26 Best American Restaurants in Laguna Beach

“So much fun! Came here for my birthday and they did everything right- food, ambiance, staff, etc“

“The food was amazing! Delicious focaccia with marinara to start, then amazing short rib ravioli, and finally a delicious Margherita pizza. The dough is excellent! Nice and thin- chewy edges full of light air bubbles! Excellent wine choices and our server was very helpful with her suggestions!“

“If you want a unique dining experience this is the place to go. The wait staff and servers they were all on point very attentive I never had to look around to look for anyone if I raised my head somebody was right at my table to find out what I needed or how they could serve me. Awesome awesome experience wonderful food. I will be back!“

“I use to go to RH with my family in the 70's. Atmosphere always transported us to Hawaii. They were famous for BB ribs, drinks, unique salad (with mayo dressing) and even served a bowl of crudite' with celery, salami, etc. every meal. I didn't like the modern re model, however, NOW THIS RE BUILD iS so cool! Just like the 1970's but better!! Dim lit and Hawaiian music set the mood. I was really anxious to try the ribs again. The service was GREAT appetizer excellent but, ribs, BAD! They were not edible. Hard and chewy, like beef jerky. I was so disappointed and all of our party ordered and received the same. I may try again but won't order ribs!!!“

“great NY vibe with good food“

“Obviously, the view speaks for itself and is stunning. That’s what drew us to the restaurant. We chose to do the tasting menu which exceeded our expectations. Patrick, our waiter, explained each course which is seasonally and expertly prepared by Chef Ron Fougeray who also came out and greeted us. The food is vibrant, exciting, and visually appealing. I also was pleasantly surprised that the tasting menu did not leave us hungry like other tasting menus have in the past. The portions were generous and satisfying. Can’t wait to come back next time we’re in California.“

“Súper recomendado muy sabroso 😋 y muy amables todos 💕🙏“

“The Lumberyard located in beautiful downtown Laguna Beach is a great place to have lunch or dinner. There is a new $16 lunch menu and I decided to try the fish tacos. There was a choice between salmon or halibut for the tacos which included shredded cabbage with a pink cream sauce and a side of black bean and corn salad. I chose the halibut for my taco and it was cooked perfectly. It was a generous portion of fish in each of the tacos so it could easily be split with a friend. The service was excellent. Our orders were taken within about five minutes of sitting down and the food came out quickly after we ordered. I would recommend the Lumberyard if you are visiting Laguna Beach. You will need to have reservations during the Art Festivals or when there is a play at the Playhouse.“

“We had a business dinner at the Loft last night and sat outside on the terrace. The food was wonderful with beautiful presentations for everything. We especially liked the sea bass, the scallops, the citrus garden salad and the vegan version of the bolognese for our vegan guest. It was delicious! The service was incredible. The servers constantly anticipating our needs before we needed to ask for anything. It reminded me what it is like to dine at a very nice restaurant! Absolutely fantastic!“

“The atmosphere is a wonderful and relaxing change from the high tech look of too many restaurants today. It's softly lit and comforting. The food is excellent. The branzino was cooked perfectly, the side dish of french lentils was a treat and the apple pie delicious. It's a treasure.“

“We were excited to try Harvest for the first time because of its reputation for being farm to table. I especially anticipated the charcuterie board because not many restaurants have good ones. This one did not disappoint! There was a great variety of crackers and flatbreads, jam, cheeses, meats, fruit, nuts and picked veggies. My husband tried the Mexico drink which was served in a terra cotta cup and was a unique margarita. I had the France which was wonderful and unique with the sorbet served in a small spoon and the champagne served on the side so I could pour it into the drink myself. My husband had the burger which he said was very tasty. I had the farmer's salad which was unbelievable. It was fresh and had a variety of flavors, colors and textures and was filling as well as flavorful. I've been thinking about it since we were there, in fact. We were full but wanted to try the strawberry butter cake because rhubarb is rare on a menu, so we got it to go and it was also delicious. The only downside to our experience was our placement on the enclosed patio because it was a hot and humid evening with no airflow and it didn't seem that the restaurant had air conditioning. Now that we know, we will ask to be seated differently next time. There will definitely be a next time!“

“When you taste them, you'll know he qualities they possess that you can't resist“

“me and my boyfriend saw a sign for some cool cocktails and were drawn in. the avocado egg rolls are so good! the costumer service was very professional and welcoming. the star was the bison burger! so tender, just melts in your mouth & for only $16?! an absolute steal. would DEFINITELY recommend for a little date night or a night out with friends!“

“Good food, good prices, friendly staff, great view from upstairs.“

“Each dish is spectacular. Love the calamari ….can be an appetizer to share or eat on your own with a salad. 230:Forest Avenue never disappoints!!!“

“Great breakfast burrito! Simple, friendly cafe that has been here as long as I can remember!“

“Sweet local spot and amazing jalapeño poppers“

“Very long wait times. Terrible customer service and overall, one of the worst dining experiences I’ve ever had in my life. The waiter messed up our order and argued with my wife about how he did not mess up the order and continued to argue with my wife, which further upset me and my parents. I asked the waiter to leave and requested to speak with the manager. I had explained everything to the manager and told the manager that because the food came out wrong and the waiter argued with my wife, that it was time to go because the waiter ruined our meal and our experience. After paying for 3 meals that we did not eat, the restaurant manager was extremely rude, told us to leave, and to never come back. We left very angry and upset. This restaurant ruined our entire afternoon. I do not recommend this restaurant because of the terrible customer service. If you make a mistake, own it, and make it right. Not the case here, they just want your money and send you on your way as fast as possible. If you’re looking for a nice dining experience there are far better options than this place.“

“Now El Matatan.

Elevated south of the border food and perhaps Laguna Beach's best burger - thick 8 oz patty with cheese, grilled onions, arugula and bone marrow mayonnaise. now available with a fried egg and bacon on top too.

I ordered it with a second patty for $15 extra and the dark purple Okinawa fries, which were next level - cooked crunchy for the most part, like chips! we ended up sharing the second patty... 12 oz of beef for both of us for less $$ than the 12 oz steak!

After we came the first time, I was CRAVING the Okinawa fries and I told several people about this place. Other friends have tried it and told me how good it was!

insane gluten free churro! wow. dreamy.

convenient location with street and several parking lots right nearby.

their menu is 95% gluten free without any substitutions! they make nearly everything in house. no generic sysco food here!

I am so glad this place opened. back a second time today to have the burger again!

the drinks are great and the prices are amazing! top shelf liquor at well liquor prices!“

“Great food! Great vibe! Great time!“

“We live right up the canyon and had never visited. Highly recommend!! Great food, reasonable prices, our waitress, Cassidy was so great! She was efficient with everything and just had the nicest personality. We will be back!!!“

“This is my favorite place on earth! My second time visiting & it’s just as amazing as the first time only better! I look forward to revisiting for our 10th anniversary in about 3 years. The entire environment makes me feel complete 💝 See you soon!“

“If you've ever spent time walking around downtown Laguna Beach, you've probably passed Hennessey's Tavern. It's one of those places that's been a staple of the area for years, and every time I stop in, it reminds me why it continues to be one of the most dependable spots in town.

Laguna Beach has its own personality compared to Newport. Things move a little slower, people seem a little more relaxed, and Hennessey's fits that atmosphere perfectly. Whether you're coming in after a day at the beach, grabbing dinner before walking the coastline, or looking for a place to enjoy a few beers with friends, it always feels welcoming.

One thing I've always appreciated is how versatile the place is. During the day it's a great restaurant where you can sit down, enjoy a meal, and actually hear the conversation around your table. As the evening rolls in, the energy picks up without becoming overwhelming. It's lively enough to feel like you're part of Laguna's nightlife while still keeping that laid back beach town charm.

The food has always been consistently good. Whether you're ordering burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, or classic Irish pub favorites, everything comes out fresh and satisfying. It's comfort food done right, and it's the kind of menu where almost anyone can find something they'll enjoy.

The beer selection is another reason I keep coming back. There's nothing complicated about it. Grab a cold pint, find a seat, watch the people walking through downtown Laguna, and enjoy the evening. Sometimes the simplest nights end up being the most memorable.

The bartenders and staff have always been friendly, attentive, and welcoming. Even when the restaurant is busy, they somehow manage to keep everything moving while still making guests feel appreciated. That's something I notice every time I visit.

As the founder of Beerslut, I spend a lot of time exploring bars throughout Orange County, and Hennessey's has always stood out because it doesn't try to be something it isn't. It's an authentic Irish tavern with great food, cold beer, friendly people, and an atmosphere that fits Laguna Beach perfectly.

It's also one of those places that's easy to recommend whether someone is visiting Laguna for the first time or has lived there for years. It appeals to locals, tourists, families during the day, and friends looking to enjoy a few drinks at night. That balance is surprisingly difficult to achieve, and Hennessey's does it exceptionally well.

If you're spending the day in Laguna Beach, make time to stop into Hennessey's Tavern. Grab a beer, order something from the kitchen, enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere, and take in one of the friendliest pubs you'll find anywhere along the Orange County coastline.

Five stars from me. It's one of those dependable places that never disappoints and always gives me another reason to come back to Laguna Beach.“

“I love Maro's! As a local, this is my go-to spot for fresh, healthy dishes like the green beans and shishito peppers. The empanadas, especially the mushroom ones, are delicious. While I enjoy most of the entrées on the menu, my favorite is the bone-in filet—super yummy! The owners and staff are always on duty and aim to please, making you feel like family. The ambiance is great too, whether you choose to sit indoors or outdoors. For a more intimate setting, sitting indoors is perfect, but if you want to enjoy the fresh ocean breeze, the outdoor patio is the way to go.“

“The food and environment is wonderful, don’t miss it! We will be back!“

“I have been going to this hotel since the 1980s. It’s the best. My husband and I spent three new years eves there. We usually stay a week. Love it. I’ll be so happy when the rooms are available again. I can hardly wait. Love everything about it. The food is delicious. The patio is very enjoyable. And just a few steps to the beach. Love it. Thank you. I’m. Beverly. Anderson.“