Laguna Beach Dining: Locally Tested, Tourist Approved
Not-So-Secret, Can’t-Miss Dining Spots in Laguna Beach
Okay, we’ll spill the beans! But before we dive into dining, let's “tart” off with the most important meal of the day: coffee. Laguna Coffee Company is renowned for their in-house coffee roaster—the only one of its kind in Laguna Beach—which ensures that each cup’s beans were small-batch roasted to perfection. And the ideal pairing with your coffee (I had a heavenly decaf cappuccino) is the Laguna Canyon cookie, a sweet and chewy blend of oatmeal, cranberry, chocolate chips, agave nectar, and shredded coconut (we recommend it warmed up). But wait, there's more: live Jazz Jams on Saturday mornings draw 200+ jazz lovers over the course of 3 hours, and weekend afternoon open mic sessions often feature up-and-comers.
Where The Locals Wine + Dine in Laguna Beach
Zinc Café & Market | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour
This cafe is inspired by the quality food movement initiated by Alice Waters of Chez Panisse. Enjoy one of their famous Zinc breakfasts or shop their specialty goods at the marketplace. Outdoor patio is a casual and cozy spot for dinner and live music on select Friday and Sunday nights (call for schedule; 949.494.6302). Also great for large group gatherings.
C’est le Vie | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour
The name may be cliché but the restaurant is anything but. Laguna Beach's only California French restaurant, C’est La Vie offers spectacular ocean views overlooking Main Beach Laguna. Tastes of authentic French-baked delights and specialty menu nights (changes seasonally) seriously piqued our palate and were every bit as delicious as promised. We loved the ambiance and relaxed atmosphere of the Wine Night Menu (plus, you get 20% off any bottle of wine if you order off the Wine Night prix fix menu), Sunset Specials and Lobster Night.
Watermarc Restaurant | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour
Elements of classic steak and seafood restaurant, with contemporary and cutting-edge cuisine and drinks. Enjoy the Lamb Salad or Fresh Burrata for lunch and then take a stroll through the lovely courtyard.
Other Local Favorites
Harvest | Known for comfort cuisine with a farm-to-table ethos. Picturesque from every angle, whether enjoying your perfectly-prepared cuisine indoors or sipping your espresso martini outdoors. Take time to relish the nature-infused sense of place, and allow yourself to be spoiled by top notch service and staff.
The Rooftop | Front-row seat for a spectacular panoramic ocean view while sampling small bites and other California-casual cuisine.
The Deck | A unique oceanfront dining experience, specializing in fresh seafood and creative cocktails.
Broadway | By Amar Santana. The restaurant evokes the culinary venture and ambiance of New York City.
230 Forest Avenue | Innovative California cuisine from award-winning executive chef/owner Marc Cohen. The bistro-style restaurant features an upbeat and chic atmosphere with a bustling patio and bar. The ever-changing wall of art adds to its charm. Reservations recommended.
Selanne Steak Tavern | Executive Chef Joshua Severson creates distinctive versions of contemporary American steakhouse fare, while his talented pastry crew pleases diners with playful retro treats. Now open for Sunday brunch.
Salerno | Combining his charming personality and time-honored family recipes, Pirozzi created an authentic taste of Italy on the Pacific Coast Highway.
Driftwood Kitchen | An ocean-to-table dining experience of the freshest and finest seafood, steaks, and hand-shucked oysters, alongside handcrafted cocktails with breathtaking views of the sparkling Pacific.