Best Restaurants To Eat In Laguna Beach In 2024

Known for its artistic community, scenic views, and beautiful beaches, Laguna Beach in Orange County, California is a delightful place to visit. While soaking up the arts, culture, and natural beauty, you’ll also want to sample the delicious dining options available. From high-end establishments with oceanfront tables to cute cafes and vegan eateries, Laguna Beach has culinary variety for all tastes and budgets. Here is a look at some of the best and most popular restaurants to eat in Laguna Beach.

The Cliff Restaurant

Perched dramatically on a 150-foot seaside bluff, The Cliff Restaurant has been wowing diners with its spectacular floor-to-ceiling views since 1958. The seasonal California cuisine by Executive Chef Marc Johnson beautifully balances flavor and freshness by incorporating locally sourced ingredients. Standout starters include the roasted bone marrow and the steamed mussels in coconut green curry broth. For your main course, favorites include the expertly seared sea scallops and the prime flat iron steak with chimichurri sauce. Make sure to save room for the Valrhona chocolate bread pudding or the lemon ricotta cheesecake. The Cliff also has an extensive wine list focused on American producers. With incredible food and phenomenal ocean vistas, The Cliff is one of the most romantic spots for a special night out in Laguna Beach.

Studio

For award-winning fine dining, book a table at Studio. The contemporary French-inspired menu includes dishes like foie gras terrine, roasted duck breast, and horseradish crusted halibut. Led by Chef Craig Strong, Studio has earned accolades like being named one of the ten best restaurants in Orange County by the LA Times. The service is excellent and the wine cellar houses over 3,000 bottles. Choose from the many innovative tasting menus or order à la carte. The sleek interior is upscale yet comfortable. With only 18 tables, Studio offers an intimate dining experience enhanced by subtle live music. This romantic gourmet restaurant should top your list when planning a special occasion meal.

Zinc Café & Market

For breakfast and lunch with an ocean view, visit Zinc Café and Market. This cozy café and gourmet market has an eclectic menu focused on healthy, locally conscious dishes. Bright flavors of the Mediterranean shine in options like the Niçoise salad with rare seared ahi or the wild nettle ricotta ravioli. Those with a sweet tooth will be tempted by signature house-made pastries like the cinnamon roll and the lemon bar. Zinc uses organic produce whenever possible and sources sustainable seafood and humanely raised meats. Diners can sit in the trellis-covered garden patio and soak in the charming small-town beach vibe. The marketplace sells artisanal grocery items like coffee beans, jam, olive oil, cheese and more. Zinc Café & Market is a beloved neighborhood hub serving comfort food with an uplifting twist for over 25 years.

Carmelita’s

As the top-rated Mexican restaurant in Laguna Beach, Carmelita’s serves up tasty tacos, enchiladas, burritos and other specialties from south of the border. This family-owned spot uses time-honored recipes to create traditionally inspired dishes. Favorites like the signature enchiladas suizas and the stuffed chile relleno deliver rich and complex flavors. Excellent margaritas, craft cocktails, and a solid selection of Mexican beers make Carmelita’s a festive dining choice for lunch or dinner. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. The vibrant, colorful décor and reasonable prices give Carmelita’s a livelier budget-friendly vibe compared to many high-end Laguna Beach restaurants. Locals flock here for authentic cuisine, potent drinks, and a welcoming convivial atmosphere.

The Stand Natural Foods Restaurant

Vegans, vegetarians, and health-conscious diners have an excellent option at The Stand Natural Foods Restaurant. As suggested by the name, all menu items focus on natural ingredients free from artificial additives and preservatives. Expect nutrient-dense superfoods like quinoa, lentils, kale, and avocado to make frequent appearances. Those craving a burger can try the popular chimichurri burger with cashew cheese or the barbecue jackfruit sandwich. Bowls come packed with flavor pairings like Korean bibimbap or Lebanese moussaka. Refresh with a cold-pressed juice or probiotic lemonade. The serene dining room matches the peaceful vibe of this relaxed plant-based café. Many dishes are organic, raw, or gluten-free catering to a range of diets. For feel-good food in tune with nature, The Stand Natural Foods Restaurant delivers.

Other Notable Restaurants

In a beach town brimming with dining variety, foodies have even more tasty options for meals in Laguna Beach. At Sapphire Laguna, nosh on poké bowls, burgers, and craft cocktails on an outdoor patio with striking ocean views. Enjoy the luxury of dining at The Ranch at Laguna Beach Resort’s wine room, where master sommeliers pair premium wines from the 9,000-bottle cellar with seasonal New American dishes. Get your caffeine fix at the Holly Pointe coffee house, which roasts premium beans on-site and serves lavish Insta-worthy lattes. The historic Laguna Beach location of Johnny’s New York Pizzeria keeps locals and tourists happy with overloaded slices and whole pies. Splurge on the chef’s 15-course omakase tasting menu for a unique sushi experience at K’ya Bistro.

Best Dining With Stunning Views

Of all Laguna Beach restaurants, The Cliff Restaurant, Sapphire Laguna, and Zinc Café offer the most breathtaking ocean vistas. Whether you dine at sunset or during the day, the dazzling tableside scenery perfectly complements an exceptional meal. The Ranch at Laguna Beach Resort and K’ya Bistro also have beautiful panoramas visible from their dining rooms. Outdoor waterfront seating always comes with great people watching as well when you choose restaurants centered around the beach boardwalks and bustling streets.

Most Romantic Restaurants

With its glamorous bluff-top setting, attentive service, and gourmet cuisine, The Cliff Restaurant sweeps couples off their feet. The more intimate Studio and K’ya Bistro also make romantic dinner destinations. At Sapphire Laguna, couples can cozy up by the outdoor fire pits while relaxing to the sounds of the Pacific Ocean. For oceanfront breakfast with your sweetheart, guests rave about the charming garden patio at Zinc Café. Wherever you choose to dine, Laguna Beach offers no shortage of exceptional restaurants perfect for date night.

Budget-Friendly Favorites

While Laguna Beach has plenty of upscale dining, visitors on a budget have some tasty options too. For Mexican food and drinks that won’t break the bank, locals love the Generous portions and low-key vibes at Carmelita’s. Vegetarians can eat affordably well at The Stand Natural Foods thanks to the café’s extensive menu of meatless bowls and salads. Casual spots like Johnny’s New York Pizza, Zinc Café, and Sapphire Poke & Grill also offer great value along with ocean views. Those looking for fine dining can sometimes snag OpenTable discounts for special occasions and early bookings at places like Studio or The Ranch.

With beautiful beaches, rich arts, and vibrant dining, Laguna Beach offers the full California package in an idyllic coastal setting. Gazing at the Pacific while enjoying fresh innovative cuisine makes for an unforgettable travel experience. From gourmet restaurants with impressive wine cellars to charming cafés focused on feel-good food, Laguna Beach has culinary variety to suit all tastes. Use this guide to discover the best places to eat for stunning views, romantic dinners, budget meals, and more in this magical beachside haven. Let your Laguna Beach getaway be one flavorful adventure after another by exploring the excellent restaurants this artistic community has to offer.