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Driftwood Kitchen, Laguna Beach, CA

Driftwood Kitchen

4.5
4.5
1303 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
Booked 26 times today
  • Great for scenic views
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for brunch
Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom bar is a casual restaurant that serves ocean-to-table fare next to a lovely waterfront view. Helmed by executive Chef Rainer Schwarz, the menu showcases an eclectic selection of seafood dishes that highlight the diversity of the Pacific. Menu highlights include hand-shucked oysters, salmon, octopus, swordfish and lobster, prepared with nothing but the finest and freshest ingredients. Driftwood also offers alternative menu items for landlubbers, such as dishes made of chicken or steak.

Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom Bar is open all through the week. In addition to its dinner menu, the restaurant serves brunch 7 days a week between 9 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. The airy dining room is a great place to enjoy a casual business lunch or a fun outing with friends. Driftwood Kitchen also boasts a bar, open from 9am - 10:30pm everyday.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Californian
  • Hours of Operation
    Daily 9:00 am–2:15 pm Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (949) 715-7700
  • Website
    http://www.driftwoodkitchen.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Rainer Schwarz
  • Catering
    The Driftwood Private Room is just upstairs of the Driftwood Kitchen and State Room Bar, and offers sparkling ocean views. Inspired by the historical charm of the building, the rich dark hardwood floors and paneling, grey tufted chairs and bay windows, this ambiance offers a very private setting for your business or social gathering.
  • Private party facilities
    With unobstructed views of the Ocean, our unique ocean front property offers a spectacular location for special events and weddings of many styles and sizes. We are able to customize each of our unique spaces to accommodate birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, corporate gatherings, weddings ceremonies and receptions, or a day at the beach,
  • Location
    619 Sleepy Hollow Ln., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
  • Area
    Laguna Beach
  • Cross Street
    Coast Highway and Cleo
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Public transit
    Trolley stop Coast Hwy @ Cleo St, SB - Stop 14
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

SMALL PLATES

  • DK SEAFOOD TOWER

    maine lobster tail | crab | poached jumbo mexican shrimp | oysters on the half shell | spanish octopus ceviche | tuna tartare

    • PetiteUSD 90.00
    • LargeUSD 140.00

  • OYSTERS

    selection of east & west coast | on the 1/2 shell | classic mignonette

    • 1/2 dozenUSD 24.00
    • dozenUSD 46.00

  • CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS & SHISHITO PEPPERSUSD 19.00

    yuzu aioli | soy balsamic glaze | togarashi *Vegetarian

    • MAINE LOBSTER FLAUTAUSD 23.00

      green bomba sauce | lime crema | pepino pico de gallo

      • CRISPY FINGERLING POTATOESUSD 12.00

        rosemary | pecorino romano | lemon zest | herb aioli

        • HAWAIIAN BIG EYE TUNA TARTAREUSD 24.00

          yukon gold potato terrine | shoyu | sesame | quail egg | yuzu creme fraiche | caviar

          • SALT COD CROQUETAS

            Yukon gold potato | fennel | frisbee | green apple | yuzu kasha aioli

            • WILD WHITE SHRIMP SCAMPIUSD 24.00

              roasted garlic | lemon | vermont butter | herbs | focaccia

              • SPANISH OCTOPUSUSD 21.00

                bilbao chorizo | crispy fingerling potatoes | romesco sauce | chimichurri

                • GRILLED MONTEREY BAY CALAMARIUSD 5.00

                  gigante bean salad | whole grain mustard & pancetta vinaigrette

                  • TODAY'S SELECTION OF CURED MEATS AND ARTISANAL CHEESESUSD 28.00

                    fig jam | whole grain mustard | marcona almonds | carnichons & bread

                    • COLOSSAL PRAWN COCKTAILUSD 24.00

                      bloody mary cocktail sauce | spicy remoulade

                      SOUPS & SALADS

                      • CLAM CHOWDA

                        sea clams | applewood smoked bacon | fingerling potatoes | cream

                        • cupUSD 8.00
                        • bowlUSD 16.00

                      • THE DRIFTWOOD WEDGEUSD 18.00

                        baby iceburg lettuce | pecan smoked bacon | oven-dried tomatoes | point reyes blue cheese dressing | shaved red onion | breakfast radish

                        • WHOLE LEAF GEM CAESAR SALADUSD 18.00

                          creamy caesar dressing | reggiano | white anchovy | croutons with grilled chicken 26 | with grilled shrimp 30 | with ora king salmon 34

                          • HEIRLOOM TOATOES & STRACCIATELLAUSD 18.00

                            laudemio evo | trebbiano balsamic | creamy basil pesto

                            • DWK CRAB LOUIE SALADUSD 18.00

                              shaved iceberg lettuce | persian cucumbers | Campari tomatoes | jammy egg | louie dressing

                              LARGE PLATES

                              • PAN SEARED NEW BEDFORD SEA SCALLOPSUSD 56.00

                                roasted forest mushrooms | applewood smoked bacon | baby spinach | truffle potato puree | black truffle butter

                                • GLACIER 51 CHILEAN SEABASS MISOYAKIUSD 54.00

                                  crispy sushi rice cake | soy braised shittake mushroom | grilled tokya negi | baby ginger | sake beurre blanc

                                  • LOBSTER SPAGHETTI CARBONARAUSD 39.00

                                    farm egg | pork guancale | grated parmesan romano | tarragon

                                    • CRISPY SKIN ORA KING SALMONUSD 42.00

                                      thai red curry | coconut milk | fingerling potatoes | swiss chard | peppers | onions | kaffir | lime | herbs

                                      • DOUBLE R RANCH FILET SURF & TURFUSD 69.00

                                        double R ranch filet | maine lobster tail | asparagus | whipped potatoes | bernaise

                                        • FISHERMAN'S STEWUSD 45.00

                                          fresh cuts of fish & shellfish | spicy tomato broth | garlic toast

                                          • BAKED MAINE LOBSTER THERMIDORUSD 60.00

                                            cognac | creme fraiche | asparagus | beech mushrooms | bearnaise | mixed baby greens

                                            • ROASTED SEASONAL VEGETABLES WITH ROMESCO & MINTUSD 32.00

                                              baby summer squash | snap peas | fingerling potatoes | asparagus | pea vines | fava beans | English pea pesto | mushroom escabeche | baguette

                                              • SNAKE RIVER FARM EYE OF RIBEYE STEAKUSD 78.00

                                                creamy kale | vidalia onion rings | DWK steak sauce

                                                • KANSAS STEAK OSCARUSD 78.00

                                                  jumbo lump crabmeat | grilled asparagus | béarnaise

                                                  • GRILLED NEW ZEALAND LAMB CHOPSUSD 42.00

                                                    moroccan spice double cut chops | grilled vegetable tagging | farro tabouleh | harissa yogurt

                                                    • GRILLED HALF MARY'S CHICKENUSD 38.00

                                                      crushed yukon gold potato | roasted baby carrots | creamy chimichurri | natural jus

                                                      FOR THE TABLE

                                                      • PARKER HOUSE ROLLUSD 9.00

                                                        vermont creamery butter

                                                        • MUSHROOMSUSD 12.00

                                                          cremini mushrooms | bourbon | demi glace

                                                          • ROASTED BABY RAINBOW CARROTSUSD 12.00

                                                            honey | thyme | lebni

                                                            • GRILLED BROCCOLINIUSD 12.00

                                                              Calabrian chilies | lemon zest | pine nuts | crescenza cheese

                                                              Last updated: 23 October 2024

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                                                              What 1,303 people are saying

                                                              Overall ratings and reviews

                                                              Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                              4.5
                                                              4.5 based on recent ratings
                                                              • 4.4Food
                                                              • 4.5Service
                                                              • 4.6Ambience
                                                              • 4.2Value

                                                              Noise • Moderate

                                                              Review summary

                                                              AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                              Driftwood Kitchen, perched beachside, offers "amazing views" and "excellent service." Guests rave about its "delicious seafood" and "attentive staff," making it ideal for special occasions. While some mention noise levels and pricing, the overall experience, highlighted by memorable sunsets and fresh dishes, consistently delights its visitors.

                                                              1,303 Reviews

                                                              1. Krista

                                                                Los Angeles

                                                                9 reviews

                                                                4.0

                                                                9 reviews

                                                                Dined 2 days ago

                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                2. Food 4
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Sunday night was very quiet. There was only 1 other couple.

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              2. Michelle

                                                                Orange County

                                                                2 reviews

                                                                vip
                                                                5.0

                                                                2 reviews

                                                                Dined on 1 December 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                One of my favorite places to eat in Laguna. Stellar location and direct beach access.

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              3. Leslie

                                                                Los Angeles

                                                                11 reviews

                                                                vip
                                                                5.0

                                                                11 reviews

                                                                Dined on 30 November 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Wonderful brunch on a beautiful day in Laguna. Perfect spot

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              4. Govanny

                                                                San Francisco

                                                                1 review

                                                                3.0

                                                                1 review

                                                                Dined on 29 November 2024

                                                                1. Overall 3
                                                                2. Food 2
                                                                3. Service 4
                                                                4. Ambience 4
                                                                Food was very bland and overpriced for what we got. I understand you have a great view but the food is mediocre

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                                                              5. Dennis

                                                                London

                                                                14 reviews

                                                                vip
                                                                5.0

                                                                14 reviews

                                                                Dined on 29 November 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Buffet was great: prime rib and seafood were outstanding. Service was attentive. Only disappointment was that desserts were very picked over (no apple pie) later in the service period.

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                                                              6. Hope

                                                                San Diego

                                                                1 review

                                                                2.0

                                                                1 review

                                                                Dined on 28 November 2024

                                                                1. Overall 2
                                                                2. Food 3
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Thanksgiving was not a good value. Way too expensive and mimosas should have been included for that much $$$.

                                                                Is this helpful?

                                                              7. B

                                                                Orange County

                                                                1 review

                                                                5.0

                                                                1 review

                                                                Dined on 28 November 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                I’ve been dining at the thanksgiving buffet for the past 4 years and this year the food quality was fully upgraded to a 5 star. The buffet was beautifully set up, and the food was delicious, including the desserts. The staff was friendly and competent and kudos to management and the chefs. I will be returning next year.

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                                                              8. Joy

                                                                Orange County

                                                                1 review

                                                                4.0

                                                                1 review

                                                                Dined on 24 November 2024

                                                                1. Overall 4
                                                                2. Food 4
                                                                3. Service 4
                                                                4. Ambience 3
                                                                Driftwood Kitchen in Laguna Beach offers a charming dining experience thanks to its breathtaking ocean views, which are easily the highlight of the visit. The restaurant itself is small, and we were seated indoors, but the ambiance remained cozy. The food was good—fresh and well-prepared—but nothing particularly memorable stood out. Service was standard, efficient but not exceptional. Overall, it’s worth a visit if you’re looking to enjoy a meal with stunning coastal scenery

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                                                              9. Dennis

                                                                London

                                                                14 reviews

                                                                vip
                                                                5.0

                                                                14 reviews

                                                                Dined on 22 November 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Great experience: server was welcoming and attentive; relaxed ambience with beautiful view; and generous portion of fish and chips, with well spiced fries!

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                                                              10. Bill

                                                                Orange County

                                                                8 reviews

                                                                vip
                                                                5.0

                                                                8 reviews

                                                                Dined on 19 November 2024

                                                                1. Overall 5
                                                                2. Food 5
                                                                3. Service 5
                                                                4. Ambience 5
                                                                Beautiful view and attentive service. Food was quite good

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                                                              FAQs

                                                              Driftwood Kitchen is rated 4.5 stars by 1303 OpenTable diners.

                                                              Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                              Make a booking

                                                              2 people
                                                              7:00 pm
                                                              Booked 26 times today
                                                              Google Map for Driftwood Kitchen

                                                              619 Sleepy Hollow Ln., Laguna Beach, CA 92651

                                                              Dining areas

                                                              Additional information

                                                              • Cross Street
                                                                Coast Highway and Cleo
                                                              • Area
                                                                Laguna Beach
                                                              • Hours of Operation
                                                                Daily 9:00 am–2:15 pm Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
                                                              • Price
                                                                $31 to $50
                                                              • Cuisines
                                                                Seafood, American, Californian
                                                              • Dining style
                                                                Casual Elegant
                                                              • Dress code
                                                                Resort Casual
                                                              • Parking details
                                                                Valet
                                                              • Public transit
                                                                Trolley stop Coast Hwy @ Cleo St, SB - Stop 14
                                                              • Payment Options
                                                                AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                              • Executive Chef
                                                                Rainer Schwarz
                                                              • Additional
                                                                Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                              • Website
                                                                http://www.driftwoodkitchen.com/
                                                              • Phone number
                                                                (949) 715-7700
                                                              • Catering
                                                                The Driftwood Private Room is just upstairs of the Driftwood Kitchen and State Room Bar, and offers sparkling ocean views. Inspired by the historical charm of the building, the rich dark hardwood floors and paneling, grey tufted chairs and bay windows, this ambiance offers a very private setting for your business or social gathering.
                                                              • Private party facilities
                                                                With unobstructed views of the Ocean, our unique ocean front property offers a spectacular location for special events and weddings of many styles and sizes. We are able to customize each of our unique spaces to accommodate birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, corporate gatherings, weddings ceremonies and receptions, or a day at the beach,
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