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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Laguna Beach

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75 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Skyloft OC restaurant
1. Skyloft OC
4.5
Awesome(898)
Price: Moderate
• American • Laguna Beach
Booked 17 times today
Skyloft is located in downtown Laguna Beach. The diverse menu offerings a balance of seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches and Specialty Smokehouse BBQ items. Skyloft also boasts an open-air rooftop dining area, highlighting an exclusive and coveted view of Laguna Beach"s main beach. In addition, we offer live entertainment Wednesday - Sunday! PLEASE NOTE: SEATING AREA IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITYReservations will guarantee a table in our restaurant, but NO SPECIFIC AREA will be guaranteed with a reservation. Please expect an additional wait for Rooftop Seating, Live Music, and other high demand areas. To book a Private Event or guarantee a specific table, a deposit will be required in addition to a food and beverage minimum, please contact our events coordinator at 949.715.7107 for pricing. Complimentary Transportation available! 5pm and later, within Laguna Beach or a 5-10 mile radius depending on group size). For customers w/ dinner reservations only - call to schedule.
A photo of 230 Forest Avenue restaurant
2. 230 Forest Avenue
4.9
Exceptional(2845)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 28 times today
230 Forest Avenue is a neighborhood gem in Laguna Beach. With its modern bistro and martini bar vibe, it's a favorite spot for locals. Reviewers rave about the consistently great food, excellent service, and laid-back atmosphere. The Executive Chef is even recognized as one of the top chefs in the OC. It's described as a place where the food is so stunning it competes with the artwork on the walls, creating a thoroughly satisfying 'artistic' experience.
A photo of Lumberyard restaurant
3. Lumberyard
4.7
Exceptional(3240)
Price: Moderate
• American • Laguna Beach
Booked 18 times today
In 1912, at the bend of Forest Avenue, 23 year old Joe Jahraus opened the Laguna Lumber Company, he and his father(cigar maker, first postmaster and real estate agent) built the beautiful French Normandy building that is here today. Prior to the lumberyard opening, building supplies needed to be dragged in by mule or floated in on the tides, and therefore, Laguna Beach had less than three hundred permanent residences. After the lumberyard opened, the area began to grow at unprecedented rates, transforming it from a tent town into a thriving city. Laguna Lumber operated for seventy three years, sixty two of them in this location and its' architecture, influenced by Joe's tour abroad in World War I, is one of the most significant influences on the town's aesthetic. Half timbers, mud walls and shingled roofs grace many of the downtown storefronts and homes throughout the city because of this landmark. Today, 384 Forest is home to Lumberyard - a contemporary American restaurant.
A photo of Brussels Bistro - Laguna Beach restaurant
4. Brussels Bistro - Laguna Beach
4.8
Exceptional(1282)
Price: Moderate
• Belgian • Laguna Beach
Booked 7 times today
Since 2004, Brussels Bistro has brought the best in Belgium flavors to the heart of Laguna Beach. Relax on the terrace with a premium Belgian beer or dine underground in our casual-urban setting. Offering Belgian cuisine with a French flair, our Executive Chef, Thomas Crijns has created a superb menu of authentic dishes ranging from Beef Bourguignon to Steamed Mussels. Complimenting our wide variety of imported Belgian beers are mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres including Cheese Croquettes and our world-famous Belgian Fries. Join us on Friday and Saturday nights when the Bistro transforms into one of the hottest nightclubs in town.
A photo of Alessa by Chef Pirozzi restaurant
5. Alessa by Chef Pirozzi
4.5
Awesome(1567)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Laguna Beach
Booked 18 times today
Bustling pizzeria just steps from the beach that serves thin-crust pies & pasta amid a rustic dining room.NOTE: This is not affiliated with Cucina Alessa in Newport Beach or Huntington Beach.
A photo of Tango restaurant
6. Tango
4.7
Exceptional(68)
Price: Moderate
• Tapas / Small Plates • Laguna Beach
Booked 5 times today
Tango Laguna embarks on a culinary voyage blending global flavors with local dedication. Our menu boasts tapas, sandwiches, and main courses meticulously prepared with care and precision. Each dish, influenced by worldwide inspirations, is paired thoughtfully with wines and cocktails, complemented by bites enhancing the dining experience.Featuring premium meats, artisan cheeses, and fusion small plates sourced globally, our commitment to quality defines every meal, offering a unique culinary journey exclusive to Tango in Laguna Beach, CA.Join us for weekend brunch, a delightful twist on classic favorites paired with cocktails in a coastal ambiance. Wednesdays bring the International Wine Experience, presenting a curated wine selection paired with small plates celebrating diverse culinary traditions, transporting your palate worldwide from Laguna Beach.
A photo of Nirvana by Chef Lindsay restaurant
7. Nirvana by Chef Lindsay
4.9
Exceptional(1728)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Laguna Beach
Booked 3 times today
We are an independent neighborhood restaurant in the heart of Downtown Laguna Beach, between Main Beach & the Historic Festival of Arts, owned by Laguna Beach native, Executive Chef Lindsay Smith. Inspired by Wine Country and California Coastal cuisine, our focus is on serving guests the way Chef Lindsay would feed her own family, in a warm, inviting atmosphere. We source the freshest ingredients, including free-range, organic poultry, sustainable seafood, antibiotic- and hormone-free meats, and seasonal, local produce. We strive to minimize our environmental impact and support the local community. Chef Lindsay, named one of the Top 10 chefs in Orange County and Top 5 in Laguna Beach, is dedicated to quality food, friendly service, and a memorable dining experience.LUNCH: Casual table service, Counter service for Grab & Go (reservations not required) DINNER: Table service (reservations recommended)
A photo of Las Brisas restaurant
8. Las Brisas
4.3
Awesome(12123)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 111 times today
Las Brisas, a Laguna Beach icon, blends timeless charm with classic Southern California cuisine, offering fresh, chef-curated dishes and world-class hospitality. Start your day with our Weekday Breakfast or unwind during our Weekday Happy Hour with bites like Tuna Poke and a Las Brisas Margarita. On weekends, savor our luxurious 4-course Brunch while enjoying breathtaking ocean views. Whether dining in our elegant rooms or relaxing on the outdoor patio, Las Brisas provides a historic coastal setting perfect for any occasion.
A photo of Javier's Crystal Cove restaurant
9. Javier's Crystal Cove
4.7
Exceptional(178)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Newport Beach
Booked 225 times today
Artistically designed with unique sculptures, Javier's Crystal Cove provides guests with ocean views in a cozy, contemporary atmosphere to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. It opened its doors in 2008 on Newport Beach and is conveniently close to the Crystal Cove Shopping Center. This restaurant offers guests an upscale dining experience with such entrees as the Maine lobster enchilada topped with Monterey jack cheese and grilled chicken breasts braised in chipotle sauce. Javier's Crystal Cove serves a variety of fresh seafood dishes, appetizers and delicious desserts. It has a full bar that features numerous tequilas, cocktails, beers and wine. Javier's Crystal Cove also offers outdoor dining. It accepts reservations over the phone and online.
A photo of Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove restaurant
10. Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove
4.8
Exceptional(10452)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Newport Beach
Booked 26 times today
Voted as one of the "Top 100 Restaurants" for 2023 by OpenTable in the United StatesThe Beachcomber at Crystal Cove provides "world class" ocean front dining in the Historic District of the Crystal Cove State Park with breath taking views of the Newport Coastline and Catalina Island. Situated on the sandy beach, The Beachcomber's outdoor patio provides the perfect spot to enjoy the ocean's breeze while sipping on your favorite cocktail or enjoying one of the many favorite entrees and appetizers. The Beachcomber's outdoor tropical bar 'The Bootlegger' with thatch roofing provides the perfect spot to escape from the world while enjoying one of many tropical libations.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • DeborahVIP
    Los Angeles •49 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    This was our second time eating lunch there. Service was friendly, efficient and timely. We had the fish taco special, the mussels in leek broth and the Parker house rolls. If you get nothing else, get the rolls! Crispy and buttery on the outside and doughy and soft inside. The fried fish in the tacos were crunchy and the sauce was flavorful and accompanied the fish well. The mussels were cooked just right - still soft and flavorful in a light, savory sauce. The butter cake was the epitome of decadence. Definitely recommend for lunch.
    More info
    230 Forest AvenuePrice: Moderate• Californian• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.9
  • DavidVIP
    Los Angeles •24 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We just love Brussels Bistro on Forest Avenue down in Laguna Beach... and it's especially great for special occasions! For three years in a row now, we have celebrated our long-time friend Carla's birthday in this charming lower level eatery... and it never disappoints! THANKS Brussels Bistro!
    More info
    Brussels Bistro - Laguna BeachPrice: Moderate• Belgian• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.8
  • Kayla
    Los Angeles •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    we have gone to lumberyard many times and always love it there. prefer going in the winter because it has such a cozy vibe with the fire going :) favorites are the sole, the yellowtail appetizer (which is shockingly good for a not sushi place), and the mac and cheese. every time i go there i order the sole now and so does my husband bc its that good haha.
    More info
    LumberyardPrice: Moderate• American• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.7
  • Matt
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Date night - dinner & theatre 12/17/24 Our first time at Alessa My wife and I had a terrific dinner at Alessa tonight. We look forward to our next dinner & theatre night out, but maybe look forward to dinner even more. Last but not least, Luis was wonderful!
    More info
    Alessa by Chef PirozziPrice: Moderate• Italian• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.5
  • Megan
    Orange County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 14, 2024
    Our visit to the Jingle Bar was great. Victoria was our waitress and she was the BEST!
    More info
    Skyloft OCPrice: Moderate• American• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.5

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Laguna Beach

Discover the charm of Laguna Beach's neighborhood gems with our curated list of local favorite eateries. These establishments are celebrated for their unique blend of excellent cuisine, warm ambiance, and top-tier service, making them true standouts in South Orange County. Each restaurant offers a distinctive dining experience, from seaside spots with breathtaking views to cozy bistros that showcase culinary creativity. The dining scene in Laguna Beach is diverse, offering everything from sophisticated seafood dishes to artisan pizzas and fine wines, ensuring a memorable meal for every palate. Whether you're seeking a special spot for a romantic evening or a casual hangout with friends, these neighborhood gems provide perfect settings with consistently high-quality food and a welcoming atmosphere. Join the locals in appreciating these culinary treasures that make dining in Laguna Beach truly special.

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