Best Restaurants in Laguna Beach for Foodies and Fine Dining Fans

By Jacqueline Thompson

When I talk with clients about Laguna Beach, dining always becomes part of the lifestyle conversation. This coastal town delivers thoughtful, chef-driven experiences that shape daily routines and social life. For buyers considering luxury property here, access to memorable dining is often just as important as ocean views.

• Reimagined Mediterranean brilliance and panoramic Pacific views at Studio Mediterranean.
• Steaks and historic tavern elegance found at Selanne Steak Tavern.
• Modern coastal technical precision and ocean-to-table integrity at Driftwood Kitchen.
• Resort-Level Sophistication and Mediterranean Artistry

Resort-Level Sophistication and Mediterranean Artistry

In a city defined by its breathtaking topography and world-class resorts, the local dining scene has evolved to treat the Pacific as its most important guest.

• Studio Mediterranean draws on Chef Efthymiou's heritage to curate a menu rooted in sustainability, featuring tableside culinary theater such as coffee-salt-baked branzino.
• The Loft at Montage offers a more casual yet equally refined atmosphere, featuring creative American cuisine and an interactive cheese gallery that is a favorite for midday professional meetings.
• Splashes at Surf & Sand sits just twenty-five feet above the waves, offering a sensory experience where the sound of the tide complements a menu of fresh, coastal-inspired fare.
• The Rooftop Lounge at La Casa del Camino offers a high-energy social reset with signature mojitos and small plates, providing a 360-degree perspective of the coastline.

These destinations represent the peak of best restaurants Laguna Beach features for those who appreciate a "village-within-a-resort" feel where Grecian rituals meet California innovation.

We make sure our clients recognize that the best restaurants in Laguna Beach are those that honor the city's past while delivering modern, professional-grade results.

• Selanne Steak Tavern features the top tier of U.S.D.A. Prime steaks and Australian Wagyu, served in a sophisticated "fancy steakhouse" ambiance that utilizes original architectural details.
• Broadway by Amar Santana brings a touch of New York’s theater district to our coast, featuring an industrial interior and an open kitchen where the chef’s table is the center of attention.
• Rebel Omakase offers an intimate, high-performance Japanese dining experience, with a menu that changes daily and features the highest-quality fish flown in from Japan.
• Sapphire provides a refined neighborhood atmosphere where globally inspired comfort food is paired with an extensive artisanal cocktail program.

Be sure to check out the wine library at Selanne, which has a curated selection of over 2,000 bottles, catering to the sophisticated palates of Shady Canyon and Crystal Cove collectors.

From the high-energy pulse of The Deck to the refined elegance of the Stateroom Bar, the best restaurants Laguna Beach has to offer span an expansive landscape as expansive as the Southern California horizon.

• Driftwood Kitchen offers a premier waterfront experience featuring fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, and hand-shucked oysters, with a focus on California coastal flavors.
• Splashes at Surf & Sand sits just 25 feet above the ocean, providing a unique sensory experience where the sound of the waves complements the coastal-inspired menu.
• Broadway by Amar Santana brings a touch of New York’s theater district to Laguna, featuring an industrial interior and an open kitchen where the chef’s table steals the spotlight.

My sellers understand that the presence of ocean-to-table icons like Driftwood Kitchen adds a layer of lifestyle equity to the Laguna real estate market.

Studio Mediterranean at Montage and Splashes at the Surf & Sand Resort are the top choices for unobstructed Pacific views.

While the 2026 Michelin Guide continues to recognize several Laguna establishments for their excellence, Studio Mediterranean and Rebel Omakase are the primary destinations for those seeking high-end, chef-driven tasting menus.

The Loft at Montage and Sapphire are top-tier choices for a more focused environment.

If you’re exploring Laguna Beach real estate, I can help you look beyond the property and focus on how you’ll live day to day. I work with clients who value thoughtful details like dining access, neighborhood flow, and long-term enjoyment.

Reach out to me at Jacqueline Thompson, and I’ll help you identify homes that align with the lifestyle you want, including proximity to the best restaurants Laguna Beach has to offer.