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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Laguna Beach

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42 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Driftwood Kitchen restaurant
1. Driftwood Kitchen
4.5
Awesome(1298)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Laguna Beach
Booked 16 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 Larsen at Hotel Laguna restaurant
2. Larsen at Hotel Laguna
4.5
Awesome(1513)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 30 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
3. Skyloft OC
4.6
Exceptional(893)
Price: Moderate
• American • Laguna Beach
Booked 21 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 C'est La Vie Restaurant and Bakery restaurant
4. C'est La Vie Restaurant and Bakery
3.5
Very Good(179)
Price: Expensive
• French • Laguna Beach
Booked 2 times today
Established in 1982C'est la Vie Restaurant and Bakeryoffers patrons a truly unique dining experience Centrally located on Pacific Coast Highway in the heart of Laguna Beach, our California French Cuisine is just feets from the Pacific Ocean . 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 invites you to dine with us for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends or family!Merci et Bon AppetitAntonio Mecheri (Restaurateur)
A photo of Nirvana by Chef Lindsay restaurant
5. Nirvana by Chef Lindsay
new
4.9
Exceptional(1724)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Laguna Beach
Booked 1 time today
We are a neighborhood independent restaurant owned by Laguna Beach Native, Executive Chef Lindsay Smith with Wine Country Inspired California Coastal Cuisine in the heart of Downtown Laguna Beach, between Main Beach & the Historic Festival of Arts. Her main focus is to feed our guests the way she chooses for her our own family. In a warm and inviting atmosphere, the hope is that each guests leaves as if she were welcoming friends and family into her home. We take pride in sourcing the freshest ingredients available when creating our menus with Free Range & Organic Poultry, Sustainable Seafood, Antibiotic & Hormone Free Meats, Seasonal, Local and/or Organic Produce. We are conscious about the food we serve, the impact of our waste in lessoning our environmental footprint & supporting the local community we are within. Named one of the Top 10 Chef's in Orange County and Top 5 Chef's in Laguna Beach, Chef prides herself on quality food, friendly service and an experience to return for.
A photo of Las Brisas restaurant
6. Las Brisas
4.3
Awesome(12097)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 39 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 Marché Moderne restaurant
7. Marché Moderne
4.7
Exceptional(5464)
Price: Expensive
• French • Newport Beach
Booked 25 times today
Marché Moderne, one of Southern California’s most celebrated French restaurants from chef-owners Florent and Amelia Marneau, has now opened the doors to its new home at Crystal Cove Shopping Center.Marché Moderne’s truly exceptional cuisine marries classic French cooking techniques with modern sensibilities, along with world-class service and hospitality for an unparalled dining experience.Guests can now enjoy an oceanfront setting, with a brand new restaurant design featuring a stunning exhibition kitchen, an outdoor patio and an expanded bar.
A photo of Salt Creek Grille Orange County restaurant
8. Salt Creek Grille Orange County
4.1
Excellent(294)
Price: Expensive
• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 13 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 Modo Mio - Newport Coast restaurant
9. Modo Mio - Newport Coast
4.7
Exceptional(2998)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Newport Beach
Booked 15 times today
Dining at Modo Mio is a delight, thanks to the efforts of owners Phil and Linda Crowley and their talented staff. From the moment diners are greeted, as they enter the Newport Coast, California location, they are enveloped into a haven of warmth and hospitality. The Modo Hospitality Group is dedicated to creating and serving superb Northern Italian specialties, to their devoted clientele, in an ambiance that is both inviting and relaxing. You truly are family at Modo Mio.
A photo of Maro Wood Grill restaurant
10. Maro Wood Grill
4.4
Awesome(369)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Laguna Beach
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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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • B
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I’ve been dining at the thanksgiving buffet for the past 4 years and this year the food quality was fully upgraded to a 5 star. The buffet was beautifully set up, and the food was delicious, including the desserts. The staff was friendly and competent and kudos to management and the chefs. I will be returning next year.
    More info
    Driftwood KitchenPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.5
  • Lacey
    Las Vegas •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Amazing food!!! One of the best in Laguna I have tried!
    More info
    Nirvana by Chef LindsayPrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.9
  • Tex
    Dallas - Fort Worth •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Always a great experience and a "must go" when we're in town. Delicious and "full-serving" cocktails, and consistently scrumptious food with great service. Energetic atmosphere and busy. Reserve your table well ahead of time, and be prepared to hunt for a parking spot. Overall, Wonderful!
    More info
    Modo Mio - Newport CoastPrice: Expensive• Italian• Newport Beach
    •
    4.7
  • Jennifer
    Los Angeles •103 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 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
    •
    4.5
  • 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 Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach, located in South Orange County, is renowned for its picturesque dining scene, offering a plethora of restaurants that are undeniably "worth the drive." These dining spots not only boast exceptional food and service but also provide unique features like stunning ocean views, intimate settings, and locally-sourced ingredients, enhancing the overall dining experience. From high-end Californian cuisine to innovative Omakase menus, each restaurant blends atmosphere with culinary excellence, making them ideal destinations for special occasions or a memorable meal out. The commitment to quality and the focus on creating a memorable dining experience are consistently praised by visitors. Whether you're looking for a relaxed, beachfront meal or an upscale, gourmet dinner, Laguna Beach's restaurants cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, all while maintaining a high standard of hospitality and innovation in their offerings. This combination of scenic beauty, exquisite food, and top-notch service makes each restaurant in Laguna Beach truly worth the drive.

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