Located right on the sand of Crystal Cove, the Beachcomber operates in one of the historic cottages, and features seafood and mixed drinks. The quality of the food and the service is best proved by its popularity: the wait is often two hours, and limited reservations are accepted only on-line. However, a little planning can make the wait hassle free: make the Beachcomber reception the first stop at Crystal Cove, drop in your name and number, then go explore the beach until being called. Don't have 2 hours? Come for an early breakfast – sipping a cup of coffee on the sun deck while looking out at Santa Catalina Island. A perfect way to start your day.
Cannery Seafood of the Pacific, as the name suggests, serves quality seafood and sushi too. The Bass Ale-battered fish & chips, Dungeness crab melt sandwich and assorted sushi platter will leave you craving for more. You can have wine by the glass or the bottle while you can dine al fresco. For those who want a bit of adventure in every walk of life, including their meal, the eatery organizes "helicopter private dining" and 'Duffy boat dining.' Banquet facilities, catering for parties and meetings are also available.
Peter's Gourmade Grill, right on the edge of Tustin, from its opening quickly became a hot spot for delicious gourmet burgers and sandwiches. If you ask anyone what to order at Peter's the answer will be quick: the signature ABC (avocado, bacon and cheddar) Burger. But the menu doesn't stop there, with all kinds of behemoth burger and sandwich combinations like The Rammer, grilled pastrami on top of a burger patty with grilled onions and all the fixings, or the basil chicken sandwich. Aside from things between bread, there are some appetizer, salad and main dish options too, some classic American and some with a Mediterranean or Mexican twist. The grill is in an old gas station so enjoy the unique surroundings as you dig into your meal.
Continue your dreamy vacation at Downtown Disney with a visit to Catal. Fine Mediterranean cuisine served here has hints from France, Italy, Spain and Greece. Get into the groove with paella a la Valencia, duck leg confit and spinach tortellini. The bar serves innovative, themed drinks, tapas, sandwiches and salads. And if you feel like it, you can request a table outdoors. The management announces events seasonally.
Taco Loco is a local favorite and a must for anyone who is visiting and looking for a real taste of Southern California. It has delicious food, tasty brews, and gorgeous views. The blackened chicken nachos will steal your heart and the blackened tofu mushroom burger will have you eagerly awaiting your next visit. The menu is vegetarian and vegan friendly and it is often packed right up until closing on weekends. The tables are all outdoors and for those who are drinking they are enclosed on patios and paired with Paul Frank bar stools. For delicious food and beachside charm it can't be beat; you would be loco not to go.
Family owned and operated, Ristorante Rumari has been a Laguna Beach favorite since it opened its doors in 1990. Their vine covered patio with ocean views sets the scene to indulge in their extensive menu featuring traditional Italian fare highlighted by regional seafood specialties such as Cioppino and Risotto al Mare. The wine list is lengthy and includes not only Italian selections but excellent Californian and French vintages as well. Of course desert is not to be missed, and make sure to top off your meal the Italian way with a frothy cappuccino.
All the dishes at Romeo Cucina are the perfect temperature and flavor. Everything is either low-carb or regular diet carb. After spreading the incredibly flavorful Tapenade on the warm bread, an entrée seems almost superfluous. Yet, Lasagnette Graziella and Capellini del Padrino are just a couple of the pasta dishes that should not be missed. Pizza lovers should try their Ai Formaggi. If you enjoy a modern twist of piano play, check with the restaurant for the schedule. - Hoiyin Ip
There is nothing like taking in the Pacific vistas while enjoying a fabulous meal. C'est La Vie Restaurant will make that vision come true with their covered-rooftop patio and authentic French/Californian cuisine. Feeling more adventurous? Have them pack you up a picnic to-go and enjoy it with your toes in the sand. This relaxed and comfortable eatery has been family owned and operated since 1985, and serves up some of the most mouth-watering cuisine and pastries around. The restaurant is conveniently located in the center of Main Beach, near shopping, galleries and parks. Pair some of their impossibly fresh fish with a local wine for a true California dining experience.
Serving farm to table, organic food is the motto of this cool California bistro called Nirvana Grille. Nestled in the heart of Laguna Beach, the restaurant offers various dining options from their lovely patio, beautiful rooftop or cozy dining room. The menu changes with the season and some of their signatures are the Pistachio Crusted Chilean Sea Bass and Coffee Crusted Filet Mignon. They have carefully thought vegan, gluten-free and kids menu as well. Enjoy a cocktail or wine from their fully stocked bar. At Nirvana, you will surely get food that so sublime, that you will attain culinary Nirvana!
Located in a rather charmless shack, the bustling scene and aroma are enough to draw people into La Sirena Grill. As you walk through the outdoor dining area, you'll notice this is a neighborhood hangout place; patrons talk across tables and converse with the staff as if they were neighbors. Organic is the theme, and vegetarians are also in for a treat. Though you cannot go wrong with any order, seafood is not to be missed, and the guacamole is second to none. This is an eco-friendly restaurant that uses biodegradable utensils and eco-containers. They also tirelessly support many environmental organizations and events. - Hoiyin Ip
Lumberyard is situated in one of Laguna Beach's historic buildings and is known for their rotisserie chicken, steaks, ribs and seafood, meatloaf, chicken pot pie, cobb salad, and spaghetti and meatballs. The restaurant makes a viable dining destination due to its close proximity to the Main Beach, The Festival of the Arts, The Laguna Playhouse, The Pageant of the Masters, City Hall, and The Sawdust Festival. Offering various dining options, diners can choose to dine on their lovely patio outside which overlooks the city hall, or in either of the two dining rooms with a fireplace or by a wall of wine. Only the freshest and natural produces are used in the food and some of the signature dishes are the pan seared Pacific sea bass, bourbon-crusted prime ribeye steak and the French dip sandwich. Contemporary yet traditional, the dishes are heartwarming and delightful. Enjoy this vibrant restaurant.
Situated right on the Laguna Beach-front, Driftwood Kitchen offers up the perfect laid-back dining experience in a chic and intimate ambiance with exquisite seafood fare on the menu. Enjoy a spectacular view of the ocean and sunset, along with dishes like the Scottish Smoked Salmon Bagel, Hawaiian Papaya with White Tuna, Yellow-fish Tuna Tartare, Fresh Oysters, Grilled Spanish Octopus and Buttermilk Fried Soft-Shell Crab. Pair your meal here with a craft cocktail, a chilled beer or a glass of wine and finish it off with a Lady Finer Banana Split or a Warm Plum Tart Crumble. A day by the sea and a meal at the Driftwood Kitchen is the perfect combination in this neighborhood.