TERRA LAGUNA BEACH 650 LAGUNA CANYON RD .; 949- 494-9650 ; TERRALAGUNABEACH . COM : Since opening on the Festival of Arts grounds back in 2018 , this romantic , upscale restaurant , formerly Tivoli Terrace , offers artistic fare in its creative space . With an emphasis on sustainable California cuisine , enjoy food made with fresh produce and ethically sourced meats while you peruse the artwork at the renowned festival .
THAI BROS . 238 LAGUNA AVE .; 949-376-9979 ; THAIBROTHERSRESTAURANT . COM : The family-owned and operated Thai Bros . has been serving Thai food out of a cozy shop since 1994 . Open for dinner , the eatery invites diners to sample appetizers , curries , soups , salads , seafood , chicken , and rice and noodle dishes . Vegetarian options are also available .
TIPPY ’ S TEA & COFFEE & THINGS 272 BROADWAY ST .; 949- 715-1625 ; TIPPYSLAGUNABEACH . COM : With a name change from Boba Me Baby to Tippy ’ s Tea & Coffee & Things , this quaint spot stays away with the artificial ingredients traditionally used in boba drinks . Instead , the space offers international loose-leaf teas alongside small-batch boba drinks .
WAHOO ’ S FISH TACO 1133 S . COAST HWY .; 949-497-0033 ; WAHOOS . COM : A local legend born in the heart of coastal OC , Wing Lam ’ s Wahoo ’ s Fish Taco epitomizes the Southern California beach lifestyle with its walls adorned with skate and surf company stickers and casual Baja-style fare . The famous fish taco restaurant offers a children ’ s menu , indoor and outdoor seating , and beer on tap as well .
THE WHARF 237 OCEAN AVE .; 949-497-3381 ; THEWHARFOC . COM : The Wharf offers a unique combination of Cajun and Asian cuisines . From crawfish mac and cheese , and a pork belly shrimp burger to a Cajun seafood hot pot and grilled Maine lobster , there is something for everyone .
WILD TACO 188 S . COAST HWY .; 949-549-4282 ; THEWILDTACO . COM : Formerly a Johnny Rockets diner , this new space has the same owners as the Newport Beach location , who also run Bear Flag Fish Co . The fast-casual eatery provides a 56-seat restaurant featuring a menu with wild-caught fish options and other proteins in tacos as well as enchiladas burritos and more , plus breakfast on weekends .
WINE GALLERY WINE BAR & KITCHEN 1833 S . COAST HWY ., STE . 110 ; 949-715-8744 ; WINEGALLERYLAGUNA . COM : Wine Gallery perfectly serves the happy hour and dinner crowd around an expansive , marble-topped bar . Culinary creations like wood-fired pizzas , short rib tacos and house-made ravioli , along with cheese plates , complement the varied wine list .
ZINC CAFE & MARKET 350 OCEAN AVE .; 949-494-6302 ; ZINC- CAFE . COM : This little European-style cafe on Ocean Avenue attracts vegetarians with its meatless menu , but diners can also enjoy delectable coffees and teas as well as breakfast and lunch items such as huevos rancheros , quiches , sandwiches , salads and more . Just next door , stop by the market for take-home items like artisanal cheeses and fruit platters .
SOUTH LAGUNA
AHBA 31732 S . COAST HWY .; 949-549-4556 ; EATAHBA . COM : Ahba offers Mediterranean fare that has a strong Israeli influence . Enjoy breakfast or lunch at the eatery , which cooks up traditional dishes like shakshuka and labneh in addition to classics such as French toast and omelets .
COYOTE GRILL 31621 COAST HWY .; 949-499-4033 ; COYOTEGRILL . TV : Since 1989 , Coyote Grill has served locals and tourists that venture down south with its super casual , Bajastyle fare . The recently remodeled restaurant welcomes guests for a margarita , taco , enchilada or specialty plate .
HARVEST AT THE RANCH AT LAGUNA BEACH ; 31106 S . COAST HWY .; 949-715-1376 ; THERANCHLB . COM : This restaurant blends local flavors with warm comfort foods . A seasonal menu , which incorporates herbs and produce grown on site , includes everything from avocado toast and grilled salmon salad to New York steaks and whipped potatoes . Seating on the patio offers views of the canyon and golf course .
LA SIRENA GRILL 30862 S . COAST HWY .; 949-499-2301 ; LASIRENAGRILL . COM : With two locations in town , La Sirena Grill is a go-to spot for fast , casual Mexican food . Familyowned and committed to fresh , sustainable ingredients , the restaurant offers tacos , burritos , daily specials and more . The south Laguna location is known for its extensive number of craft beers on tap .
THE LOFT AT MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH ; 30801 S . COAST HWY .; 949-715-6420 ; MONTAGELAGUNABEACH . COM : The Loft offers fine dining during breakfast , lunch and dinner hours with panoramic ocean views . Resort guests and locals can enjoy a menu of American standards , with dishes highlighting seasonal produce , seafood and meat . Don ’ t forget to enjoy the cheese gallery , which features over 150 global selections .
LOST PIER CAFÉ 31131 S . COAST HWY .; 949-715-4210 ; LOST- PIERCAFE . COM : Located at Aliso Beach , this quick-service counter , owned and operated by The Ranch at Laguna Beach , sells breakfast items , seafood , sandwiches and salads right on the sand . It also offers beach chair , umbrella and portable fire pit rentals and s ’ mores kits .
MOSAIC BAR AND GRILLE AT MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH ; 30801 S . COAST HWY .; 949-715-6420 ; MONTAGELAGUNABEACH . COM : Located near the Mosaic Pool at Montage Laguna Beach , the outdoor Mosaic Bar and Grille serves casual California-inspired cuisine like salads , sandwiches and seafood alongside relaxing , breezy coastal views .
O FINE JAPANESE CUISINE 30872 S . COAST HWY .; 949-715-5551 ; OFINEJAPANESECUISINE . COM : Enjoy both traditional and fusion Japanese fare as well as a premium sake list at this popular restaurant . Have a seat around the contemporary , blue-lit sushi bar and dive into an adventurous menu of sushi , sashimi , teriyaki and katsu along with many other Japanese favorites . Leave it up to the chef with omakase menu options .
PAPA ’ S TACOS 31622 COAST HWY .; 949-499-9822 ; PAPASTACOSINC . COM : This small corner shop serves quick and tasty , made-to-order Mexican food favorites , and its breakfast menu of items like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros are available throughout the day . With limited seating indoors , Papa ’ s Tacos is an ideal spot for carryout meals .
SOUTH SWELL DONUTS 31660 S . COAST HWY .; 949-499- 6171 : A small shop favored by Laguna Beach locals , South Swell Donuts features a broad menu with an eclectic mix of sweet and savory items . In addition to more traditional doughnuts and bagels , the eatery offers more substantial fare in the way of Vietnamese-style pho , or noodle soup with a flavorful broth .
STARFISH LAGUNA BEACH 30832 S . COAST HWY .; 949- 715-9200 ; STARFISHLAGUNA . COM : This stylish restaurant serves up innovative and delicious Asian fusion dishes , including small plates like the crab banh mi sliders , wokfired edamame and Korean tacos , as well as large entrees such as seafood Thai curry .
STUDIO AT MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH ; 30801 S . COAST HWY .; 949-715-6420 : STUDIOLAGUNABEACH . COM : Blending modern Californian cuisine with coastal influences , Studio is an elegant , Craftsman-style restaurant with hand-selected ingredients like fresh seafood and produce from the on-site garden . Currently open for special events only .
ZPIZZA 30822 S . COAST HWY .; 949-499-4949 ; ZPIZZA . COM : Originally founded in Laguna Beach , fast-casual eatery zpizza , now a chain , offers signature and classic topping combinations , as well as a menu of salads , sandwiches and side dishes , with both gluten-free and vegan options .
BEYOND LAGUNA
AVEO TABLE & BAR AT WALDORF ASTORIA MONARCH BEACH RESORT & CLUB ; 1 MONARCH BEACH RESORT , DANA POINT ; 949-234-3915 ; WALDORFASTORIA MONARCHBEACH . COM : Enjoy an alfresco meal for breakfast , lunch or dinner at this Latin-inspired eatery . The chefs focus on using fresh ingredients that shine at the resort ’ s seaside setting .
THE BEACHCOMBER AT CRYSTAL COVE ; 15 CRYSTAL COVE ; 949-376-6900 ; THEBEACHCOMBERCAFE . COM : Located in historic Crystal Cove , The Beachcomber Cafe is a quaint cottage-turned-restaurant positioned right on the beach . Choose from breakfast , lunch and dinner menus that feature large serving sizes and plenty of cocktails to enjoy with the view .
BOURBON STEAK ORANGE COUNTY AT WALDORF ASTORIA MONARCH BEACH RESORT & CLUB ; 1 MONARCH BEACH RESORT , DANA POINT ; 949-234-3405 ; WALDORFASTORI- AMONARCHBEACH . COM : Bourbon Steak features luxurious menu items including steaks that have been butter-poached using the chef ’ s signature technique as well as flavorful dryaged cuts of meat , sides like truffle macaroni and cheese plus timeless cocktails and wine options .
ENOSTEAK AT THE RITZ-CARLTON , LAGUNA NIGUEL ; 1 RITZ-CARLTON DR ., DANA POINT ; 949-240-2000 ; RITZCARLTON . COM : Intimate steakhouse enoSteak specializes in dishes that incorporate grass-fed , pasture-raised beef and organic , local produce . The fine dining restaurant features an extensive wine list .
OUTER REEF AT LAGUNA CLIFFS MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA ; 25135 PARK LANTERN , DANA POINT ; 949-487-7555 ; OUTERREEFOC . COM : Executive ChefJohn Tesar , a fourtime James Beard semifinalist — who also has appearaed on Bravo TV ’ s “ Top Chef ”— helms this California coastal concept , which features seafood exclusively sourced from the West Coast along with fresh local produce .
RAYA AT THE RITZ-CARLTON , LAGUNA NIGUEL ; 1 RITZ-CARLTON DR ., DANA POINT ; 949-240-2000 ; RITZCARLTON . COM : Spectacular ocean views create the perfect backdrop for gourmet meals from a Latin-inspired menu that shines a light on sustainable seafood as well as organic meat and local produce at this resort restaurant . /
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 81