Nirvana Grille - Laguna Beach

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1. GJ

   GavinJ

   Orange County

   7 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Just delicious. Love the small restaurant hands on atmosphere. Will be back!

   Report
2. RW

   RunsWithScissors

   Los Angeles

   8 reviews

   1.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on May 14, 2022

   overall1food2service1ambience2

   Mistakes combined with excuses = poor dining experience

   Report
3. TB

   TimB

   Las Vegas

   11 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   11 reviews

   Dined on May 7, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Never fails to impress. Not sure why it isn’t busier other than being a couple of blocks back, that said easier for us to get in.

   Report
4. CH

   ChristopherH

   Salt Lake City

   4 reviews

   4.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on May 6, 2022

   overall4food4service4ambience4

   I felt the quality made up for the portion sizes. additionally, the dishes were very creative!

   Report
5. CK

   CarolK

   Los Angeles

   6 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on May 6, 2022

   overall5food5service4ambience5

   Perfect place to dine before a show at Laguna Playhouse...park, eat & walk!

   Report
6. GR

   GilbertR

   Phoenix

   19 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   19 reviews

   Dined on April 30, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We loved the restaurant ant loved the service we received !!! Thank you for making my sisters birthday amazing!!!

   Report
7. AS

   AngieSee

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   vip
   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on April 28, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   a true neighborhood gem! delicious food and friendly staff!

   Report
8. GJ

   GavinJ

   Orange County

   8 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on April 24, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The food is always so good. Chef Lindsey excels and we love that it’s a family run restaurant. It’s the perfect neighborhood secret…. Everything is always just delicious.

   Report
9. BS

   BobS

   San Francisco

   10 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   10 reviews

   Dined on April 21, 2022

   overall3food4service3ambience3

   ‘Twas the night of the Laguna Playhouse season opening and this restaurant is a 4 minute walk from there. First, the food is very special. I’ve eaten at nearly every Laguna Beach eatery and the food quality ranks with the best. This place needs to be marketed because there weren’t many customers and they need more help. You might call the evening bittersweet.

   Report
10. TB

    TracyB

    Savannah

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Very pleasant and accommodating. Would recommend to others.

    Report
11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Spain

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 16, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    Choose a different restaurant. There are many great restaurants in Laguna… unfortunately, this is not one of them. There appears to be an upstairs patio, but for an unknown reason, it was not available. When I made the reservation, I requested an outdoor table, so I was disappointed when we were told that the upstairs patio was not available. Food took a long time to be delivered despite the fact that the restaurant was bot busy. When it arrived, the presentation was great but the flavor was… missing. Service wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t great either. The prices were on par with many other good restaurants, but the food and overall experience were not.

    Report
12. KK

    KevinK

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The Nirvana was great! Good food, impeccable service - our waiter - believe his name was Fernando - was a joy. I would go back in a heart beat.

    Report
13. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was fantastic! All of the staff is so nice here! This is my new favorite restaurant! We ordered chili relleno, scallops, the lamb dish and the filet, and the molten cake. All were delicious!

    Report
14. r

    rich

    Orange County

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    the owner/chef came yo our table after we ordered to make sure the lamb I ordered was cooked to my liking already planning another visit

    Report
15. TB

    TimB

    Las Vegas

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    One of the best none-pretentious restaurants fit for foodies in OC, and has been for years. Most of the diners once again appeared to be Laguna Beach locals rather than tourists which is a statement to constancy. The outside is nothing to look but get inside and it’s a totally different story, if that’s important to you. That said, our table of four was there for the food experience not the external architecture or valet parking. Our fellow Dana Point friends had never heard Nirvana and soon realised what they have been missing. We shared starters of, wait for it, French fries over mussels in a delicious slightly spicy cream sauce, an odd combo but epic flavours. Also chicken wontons with so many flavours it was impossible to deconstruct. Main courses considered of whole branzino (sea bass), beef stroganoff, and a linguine seafood dish which they happily modified by request to suit our friends sensitivities. All truly delicious at any price but Nirvana is very good value. The restaurant owner/executive chef, Lindsey (a hoot it would appear) visited tables three times during our visit, I can’t recall the last time I saw that anywhere. Our server was an informative attentive delight. Enjoy!

    Report
16. n

    nannysarah

    London

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 27, 2022

    overall3food4service3ambience3

    Unfortunately the service was not good, it took 55 minutes from sitting down to getting our appetizer, then they got the quantity wrong. To be fair they did take it off the bill. Seemed like they hadn’t got enough staff, they said they had a complicated table but that wasn’t our fault but became our problem. Overall not the great experience we had hoped for.

    Report
17. MH

    MitchellH

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The staff was friendly and more than accommodating. My server Harindee was excellent, and had a great server aura that makes me want to go to a restaurant and enjoy the evening with someone special. The Coffee Filet was excellent (it could have been a little more rare, but still delicious), and the Sea Bass was off the charts, one of the best I have ever eaten. We will definitely be back!

    Nirvana Grille - Laguna BeachResponded on March 20, 2022

    Thank you MitchellH! We'll be sure to pass on your compliments to Harindee too. Looking forward to serving you again soon!

    Report
18. LD

    LocalDiner

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2022

    overall3food4service5ambience3

    Staff was very polite and accommodating. It appears the theme is fine dining. Appetizers were small portions, prices not. Two scallops in the herb crusted scallops appetizer; vegetable purée was a delight. ($16) Disappointed with the meager main course portions for the price. I ordered the blackened seafood di mare: 2 pieces of “shrimp” sized shellfish, they call them prawns. Plural as in more than one but in this case no more than two. Then an appetizer sized piece of salmon, and lastly another pair of appetizer sea scallops. All of these on a smear of mashed potatoes. Delicious was the zucchini in butter sauce. A pool of white cream sauce then surrounded all of this, perhaps it was beurre blanc.($40) This was a gamble on OpenTable’s available seating restaurants that did not pay off. The speciality here may be vegetable and seafood dishes. (The steak were a couple columns of meat, each slightly larger than silver dollars.) If you want surf and turf, try Ruth’s Chris for more bang for the buck and same service. I was given the tablet to pay, interestingly it also allows you to go into the house operating system. Additionally, at the bottom of the QR code linked menu, they explain being understaffed; I tipped the default 22%. Note, there’s a 4% Covid fee. It’s not evident what that pays for. The table arrangements were like pre-Covid spacing and no special barriers or decontamination were seen.

    Report
19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service Awesome margarita Very helpful w vegan substitutions

    Report
20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great vibe and excellent food:)!

    Report
21. BM

    BrettM

    Orange County

    33 reviews

    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on March 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Chef Lindseys food is AMAZING. Busy wednesday night thanks to the 14 yr anniversary and all plates being $14. We ate ALOT!! I will be coming back here again, one of my new favs here in town!!

    Report
22. L

    Luke

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 16, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    The hostess was very accommodating. Food was very good, only the tomato salad had too much dressing. Otherwise, everything was very good.

    Report
23. p

    peegoo

    Orange County

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was our first visit. We had the OC Restaurant Week Date Night menu which included 2 glasses of wine (rose and Cabernet Sauvignon). Terrific value for money. Food was tasty and beautifully presented. We selected Chilean Sea Bass for entree and Vegetable Plate for sides from the Date Night menu. Both exceeded expectations. The only slight blemish was that it took a long time between appetizer and entree (more than 30 minutes). Guess it is the norm these days due to short staffing. We would definitely come back.

    Report
24. F

    Foodlover

    Los Angeles

    13 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2022

    overall2food2service1ambience1

    During restaurant week the restaurant was full. However they were severely Understaffed. If they didn’t have the proper staff they should not have had as many reservations. At our table of party of six one entrée was not even put into the kitchen as part of the order. When the size entrées were brought out and the six one was missing nobody even said anything. Finally we asked and we were told there was a mistake in the kitchen. After waiting even longer we were told if the order never went in and just to be patient. In the meantime five entrées were cold and one person was waiting. We had also indicated on our reservation that we had tickets for a play at 7:30 PM. Our dinner reservation was 5:15 PM which was plenty of time. We also told that to our waiter when we got seated. At 10 after seven we had just about finished our dessert and didn’t even have time to order coffee. Basically it was like a three ring circus and nobody was in charge. It goes without saying that there are six of us won’t be back.

    Nirvana Grille - Laguna BeachResponded on March 13, 2022

    Thanks for the feedback, and we respect your decision not to return. First, to say "If they didn't have the proper staff they should not have had as many reservations" is neither realistic nor fair. Reservations get made well in advance; Servers and Kitchen staff do not plan for family health emergencies like a cook's daughter being hospitalized, or a server calling out sick just hours before opening. Furthermore, 2 hours for a party of 6 is insufficient -- we do not microwave your food.

    Report
25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on March 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It was restaurant week so we decided to try one of their preset menus and everything was excellent!

    Report
26. C

    Caligirl

    Orange County

    47 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on March 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My husband and I came here for OC restaurant week with another couple. We ordered the “date night” special which consisted of an appetizer, salad, entree, dessert, and 4 glasses of wine. Our appetizer was the poblano chili and it was delicious. Our salad was the tomato and burrata and it was also delicious. Entree was sea bass with a pistachio crust and an amazing sauce. Holy Moly was it good! The fish sat on mashed potatoes with asparagus on the side. We all loved this dish! In fact, it was so good, I will not be surprised if we’re back within a week or two to order it again. I forgot to mention the garlic cheese bread that came with the appetizer. Outstanding! I did not try the dessert which was molten chocolate lava cake but everyone at the table loved it. The food here is farm to table and very fresh.

    Report
27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We love everything about Nirvana Grill. The menu has something for everyone and the flavors are exquisite. Definitely make a reservation for a lovely experience.

    Report
28. DG

    DarrylinG

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Nirvana Grill is our go to place for great food in Laguna Beach. Lindsey always prepares her menu with great organic ingredients and awesome flavors.

    Report
29. D

    Diana

    Orange County

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our waiter was great! The food was excellent and the best thing was the chicken sink salad… The most amazing salad I’ve ever had!

    Report
30. g

    greeeat

    Orange County

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    What a great dinner! Since we were originally a group of 8...ended up at 7 we were seated at the Chef's table!! Well to say the least it was great surprise, meant the owner and chef that was so wonderful to us and made the night absolutely fantastic. If you have a party of this size and if it is available I recommend it!

    Nirvana Grille - Laguna BeachResponded on February 28, 2022

    It was a pleasure serving you and so glad you all had a great time! Thank you so much for the review and rating. Looking forward to seeing you again!

    Report
31. DD

    DDdiner

    Salt Lake City

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and had a delicious meal with the Kitchen Sink Salad, Steelhead, Veggie Plate, Garlic Bread and Chocolate Cake to top it off (needless to say, we had lots of leftovers). Heidi was a fantastic server, ambiance was very quaint & cozy and even got to meet the Chef who is adorable. Our compliments to her and the whole staff for creating a lovely environment centered around delicious food! We would definitely return to Nirvana Grill in the future.

    Nirvana Grille - Laguna BeachResponded on February 28, 2022

    Thank you so much for the wonderful review and rating. I'll be sure to pass on the kind words to Heidi and Chef Lindsay! Hope to see you again soon.

    Report
32. m

    mary

    Orange County

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Chef Lindsey creates a fresh in season menu with great choices. Excellent wine list, cozy atmosphere & a short walk to the Laguna Playhouse.

    Report
33. F

    Foodie

    Orange County

    18 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience4

    Arrived at Nirvana at 5:45 for a 6 o’clock reservation. Salads served at 6:15 but were not tasty. . 7:15 we had to leave to get to the 7:30 show at Laguna Playhouse. The female chef came out quite upset at us. Go figure! We were as courteous as possible to her. No one apologized or anything. We left the restaurant very hungry! Never again Nirvana!

    Nirvana Grille - Laguna BeachResponded on February 27, 2022

    We're VERY sorry for your experience! On 2/24 we had an unexpected staff shortage in the kitchen (an important cook's child was hospitalized). Any frustration the chef exhibited was by no means directed at you but was frustration over a situation that we don't ever like to see happen to a guest. I know of ONE table of 6 whose full party arrived around 6:00 and did not get entrees before leaving at 7:15 and were refunded. We'd love a second chance to make it up to you when you have time to dine!

    Report
34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Charming setting for a well crafted dinner. Will be back.

    Report
35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Lovely local restaurant with good, varied menu, healthy options, appropriate service and excellent wine menu. Fairly good value for money.

    Report
36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall1food2service1ambience2

    Bad service, and long waiting time. We have waited more than 40mins for main course.

    Nirvana Grille - Laguna BeachResponded on February 22, 2022

    Thank you for the feedback. Since you would rather review as "Anonymous" we can't review your seating, but despite the fact that we were at full capacity most of the night -- it was Valentine's Day after all, probably the busiest day of the year for most restaurants -- none of our guests had to wait to be seated. We would love the opportunity to serve you on a more "normal" night and hope you'll give us a second chance.

    Report
37. MM

    MattM

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall1food2service1ambience1

    They waited until 2 days before Valentine's to announce a limited, overpriced Prix Fixe menu (after it was too late to get reservation anywhere else) They massively overbooked and did not have enough staff to keep up. To pay, the server just left a tablet on my table and I had to enter my credit card info myself. I had access to every other table's bills.

    Nirvana Grille - Laguna BeachResponded on February 22, 2022

    We're sorry your experience was not to our standards. Valentine's Day is the BUSIEST day for restaurants. Guests book and even confirm, only to no-show. So it is difficult to be precise about staffing needs with that uncertainty. We did announce the menu well before 2 days prior... it was on our website and we also sent an email to those who booked. As for the price, our Prix Fixe menu had the lowest price in Laguna Beach. The tablet is for touchless payment -- common to many restaurants.

    Report
38. TS

    TammyS

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing experience! The owner Lindsay is absolutely wonderful and the food outstanding.

    Report
39. D

    Diane

    Los Angeles

    49 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great in every way! Varied, creative menu choices. Everything we had was delicious. Lovely ambiance. Super service from Fernando. He anticipated our every need and had a great sense of dry humor as well. the owner-chef Lindsay came over to chat with us, making us feel very welcome. We'll be back for sure!

    Report
40. KD

    KimD

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Entire menu amazing as always from drinks to dessert. Walking distance to Beach or playhouse.

    Nirvana Grille - Laguna BeachResponded on February 6, 2022

    Thank you so much Kim for the review and rating! Thank you for dining with us!

    Report