Best Casual Restaurants in Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Beginning at Valet, through the Stunning entrance framing the Pacific, it’s a quick elevator to the Loft Restaurant. The reception staff met us with smiles and sat us at a lovely table on the deck, above the pool. The day was clear, cool and sunny. Every member of the wait staff was delightful and helpful. ( no one said, I’ll get your server, they simply helped) very impressive. The food was, as always in our experience, stellar! The lovely server explained the dishes and helped us choose a meal cooked to perfection and delightfully seasoned. There was a fabulous sauce that the perfectly grilled salmon, crisp on top and tender inside, was served on. The sauce was unique in a wonderful way. There were cooked lentils mixed into a sauce of blended golden raisins and a light green curry. The Chilled Lobster Salad with bits of fresh grapefruit on baby butter lettuce was so refreshing on a sunny day. Our server was perfection, as were her assistants. Well presented small basket of breads, thick square of butter with black Icelandic Sea Salt, as we decided on meal. Excellent wine list and perfect Grey goose martini. The server never rushed us, continued to fill water, check in with us offered desert and actually contacted Valet that we had finished! It was a very hectic time at Montage Laguna. With fires raging in La they opened their doors and helped families with children and animals relocate to their property. It was a zoo, not one member of staff, valet, front desk, housekeeping or food services acted hassled or put out. There were children running around the pool area and grounds. The pets were all on leash. We noticed staff smiling at children, putting water bowls in front of dogs and even a cat on leash at pool. We commend the Montage Resort and other places in Laguna trying to house and feed displaced families with such kindness.

Food was amazing, we had fresh oysters 10/10, my husband had the sirloin burger and fries, they looked amazing. He said burger was top tier and the fries where the best fries he’s ever had (he loves fries). I had the chef special which was a pasta that idk the name of with prawns. It was really good I enjoyed every bit of it, no critiques. The server was not very involved but the host was wonderful and helped us for our whole meal. We where sure to tip the host himself.

Our dinner was fantastic and the service was exceptional!

Wonderful service for my daughter’s 21st birthday lunch! Thoughtful staff & yummy starters, entree & desserts! Can’t wait to come back!

Always a great time eating here. My husband and I LOVE this place. Shout out to Juan for being absolutely amazing every time we eat here. He is the real MVP of this place!