Serena Whitmore
Food & Travel Writer · 2025-01-20 · 6 min read
From cliffside cocktail lounges to intimate spots tucked above the break, these restaurants define what it means to dine by the sea.
There are few places on earth where the Pacific announces itself so boldly as it does along the bluffs of Laguna Beach. The ocean isn't a backdrop here — it's a co-host. It sets the mood, the pace, and more often than not, the menu.
We've spent the better part of two seasons visiting every restaurant worth visiting in Laguna, from early morning tables with coffee and the first surfers paddling out, to long dinners that stretch well past the last color leaving the sky. What follows is our very honest, very personal shortlist of the places that moved us.
Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort
Perched at the edge of the property, nearly over the water, Splashes earns its reputation with a menu that changes with the tides. The grilled local halibut in a citrus beurre blanc is the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes on the first bite. Book the corner table if you can — it has the longest view of the coastline of any table we've sat at in Southern California.
The Rooftop at Hotel Laguna
Hotel Laguna has been a beloved institution since 1888, and its rooftop bar is the city's living room. Arrive for the golden hour. Order the spicy tuna crispy rice, a Mezcal Paloma, and settle in. The view from here — Catalina Island floating in the haze, the beach below filling with the last light — is one of the great free shows in California.
The food was secondary, honestly. We sat there for two hours just watching the light change over the water.
230 Forest Avenue
A short walk from the beach but entirely its own world, 230 Forest is where locals go when they want to feel like themselves in a beautiful room. Chef David Lalos changes the menu seasonally, guided by what's coming out of the local farms and what's being pulled from nearby waters. The cheese program alone deserves a separate visit.
What to Know Before You Go
- Reservations at most places book up 2–3 weeks out in summer
- Valet parking is worth it on weekend evenings — street spots disappear by 6pm
- Ask about off-menu specials; chefs in Laguna love showing off
- The cocktail programs here are taken very seriously — give them a chance
