01
Best overall pick
Nick's Laguna Beach
Downtown Near Main Beach • Upscale Coastal American Restaurant • Best All-Around Choice
Polished but relaxed, with consistently good comfort food, cocktails, and service right in the center of town.
Nick's is where locals send friends who only have one night to eat in Laguna Beach. The menu leans into dialed-in favorites—think prime rib dip, crunchy fried chicken, and big salads—done with more care than your typical American grill. The room is lively without feeling frantic, so it works just as well for a casual lunch as it does for a date-night dinner.
02
Best splurge dinner
Selanne Steak Tavern
South Coast Highway Hillside • Refined Steakhouse In A Historic Cottage • Top Pick For Special Occasions
A white-tablecloth steakhouse in a charming old cottage, built for long, indulgent evenings over serious cuts of beef.
Set in a restored 1930s house above Coast Highway, Selanne Steak Tavern feels more like an elegant home than a traditional steakhouse. Steaks are the star, from rich wagyu to bone-in ribeyes, backed up by polished sides and a deep wine list. It’s the kind of place you book for anniversaries, big celebrations, or when you simply want to lean into a full-on, no-rush dinner.
03
Best view-first experience
Las Brisas
North Laguna Blufftop • Scenic Mexican Seafood Restaurant • Best For Sunset Views
Classic Laguna stop for margaritas, Mexican-influenced seafood, and sweeping ocean views from the bluffs.
Perched above the cliffs at the north end of town, Las Brisas is as much about the panorama as the plates. The menu leans coastal Mexican, with ceviches, grilled fish, and shareable platters that match well with a round of margaritas. Grab a patio or window table around golden hour and you get one of the most iconic sunset views in Laguna.
04
Best oceanfront seafood
Driftwood Kitchen
Oceanfront At Sleepy Hollow Beach • Laid-Back Oceanfront Seafood Spot • Ideal For Brunch By The Beach
A seafood-focused dining room set almost on top of the sand, with waves providing the background soundtrack.
Driftwood Kitchen sits so close to the water that you can watch surfers between bites. The kitchen focuses on bright, coastal dishes—crudos, simply prepared fish, and seasonal pastas—paired with an easygoing wine and cocktail list. It’s especially strong for weekend brunch, when you can linger over coffee, eggs, and ocean views without feeling rushed.
05
Best chef-driven spot
Broadway by Amar Santana
Arts District Along Broadway • Chef-Driven New American Bistro • Go-To For Food Lovers
An energetic, open-kitchen restaurant turning out creative, seasonal plates with a downtown big-city feel.
Broadway brings a more urban edge to Laguna’s dining scene, with an open kitchen, lively bar, and a menu that changes with the seasons. Dishes are layered and inventive—small plates, house-made pastas, and mains that balance technique with bold flavor. If you care as much about what’s on the plate as the view outside, this is the reservation to chase.