15 Best Restaurants in Laguna Niguel, CA

This article was written by local contributor Adalyn Watkins & edited by the Travel Lens team.

Adalyn Watkins

Jun 27, 2023 • 12 min read

Laguna Niguel is a hidden gem in Southern California, nestled between the picturesque coastline and the rolling hills.

I've had the pleasure of calling this city my home for years now, and along the way, I've discovered some fantastic dining spots that I can't wait to share with you.

Each restaurant offers a unique experience, from fiery Mexican cuisine to delectable sushi and everything in between.

So, whether you're a fellow resident or just visiting, allow me to be your guide to the best restaurants in Laguna Niguel, California.

B+C Pizza

Let me tell you about one of my favorite pizza places in the area, B+C Pizza.

I remember the first time I tried their Vodka sauce pizza – the fresh ricotta and homemade vodka sauce on that perfect sourdough crust made my evening!

I've since experimented with their other offerings, and let me tell you, I never thought a potato-topped pizza would work, but it does!

Their crust is always crispy with just the right amount of chewiness, making the pizza's texture ideal.

Though B+C Pizza is a tiny storefront for takeout only, it also offers a delightful mix of cupcakes, brownies, cookies, cake pops, and full-sized cakes – perfect for your next birthday party or a simple dessert craving.

I feel so lucky to live close to this little gem, run by a lovely young couple with their kids playing underfoot.

Just make sure to order online before noon, as they tend to sell out.

And don't forget to grab some extra baked goodies when you pick up your pizza – you won't regret it!

Rangeen Kitchen

I've always been someone who's very particular about taste, and let me tell you, Rangeen Kitchen has all of it.

I've visited this restaurant more than once, and it's impossible to get enough of their incredible dishes.

The presentation and, most importantly, the taste is just amazing.

It's a must-try if you're looking for a new twist to Indian food.

I recently did catering with them, and they not only provided excellent food but they also suggested ideas for the presentation and additional side dishes.

The Marigold Iced Tea is always a refreshing and delicious choice, and if you're celebrating, the dessert sampler is perfect!

By luck, my friend and I found this hidden gem tucked away in the middle of a big shopping center.

The cozy decor and modern vibe provide the perfect setting for a quick, homemade Indian meal.

You can smell the delicious aroma seeping from the kitchen.

Our favorite dish has to be the warm, freshly made garlic naan.

Muse Sushi House

I can't tell you how many times I've walked past Muse Sushi House in my neighborhood, always intrigued by its inviting atmosphere and the delicious aromas wafting through the door.

One day, I finally decided to give it a try, and boy, am I glad I did.

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with warm smiles and a welcoming atmosphere.

Their friendly demeanor and accommodating nature truly made me feel like a valued guest.

When it came time to order, I opted for the miso soup and a poke bowl, both of which turned out to be phenomenal choices.

The miso soup was rich and flavorful, while the poke bowl was a symphony of colors, textures, and tastes that left me wanting more.

To wash it all down, I enjoyed a perfectly chilled Sapporo beer, which was the ideal complement to my meal.

The ambiance at Muse Sushi House is just as impressive as the food and service.

With tasteful decor, soothing music, and comfortable seating, it's a place where you can truly relax and savor your meal.

Caló Kitchen + Tequila

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of dining at Caló Kitchen + Tequila with some friends.

We were a party of 8, and even though the place isn't really designed for large groups, they handled it perfectly.

The menu offers a lot of interesting choices, including a wide variety of Mexican seafood dishes.

I have to say, the food was excellent, and so was the service.

The atmosphere inside is lively and fun, with many people sitting at the bar enjoying their meals.

The backside is open to the outdoors, creating a nice environment.

The fajitas I ordered were full of flavor, and the chips, bean dip, and salsa served as a great appetizer.

One of the highlights of the night was their refreshing cucumber margarita, which was quickly followed by a spicy margarita – both were amazing!

They also have an extensive selection of tequilas to choose from.

Belgium Waffle Haus OC

I recently stumbled upon Belgium Waffle Haus OC.

I can't believe I hadn't noticed this adorable little café until now!

As a coffee enthusiast, I was instantly drawn to their amazing vanilla latte with almond milk – it was a perfect 10/10.

Not only was the taste on point, but the cups were so aesthetically pleasing too.

The shop itself is charming and cozy, making me wonder how I had overlooked it before.

My first visit was such a great experience that I had to go back and try their food.

On my second trip, I shared three different waffles with friends, along with two different coffees.

I must say, as someone who was never much of a waffle fan before, I'm now craving these waffles!

The food was fresh, delicious, and the service was outstanding.

Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar

One of my go-to spots for delicious Italian food in the neighborhood is Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar.

Whenever my friends and I decide to meet up for dinner, this place never disappoints.

The food is simply amazing, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

My personal favorite is the Seafood Arrabiata, which has the right amount of sauce and perfectly cooked pasta and seafood.

Their calamari is also a must-try!

Although it's facing a parking lot, the atmosphere remains enjoyable and allows for better conversation.

Taste of Greece

I have to tell you about this hidden gem in our neighborhood - Tastes of Greece!

I've been living close to this family-run restaurant for years, and I can't believe I didn't discover it sooner.

The moment you walk in, the casually elegant setting transports you to Greece, and the homestyle Greek dishes they serve are simply divine!

The food at Tastes of Greece reminds me of my Greek grandma's cooking.

My favorite is the Kotopoulo Lemonato, bursting with flavors that leave my taste buds dancing.

I also love their mezze plate, which offers a delightful assortment of Greek specialties.

But it's not just the food that makes this place exceptional, the service is also top-notch.

I can't count the number of times I've left Tastes of Greece with a happy heart and a full belly.

Other Restaurants Nearby

Mangi Con Amore (Laguna Hills)

Mangi Con Amore has always been my go-to Italian restaurant.

The moment I step inside, I am greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere.

One of my favorite dishes at Mangi Con Amore is their wild mushroom ravioli.

It's packed with flavor and cooked to perfection.

I also can't resist their bolognese lasagna, which I dare say is one of the best I've ever had.

If you have room for dessert, their tiramisu is a must-try - it's a huge portion, easily shared among a few people.

Despite being a small, cozy spot, the quality of the food is never compromised.

It may take a bit of patience as the kitchen is small, but trust me, it's worth the wait.

The locals know about this hidden gem, so it's best to come early and take home some of their delicious items.

Greek Bistro (Laguna Hills)

I recently visited Greek Bistro in Laguna Hills for a change of pace in my dining options, and I must say, it was a delightful experience.

Their menu offers a great selection of authentic Greek dishes.

I ended up ordering their Greek salad, fries, Baba ghanoush, and roasted veggie side, which were all presented beautifully and tasted delicious.

What really stood out to me was the bistro special bowl, which I highly recommend to anyone visiting the restaurant.

The flavors were vibrant and left me craving more.

On top of that, the dessert I tried wasn't overly sweet, which I personally appreciated.

Franco's Famous (Laguna Hills)

One of my favorite spots in town is Franco's Famous, a modern and hip Mexican restaurant located just around the corner from my house.

I usually hit this place up on Thursday nights when they have live music - it's always worth waiting for a table!

The food is always super fresh and unique, and the guacamole is to die for.

I've also had some great taco Tuesdays here.

The atmosphere at Franco's Famous is always lively and filled with good vibes, making it the perfect spot for a fun date night or a casual get-together with friends.

Balvina's Kitchen (Laguna Hills)

Just last week, I discovered a hidden gem in our neighborhood, Balvina's Mexican Kitchen.

I've always been a fan of Mexican cuisine, and this place just blew me away.

For my meal, I decided to go with the fantastic lamb that I've heard so much about from others.

As the dish arrived at my table, I was mesmerized by the exquisite presentation.

The lamb was cooked to perfection, and I devoured every single bite with great satisfaction.

To accompany my meal, I ordered their terrific sangria and red wine, which only elevated the dining experience even more.

The outdoor dining area is also a great option when the weather allows, offering a nice and relaxed ambiance.

AhbA (Laguna Beach)

You won't believe how much I love going to AhbA!

Seriously, their AhbA burger might just be my favorite burger of all time.

I've also tried their French toast, and let me tell you, it's heavenly.

Everything I've had there so far has been fantastic, and they even have some great cocktails to top it all off.

One of the best things about AhbA is its location.

It's close to Table Rock Beach, which is my favorite beach in the area, and it's not crowded at all.

Plus, the open-air, dog-friendly atmosphere at AhbA is perfect for enjoying a relaxing brunch.

Whenever I'm there, I love the fact that I'm sharing a table with other locals, and we all get to enjoy some amazing food together.

The last time I went, I had their delicious burger with the perfect topping of caramelized onions.

The fries were cooked and seasoned to perfection as well.

And let's not forget about the Spicy Margarita rimmed with tahini salt - yum!

Nick's Laguna Beach (Laguna Beach)

Nick's Laguna Beach has become one of my absolute go-to spots for a delicious meal or a casual night out with friends.

The atmosphere is open and airy, and the Californian comfort fare they serve is simply delightful.

The first time I visited, a friend recommended the fried asparagus spears – and boy, were they on point!

Since then, I've tried various dishes, including the blackened halibut and the SF Cioppino, both of which were outstanding.

Their chicken burger is also quite popular among my group of friends.

In addition, I've heard praises about their steak, which is marinated for three days, and their yellow cake with raspberry and custard dessert (although I have yet to try these myself).

Rumari (Laguna Beach)

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Rumari, a delightful family-run Italian restaurant in my neighborhood.

The moment I walked in, I was captivated by the warm decor and the twinkle-lit patio.

I was lucky enough to be seated outside, where I was able to enjoy a peaceful view of the ocean sunset.

I ended up ordering the fettuccine with shrimp and chicken, which did not disappoint.

It may not be the fanciest of restaurants, but the quality of the food, service, and ambiance more than make up for it.

During the holiday season, they even have festive decorations and a cheerful atmosphere that make the dining experience even more enjoyable.

I have to agree with other reviewers that their linguine is a must-try!

L'Hirondelle Restaurant (San Juan Capistrano)

I absolutely love visiting L'Hirondelle Restaurant in San Juan Capistrano.

The Belgian-French bistro offers an incredible dining experience that never disappoints.

Just the other day, my friends and I decided to have brunch on a beautiful Spring day, and we chose to sit outside to enjoy the lovely bougainvillea surrounding the patio area.

The food at L'Hirondelle was nothing short of amazing, from the appetizers to the main courses and desserts.

We shared pate and frog legs as starters, and for our main dishes, we had a variety of options – trout, duck salad, bratwurst & sauerkraut, and a Kobe Burger.

To finish our delicious meal, we savored a chocolate torte and ice cream.

One of the things that make L'Hirondelle special is its location – right across from the Mission.

It's the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner after exploring the historic site.

The ambiance of the restaurant is cozy, with an old-world charm that adds to the overall experience.

Final Thoughts

I am truly fortunate to reside in a place like Laguna Niguel, where there is an abundance of diverse and delicious dining options.

From the delectable pizzas at B+C Pizza to the heavenly tastes of Greece at Greek Bistro, there is something to satisfy any craving.

As I continue to explore the culinary scene in Laguna Niguel, I am always left impressed and excited for my next visit.

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