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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

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56 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Tea House on Los Rios restaurant
1. The Tea House on Los Rios
4.8
Exceptional(2716)
Price: Expensive
• Afternoon Tea • San Juan Capistrano
Booked 45 times today
Set in a beautifully restored 1911 cottage complete with a wrap-around veranda and lush gardens, The Tea House on Los Rios offers Orange County's premier high tea experience. Known for our famous scones, delicious tea sandwiches, and loose-leaf teas, we also feature a full luncheon menu and a weekend brunch menu, complete with mimosas and Bloody Marys. Join us for an unforgettable experience on Historic Los Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano. Take the train and making a day of it!
A photo of Las Brisas restaurant
2. Las Brisas
4.3
Awesome(12123)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 111 times today
Las Brisas, a Laguna Beach icon, blends timeless charm with classic Southern California cuisine, offering fresh, chef-curated dishes and world-class hospitality. Start your day with our Weekday Breakfast or unwind during our Weekday Happy Hour with bites like Tuna Poke and a Las Brisas Margarita. On weekends, savor our luxurious 4-course Brunch while enjoying breathtaking ocean views. Whether dining in our elegant rooms or relaxing on the outdoor patio, Las Brisas provides a historic coastal setting perfect for any occasion.
A photo of The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach restaurant
3. The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach
4.8
Exceptional(2055)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Laguna Beach
Booked 19 times today
Located in the oceanfront resort, Montage Laguna Beach, The Loft features stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean – the perfect backdrop for enjoying market-fresh, creative American cuisine with friendly, informed, and professional service. Innovative signature dishes reflect California regional cuisine with strong influences from the Americas; other favorites also include roasted meats and seafood.
A photo of Starfish Laguna Beach restaurant
4. Starfish Laguna Beach
4.8
Exceptional(2200)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Asian • Laguna Beach
Booked 36 times today
Thank you for thinking of Starfish Laguna! Indoor & Patio Dining are available! Reservations are strongly encouraged, and available via phone at 949.715.9200.Lunch: Daily from 11a - 3pOpium Hour: Everyday 3p - 6p (dine-in only)Dinner: Daily from 3p - 9pWe offer our full menu for takeout and delivery, with delivery offered in partnership with Doordash or through our website. To place a pickup order, please call 949.715.8205. We look forward to seeing you soon!
A photo of King's Fish House - Laguna Hills restaurant
5. King's Fish House - Laguna Hills
4.6
Exceptional(4854)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
Booked 52 times today
Established in 1997, King’s Fish House is Laguna Hills’ choice for seafood. Located near the Laguna Hills Mall, King’s Fish House features a large selection of fresh oysters, seasonal catches, sushi and live shellfish, including lobster and crab, on a menu that changes daily.We’ve been in restaurants a little while – three generations, to be precise. A long time ago, we embarked on a road trip in search of the ultimate seafood experience. We traveled down highways and byways, pulled up a seat, put on bibs and soaked up the seafood experience: the no-name dishes with unforgettable flavor, the fresh-caught oysters and clams piled high, the hand-lettered specials on ancient chalkboards and the savory simmer of every combination of spices imaginable.Welcome to the House that Seafood Built.Come gather with us, celebrate, relax and enjoy a seafood dining experience of high quality, comfort, service and value.
A photo of Skyloft OC restaurant
6. Skyloft OC
4.5
Awesome(898)
Price: Moderate
• American • Laguna Beach
Booked 18 times today
Skyloft is located in downtown Laguna Beach. The diverse menu offerings a balance of seafood, steaks, salads, sandwiches and Specialty Smokehouse BBQ items. Skyloft also boasts an open-air rooftop dining area, highlighting an exclusive and coveted view of Laguna Beach"s main beach. In addition, we offer live entertainment Wednesday - Sunday! PLEASE NOTE: SEATING AREA IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITYReservations will guarantee a table in our restaurant, but NO SPECIFIC AREA will be guaranteed with a reservation. Please expect an additional wait for Rooftop Seating, Live Music, and other high demand areas. To book a Private Event or guarantee a specific table, a deposit will be required in addition to a food and beverage minimum, please contact our events coordinator at 949.715.7107 for pricing. Complimentary Transportation available! 5pm and later, within Laguna Beach or a 5-10 mile radius depending on group size). For customers w/ dinner reservations only - call to schedule.
A photo of Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook restaurant
7. Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook
4.7
Exceptional(2866)
Price: Moderate
• American • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
Booked 27 times today
Welcome to Ironwood, Cellar. Craft. Cook. located in Laguna Hills. Our menu features seasonal ingredients of the highest quality and are prepared daily from scratch. Menu selections include exceptional meats, flavorful seafood, handpicked produce from our garden, and diverse beverage selections. We have over 25 wines by the glass, 10 craft beers, and a full bar featuring a wide variety of craft cocktails.
A photo of 230 Forest Avenue restaurant
8. 230 Forest Avenue
4.9
Exceptional(2845)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 29 times today
230 Forest Avenue is a neighborhood gem in Laguna Beach. With its modern bistro and martini bar vibe, it's a favorite spot for locals. Reviewers rave about the consistently great food, excellent service, and laid-back atmosphere. The Executive Chef is even recognized as one of the top chefs in the OC. It's described as a place where the food is so stunning it competes with the artwork on the walls, creating a thoroughly satisfying 'artistic' experience.
A photo of Lumberyard restaurant
9. Lumberyard
4.7
Exceptional(3240)
Price: Moderate
• American • Laguna Beach
Booked 18 times today
In 1912, at the bend of Forest Avenue, 23 year old Joe Jahraus opened the Laguna Lumber Company, he and his father(cigar maker, first postmaster and real estate agent) built the beautiful French Normandy building that is here today. Prior to the lumberyard opening, building supplies needed to be dragged in by mule or floated in on the tides, and therefore, Laguna Beach had less than three hundred permanent residences. After the lumberyard opened, the area began to grow at unprecedented rates, transforming it from a tent town into a thriving city. Laguna Lumber operated for seventy three years, sixty two of them in this location and its' architecture, influenced by Joe's tour abroad in World War I, is one of the most significant influences on the town's aesthetic. Half timbers, mud walls and shingled roofs grace many of the downtown storefronts and homes throughout the city because of this landmark. Today, 384 Forest is home to Lumberyard - a contemporary American restaurant.
A photo of OPAH Restaurant & Bar @ Town Center Aliso Viejo restaurant
10. OPAH Restaurant & Bar @ Town Center Aliso Viejo
4.8
Exceptional(1593)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 17 times today
At Opah Restaurant & Bar, we serve the finest fresh fish in Orange County. Carefully hand selected each day to deliver the best quality available. Come in and enjoy the menu created by Marc A. Cohen, One of the Best Chef's in Orange County. The menu is exquisite, featuring edible works of art, that look so good the could be on a magazine cover. Dont forget to try one of our signature Award Winning Martinis. If you wondering how we came up with the name Opah. It comes from the Hawaiian word for Moonfish, which was once viewed as Good Luck by fisherman, & often given away as a gesture of Good Will.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Candace
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    A true gem, this tea house is a treasure beyond words. The staff are cheerfully present and accommodating, serving with utmost care while crafting the ultimate tea experience. The ambiance is festive and warm, with friends old and new meeting to share in a prized selection of teas. A timelessly classic experience whether celebrating the joy of a lazy afternoon or a once in a lifetime occasion.
    More info
    The Tea House on Los RiosPrice: Expensive• Afternoon Tea• San Juan Capistrano
    •
    4.8
  • Joe DonVIP
    Los Angeles •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Eveything about this establishment is on-point. Be it the outstanding service, the food (presentation and flavor), the ambient lighting or the beautiful decor. They truly are firing on all cylinders here, and will make for a top-night for any occasion whatsoever. I cannot speak highly enough about this place in all honesty, making it a local favorite for several years now.
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    Starfish Laguna BeachPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Asian• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.8
  • Julie
    Orange County •75 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    A++ Belen took great care of us - there to meet our every need - and with a smile! Kings never disappoints, EVEN during the BUSY various holiday celebrations. We always make reservations. We had a great time, but we always do. it's an experience, and flawlessly delivered with their great Consistency standards! Thank you, Kings. We are grateful for YOU! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to your Chefs, Owners and STAFF and Mgmt! from Julie and Neil
    More info
    King's Fish House - Laguna HillsPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
    •
    4.6
  • CynthiaVIP
    New York City •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Mikey our server for lunch was really wonderful. Very helpful in the ordering for both wine and entrees. Lovely personality! The food was well prepared, a little pricey, but as expected :) View was terrific, we had a central table right at the window and Mikey opened the windows for us upon request so that we could have a simultaneous view and fresh air on this gorgeous day. Lovely lunch!! (Branzino, lobster salad and Cobb shrimp salad all delicious) (Also liked that the valet was free and that I was able to charge my car while dining!) Will definitely be back when next in Laguna (from LA)
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    The Loft at Montage Laguna BeachPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.8
  • Katherine
    Denver / Colorado •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Superb dining experience. Wished we had gone during lunch hours to better see the views that were still amazing at night. We ordered the lobster for two and it was epic. With this dish, I recommend ordering a side of asparagus if Mexican sides do not appeal to you. The scallops with raisins were amazing too. The servers were friendly but professional. 10 out of 10
    More info
    Las BrisasPrice: Expensive• Californian• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.3

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Discover the charm of South Orange County's dining scene with the neighborhood gems in Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel. These restaurants are local favorites, cherished for their unique menus that blend innovative culinary concepts with traditional flavors. They offer a cozy ambiance, making them perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. Patrons consistently praise the excellent service, delectable food, and great value these eateries provide. Each establishment reflects the vibrant community spirit and caters to a variety of dining preferences, ensuring a memorable meal out in one of Orange County's most delightful locales. Whether you're looking for a brunch spot or a place to celebrate, these neighborhood gems stand out for their commitment to quality and the genuine dining experience they offer. Experience top-notch cuisine as you explore the inviting, friendly atmosphere that defines the dining scene in this enchanting part of Orange County.

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