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230 Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA

230 Forest Avenue

4.9
4.9
2857 Reviews
$30 and under
Californian

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 PM
Booked 32 times today
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Good for special occasions
Don't be fooled by the crowds and the noise; they are all part of the scene here at Laguna Beach's sexy and intense 230 Forest Avenue. The lean deep room seduces you to the open kitchen, bustling bar, and concrete floors, creating a space that is part modern bistro, part martini bar, and part art gallery. It's the perfect spot to see and be seen, laid back Laguna-style. Executive Chef Marc Cohen is consistently recognized as one of The OC's top chefs. You'll be ready to award him a medal, too, after tasting his flashy-to-the-eye, tickle-the-taste- buds fusion appetizers and entrees. His dishes are often so stunning that they compete with the artwork on the walls, making for a thoroughly satisfying "artistic" experience.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Californian, American, Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Daily 11:00 am–3:30 pm Dinner Daily 3:30 pm–8:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (949) 494-2545
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Marc Cohen
  • Neighborhood
    Laguna Beach
  • Cross street
    PCH
  • Parking details
    There is metered parking all along Forest Avenue as well as several "pay" lots near by.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,857 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.7Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Orange County

    Best Overall

  • Orange County

    Californian

  • South Orange County

    Best Overall

  • South Orange County

    Best Food

  • South Orange County

    Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
230 Forest Avenue is a beloved Laguna Beach gem praised for its "amazing" and "consistently excellent" food and service. Diners adore the inviting ambiance, both indoors and on the patio. Signature dishes like the "crispy halibut tacos" and "bacon wrapped dates" receive high accolades. It's a "favorite" with locals and visitors alike.

2,857 Reviews
  1. Amy

    Denver

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was delicious! Service was great! Highly recommend and will definitely be going back!

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  2. Leslie

    Dublin

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Local spot always good; service attentive and food delicious.

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  3. Ernie

    VIP

    Orange County

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    All aspects of my experience were above expectations.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Collin

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Perfect date night. Skirt steak is a must, so many great flavors. Excellent cocktails and the carpaccio appetizer was delicious too. We'll be back soon!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Lisa

    VIP

    Orange County

    31 reviews

    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on January 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was fabulous (don't miss the calamari appetizer and Parker House rolls) and our server, Nina, was wonderful!

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  6. Jack

    Orange County

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We’ve been going here 25+ years. 230 Forest never disappoints. Might be the most consistent restaurant in OC. While not a ton of entree menu items, there is always something for all. The food, preparation and service is amazing!

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  7. Fabryce

    VIP

    Las Vegas

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a treat at 230 Forest from the food to the drinks a great place for a craft meal. Want to add or remove something from a dish No problem ! Service w a smile .

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    VIP

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We have been going to 230 for 18 years, it’s always been wonderful !

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  9. Eileen

    VIP

    San Francisco

    60 reviews

    5.0

    60 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was excellent as well as the service. 230 Forest is our favorite restaurant at the beach. The managers and the wait staff are outstanding.

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  10. Dorothy

    VIP

    Orange County

    82 reviews

    5.0

    82 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a pleasure. Lucy & her team do a great job at making people feel welcome. Food always reliable

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

230 Forest Avenue is rated 4.9 stars by 2857 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 PM
Booked 32 times today
Google Map for 230 Forest Avenue

230 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Additional information

  • Cross street
    PCH
  • Neighborhood
    Laguna Beach
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Daily 11:00 am–3:30 pm Dinner Daily 3:30 pm–8:30 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Californian, American, Seafood
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    There is metered parking all along Forest Avenue as well as several "pay" lots near by.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Marc Cohen
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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