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 .

A new eatery is coming soon to the downtown spot on South Coast Highway that ’ s remained vacant since Tommy Bahama Restaurant , Bar & Store closed in late 2019 after nearly a decade . Taking its place on the bottom floor of the historic Heisler Building , Laguna Fish Co . is expected to open in early November . Operated by the same company that owns Skyloft in the space above as well as Mozambique farther south , the new restaurant is a fast-casual concept featuring fresh seafood and a full bar serving craft cocktails , pitchers of margaritas and local beers on tap . While details were still being firmed up , a few menu items include fish and chips , shrimp cocktail , a poke bowl , fresh oysters and a fish soup of the day as well as fried ice cream for dessert . For the fish and chips , the eatery uses the freshest catch of the day and creates a light and airy breading with crushed Saltine crackers , paired with made-toorder , hand-cut french fries . ( 949-715-1002 ; lagunafishco . 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 slowbraised 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

Fish soup of the day at Laguna Fish Co ., which is expected to open in early November in the former Tommy Bahama Restaurant , Bar & Store space

coffee , tea and boba drinks alongside gourmet cuisine and delicious desserts and pastries . The menu also includes options that are exclusive to the Laguna Beach location .

ZÉYTOON CAFE 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 .

SHARON WILLIAMS