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Best Southern American Restaurants in Laguna Beach

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A photo of Larsen at Hotel Laguna restaurant
1. Larsen at Hotel Laguna
4.5
Awesome(1520)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Laguna Beach
Booked 41 times today
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean in Laguna Beach, Larsen at Hotel Laguna epitomizes the best of Contemporary American cuisine. Diners rave about the "exceptional service, breathtaking views, and delectable dishes," making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists. The restaurant's culinary prowess shines with dishes like the praised halibut fish and chips and creatively boozy craft cocktails. Each plate showcases fresh, local ingredients, capturing the essence of modern West Coast flavors. Patrons consistently highlight the "great value" and "top-notch food," with one noting it's "pricey but worth it occasionally," underscoring Larsen's commitment to quality and excellence in every aspect of dining. Whether enjoying a romantic sunset dinner or a lively brunch, Larsen at Hotel Laguna delivers a memorable experience that beautifully marries gourmet food with an idyllic setting.
A photo of Driftwood Kitchen restaurant
2. Driftwood Kitchen
4.5
Awesome(1305)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Laguna Beach
Booked 35 times today
Driftwood Kitchen in Laguna Beach truly encapsulates the essence of Californian cuisine with its splendid ocean-to-table offerings. Executive Chef Rainer Schwarz masterfully presents a diverse selection of seafood, ensuring each dish highlights the natural bounty of the Pacific. Diners rave about the "eclectic seafood dishes" and the "outstanding" ocean views, making every meal a delightful experience. Praised as "possibly the best on beach restaurant in central Laguna Beach," Driftwood Kitchen is celebrated for its "amazing sauce" on the Chilean Sea Bass and the perfectly cooked Ses Bass. With its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and a menu that satisfies both seafood lovers and landlubbers, Driftwood Kitchen stands out as a premier destination for authentic Californian dining.
A photo of 230 Forest Avenue restaurant
3. 230 Forest Avenue
4.9
Exceptional(2843)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Laguna Beach
Booked 22 times today
At the heart of Laguna Beach, 230 Forest Avenue stands out as a beacon of superb American cuisine. Executive Chef Marc Cohen crafts dishes that are both visually impressive and tantalizing to the taste buds, creating a unique dining experience that blends modern bistro vibes with a martini bar's energy. Patrons rave about the "flashy-to-the-eye" fusion appetizers and entrees, with the Prime Rib sandwich and Fish & Chips hailed as "as good as you'll find!" Frequent diners consistently praise the restaurant for its "always exceptional" food and service, noting menu favorites like the macadamia nut encrusted halibut with mango salsa. The combination of vibrant atmosphere, artistic presentation, and high-quality American dishes makes 230 Forest Avenue a must-visit culinary gem in Laguna Beach.
A photo of Lumberyard restaurant
4. Lumberyard
4.7
Exceptional(3240)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Laguna Beach
Booked 23 times today
Lumberyard in Laguna Beach is a beacon for steak aficionados, offering a dining experience that marries a rich historical ambiance with expertly crafted cuisine. Known for its eclectic and robust menu, the standout has definitely been the steak selections. Diners rave about the perfectly cooked steaks, with one guest highlighting, "Great spot! We had excellent service and my steak was perfect!" Lumberyard's commitment to quality is evident in every succulent bite, making it a favored destination before catching a show at the nearby Laguna Playhouse. The seamless blend of a cozy setting, attentive service, and exceptional steak dishes ensures a memorable meal every time. Whether it's the flank steak or another expertly grilled masterpiece, Lumberyard promises a steak that's not just a meal, but an experience.
A photo of Skyloft OC restaurant
5. Skyloft OC
4.5
Awesome(898)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Laguna Beach
Booked 15 times today
Skyloft OC in Laguna Beach offers an authentic American dining experience that truly stands out. Known for its Specialty Smokehouse BBQ, the restaurant has received rave reviews for dishes like its tender pulled pork sandwiches and a BBQ platter that is both delicious and generous. Guests have highlighted the "outstanding BBQ sauce" and the "perfectly cooked" meats that exemplify the best of American cuisine. Additionally, Skyloft OC's rooftop dining provides an unrivaled view of the ocean, enhancing the dining experience with a beautiful backdrop. This perfect blend of flavor and scenery makes Skyloft OC a must-visit for anyone craving genuine American dishes in a spectacular setting.
A photo of The Greeter's Corner Restaurant restaurant
6. The Greeter's Corner Restaurant
3.0
Good(1)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Laguna Beach
Our restaurant takes its name from the famed Greeter, Eiler Larsen and his former use of the corner by the entrance to our restaurant for the greeting passers-by. Greeter’s Corner stands on the threshold of Laguna Beach, a few feet away from Main Beach, the Pacific Ocean, Forest Ave., and Eiler’s foot-prints. We are located in the Isch Building, a 5-arched, white stucco building, which has its roots firmly in Laguna history.
A photo of Sapphire, Cellar.Craft.Cook restaurant
7. Sapphire, Cellar.Craft.Cook
4.8
Exceptional(1735)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Laguna Beach
Booked 41 times today
At Sapphire, Cellar.Craft.Cook in Laguna Beach, the essence of a true Steakhouse shines through with their exceptional steaks and meticulous service. Patrons rave about the "excellent ambiance" and the "perfectly cooked" meats, with one guest highlighting that even a "slightly overcooked" filet mignon was "still good" due to its superior quality and tenderness. This gem sets the bar high with its commitment to "quality and value," ensuring every dish from the aged ribeye to the innovative sides meets the highest standards. The picturesque ocean views and "wonderful service" complement the dining experience, making Sapphire a must-visit destination for Steakhouse enthusiasts looking for authenticity and excellence by the beautiful shores of Laguna Beach.
A photo of Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort restaurant
8. Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort
4.7
Exceptional(4389)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Laguna Beach
Booked 47 times today
Nestled along the picturesque Southern California coastline in Laguna Beach, Splashes offers an exceptional dining experience that celebrates innovative coastal cuisine. Helmed by renowned Chef Ron Fougeray, the menu blends fresh, local ingredients with creative culinary techniques, delivering vibrant dishes that capture the essence of coastal California. Sommelier-selected wines from the restaurant's award-winning wine program enhance the dining experience with perfect harmony. Indulge in modern elegance in a newly renovated dining room, where the soothing sights and sounds of the ocean create a serene atmosphere. Guests will enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific as they savor contemporary coastal flavors, making every meal a memorable occasion. The team at Splashes invites guests to celebrating the beauty of coastal living with an unforgettable dining experience that reflects the spirit of Laguna Beach.
A photo of Selanne Steak Tavern restaurant
9. Selanne Steak Tavern
4.7
Exceptional(2780)
Price: Very Expensive
• Southern american • Laguna Beach
Booked 14 times today
Selanne Steak Tavern in Laguna Beach, owned by hockey legend Teemu Selanne, is a beacon of American cuisine, offering a sublime blend of upscale casual dining and traditional steakhouse vibes. Patrons rave about the "absolute best steaks in Orange County," with dishes like the New York steak and Wagyu filet receiving particular praise for their succulent flavors. The restaurant's ability to craft tender, perfectly cooked steaks, complemented by an extensive wine list and craft cocktails, truly sets it apart. Diners consistently laud the "fantastic" food and service, describing their dining experience as "perfect in every way." Whether it's the mouthwatering sea bass or the rich, creamy mac & cheese, Selanne Steak Tavern delivers a quintessentially American dining experience that's both authentic and exceptional.
A photo of Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove restaurant
10. Beachcomber Cafe - Crystal Cove
4.8
Exceptional(10452)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Newport Beach
Booked 47 times today
At the Beachcomber Cafe in Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, diners are not only treated to "world-class" oceanfront views but also to some of the finest seafood cuisine that has earned it a spot among the "Top 100 Restaurants" for 2023 by OpenTable. Guests rave about the "scrumptious brioche lobster rolls" and the "Chilean bass dinner" which are just highlights of a menu teeming with fresh, flavorful options. Whether it's enjoying a breakfast with "beignets as an appetizer" or a "wonderful late afternoon dinner," the consistently good food combined with the unbeatable beachside setting ensures every meal is memorable. The Beachcomber Cafe is a true gem for seafood lovers seeking an authentic and delightful dining experience by the sea.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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