Driftwood Kitchen

4.5

1333 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 25, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 48 times today

Experiences are available.

Great for scenic views
Good for special occasions
Great for brunch

Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom bar is a casual restaurant that serves ocean-to-table fare next to a lovely waterfront view. Helmed by executive Chef Rainer Schwarz, the menu showcases an eclectic selection of seafood dishes that highlight the diversity of the Pacific. Menu highlights include hand-shucked oysters, salmon, octopus, swordfish and lobster, prepared with nothing but the finest and freshest ingredients. Driftwood also offers alternative menu items for landlubbers, such as dishes made of chicken or steak.

Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom Bar is open all through the week. In addition to its dinner menu, the restaurant serves brunch 7 days a week between 9 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. The airy dining room is a great place to enjoy a casual business lunch or a fun outing with friends. Driftwood Kitchen also boasts a bar, open from 9am - 10:30pm everyday.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Seafood, American, Californian
Hours of operation
Daily 9:00 am–2:15 pm Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(949) 715-7700
Website
http://www.driftwoodkitchen.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Resort Casual
Executive chef
Rainer Schwarz
Catering
The Driftwood Private Room is just upstairs of the Driftwood Kitchen and State Room Bar, and offers sparkling ocean views. Inspired by the historical charm of the building, the rich dark hardwood floors and paneling, grey tufted chairs and bay windows, this ambiance offers a very private setting for your business or social gathering.
Private party facilities
With unobstructed views of the Ocean, our unique ocean front property offers a spectacular location for special events and weddings of many styles and sizes. We are able to customize each of our unique spaces to accommodate birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, corporate gatherings, weddings ceremonies and receptions, or a day at the beach,

Location
619 Sleepy Hollow Ln., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Neighborhood
Laguna Beach
Cross street
Coast Highway and Cleo
Parking details
Valet
Public transit
Trolley stop Coast Hwy @ Cleo St, SB - Stop 14
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Valentines Day Dinner
Feb 14, 2025 only
Join us for your special evening, we have curated a special food and beverage menu. -STARTERS- MAINE LOBSTER FLAUTA | 24 CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS & SHISHITO PEPPERS |19 HAWAIIAN BIG EYE TUNA TARTARE* | 26 MAINE LOBSTER AGNELOTTI | 30 OYSTERS* | ½ DOZ - 24 | DOZ - 46 SALT COD CROQUETAS | 25 -SALADS- WHOLE LEAF GEM CAESAR SALAD | 20 HEIRLOOM TOMATOES & STRACCIATELLA | 21 -LARGER PLATES- GLACIER 51 CHILEAN SEABASS | 58 CRISPY SKIN ORA KING SALMON | 46 GRILLED SNAKE RIVER FARMS EYE OF RIBEYE | 62 DOUBLE R RANCH FILET SURF & TURF | 75 VEGAN RIGATONI with SPICY VODKA SAUCE | 39 -DESSERT- STICKY TOFFEE CAKE | 14 MY SWEETHART DESSERT (For 2) | 22

Popular dishes

DK SEAFOOD TOWER
maine lobster tail | crab | poached jumbo mexican shrimp | oysters on the half shell | spanish octopus ceviche | tuna tartare
- Petite$90.00
- Large$140.00
OYSTERS
selection of east & west coast | on the 1/2 shell | classic mignonette
- 1/2 dozen$24.00
- dozen$46.00
CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS & SHISHITO PEPPERS$19.00
yuzu aioli | soy balsamic glaze | togarashi *Vegetarian
MAINE LOBSTER FLAUTA$23.00
green bomba sauce | lime crema | pepino pico de gallo
CRISPY FINGERLING POTATOES$12.00
rosemary | pecorino romano | lemon zest | herb aioli
HAWAIIAN BIG EYE TUNA TARTARE$24.00
yukon gold potato terrine | shoyu | sesame | quail egg | yuzu creme fraiche | caviar
SALT COD CROQUETAS
Yukon gold potato | fennel | frisbee | green apple | yuzu kasha aioli
WILD WHITE SHRIMP SCAMPI$24.00
roasted garlic | lemon | vermont butter | herbs | focaccia
SPANISH OCTOPUS$21.00
bilbao chorizo | crispy fingerling potatoes | romesco sauce | chimichurri
GRILLED MONTEREY BAY CALAMARI$5.00
gigante bean salad | whole grain mustard & pancetta vinaigrette
TODAY'S SELECTION OF CURED MEATS AND ARTISANAL CHEESES$28.00
fig jam | whole grain mustard | marcona almonds | carnichons & bread
COLOSSAL PRAWN COCKTAIL$24.00
bloody mary cocktail sauce | spicy remoulade

SOUPS & SALADS

CLAM CHOWDA
sea clams | applewood smoked bacon | fingerling potatoes | cream
- cup$8.00
- bowl$16.00
THE DRIFTWOOD WEDGE$18.00
baby iceburg lettuce | pecan smoked bacon | oven-dried tomatoes | point reyes blue cheese dressing | shaved red onion | breakfast radish
WHOLE LEAF GEM CAESAR SALAD$18.00
creamy caesar dressing | reggiano | white anchovy | croutons with grilled chicken 26 | with grilled shrimp 30 | with ora king salmon 34
HEIRLOOM TOATOES & STRACCIATELLA$18.00
laudemio evo | trebbiano balsamic | creamy basil pesto
DWK CRAB LOUIE SALAD$18.00
shaved iceberg lettuce | persian cucumbers | Campari tomatoes | jammy egg | louie dressing

LARGE PLATES

PAN SEARED NEW BEDFORD SEA SCALLOPS$56.00
roasted forest mushrooms | applewood smoked bacon | baby spinach | truffle potato puree | black truffle butter
GLACIER 51 CHILEAN SEABASS MISOYAKI$54.00
crispy sushi rice cake | soy braised shittake mushroom | grilled tokya negi | baby ginger | sake beurre blanc
LOBSTER SPAGHETTI CARBONARA$39.00
farm egg | pork guancale | grated parmesan romano | tarragon
CRISPY SKIN ORA KING SALMON$42.00
thai red curry | coconut milk | fingerling potatoes | swiss chard | peppers | onions | kaffir | lime | herbs
DOUBLE R RANCH FILET SURF & TURF$69.00
double R ranch filet | maine lobster tail | asparagus | whipped potatoes | bernaise
FISHERMAN'S STEW$45.00
fresh cuts of fish & shellfish | spicy tomato broth | garlic toast
BAKED MAINE LOBSTER THERMIDOR$60.00
cognac | creme fraiche | asparagus | beech mushrooms | bearnaise | mixed baby greens
ROASTED SEASONAL VEGETABLES WITH ROMESCO & MINT$32.00
baby summer squash | snap peas | fingerling potatoes | asparagus | pea vines | fava beans | English pea pesto | mushroom escabeche | baguette
SNAKE RIVER FARM EYE OF RIBEYE STEAK$78.00
creamy kale | vidalia onion rings | DWK steak sauce
KANSAS STEAK OSCAR$78.00
jumbo lump crabmeat | grilled asparagus | béarnaise
GRILLED NEW ZEALAND LAMB CHOPS$42.00
moroccan spice double cut chops | grilled vegetable tagging | farro tabouleh | harissa yogurt
GRILLED HALF MARY'S CHICKEN$38.00
crushed yukon gold potato | roasted baby carrots | creamy chimichurri | natural jus

FOR THE TABLE

PARKER HOUSE ROLL$9.00
vermont creamery butter
MUSHROOMS$12.00
cremini mushrooms | bourbon | demi glace
ROASTED BABY RAINBOW CARROTS$12.00
honey | thyme | lebni
GRILLED BROCCOLINI$12.00
Calabrian chilies | lemon zest | pine nuts | crescenza cheese

What 1,333 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Orange County
Great for scenic views
South Orange County
Great for scenic views

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Driftwood Kitchen offers a "stunning location" with breathtaking ocean views, making it a delightful spot for dining. Guests rave about the "amazing service" and "delicious food," with standout dishes like the Chilean Sea Bass and Lobster Carbonara. The "cozy ambiance" and "friendly staff" add to the charm, making it a must-visit for special occasions. However, some suggest that the menu could benefit from more variety and attention to dietary requests.

1,333 Reviews

A
Apisak
VIP
Orange County
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great scenery and with awesome food. The service was excellent
Is this helpful?
D
David
Orange County
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Excellent menu items. Chef has done a great job making entrees uniquely different and very tasty. Great service as well. It was a cold night in Laguna so the patio seating was a bit chilly, however they gave my wife a blanket and that helped. :-)
Is this helpful?
C
Chris
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Food amazing, views amazing…hostess, rude and unaccomodating. She definitely has her favorites because she immediately sat people but even tho we had reservations and arrived before other parties and requested a table/booth by the windows, she said it’s 1st come 1st serve and someone had reserved those even tho the reservations specified cannot guarantee specific tables. She sat 2 parties who arrived after us at the booth/tables by the window even tho we asked and arrived 1st. She did this to other parties that didn’t seem to be regulars or her favorites. She was rude as well as unprofessional. Our waiter tried to accommodate our request but the hostess told him no not to move us. Our waiter was very attentive and friendly. Will come back and hopefully that hostess won’t be there.
Is this helpful?
M
Mark
St. Louis
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Carlos was a gentleman. He attended our needs but was quiet and thoughtful with a birthday treat and port to celebrate. The food was well prepared and fresh. And the sunset made the night special. All in all a memorable meal and celebration
Is this helpful?
S
Stan
VIP
Orange County
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Celebrated my Birthday at Driftwood Kitchen today. Perfect restaurant to celebrate a special occasion!
Is this helpful?
E
Ethel Jane
Phoenix
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went their for my birthday dinner, sat right where we can watch the sunset. The service was quick and great. Our server was super friendly and made sure we were always taken care of. We got the seafood tower and the Brussels sprouts which we do recommend ordering. Food was delicious and our experience there was wonderful.
Is this helpful?
D
David
Orange County
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful little birthday breakfast for the family!
Is this helpful?
S
Sandy
Salt Lake City
10 reviews
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
It was chilly inside and the door to the patio kept being left open to the patio. My husband got up to close it once and I was close to closing it another time until a waiter beat me to it. Service was good and pretty fast except for our entrees and one dessert to go. Overall it was a nice. Overall it was a nice night but I wouldn’t race anyone to eat there again.
Is this helpful?
m
monique
Orange County
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We were there for lunch on a Friday. The food was delicious and served quickly. Our server Sam was attentive and friendly.
Is this helpful?
J
Julia
Las Vegas
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 1
Waited 20 min to be seated (arrived on time), given 5 minutes to order as kitchen was closing, out of preferred items. Hostess not helpful, other staff and food excellent.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Driftwood Kitchen is rated 4.5 stars by 1333 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jan 25, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 48 times today

Experiences are available.

619 Sleepy Hollow Ln., Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Coast Highway and Cleo
Neighborhood
Laguna Beach
Hours of operation
Daily 9:00 am–2:15 pm Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Seafood, American, Californian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Resort Casual
Parking details
Valet
Public transit
Trolley stop Coast Hwy @ Cleo St, SB - Stop 14
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Rainer Schwarz
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.driftwoodkitchen.com/
Phone number
(949) 715-7700
Catering
The Driftwood Private Room is just upstairs of the Driftwood Kitchen and State Room Bar, and offers sparkling ocean views. Inspired by the historical charm of the building, the rich dark hardwood floors and paneling, grey tufted chairs and bay windows, this ambiance offers a very private setting for your business or social gathering.
Private party facilities
With unobstructed views of the Ocean, our unique ocean front property offers a spectacular location for special events and weddings of many styles and sizes. We are able to customize each of our unique spaces to accommodate birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, corporate gatherings, weddings ceremonies and receptions, or a day at the beach,

Driftwood Kitchen

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Valentines Day Dinner

DK Seafood Tower

French Toast

GRANOLA CRUSTED FRENCH TOAST

SMALL PLATES

DK SEAFOOD TOWER

OYSTERS

CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS & SHISHITO PEPPERS$19.00

MAINE LOBSTER FLAUTA$23.00

CRISPY FINGERLING POTATOES$12.00

HAWAIIAN BIG EYE TUNA TARTARE$24.00

SALT COD CROQUETAS

WILD WHITE SHRIMP SCAMPI$24.00

SPANISH OCTOPUS$21.00

GRILLED MONTEREY BAY CALAMARI$5.00

TODAY'S SELECTION OF CURED MEATS AND ARTISANAL CHEESES$28.00

COLOSSAL PRAWN COCKTAIL$24.00

SOUPS & SALADS

CLAM CHOWDA

THE DRIFTWOOD WEDGE$18.00

WHOLE LEAF GEM CAESAR SALAD$18.00

HEIRLOOM TOATOES & STRACCIATELLA$18.00

DWK CRAB LOUIE SALAD$18.00

LARGE PLATES

PAN SEARED NEW BEDFORD SEA SCALLOPS$56.00

GLACIER 51 CHILEAN SEABASS MISOYAKI$54.00

LOBSTER SPAGHETTI CARBONARA$39.00

CRISPY SKIN ORA KING SALMON$42.00

DOUBLE R RANCH FILET SURF & TURF$69.00

FISHERMAN'S STEW$45.00

BAKED MAINE LOBSTER THERMIDOR$60.00

ROASTED SEASONAL VEGETABLES WITH ROMESCO & MINT$32.00

SNAKE RIVER FARM EYE OF RIBEYE STEAK$78.00

KANSAS STEAK OSCAR$78.00

GRILLED NEW ZEALAND LAMB CHOPS$42.00

GRILLED HALF MARY'S CHICKEN$38.00

FOR THE TABLE

PARKER HOUSE ROLL$9.00

MUSHROOMS$12.00

ROASTED BABY RAINBOW CARROTS$12.00

GRILLED BROCCOLINI$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is Driftwood Kitchen restaurant rated?

Is Driftwood Kitchen currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information