THE GREETER ’ S CORNER RESTAURANT 329 S . COAST HWY .; 949-494-0361 ; THEGREETERSCORNER . COM : Named for the town ’ s original greeter , the late Eiler Larsen , The Greeter ’ s Corner Restaurant provides a relaxed setting for visitors and locals alike to enjoy a hearty breakfast or lunch . Choose from morning specials like omelets , eggs Benedict and French toast , or sink your teeth into a hamburger featuring the restaurant ’ s peppercorn sauce .
GU RAMEN TAPS & TAPAS 907 S . COAST HWY .; 949-715- 0825 : A casual ramen spot , Gu Ramen offers flavorful bowls of noodles and broth with toppings like egg , corn , spinach and chashu , or pork belly . Choose the level of hotness as well , with bowls ranging from non-spicy to extra spicy . Also try fresh plates such as the spicy poke salad or the hibachi fried rice .
HAPI SUSHI 250 BEACH ST .; 949-494-9109 : Take a seat at the sushi bar and chat with the chefs as they prepare specialties right before your eyes . This casual spot features Japanese- and island-inspired decor plus a TV at the end of the bar to watch while noshing on sushi rolls , calamari and more .
HEIDELBERG CAFE & BISTRO 1100 S . COAST HWY .; 949- 497-4594 ; HEIDELBERGCAFE . COM : Have a seat inside and order at the counter or sit outside on the breezy patio at this breakfast and lunchtime gem . Well-known for its coffee creations , the casual cafe ’ s menu showcases morning options like a Belgian waffle and walnut banana pancakes or , for heartier appetites , the bacon omelet .
HENNESSEY ’ S TAVERN 213 OCEAN AVE .; 949-494-2743 ; HENNESSEYSTAVERN . COM : You ’ ll find menu items ranging from bar bites like pub nachos and beer-battered onion rings to Irish favorites such as fish ’ n ’ chips and shepherd ’ s pie , as well as a breakfast menu and options for kids . Plus , enjoy $ 5 drinks and appetizers during the weekday happy hour . from around the world , the small shop will satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth .
LA SIRENA GRILL 347 MERMAID ST .; 949-497-8226 ; LASIRENAGRILL . COM : With two locations in town , La Sirena Grill is a go-to spot for fast , casual Mexican food . Family-owned and committed to fresh , sustainable ingredients , the restaurant offers tacos , burritos , daily specials and more .
LAGUNA BEACH BEER CO . 859 LAGUNA CANYON RD .; 949-715-0805 ; LAGUNABEER . COM : The owners of this Rancho Santa Margarita-based beer company , who live here in town , opened a tasting room in Laguna Canyon in 2018 . In addition to its core and specialty beers , the brewery serves up guest brews , shared plates , artisan flatbreads and salads .
LAGUNA CANYON WINERY 2133 LAGUNA CANYON RD .; 949-715-9463 ; LAGUNACANYONWINERY . COM : Let your taste buds guide you through Laguna Canyon Winery ’ s tasting rooms , where visitors can sample a selection of boutique wines . The winery also hosts tasting parties featuring handcrafted wines , food and live music .
LAGUNA COFFEE CO . 1050 S . COAST HWY ., STE . B ; 949-494-6901 ; LAGUNACOFFEECO . COM : A boutique micro coffee roaster , Laguna Coffee Co . uses a European roasting process to create distinctive blends . Enjoy your coffee black , blended or any way in between while relaxing with a pastry at one of the independent coffee shop ’ s small tables . The shop sources its beans from places like Honduras and Ethiopia , and also offers fresh fare including a variety of bagels and toasts .
LAGUNA FEAST 801 GLENNEYRE ST .; 949-494-0642 ; LAGUNAFEAST . COM : Known for “ Taco Tuesday all
day long ,” Laguna Feast ’ s version of the regional holiday offers $ 1.25 tacos and discounted beers . On the restaurant ’ s regular menu , you ’ ll find Mexican dishes like enchiladas , quesadillas , fajitas , tostadas , burritos , tortas , tamales , guacamole and carne asada .
LAGUNA FISH CO . ( COMING SOON ) 400 S . COAST HWY .; 949-715-1002 ; LAGUNAFISHCO . COM : A fastcasual concept featuring fresh seafood and a full bar , this eatery will serve items like fish and chips , shrimp cocktail , a poke bowl , fresh oysters and fish soup of the day in the historic Heisler Building space previously occupied by Tommy Bahama Restaurant , Bar & Store .
LARSEN AT HOTEL LAGUNA ; 425 S . COAST HWY .; 949-494-1151 ; HOTELLAGUNA . COM : Larsen is named after the city ’ s first official greeter , Eiler Larsen . Based on historic Hotel Laguna ’ s newly renovated ground floor , the eatery offers a fresh take on coastal California cuisine .
LE MACARON LAGUNA BEACH 154 S . COAST HWY .; 949-715-5282 ; LEMACARON-US . COM : At this patisserie filled with sweet treats that make perfect gifts , visitors can pick up low-calorie macarons in a variety of flavors as well as other French treats like eclairs and madeleine cookies . Also available are gourmet candies , gelato and decadent cakes .
LUMBERYARD 384 FOREST AVE .; 949-715-3900 ; LBLUMBERYARD . COM : Located in a historic building downtown , Lumberyard ’ s plush leather and mahogany — and dramatic , horseshoe-shaped bar — give the restaurant a classic feel . Serving lunch , dinner and Sunday brunch , the restaurant ’ s menu features traditional American dishes like hearty burgers , rotisserie chicken , steaks , soups and salads .
KEBAB | KURRY 793 LAGUNA CANYON RD ., STE . A ; 949- 715-0340 ; KEBAB-KURRY . COM : With spices flown in from India , this authentic restaurant offers Indian , Moroccan , Turkish and Persian dishes from kebabs to curries , samosas , hummus and more . The kebabs are made with hand-cut meat , sourced from California farms and cooked over a live fire . Enjoy your meal on the patio with canyon views .
KITCHEN IN THE CANYON 845 LAGUNA CANYON RD .; 949-715-5388 ; KITCHENINTHECANYON . COM : This friendly neighborhood cafe boasts a menu of both breakfast and lunch options . Dine on the spot ’ s omelets , breakfast burritos or avocado toast in the morning , but don ’ t forget to stop by in the afternoon for wraps , salads or sandwiches on the lunchtime lineup .
THE KOFFEE KLATCH 1440 S . COAST HWY .; 949-376- 6867 : A quintessential independent coffee shop , complete with a cozy outdoor patio and free Wi-Fi , the Koffee Klatch is a quaint place to sit down and enjoy the morning with a meal or light bite . Coffee is a given , but patrons can also enjoy dining on salads , sandwiches , pastries and hot breakfast items .
LA RUE DU CHOCOLAT 448 S . COAST HWY ., STE . B ; 949- 494-2372 ; LARUEDUCHOCOLAT . COM : Whether you ’ re looking for chocolates in the shape of sea animals or caramel-covered marshmallows , La Rue du Chocolat probably carries it . Known for its specialty handmade confections
Beach Boxes
Oak Laguna Beach now offers a beach box — a to-go meal to enjoy a picnic on the sand or at the park — with enough food for two people . Introduced in June , the boxes will be offered year-round . A light , vegetarian option features caprese wraps filled with fresh mozzarella , heirloom tomatoes , arugula and basil pesto , as well as chopped salads , plus sides of potato salad and granola bars . For a heartier meal , choose the box with Oak Burgers , which bring together wagyu beef patties , creamy Swiss cheese , caramelized onions , arugula , pickles and secret sauce ; accompanying the burgers are salads , french fries and roasted corn mixed in avocado-cilantro
The burger beach box at Oak butter with cotija cheese , lime and smoked paprika , as well as chocolate chip cookies . Both boxes also include assorted berries with whipped cream for dessert . And Oak hasn ’ t forgotten its youngest diners : A children ’ s box is filled with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches , carrots and ranch for dipping , Goldfish crackers , a juice box and berries with whipped cream . For the adults , a bottle of wine or to-go cocktails like a margarita or watermelon-cucumber mojito may be added to the order . ( 949-940-3010 ; oak-lagunabeach . com ) — S . S .
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 77