EAT.

 

A few of our favorite food spots in Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and the greater OC.

 

Oceanview Dining in Laguna Beach

Most have great brunch options; also great for a gorgeous sunset backdrop to your dinner!

• OceanView Bar & Grill at the Hotel Laguna | Great food! Try the grilled shrimp salad. Insider tip: guests staying at the Hotel Laguna can enjoy the Beach Club as well--who doesn't love having food & drinks served to you right on your beach chair!?!?!

• Driftwood Kitchen | Grab a seat on the patio to enjoy a gorgeous view of the Laguna Cliffs and Pacific Ocean! (Fun fact: Mike took Sedora here--back when it was The Beach House--the day they got engaged!)

• The Deck | Looking for a fun place to grab a drink at the beach? Head here! (This place is right next to The Beach House.)

• The Cliff | One of the most breathtaking views of the Laguna coast. 

• Las Brisas | Insider tip: if there's a wait for the all-you-can eat brunch, head down the steps to the beach and explore the tidepools while you wait!

• Rooftop Lounge / K'ya | Located in the same hotel, try starting with some delcious tapas and dessert at K'ya, then head upstairs to the Rooftop Bar for some drinks with a view. Insider tip: the food is better at K'ya than at the Lounge.

• Cafe Heidelberg | Grab a casual breakfast or lunch here on PCH.

 

Other Recommended Bites in Laguna Beach

• Watermarc (across the street from Hotel Laguna--small plates and entrees in a slightly upscale atmosphere)

• Umami Burger | All their brugers are winners! Sedora loves the Original with its parmesean crisp or the Freebird (turkey patty); Mike loves the BUB and Manly burgers.

• Nick's (across the street from Hotel Laguna - casual American fare)

• Senior Fish | Solid Mexican food. Their LA location got Sedora through many a long work day...

• Gelato Paradiso (across the street from Hotel Laguna--don't miss out on the freshly baked cones and wide selection of delicious gelato!)

 

 

Sushi/Seafood (Newport Beach area)

• Bear Flag | An absolute MUST if you're in the OC! This is Mike & Sedora's favorite spot. Get their poke, fish sandwich, and/or fish burrito. Yum!

• Angotei | Mike & Sedora's favorite sushi joint--delicious and affordable! It's small, so go early to avoid crowds!

• Nanasan - delicous but expensive sushi. Expect a wait--go early!

• Crab Cooker | Fresh, juicy seafood--an institution on the Newport peninsula!

• Boiling Crab | Clear your schedule, because you'll be so stuffed after eating here that you won't be able to move for the rest of the night. Wear something where you can roll up your sleeves! You'll also be smelly afterwards. Cajun shrimp, crawfish, and crab by the pound...amazing. 

• Mastro's | Delicious seafood towers, but expensive

 

Yummy but outside of Laguna:

• Red Table | Modern local small plates in Huntington Beach

• Juliette Kitchen & Bar | Modern local small plates in Newport Beach (not on the beach, though). Super creative and unique, seasonal dishes--they're all delicious!

• Slater's 50/50 | Burgers (famous for their half bacon/half beef burger patties, their sweet potato fries with bacon ketchup and/or pumpkin dipping sauce are amazing, too! Sedora's fav is the Frito Crunch, Mike loves the PBJ or the BBB)

• Silk Thai Cuisine | Delicious, pretty authentic Thai food in Huntington Beach.

• Big Belly Deli | Grab some fatty sandwiches or pizza from this deli on PCH and walk across the street to eat on the beach! 

• Sabatino's | Great Italian food -- be sure to order their home made cheese-filed sausage! 

• Beach Hut Deli | Dutch crunch bread. 'Nuff said.

• Inka Mama's | If you're in the mood for Peruvian! 

• Bella Cuba | If you're in the mood for Cuban

• Thasos | If you're in the mood for Greek

• Chapter One | Delicious brunch OR signature, old-fashioned cocktails!

• Playground | Delicious brunch OR signature, old-fashioned cocktails!

• Capital Seafood | Don't miss the dim sum here! (Special order the almond puff pastry dessert!) Cheap, high quality dim sum. Or, come later for other tasty Chinese dishes. Insider tip: everyone raves about 85 degree bakery next door--check it out for pastries, cakes, and boba tea before or after your meal!

• OkiDoki - Asian small plates

• Cham Sut Gol Korean BBQ | Grill all-you-can-eat meat at your own table! Wear something that you won't mind getting smelly.

 

Mexican

• Chronic Tacos | Pick up some carnitas, carne asada, or grilled shrimp tacos or burritos, walk across the street and eat them at the beach! (Fun fact: this was the first place Sedora always wanted to hit up when she visited Mike in Newport.)

• El Ranchito 

MISC.

• Vitaly - Gelato creations like you're never seen before: gelato ice cream sandwiches, mini gelato flights, gelato spaghetti, gelato burger, and more! Great coffee, too.

• Blackmarket Bakery (baked goods, also good for breakfast, lunch and gifts)

 

Libations

• Hotel Laguna's bar (sip cocktails and beer on the beautiful deck or sand!)

• The Saloon (across from Hotel Laguna)

• House of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beers (craft beer, casual seafood)

• Newport Brew Co.

• Ocean Avenue Restaurant and Brewery

​

Check out more restaurants and bars here.