soup , the Zéytoon flatbread and a toasted caprese panini . The cafe also features a top deck with stunning views , perfect for a light lunch before or after a quick romp on the beach .
DOWNTOWN / MIDTOWN
230 FOREST AVENUE 230 FOREST AVE .; 949-494-2545 ; 230FORESTAVENUE . COM : Chef-owner Marc Cohen leads the kitchen at 230 Forest Avenue . The restaurant serves contemporary California cuisine with options such as chargrilled salmon and a chopped seafood salad with shrimp and crab , as well as meats , salads , sandwiches and various appetizers .
ACTIVE CULTURE 1006 S . COAST HWY .; 949-715-5188 ; ACTIVECULTURECAFE . COM : A vegetarian and vegan haven , Active Culture ’ s menu is made up of meatless choices with fresh ingredients for a light meal . The cafe serves bowls , salads , wraps , shakes and smoothies — all perfect for enjoying on the patio .
KAILEE WALTERS
74 LAGUNABEACHMAGAZINE . COM