TASTE OF THE TOWN DINING GUIDE A RESTAURANT RESOURCE FOR DINING OUT IN LAGUNA BEACH |
ADOLFO ’ S MEXICAN FOOD 998 S . COAST HWY ., STE . A ; 949-497-2023 : Adolfo ’ s has set the standard for fast , casual and affordable Mexican food since 1985 . Also on the menu are burgers and fries . The surf crowd tends to file in around lunchtime , kicking back with a horchata or beer at the counter or on the patio .
ADONIS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 202 PARK AVE .; 949-715-4581 : Gyros rotating on a spit give this little shop a savory scent that draws people in as they walk by . A simple menu consists of Mediterranean dishes like the gyro , a chicken wrap and a veggie plate . Adonis is perfect for a quick grab-and-go meal before taking in the downtown sights .
ALESSA BY CHEF PIROZZI 234 FOREST AVE .; 949-497- 8222 ; ALESSALAGUNA . COM : Part of award-winning chef Alessandro Pirozzi ’ s culinary collection , Alessa Laguna ’ s inviting atmosphere and artfully crafted Italian food have made it a downtown staple . The restaurant serves lunch and dinner ; be sure to try one of Pirozzi ’ s homemade pasta dishes or one of the varieties of gnocchi .
ANASTASIA CAFE 460 OCEAN AVE .; 949-497-8903 ; ANASTASIABOUTIQUE . COM : This stylish little cafe adjacent to Anastasia Boutique has a hearty selection of French and American breakfast and lunch options including omelets , sandwiches , salads , pastas , freshbaked bread , squeezed juice and more . The dog-friendly patio is great for sunny days .
AVILA ’ S EL RANCHITO 1305 S . COAST HWY .; 949-376- 7040 ; AVILASELRANCHITO . COM : Avila ’ s El Ranchito has been a staple in town for over a decade . The Mexican chain serves up classic dishes like fajitas , burritos , tacos , tamales and enchiladas , but guests can also grab a seat around the bar or outside on the spacious patio to enjoy one of the restaurant ’ s refreshing Cadillac or skinny margaritas .
BANZAI BOWLS 1100 S . COAST HWY .; 949-715-8989 ; BANZAIBOWLS . COM : With all-natural fruit juices and no added sugar , ice or fillers , a Banzai Bowls smoothie is one of the healthiest snacks in town . Try a smoothie featuring ingredients like fresh fruit and soy milk , or indulge in the acai or pitaya bowls loaded with a number of delicious toppings for a guilt-free meal .
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 , plus an intimate chef ’ s table for a custom meal .
BRUSSELS BISTRO 222 FOREST AVE .; 949-376-7955 ; BRUSSELSBISTRO . COM : This downtown eatery transports its guests to Belgium with a cozy dining room and premium Belgian beer . Chef Thomas Crijns crafts Belgian-inspired dishes with a French flair . Additionally , a variety of happy hour specials are available every day .
CARMELITA ’ S KITCHEN DE MEXICO 217 BROADWAY ST .; 949-715-7829 ; CARMELITASKITCHEN . COM : A stylish addition to the area ’ s eateries , Carmelita ’ s draws a large
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dinner crowd every night with its menu inspired by different regions of Mexico . Try classics like enchiladas or chile rellenos , and indulge in inventive , handcrafted drinks like the cilantro cucumber or the 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 happy hour deals . C ’ est La Vie also features a bakery counter offering French pastries , macarons and other delectable goodies ; call for information on wedding , birthday and special occasion desserts .
CHANTILLY ICE CREAM 202 PARK AVE .; 949-494- 7702 : Frozen treats are plentiful at Chantilly Ice Cream , where the lineup includes everything from frozen yogurt and Dreyer ’ s ice cream to smoothies . The shop satisfies everyone ’ s sweet tooth on a hot summer day from its convenient location across the street from Main Beach .
THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER 1200 S . COAST HWY ., STE . 103B ; 949-494-4462 ; THECHOCOLATESOLDIER . COM : Located in the historic Old 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 plush toys .
CIN CIN PARLOUR 1826 S . COAST HWY .; 949-499- 2228 ; INSTAGRAM . COM / CINCINPARLOUR : Located inside of Ristorante Rumani ( which moved its seating to the patio in the hilltop parking lot behind the restaurant ), is a joint effort by Chris Keller and Brittany Ryan , who own Rumari , Marine Room Tavern and Laguna Beach Lodge . The hip bar and lounge offers signature cocktails and limited but high-quality dishes like pasta , salmon and filet mignon , plus live entertainment on the weekends .
THE CLIFF RESTAURANT 577 S . COAST HWY .; 949- 494-1956 ; THECLIFFRESTAURANT . COM : Offering some of the best panoramic ocean views in 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 on the weekdays during happy hour .
COMEDOR AT LA CASA DEL CAMINO ; 1289 S . COAST HWY .; 949-376-9718 ; COMEDORLAGUNA . COM : Replacing K ’ ya Bistro Bar , Comedor is a new dining concept inside the historic La Casa del Camino hotel , featuring Spanish revival decor , a variety of handcrafted cocktails and a menu of upscale tapas developed by chef Marcel Vigneron , who was runner-up in season two of Bravo TV show “ Top Chef .”
THE DECK ON LAGUNA BEACH 627 SLEEPY HOLLOW LN .; 949-494-6700 ; DECKONLAGUNA . COM : Located at Pacific Edge Hotel , The Deck offers the quintessential on-the-beach dining experience . A relaxed , breezy place for light bites and tropical cocktails , or a seafood dinner , the restaurant also sits adjacent to the
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hotel ’ s bungalows , at which guests can enjoy food and beverages from The Deck .
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 favorite spot amongst locals thanks to its laid-back atmosphere and friendly service in a 1920s wood-shingled house with patio dining . The eclectic menu features steaks and seafood dishes served on unique mismatched dishes .
DOLCE GELATO 247 BROADWAY ST .; 949-715-9249 ; GELATOBYDOLCE . COM : Meaning “ sweet ” in Italian , Dolce Gelato features the authentic Italian treat from which it takes its name . More than 20 handcrafted , rotating flavors are offered , with new flavors introduced every Friday at the family-owned shop . Themed months offer flavors based on things like fairytales and the beach .
THE DRAKE 2894 S . COAST HWY .; 949-376-1000 ; THEDRAKELAGUNA . COM : Equal parts restaurant and entertainment venue , The Drake will have you feel like you ’ ve escaped to old New York . Enjoy lamb lollipops , Maine sea scallops , filet mignon with a peppercorn sauce and many other entrees and shared plates — plus cocktails named after famous songs — for a delicious night in an upscale jazz-inspired atmosphere .
DRIFTWOOD KITCHEN 619 SLEEPY HOLLOW LN .; 949-715-7700 ; DRIFTWOODKITCHEN . COM : Boasting sweeping views plus ocean-themed decor , Driftwood Kitchen offers fresh seafood , steaks and delicious appetizers . The Stateroom Bar provides artisanal cocktails , with an emphasis on fine whiskeys and bourbons . Add a gorgeous view of the Pacific and a sun-soaked patio , and you have the recipe for an unparalleled dining experience .
FIN AT HOTEL LAGUNA 425 S . COAST HWY .; 949- 494-1151 ; HOTELLAGUNA . COM : A modern Japanese restaurant on the newly renovated ground floor of historic Hotel Laguna , Fin offers sushi , sashimi , cut rolls and starters like smoked salmon miso and tuna shitake . Fin joins another restaurant , Larsen , and a bar within the hotel .
GELATO PARADISO 448 S . COAST HWY ., STE . A ; 949- 464-9255 ; GELATOPARADISO . COM : Inspired by the romantic streets of Italy , Gelato Paradiso features artisanal gelato and sorbetto offerings that are handmade in small batches every single morning . Choose from a wide selection of up to 30 flavors daily , or sample several at once by following the shop ’ s popular pairing suggestions .
GG ’ S BISTRO 540 S . COAST HWY ., STE . 108 ; 949-494-9306 ; GGSCAFEBISTRO . COM : GG ’ s is known for its classic Mediterranean flavors . Open for lunch and dinner every day , as well as for breakfast on Sundays ( complete with morning cocktails like mimosas and bloody marys ), GG ’ s welcomes diners to enjoy salads , sandwiches , kebabs and other entrees . The restaurant also offers a gluten-free menu .
GINA ’ S PIZZA 1100 S . COAST HWY .; 949-494-4342 ; GINASPIZZA . COM : Gina ’ s Pizza is a quick , casual option for lunch or dinner . Order pastas , salads , sandwiches or pizza , including the famous cheese BiggaSlice or the full BiggaPie .
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