Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Orange County

Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Laguna Beach

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

42 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Driftwood Kitchen restaurant
1. Driftwood Kitchen
4.5
Awesome(1305)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Laguna Beach
Booked 35 times today
Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom bar is a casual restaurant that serves ocean-to-table fare next to a lovely waterfront view. Helmed by executive Chef Rainer Schwarz, the menu showcases an eclectic selection of seafood dishes that highlight the diversity of the Pacific. Menu highlights include hand-shucked oysters, salmon, octopus, swordfish and lobster, prepared with nothing but the finest and freshest ingredients. Driftwood also offers alternative menu items for landlubbers, such as dishes made of chicken or steak.Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom Bar is open all through the week. In addition to its dinner menu, the restaurant serves brunch 7 days a week between 9 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. The airy dining room is a great place to enjoy a casual business lunch or a fun outing with friends. Driftwood Kitchen also boasts a bar, open from 9am - 10:30pm everyday.
A photo of Larsen at Hotel Laguna restaurant
2. Larsen at Hotel Laguna
4.5
Awesome(1519)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 36 times today
Nestled in the heart of Laguna Beach, Hotel Laguna offers a charming laid-back luxurious experience like no other. Just steps from the sparkling sea, experience the best of Southern California views and chef-driven creations. The beautiful Larsen Restaurant is where Orange County comes together for fresh local ingredients and cuisine that captures the diverse flavors of the modern West. An inspired selection of California wines and refreshing craft cocktails offer the perfect pairing for every plate. At Hotel Laguna we translate the essence of warm, heartfelt hospitality...morning, noon and night!
A photo of Skyloft OC restaurant
3. Skyloft OC
4.5
Awesome(898)
Price: Moderate
• American • Laguna Beach
Booked 17 times today
Skyloft is located in downtown Laguna Beach. The diverse menu offerings a balance of seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches and Specialty Smokehouse BBQ items. Skyloft also boasts an open-air rooftop dining area, highlighting an exclusive and coveted view of Laguna Beach"s main beach. In addition, we offer live entertainment Wednesday - Sunday! PLEASE NOTE: SEATING AREA IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITYReservations will guarantee a table in our restaurant, but NO SPECIFIC AREA will be guaranteed with a reservation. Please expect an additional wait for Rooftop Seating, Live Music, and other high demand areas. To book a Private Event or guarantee a specific table, a deposit will be required in addition to a food and beverage minimum, please contact our events coordinator at 949.715.7107 for pricing. Complimentary Transportation available! 5pm and later, within Laguna Beach or a 5-10 mile radius depending on group size). For customers w/ dinner reservations only - call to schedule.
A photo of Nirvana by Chef Lindsay restaurant
4. Nirvana by Chef Lindsay
4.9
Exceptional(1728)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Laguna Beach
Booked 4 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 C'est La Vie Restaurant and Bakery restaurant
5. C'est La Vie Restaurant and Bakery
4.1
Excellent(181)
Price: Expensive
• French • Laguna Beach
Booked 8 times today
Established in 1982C'est la Vie Restaurant and Bakeryoffers patrons a truly unique dining experience Centrally located on Pacific Coast Highway in the heart of Laguna Beach, our California French Cuisine is just feets from the Pacific Ocean . Locals and visitors alike are drawn to the ambiance and relaxed atmosphere of our indoor bistro and are delighted to discover the best outdoor patio dining in Orange County. To complete the evening, try one of our house-made desserts with a glass of 10-year-old tawny port. C'est La Vie invites you to dine with us for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends or family!Merci et Bon AppetitAntonio Mecheri (Restaurateur)
A photo of Las Brisas restaurant
6. Las Brisas
4.3
Awesome(12123)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 105 times today
With world-class hospitality and a chef-curated menu, Las Brisas delivers classic Southern California cuisine and stunning ocean views Enjoy the panoramic view of Laguna Beach's coastline in our elegant dining rooms or relaxing outdoor patio, and you're bound to discover the magic of Las Brisas.
A photo of Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove restaurant
7. Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove
4.8
Exceptional(10451)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Newport Beach
Booked 47 times today
Voted as one of the "Top 100 Restaurants" for 2023 by OpenTable in the United StatesThe Beachcomber at Crystal Cove provides "world class" ocean front dining in the Historic District of the Crystal Cove State Park with breath taking views of the Newport Coastline and Catalina Island. Situated on the sandy beach, The Beachcomber's outdoor patio provides the perfect spot to enjoy the ocean's breeze while sipping on your favorite cocktail or enjoying one of the many favorite entrees and appetizers. The Beachcomber's outdoor tropical bar 'The Bootlegger' with thatch roofing provides the perfect spot to escape from the world while enjoying one of many tropical libations.
A photo of Salt Creek Grille Orange County restaurant
8. Salt Creek Grille Orange County
4.1
Excellent(316)
Price: Expensive
• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 48 times today
Nestled along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, Salt Creek Grille proudly returns to the Dana Point community under new ownership. Our newly remodeled interiors and stunning outdoor patio exude elegance and comfort for unparalleled ambiance, setting the perfect stage for savoring our enhanced menu that features a true, wood-fired American steakhouse with a California coastal twist.
A photo of Modo Mio - Newport Coast restaurant
9. Modo Mio - Newport Coast
4.7
Exceptional(3017)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Newport Beach
Booked 30 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 Maro Wood Grill restaurant
10. Maro Wood Grill
4.4
Awesome(369)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Laguna Beach
Booked 1 time today
Maro Wood Grill is an Argentinean-inspired steakhouse that brings out the riches flavors of simple, seasonal, sustainable farm-to-table cuisine in a revolving rustic menu cooked under bright embers.Maro Wood Grill has been awarded for \"best burger\" in Laguna Beach, two years in a row for \"Most Delicious Dessert\" in Orange County On Fridays and Saturdays, after 9:00 pm please call the restaurant for availability.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • DinaVIP
    Orange County •55 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Dining at Tommy Bahamas in Newport is always wonderful. The food and service are absolutely, and consistently, superb. The food is fresh, delicious, and original. The ambiance is also lively and beautiful. We were disappointed though that there is a new corporate policy that they won't serve ordered food for dogs on the patio. This reverses a multi-decade policy which old-time customers like myself (more than 26 years) really enjoyed. Please reconsider!
    More info
    Tommy Bahama - Newport BeachPrice: Very Expensive• American• Newport Beach
    •
    4.7
  • CarolVIP
    Orange County •25 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Very popular dinner place…and for good reason. Menu offers a variety of selections in each category. Price point is not over-the-top (especially for the area). Food is tasty. Portions are generous (we took home 6 containers of food for another dinner!). Our server, Alondra, was top drawer. Professional, spot on with any needs, funny, & personable. We all left impressed.
    More info
    Modo Mio - Newport CoastPrice: Expensive• Italian• Newport Beach
    •
    4.7
  • Charles
    Orange County •1 review
    4.0
    Dined on Dec 15, 2024
    The food and service was great. One individual who was dining in may have had too much to drink and was extremely loud and somewhat provocative but not in the restaurants control.
    More info
    Driftwood KitchenPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.5
  • RobertVIP
    San Diego •31 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 14, 2024
    Food was outstanding. Low key but very high quality restaurant in Laguna. Worth the drive
    More info
    Nirvana by Chef LindsayPrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.9
  • kryhoskVIP
    Orlando / Central Florida East •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 16, 2024
    Passed by this place hundreds of times but finally tried and can understand why its the favorite local restaurant of good friends of ours. Menu offered a wide variety of interesting choices, food was great, and service was outstanding.
    More info
    Maro Wood GrillPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.4

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach, located in South Orange County, is renowned for its picturesque dining scene, offering a plethora of restaurants that are undeniably "worth the drive." These dining spots not only boast exceptional food and service but also provide unique features like stunning ocean views, intimate settings, and locally-sourced ingredients, enhancing the overall dining experience. From high-end Californian cuisine to innovative Omakase menus, each restaurant blends atmosphere with culinary excellence, making them ideal destinations for special occasions or a memorable meal out. The commitment to quality and the focus on creating a memorable dining experience are consistently praised by visitors. Whether you're looking for a relaxed, beachfront meal or an upscale, gourmet dinner, Laguna Beach's restaurants cater to a variety of tastes and preferences, all while maintaining a high standard of hospitality and innovation in their offerings. This combination of scenic beauty, exquisite food, and top-notch service makes each restaurant in Laguna Beach truly worth the drive.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo