Fennel Kitchen & Bar

We always enjoy eating there! Carlos our server always treats us great!!! Great food and ambience!!!

Our meal was excellent. The restaurant is attractive looking. But it is very very noisy. So I will probably either get food to go or sit outside so we can have a conversation, but the outdoor seating is very limited.

I am writing this in hopes of management and ownership gaining a perspective on whats going on at their restaurant and consider reevaluating their policy for large parties. My family is loyal to this restaurant, and this time we came in to celebrate my uncles 59th birthday. I was shocked to receive the bill with an automatic 20% tip applied. I typically would not mind this, as it can be understandable. The problem is that it leads the waiters to be careless about how they serve their large tables because their 20% tip is locked in. The 2 male waiters who were taking care of our table were extremely rude and inattentive to the point where We had to ask for the same drink more than two times, my sister and I were ignored when drink orders were being taken, and we had to draw attention to our table at least 3 times to request another drink, water, and take out boxes. Our waiter also failed to inform us of last call in the kitchen. Honestly, I've never been so disappointed with Fennel. Your serving staff may have got a 20% tip, but they sure did not earn it. I will make sure to avoid coming back here with a large party.

I usually love this place but was sadly disappointed with my most recent visit. I had reserved a table on Open Table and had no issue checking in. The hostess was very sweet and took us immediately to our table. I noticed a couple of spots open at the bar so we decided to move. That was my mistake! Now I do want to preface the rest by saying the female bartender (never got her name) was busy. Too busy to smile, too busy to welcome us, too busy to ask us much of anything. We had to initiate all contact, ask for waters, ask for drinks, ask to take our order, ask for the check. No “How was your meal”? No interaction on her part whatsoever. My food by the way is usually very good. It was a disappointment last night. This is my reason for three stars, in the past I have given four or five stars and want to give them the benefit of the doubt. I will be back but be certain never to sit at the bar again and definitely at all costs avoid being served by the no name female bartender.

Good location on the corner, great reception and seating indoors or out, your preference. Traditional menu, caters to all. Delicious and hot. Great service and large portions.

Carlos is our forever waiter, he is efficient. Friendly and always gives us an excellent service.

My first time there since moving to Laguna Niguel. I have to say they hands down have the best Hummus I have ever had. They had no problem and did not charge for more Pita to finish it off I had the Salmon Bowl which was enough for two. The only thing is that the want to charge 25 dollars corkage fee if you bring your own wine. It isn't that fancy of a place to do that. Maybe 10 is fair there. Or they should offer free corkage night to attract customers or do once a week half off on bottles?

Healthy, fresh and delicious food. Service was spot on per usual.   We love this hidden gem and will be back again soon. 

We stopped in for dinner. Not a good experience. We were seated nicely. After 15 minutes we had water, one ice cube. The waitress was running around and doing her best but… despite 6-7 employees. We then saw no food on tables 1/2 full restaurant. She then walked around by herself and took orders from 4 tables sat after us. We left. Good luck.

It was one of the favourite places for our family, we visited it a couple times per month. But on multiple recent visits, we had issues with food quality: always burnt protein (salmon or beef), undercooked rice, missing ingredients. Hope food quality gets better, because service and atmosphere is nice.

One of the best newer restaurants in South OC. The restaurant is very pretty, ambiance is great, and the food is very good and also healthy (but still tasty). It's like a California take on middle eastern food. The salmon bowl is great, though the lentil rice flavor has evolved over time and seems a bit less flavorful than early days. Still a great restaurant that is a regular spot for me.

Finally found a spot that can keep the entire family happy…from apps, to drinks to main course and dessert. Oh and the vibe!

The moment we walked in, I knew this place was going to be a hit. Much bigger than it looks from the outside—modern, stylish, and still cozy in all the best ways. It’s got that inviting, energetic buzz that makes you want to linger.

Jacob, our server, was incredible—he literally read my mind. I barely had to say a word and he nailed every single part of my order. That kind of thoughtful, intuitive service is so rare and really made the experience stand out.

We kicked things off with the hummus and pita, served with crisp, fresh-cut cucumbers and carrots. It was the kind of simple, clean starter that hits all the right notes—cool, creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor. The grilled Serrano chili added the perfect smoky heat—SO good.

The Caesar salad was tossed in a punchy house-made dressing and topped with the most delicious grilled, butterfly-cut chicken filet—charred, juicy, and cooked to perfection. My husband swapped the salmon for chicken in his bowl and didn’t miss the fish for a second.

What sealed the deal? Jacob told us the owners treat their staff like family—people want to work here, and it shows. Everyone was warm, dialed-in, and genuinely happy to be there.

Almost all the desserts are made in-house, and their ice cream comes from the best local spot in town. I didn’t have room this time—but I’m already planning to come back for brunch (I hear it’s packed for a reason).

Amazing food, impeccable service, and the kind of vibe that just feels good. This place gets it right.

The food here was good and fresh and service was awesome. I sat outside within earshot of an interview the Owners were having with a prospective employee. I’m not going to get into details but based on their philosophies of how they view their customers and employees, this IS a place you should go to again and again.

Surprising discovery!! Colorful tasty menu with so many choices!! Love the atmosphere and perfect service!!

Claudia gave amazing service and the food was incredible. I will definitely be coming back! 10/10! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️