and Oliver ’ s Osteria , which were added to Michelin ’ s list in 2022 and 2021 , respectively . Rebel Omakase , known for its chef-curated meals , prides itself in its high-quality ingredients and fresh fish flown in from Japan . Some standouts here include cornet , baby yellowtail and seared wagyu , though the menu is always changing . Oliver ’ s Osteria , an Italian spot in Laguna Canyon , enhances its authentic dishes for an experience to remember , with bucatini all ’ amatriciana pasta and fiori di zucca , or stuffed zucchini blossoms mentioned as notable menu items . ( Selanne Steak Tavern : 949-715- 9881 ; selannesteaktavern . com ) ( Rebel Omakase : 949-664-3186 ) ( Oliver ’ s Osteria : 949-715-0261 ; oliversosteria . com ) — A . R .
OPPOSITE PAGE , FROM TOP : COURTESY OF SELANNE STEAK TAVERN ; COURTESY OF MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH ; THIS PAGE , BOTTOM : COURTESY OF THE RITZ-CARLTON , LAGUNA NIGUEL
Top : the jalapeno burger and a beer at the new Finney ’ s Crafthouse & Kitchen ; above : the Mad Hatter afternoon tea with an ocean view at The Ritz-Carlton , Laguna Niguel
WELL-CRAFTED CUISINE
Finney ’ s Crafthouse & Kitchen is expected to open March 20 in the space formerly occupied by The White House following an extensive restoration of the historic building , originally constructed in 1915 . The White House restaurant and bar was established there in 1918 and shuttered just over a century later , in 2019 . Finney ’ s is a small regional chain with eight other locations mostly in the Central Coast and San Fernando Valley areas . The eclectic menu features more than 50 made-from-scratch favorites from tacos filled with Baja chicken , kalua pork carnitas or crispy cauliflower to a variety of pizzas and salads , like the Moroccan variety with mixed greens , dried cherries , almonds , feta cheese , quinoa and more . Hot wings come in flavors like Buffalo-yuzu , mango-habanero and Cajun seven-spice while diners also have a wide range of burger and sandwich options , like the prime rib cheesesteak and the black truffle or jalapeno egg burgers . A slew of starters includes bacon deviled eggs , mini lobster rolls , an onion ring tower , poke nachos and crispy coconut shrimp with sweet chile sauce . To wash it down , Finney ’ s offers an extensive list of handcrafted signature cocktails and 30 local craft beers on tap , including Thousand Steps India pale ale and Lagunatics hazy IPA , both from Laguna Beach Beer Co . The restaurant is open from 11 a . m . to 10 p . m . daily , with a happy hour from 3-5 p . m . weekdays . ( 949-484-8140 ; finneyscrafthouse . com ) — Sharon Stello
MICHELIN MAGIC
There are now three eateries in town recognized by the Michelin Guide , with Selanne Steak Tavern being added to the list as a “ new discovery ” in March . The guide makes note of the restaurant ’ s many spaces — from the upstairs loft and modern tavern dining room to the cozy wine library and outdoor veranda and terrace — in addition to its wellmarbled steaks , seared mushrooms , buttery mashed potatoes and warm monkey bread dessert . Selanne joins two other previously named Laguna restaurants , Rebel Omakase
TEA TIME
Spring has sprung , so dress up in pastels or floral prints and enjoy some local tea experiences that are perfectly aligned with the season . At Montage Laguna Beach , guests can visit the Lobby Lounge , with views of the sprawling Pacific Ocean , to enjoy tea and snacks on Saturday and Sunday afternoons from noon to 3 p . m . Running through May 7 , the menu includes things like smoked salmon roulade , a Maine lobster roll , raisin scones , lemon-gingersnap cookies , pistachio sponge cake and more ; there are also vegan offerings like beet tartare , crudites and dried blueberry cookies available , as well as gluten-free options . Over at The Ritz-Carlton , Laguna Niguel in Dana Point , a special Mad Hatter afternoon tea continues from 2:30 to 3:30 p . m . weekdays except Fridays through April 27 . Palais des Thés , a Parisian brand of teas , will be served during the event along with tea sandwiches , sweets and tea-infused cocktails . Set within a whimsical garden installation at the resort ’ s Raya , this is the perfect springtime activity . ( Montage Laguna Beach : 949-715-6420 ; montagehotels . com ) ( The Ritz-Carlton , Laguna Niguel : 949-240-2000 ; ritzcarlton . com ) — A . R . /
RESTAURANT LISTINGS Scan the QR code below to visit our dining resource online .
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 81