15 Best Restaurants in Laguna Beach, CA

Restaurants in Laguna Beach, CA
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Laguna Beach is the seaside destination of choice in Orange County, California.

Laguna Beach was officially founded in 1887.

Since then, this coastal area has developed into a seaside resort city, a recreational hotspot, and a melting pot of various cuisines.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city's total area is 9.8 square miles.

It boasts a long coastline made up of 27 beaches and coves.

Laguna Beach is known for its scenic views, sunny weather, gorgeous beaches, and an impressive selection of restaurants.

Some restaurants offer outdoor seating, allowing guests to take in the beauty of Laguna Beach.

Enjoy fresh seafood, international food choices, and many more at Laguna Beach.

If you like to party, Laguna Beach has restaurants with in-house bartenders that will mix your drink of choice.

You can find some restaurants with happy hour promos below to get a better deal.

Here are the best restaurants in Laguna Beach:

Nick's Laguna Beach

Nick's Laguna Beach is part of a restaurant chain called Nick's Restaurants, which has nine locations across America.

Nick's Laguna Beach is on South Coast Highway.

Established in 2008, this chain of restaurants serves high-quality American comfort food.

Try their Chilean Sea Bass and Prime Rib. For dessert, try their butter cake.

Come to Nick's Laguna Beach to enjoy classic Californian cuisine and excellent customer service.

Nick’s Laguna Beach - Laguna Beach, CA
Delivery & Pickup Options - 3528 reviews of Nick’s Laguna Beach “Wow. This place has an amazing atmosphere. Went here once before for lunch back when it was the Cabana and heard it had been completely renovated. The flow of this place has improved dramatically with the repositioning of the bar in…

The Deck

The Deck is a beachside restaurant that serves fresh seafood dishes and a wide variety of cocktails.

You can find it within Pacific Edge Hotel, along Sleepy Hollow Lane.

Order their signature Cioppino and Capellini dishes to satisfy your seafood cravings at the Deck.

Try out their Ahi Tuna and Salmon Poke starters if you're craving fresh seafood.

Close out your meal by sipping one of their cocktails while gazing at the sunset.

Visit the Deck at Laguna Beach if you love eating seafood with a drink of your choice.

The Deck On Laguna Beach - Laguna Beach, CA
Specialties: Join us for the 8th Annual Sip and Shuck, Sunday October 9th, from 2:30-6:30, or VIP early admission at 1:30. You’ll support CASA of OC Charity while enjoying champagnes, wines, cocktails, beers, fresh shucked oysters and many other bites from Driftwood, The Deck, Hendrix and other su…

The Cliff Restaurant

The Cliff Restaurant is an outdoor restaurant serving American cuisine, focusing on fresh seafood dishes.

The Cliff Restaurant is located on S Coast Highway.

This restaurant provides guests with a great view of the coast, which enhances the dining experience.

Order their coconut shrimp and chile Relleno if you get a chance to dine at The Cliff.

They are also famous for their Mahi-Mahi tacos and their calamari steak.

Stop by the Cliff Restaurant to enjoy top-of-the-line seafood with a great view of Laguna Beach.

The Cliff Restaurant - Laguna Beach, CA
Delivery & Pickup Options - 3110 reviews of The Cliff Restaurant “Gorgeous beach view. We came here on a weekend afternoon, had to wait for a bit to be seated but not ridiculous amount of wait. Service is decent and our waitress was friendly. Food was not good and overpriced, but with restaurants…

Las Brisas

Las Brisas is one of the more well-known Mexican Restaurants along Laguna beach.

You can find Las Brisas at Cliff Drive.

If you want a place to have brunch, this is the perfect place.

Las Brisas offers a breakfast buffet for guests to enjoy.

Aside from its breakfast buffet, Las Brisas is famous for its enchiladas and ceviche.

Book a reservation at Las Brisas if you're in the mood for Mexican food in Laguna Beach.

Las Brisas - Laguna Beach, CA
Specialties: With world-class hospitality and a chef-curated menu, Las Brisas delivers classic Southern California cuisine and stunning ocean views Enjoy the panoramic view of Laguna Beach’s coastline in our elegant dining rooms or relaxing outdoor patio, and you’re bound to discover the magic of La…

Driftwood Kitchen

Driftwood Kitchen is an American-style restaurant where you can order breakfast food and surf & turf dishes.

You can visit Driftwood Kitchen along Sleepy Hollow Lane.

Driftwood Kitchen sits by the ocean, giving you access to scenic views while you dig into your meal.

They also give you an option for balcony seating.

If you dine at Driftwood Kitchen, order some of their best-selling items, like steak and eggs.

It is also a popular brunch spot in Laguna Beach.

They offer egg dishes such as omelets, french toast, and eggs benedict.

Head to Driftwood Kitchen if you are looking for a great brunch spot in Laguna Beach.

Driftwood Kitchen - Laguna Beach, CA
Specialties: We specialize in coastal inspired cuisine, simple but expertly prepared high quality dishes from sea and land. We offer oysters, whole fish and exceptional cocktails and wines. Established in 2014. This is formerly film actor Slim Summerville’s home that later became the Beach House r…

Skyloft Laguna Beach

Skyloft Laguna Beach is one of the fancier restaurants on this list.

It is a restaurant where you can enjoy American-style cuisine while looking at the Laguna Beach coastline.

Skyloft Laguna beach can be found along S Coast Highway.

Their recommended dishes include beef brisket and seafood dishes.

Their calamari is a trendy item amongst their guests.

The restaurant has a nice ambiance due to the live band performances in the restaurant.

When the sun is about to set, grab your camera and take a photo of the scenic view.

The staff will even provide blankets for guests upon request if the weather gets a bit too cold.

Book a table at Skyloft Laguna Beach if you plan a more formal dinner with your friends and loved ones.

Skyloft - Laguna Beach, CA
Specialties: In the heart of downtown Laguna Beach, Skyloft offers delectable and “down-home” smokehouse steaks, ribs, brisket and more with fresh fish, seafood, innovative salads, sandwiches and pastas. Enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, coastal winery selections, and local craft beers at either our mai…

Sapphire

Sapphire is an al fresco-style restaurant that serves American cuisine.

Sapphire is situated on S Coast Highway.

This restaurant is famous for its decor.

Their furniture is all wooden, which gives the location a homey and rustic feel.

They offer patio seating shaded by the area's umbrellas and palm trees.

When you're dining in at Sapphire, get their schnitzel and halibut.

If you are in the mood for treating yourself, you can order their Wagyu beef burger and chicken confit.

Grab a meal at Sapphire if you want to eat some classic American food while feeling like you're having a picnic with your loved ones.

Sapphire - Laguna Beach, CA
Delivery & Pickup Options - 302 reviews of Sapphire “The service was really amazing Valentina our server could not have been nicer. The GM also stopped by and made us feel at home. I would recommend the burger and the black dog to drink. They also did a great job handling food allergies.”

Avila's El Ranchito - Laguna Beach

Avila's El Ranchito is a family-owned restaurant that offers Mexican food and refreshments.

Avila's El Ranchito is along S Orange Street.

This restaurant is famous for its picturesque location.

The restaurant is housed within a former church converted into a restaurant.

Tourists often enjoy taking photos with the stained glass windows that permeate the building.

Avila's El Ranchito offers homestyle dishes such as chicken soup and avocado tacos.

Make sure to try their best-selling shrimp in garlic sauce.

Take a drive to Avila's El Ranchito for great Mexican food with beautiful patio seating.

Avila’s El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant - Laguna Beach, CA
Specialties: Avila’s El Ranchito has always been family owned and operated. We are proud to say we stick by our grandmother’s recipes to bring you the most authentic Mexican dishes around town. We serve a variety of traditional favorites, such as the Crispy Chicken Tacos, the Enchiladas, and the Hal…

Mozambique

Mozambique is the restaurant of choice if you are craving some South African food.

Get a taste of South African food on S Coast Highway.

You will hear the parrots and toucans living in the restaurant as soon as you enter.

When choosing a meal set, you can dine indoors or al fresco on their rooftop.

Take this opportunity to try their peri-peri chicken and Chilean sea bass.

Live reggae bands regularly play in the restaurant.

Have a livelier evening by ordering some cocktails from their in-house bar.

Choose Mozambique if you have never tried South African cuisine.

Mozambique - Laguna Beach, CA
Specialties: Mozambique Steakhouse is Inspired by the flavorful food, bold spices and spirit of South Africa’s colorful seaside restaurants. Located in the resort destination city of Laguna Beach, Mozambique Steakhouse offers a world of experiences as the largest event-oriented restaurant in South…

La Sirena Grill

La Sirena Grill is another family-owned Mexican restaurant in Laguna beach.

Go dine in at La Sirena Grill at Coast Highway.

They pride themselves on using organic ingredients in their dishes.

All meat items on their menu come from organic sources.

Try their wide selection of tacos, which can come in salmon, calamari, carnitas, and beef.

Order their burritos and blackened fish if you want something more filling.

La Sirena Grill is a must-visit if you love trying different craft beers.

They have a rotating selection of craft beer you can try and multiple margaritas.

For those looking for authentic Mexican food and great drinks, stop by La Sirena Grill.

La Sirena Grill - Laguna Beach, CA
Specialties: The original La Sirena Grill. Reminiscent of a hole in the wall in old Mexico. This location offers the finest in sidewalk dining. Established in 1999. In the summer of 1999, we discovered a charming old cottage on Mermaid Street in downtown Laguna Beach, and we decided it was the perf…

Coyote Grill - Laguna Beach

Coyote Grill's Laguna Beach is another option if you are in the mood for Mexican food.

Visit Coyote Grill - Laguna Beach on Coast Highway.

Coyote Grill is known for their weekend breakfast offerings.

They also provide outdoor seating so you can take in the ocean breeze.

Regarding food, order their calamari and fish tacos to start your meal.

You can order their coconut shrimp and lobster dishes for your main course.

Coyote Grill offers a Happy Hour promo for their margaritas.

Treat yourself while dining in one of their outdoor patios.

Coyote Grill - Laguna Beach, CA
Specialties: Our food is prepared fresh by hand everyday. Many of our customers enjoy our homemade margaritas and grilled fish tacos on the patio by day while enjoying the ocean view. By night, feast on the fresh local lobster dinner by the fireplace. Established in 1989. Coyote Grill was a modest…

Splashes Restaurant

Splashes Restaurant is one more American-style restaurant you can visit when visiting Laguna beach.

It is within the Surf & Sand Resort along S Coast Highway.

Enjoy fresh seafood such as their scallops and lobster bisque.

For those with a sweet tooth, order their caramelized banana french toast and creme brulee.

Splashes allow you to dine inside their restaurant or outdoors, either inside their patios or at one of the tables just by the oceanside.

Make your way to Splashes Restaurant to eat fresh American-style seafood by the ocean.

Splashes Restaurant - Laguna Beach, CA
Specialties: Enjoy seaside dining at its best. SPLASHES serves up fresh seaside cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With the sea just 25 feet below, you can dine watching the waves roll in - whether you choose to sit inside by an open window or on one of our palm-shaded patios. The ocean views…

Starfish - Laguna Beach

Starfish serves Asian food and cocktails.

Make a trip to Starfish - Laguna Beach at S Coast Highway.

Starfish is famous for its wide array of drink choices.

Order their cocktails during happy hour to get the most bang for your buck.

Try their signature martini, too.

To fill your stomach, Starfish has many options.

Order their coconut rice, lobster roll, and beef sliders to get your fill.

Try their Mahi Mahi Hot Fish and Drunken noodles with shrimp if you get the chance.

Make time for Starfish - Laguna Beach if you are in the mood for Asian food and a fun night out with your friends.

Starfish Laguna Beach - Laguna Beach, CA
Specialties: Starfish Laguna strives to innovate and perfect a variety of coastal Asian fusion offerings made with fresh, exotic and authentic ingredients. The menu is a masterful collection of artfully presented dishes such as fresh Thai curries, wild-caught Sea Bass, Cod, Mahi, Halibut, Salmon, Or…

Carmelita's

Carmelita's serves modern Mexican food paired with refreshing margaritas.

You can visit Carmelita's on Broadway Street.

They have a wide variety of Mexican dishes to choose from.

Carmelita's is famous for its chips, served with its signature black bean dip and salsa.

For your appetizer, order their queso fundido.

For entrees, you opt for their lobster chili Rellenos, BBQ ribs, spinach enchiladas, or their crab-stuffed jalapenos.

Go to Carmelita's for great Mexican food and easy access to the beach.

Carmelita’s - Laguna Beach, CA
Specialties: Carmelitas KDM, we offer modern Mexican cuisine. Enjoy culinary roots from Puebla & Guadalajara. Margaritas are made from scratch with organic ingredients. Our open kitchen allows guests to observe the tradition & technique crafted into our dishes. We feature traditional Mexican eats pr…

C'est La Vie

C'est La Vie doubles as both a cafe and a bakery.

The cafe and bakery are both along S Coast Highway.

C’est La Vie specializes in French cuisine.

You can visit their bakery to get classic French pastries such as croissants and baguettes.

Their cafe serves entrees including French onion soup and eggs benedict.

You can order their Fettuccine seafood pasta or Monte Cristo Sandwich for heftier options.

C'est La Vie offers signature cronuts and macaroons for dessert.

Make your way to C'est La Vie to enjoy freshly baked French bread by the ocean.

C’est La Vie - Laguna Beach, CA
Specialties: Locals and visitors alike are drawn to the ambiance and relaxed atmosphere of our indoor bistro and are delighted to discover the best outdoor patio dining in Orange County. To complete the evening, try one of our house-made desserts with a glass of 10-year-old tawny port. C’est La Vie…

Final Thoughts

You must visit Laguna Beach if you love sunny weather, the cool ocean breeze, and mouth-watering seafood.

Broaden your tastes by trying out different cuisines along Laguna Beach, like Mexican, French, South African, and Asian cuisine, to name a few.

Read this list of the best restaurants in Laguna Beach to help you plan your food itinerary!

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