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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

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31 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Las Brisas restaurant
1. Las Brisas
4.3
Awesome(12093)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 82 times today
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 Las Brisas.
A photo of Driftwood Kitchen restaurant
2. Driftwood Kitchen
4.5
Awesome(1296)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Laguna Beach
Booked 24 times today
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.
A photo of Salt Creek Grille Orange County restaurant
3. Salt Creek Grille Orange County
4.1
Excellent(292)
Price: Expensive
• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 41 times today
Nestled along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, Salt Creek Grille proudly returns to the Dana Point community under new ownership. Our newly remodeled interiors and stunning outdoor patio exude elegance and comfort for unparalleled ambiance, setting the perfect stage for savoring our enhanced menu that features a true, wood-fired American steakhouse with a California coastal twist.
A photo of Larsen at Hotel Laguna restaurant
4. Larsen at Hotel Laguna
4.4
Awesome(1513)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 34 times today
Nestled in the heart of Laguna Beach, Hotel Laguna offers a charming laid-back luxurious experience like no other. Just steps from the sparkling sea, experience the best of Southern California views and chef-driven creations. The beautiful Larsen Restaurant is where Orange County comes together for fresh local ingredients and cuisine that captures the diverse flavors of the modern West. An inspired selection of California wines and refreshing craft cocktails offer the perfect pairing for every plate. At Hotel Laguna we translate the essence of warm, heartfelt hospitality...morning, noon and night!
A photo of Skyloft OC restaurant
5. Skyloft OC
4.6
Exceptional(893)
Price: Moderate
• American • Laguna Beach
Booked 20 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 Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar restaurant
6. Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar
4.9
Exceptional(61)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 4 times today
Owners Jordan and Creig Mullikin love to eat delicious food, drink great wine and be treated like family. They want every bite, every sip, every visit to be delicious and a treat. Our goal is to serve you fresh, homemade, and thoughtful dishes focused on our family's heritage and our customers' needs to make everyone feel like family at our neighborhood spot which sports a modern yet vintage vibe. We have a large outdoor patio that is both heated and covered. One of the more popular things here at Bricco is our live music Friday's and Saturday's with very talented singers and performers.
A photo of Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook restaurant
7. Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook
4.7
Exceptional(2845)
Price: Moderate
• American • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
Booked 14 times today
Welcome to Ironwood, Cellar. Craft. Cook. located in Laguna Hills. Our menu features seasonal ingredients of the highest quality and are prepared daily from scratch. Menu selections include exceptional meats, flavorful seafood, handpicked produce from our garden, and diverse beverage selections. We have over 25 wines by the glass, 10 craft beers, and a full bar featuring a wide variety of craft cocktails.
A photo of El Adobe de Capistrano restaurant
8. El Adobe de Capistrano
4.7
Exceptional(1031)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 25 times today
Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine in a historic setting at El Adobe de Capistrano. This landmark features a wedding chapel, stained-glass windows and additional beautiful architectural details. Its kitchen has a mesquite-burning grill where chefs prepare deliciously flavored seafood and steak dishes. Soups, salads and appetizers are also on the menu, including tasty desserts.Owners Tony Moiso and Gilbert Aguirre have kept the atmosphere and traditions of the El Adobe de Capistrano going. This establishment still prepares the dishes that President Nixon and his wife enjoyed while visiting during his administration. It has a full bar that serves various drinks, a lounge area for socializing and a patio in the front. El Adobe de Capistrano offers private rooms for banquets and other events. The Palenque features a retracting roof, making it ideal for hosting an event under the night sky. It offers brunch and has a Happy Hour.
A photo of Ciao Pasta restaurant
9. Ciao Pasta
4.8
Exceptional(1259)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 18 times today
Ciao Pasta offers the most authentic flavors of southern Italy in a historic setting reminiscent of the old world. Located in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, we take pride in bringing the rich flavors and traditions of Italy right to your table. Our menu features a delightful array of dishes, from handmade pasta and artisanal pizzas to fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables, all crafted with the finest ingredients.At Ciao Pasta, we believe that great food is best enjoyed in good company. Our cozy atmosphere is perfect for family gatherings, romantic dinners, or casual nights out with friends. With a selection of carefully curated wines and house-made desserts, we invite you to indulge in the taste of Italy.Happy hour at Ciao Pasta includes discounted house wine and beer, where guests are free to indulge in the beverages as they share affordable appetizers and select entrees. Join us for a culinary journey that celebrates the passion and culture of Italian dining. Buon Appetito!
A photo of Maro Wood Grill restaurant
10. Maro Wood Grill
4.4
Awesome(369)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Laguna Beach
Booked 1 time today
Maro Wood Grill is an Argentinean-inspired steakhouse that brings out the riches flavors of simple, seasonal, sustainable farm-to-table cuisine in a revolving rustic menu cooked under bright embers.Maro Wood Grill has been awarded for \"best burger\" in Laguna Beach, two years in a row for \"Most Delicious Dessert\" in Orange County On Fridays and Saturdays, after 9:00 pm please call the restaurant for availability.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • patrick
    Orange County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    i'm a big fan of El Adobe restaurant, so you're always going to be an excellent review from me.. however this trip was one of my favorites. There was a wedding reception in the back area, which led to some extra excitement, but they also had the live harp player inside. The harpist played a Beatles song, and when we requested another Beatles song, he came over to our table to play an amazing version of "Hey Jude". the food was on point, our server Gil was a sweetheart, and the drinks were fantastic.
    More info
    El Adobe de CapistranoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• San Juan Capistrano
    •
    4.7
  • Georgiannvip
    Denver / Colorado •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had the risotto and unfortunately they were out of scallops but the grilled shrimp they substituted was just as yummy.
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    Nirvana by Chef LindsayPrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.9
  • Dennisvip
    London •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great experience: server was welcoming and attentive; relaxed ambience with beautiful view; and generous portion of fish and chips, with well spiced fries!
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    Driftwood KitchenPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.5
  • Jennifer
    Los Angeles •103 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    I hosted an event at McClain for my alma mater, and it went fabulously well!! The staff was very helpful and accommodating, even being flexible in letting us stay after closing (which they already extended for the event). The wine is top tier quality, and the space was comfortable to enjoy. Our event got rave reviews, and one reason for that was the hospitality and McClain!
    More info
    McClain Cellars - Laguna BeachPrice: Expensive• Winery• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.7
  • kryhoskvip
    Orlando / Central Florida East •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 16, 2024
    Passed by this place hundreds of times but finally tried and can understand why its the favorite local restaurant of good friends of ours. Menu offered a wide variety of interesting choices, food was great, and service was outstanding.
    More info
    Maro Wood GrillPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.4

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Discover a selection of must-visit eateries in South Orange County, specifically around Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel, that truly live up to the phrase "worth the drive." These restaurants are celebrated not just for their exceptional culinary offerings but also for the unique dining experiences they provide. From innovative dishes that showcase local ingredients to restaurants with breathtaking views that enhance your dining pleasure, every establishment promises a memorable meal. The dining scene in this part of Orange County is vibrant and diverse, catering to both casual diners and gourmet enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a quaint bistro tucked away in the hills or a bustling eatery in the heart of the town, the region offers a variety of settings and menus that reflect its rich cultural landscape. Patrons commend these restaurants for their commitment to quality, evident in the skillful preparation of every dish and the attentive service from staff. Each location not only meets the culinary expectations but also creates an atmosphere that makes every visit special. Ideal for food lovers seeking a truly distinctive dining adventure, these restaurants ensure that every drive, no matter the distance, is absolutely worth it.

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