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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Laguna Beach

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A photo of 230 Forest Avenue restaurant
1. 230 Forest Avenue
4.8
Exceptional(2944)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 42 times today
230 Forest Avenue is a neighborhood gem in Laguna Beach. With its modern bistro and martini bar vibe, it's a favorite spot for locals. Reviewers rave about the consistently great food, excellent service, and laid-back atmosphere. The Executive Chef is even recognized as one of the top chefs in the OC. It's described as a place where the food is so stunning it competes with the artwork on the walls, creating a thoroughly satisfying 'artistic' experience.
A photo of Lumberyard restaurant
2. Lumberyard
4.6
Exceptional(3321)
Price: Moderate
• American • Laguna Beach
Booked 46 times today
In 1912, at the bend of Forest Avenue, 23 year old Joe Jahraus opened the Laguna Lumber Company, he and his father(cigar maker, first postmaster and real estate agent) built the beautiful French Normandy building that is here today. Prior to the lumberyard opening, building supplies needed to be dragged in by mule or floated in on the tides, and therefore, Laguna Beach had less than three hundred permanent residences. After the lumberyard opened, the area began to grow at unprecedented rates, transforming it from a tent town into a thriving city. Laguna Lumber operated for seventy three years, sixty two of them in this location and its' architecture, influenced by Joe's tour abroad in World War I, is one of the most significant influences on the town's aesthetic. Half timbers, mud walls and shingled roofs grace many of the downtown storefronts and homes throughout the city because of this landmark. Today, 384 Forest is home to Lumberyard - a contemporary American restaurant.
A photo of Brussels Bistro - Laguna Beach restaurant
3. Brussels Bistro - Laguna Beach
4.8
Exceptional(1334)
Price: Moderate
• Belgian • Laguna Beach
Booked 14 times today
Since 2004, Brussels Bistro has brought the best in Belgium flavors to the heart of Laguna Beach. Relax on the terrace with a premium Belgian beer or dine underground in our casual-urban setting. Offering Belgian cuisine with a French flair, our Executive Chef, Thomas Crijns has created a superb menu of authentic dishes ranging from Beef Bourguignon to Steamed Mussels. Complimenting our wide variety of imported Belgian beers are mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres including Cheese Croquettes and our world-famous Belgian Fries. Join us on Friday and Saturday nights when the Bistro transforms into one of the hottest nightclubs in town.
A photo of Alessa by Chef Pirozzi restaurant
4. Alessa by Chef Pirozzi
4.5
Awesome(1627)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Laguna Beach
Booked 11 times today
Bustling pizzeria just steps from the beach that serves thin-crust pies & pasta amid a rustic dining room.NOTE: This is not affiliated with Cucina Alessa in Newport Beach or Huntington Beach.
A photo of Nirvana by Chef Lindsay restaurant
5. Nirvana by Chef Lindsay
4.8
Exceptional(1781)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Laguna Beach
Booked 6 times today
We are an independent neighborhood restaurant in the heart of Downtown Laguna Beach, between Main Beach & the Historic Festival of Arts, owned by Laguna Beach native, Executive Chef Lindsay Smith. Inspired by Wine Country and California Coastal cuisine, our focus is on serving guests the way Chef Lindsay would feed her own family, in a warm, inviting atmosphere. We source the freshest ingredients, including free-range, organic poultry, sustainable seafood, antibiotic- and hormone-free meats, and seasonal, local produce. We strive to minimize our environmental impact and support the local community. Chef Lindsay, named one of the Top 10 chefs in Orange County and Top 5 in Laguna Beach, is dedicated to quality food, friendly service, and a memorable dining experience.LUNCH: Casual table service, Counter service for Grab & Go (reservations not required) DINNER: Table service (reservations recommended)
A photo of Starfish Laguna Beach restaurant
6. Starfish Laguna Beach
4.8
Exceptional(2341)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Asian • Laguna Beach
Booked 50 times today
Thank you for thinking of Starfish Laguna! Indoor & Patio Dining are available! Reservations are strongly encouraged, and available via phone at 949.715.9200.Lunch: Daily from 11a - 3pOpium Hour: Everyday 3p - 6p (dine-in only)Dinner: Daily from 3p - 9pWe offer our full menu for takeout and delivery, with delivery offered in partnership with Doordash or through our website. To place a pickup order, please call 949.715.8205. We look forward to seeing you soon!
A photo of Marché Moderne restaurant
7. Marché Moderne
4.8
Exceptional(5653)
Price: Expensive
• French • Newport Beach
Booked 50 times today
Marché Moderne, located in Newport Beach, is a neighborhood gem, with many reviewers raving about its exceptional French cuisine. The restaurant's owners, Florent and Amelia Marneau, have crafted a menu that caters to a wide variety of tastes, from vegetarians to meat-eaters. With its oceanfront setting, stunning exhibition kitchen, and a cozy outdoor patio, it's an unparalleled dining experience. One reviewer even said, 'It's not a surprise that the couple sitting next to us had been coming back for 20+ years.'
A photo of Modo Mio - Newport Coast restaurant
8. Modo Mio - Newport Coast
4.8
Exceptional(3140)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Newport Beach
Booked 40 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 OPAH Restaurant & Bar restaurant
9. OPAH Restaurant & Bar
4.8
Exceptional(1659)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 18 times today
At Opah Restaurant & Bar, we serve the finest fresh fish in Orange County. Carefully hand selected each day to deliver the best quality available. The menu is exquisite, featuring edible works of art, that look so good the could be on a magazine cover. Don't forget to try one of our signature Award Winning Martinis. If you wondering how we came up with the name Opah. It comes from the Hawaiian word for Moonfish, which was once viewed as Good Luck by fisherman, & often given away as a gesture of Good Will.
A photo of O Fine Japanese Cuisine - Laguna Beach restaurant
10. O Fine Japanese Cuisine - Laguna Beach
4.9
Exceptional(348)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Laguna Beach
Booked 2 times today
Welcome to O Fine Japanese Cuisine, the restaurant serves contemporary Japanese cuisine and traditional sushi in an elegant and comfortable setting. Explore beyond the sushi and sashimi such wonderful dishes as Chillean Sea Bass Misoyaki, Boneless Short Rib or Baked Lobster Tail. A must try is our signature Sashimi Sampler which has Halibut with truffle oil, Salmon with garlic ponzu, Albacore with crispy garlic, Peach Scallp, Tuna with sesame dressing and crispy onion, and Yellowtail with jalapeno. There is something for everyone from our one item entree to a variety of sushi, sashimi and fusion cuisines. We are conveniently located inside the Albertson shopping center with plenty of parking spaces for local residents or visitors. Please join us for the wonderful, exciting, O experience. We look forward to serving you soon!

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Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Laguna Beach

Discover the charm of Laguna Beach's neighborhood gems with our curated list of local favorite eateries. These establishments are celebrated for their unique blend of excellent cuisine, warm ambiance, and top-tier service, making them true standouts in South Orange County. Each restaurant offers a distinctive dining experience, from seaside spots with breathtaking views to cozy bistros that showcase culinary creativity. The dining scene in Laguna Beach is diverse, offering everything from sophisticated seafood dishes to artisan pizzas and fine wines, ensuring a memorable meal for every palate. Whether you're seeking a special spot for a romantic evening or a casual hangout with friends, these neighborhood gems provide perfect settings with consistently high-quality food and a welcoming atmosphere. Join the locals in appreciating these culinary treasures that make dining in Laguna Beach truly special.

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