Broadway by Amar Santana

My fiancé picked this restaurant for our engagement last night.
No doubt about the food, it’s fantastic. The beef cheek molé was as good as it could’ve been, and the pork chop steak was the perfect texture I wanted it to be.

But the service, we waited to see a server for 5min and got waters after 15min, then waited 40min to get our starters… I understand they are really busy but i think they should not accept this many reservations if they can’t manage it properly. This wasn’t the horrible experience but if you go to those type of restaurants, they expect more than this.

Impeccable service, food and just a great place to celebrate an occasion.

Special dinner that , for me, most memorable were the desserts and cocktails. I ordered a dessert that I've never seen on another menu and it came molded in the shape of a beehive (it was a goat milk custard) with flowers and pieces of honeycomb. INSANE!! The cocktail I got that was their only vodka forward cocktail was so so good. I am from New York, and this is the only restaurant I've been to in Orange County (almost the only) where the server was so knowledgeable and described with pride every aspect of how the dish was prepared and served. It did remind me of eating in NYC. I have a child and would never come here with her. First off, it's just not that kind of place . I am paying enough for this dinner that I don't want anyone asking me for anything or causing disruptions- I just want to enjoy the experience to the fullest. Highly recommend coming here for a special occasion.

Food was overall good. The duck confit and egg yolk ravioli were to die for. The Spanish octopus was very fishy unfortunately(maybe not fresh). Filet mignon was good but not medium rare like we requested. We ordered Oh Beehive for dessert, which tastes like a mildly sweet cheesecake with meringue on top. It was pretty basic so I wouldn’t get it again. BUT the honey ice cream that accompanied the cake was heavenly.

Cocktails - they weren’t bad but they were one note. For the price, I was expecting a bit more flavor.

Our server was amazing. And the hostess always able to squeeze us in on a Saturday night without a reservation.

I’m looking forward to coming back and trying more!

If you're seeking an unforgettable dining experience in Laguna Beach, look no further than Broadway by Amar Santana. This upscale restaurant offers a harmonious blend of exceptional cuisine, attentive service, and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a standout choice for discerning diners.
The meal commenced with appetizers that set a high bar. The yellowtail sashimi was fresh and delicate, while the roasted bone marrow was a revelation rich and flavorful, perfectly complemented by its accompaniments.​
For the main courses, the prime skirt steak was cooked to perfection, boasting a savory caramelized onion jus that enhanced its robust flavor. The lamb shank exceeded expectations, tender and succulent, showcasing the chef's mastery in preparation.​
Concluding the meal, the Dubai chocolate bar dessert was a decadent treat, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and richness that left a lasting impression.​
The restaurant's ambiance is both elegant and inviting, with a modern design that doesn't overshadow the warmth of the dining experience. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable, providing service that was both professional and personable.

If you want to ruin the night for yourself and your loved ones, look no further! Arrive on time, and they will make you wait. Reserve for two, and somehow, they will mistake you for a party of eight; and only 20 minutes later will become aware that there is a difference. Enjoy the three ring circus atmosphere of confusion and chaos bathed in the deafening din of group conversation since everyone has to scream in order to be heard, and, as a result, no one can be. Do you want to be coerced into drinking wine you dislike by the sommelier armed with an IPad? Yep, check. Do you want to eat the smallest ravioli on the largest plate ever? Sure, look it up on the menu. Hunk of meat on your mind without a side dish ? That’s mole for $46. The menu either has a personality disorder or was created by an accountant who figured that chicken liver can be obtained at deep discount, and so…let’s use that as a model. As to presentation: they beheaded a branzino and dumped it in my plate like it was the Great Terror under Robespierre. See the picture and judge for yourself. How lucky was I to witness such elegance! In sum, do not let this one pass you by. If you have friends who have recently become enemies for life, do recommend this carnival of inaptitude and insult for their next Friday night outing. You won’t be disappointed. But they just might be. A little bit?

My favorite restaurant on earth!!!!

The food was amazing an atmosphere it was perfect.

Every time we visit Laguna beach, we have dinner at this restaurant. We loved the Hamachi, Kale salad, beef cheeks mole, and lamb shank. Their wine list is phenomenal and reasonably priced. Every single is so nice & understanding towards families with kids . Our server was so professional & kind.

Outstanding as usual!

I got to try this place for a business dinner. Tried the edamame, beet salad, grilled veggie salad, ahi poke and Brussels sprouts. Everything was delicious. The different flavors in the dishes were enjoyable.

Waitstaff very knowledgeable my wife and I were there for the 1st time and they explained the menu in great detail and I never had an empty glass. Food was awesome the lobster bisque, skirt steak and fries were very flavorful, the bisque had the right amount of heat. I also loved all the art on display around the resturant. Will definitely comeback!!

Absolutely phenomenal experience. This restaurant is designed for food lovers that are addicted to the fine dining experience. My date and I will absolutely be back for our next special occasion.

Overall great experience.

Good:
- skirt steak
- Octopus
- veggie salad
- fries

Eh:
- Branzino
- Brussels sprouts
- pork belly
- oyster mushrooms (not good)

Go ambiance, solid service. Would come back.

We were excited to try this restaurant after it came highly recommended from friends, but it unfortunately was not a good experience.
In terms of the food, the branzino was overly salted, the focaccia felt deep fried, and the cocktails flavors didn’t complement each other.
The open kitchen concept was awkward since none of the chefs would acknowledge us/make conversation, and actually look away if any eye contact was made. It defeats the point of an open kitchen if they don’t want to interact, it just feels like eavesdropping.
Overall the service doesn’t match the standards that come with a fine dining experience. The server didn’t have any details to share about the way the food was prepared, or what made any of the dishes worthy of being recommended. It’s usually common to hear the inspiration behind the menu at a fine dining restaurant, and marks the difference between an elevated experience vs a standard restaurant.
We were very disappointed that they didn’t acknowledge that we were there to celebrate our wedding anniversary when it was on the reservation notes, and it’s common practice for a good server to ask about any celebrations.
Hopefully there will be some improvements made in the future.