The Best Restaurants in Laguna Beach for Views, Vibes & Good Food
Last Updated on February 23, 2026 by Lauren Belzer Sanford
If there’s one place in Orange County that never gets old, it’s Laguna Beach. There’s something about it that feels like a vacation in your own backyard — and living just fifteen minutes away, that’s not something I take for granted. People actually travel from all over to spend a weekend here, and Max and I get to pop down on a Tuesday morning just because we feel like it.
We’ve spent countless mornings, afternoons, and evenings in Laguna — wandering the farmers market on Saturdays, walking the beach at golden hour, and working our way through the dining scene one meal at a time. We even chose Laguna Beach City Hall as the venue for our legal wedding ceremony ahead of our destination wedding in Italy in 2025, so needless to say, this town holds a special place in our hearts.
These are the restaurants we keep coming back to — from a splurge-worthy dinner at one of my favorite spots in all of OC to a casual post-farmers market lunch and some of the best sushi I’ve had anywhere in the county.
Broadway by Amar Santana
Broadway by Amar Santana is my favorite restaurant in Laguna Beach — and honestly, one of my favorites in all of Orange County. Chef Amar Santana’s flagship is the kind of place that earns its price tag completely, perfect for a special occasion, a celebration, or a date night when you want to really do it right. The menu changes regularly based on what’s fresh and in season, so I’d recommend checking their current offerings before you go rather than hunting for a specific dish — but whatever they’re serving, the cocktail and wine list is a consistently excellent place to start while you settle in.
Best for: Date night, celebrations, special occasions
Las Brisas
With its perch above Main Beach, Las Brisas is one of Laguna’s most iconic spots — and the views alone are worth the visit. The menu focuses on fresh seafood with a Mexican influence, and while I’ll be honest that there are spots in Laguna I’d reach for first on a food-focused night out, the setting here is genuinely unbeatable if you snag the right table for lunch, brunch, or dinner right before the sun goes down. Come for sunset, order something from the sea, and just take it all in.
Best for: Sunset drinks, ocean views, a classic Laguna Beach experience
Lumberyard
Lumberyard is my pick for a relaxed, no-fuss meal in the heart of Laguna — casual, comfortable, and exactly what you want after a morning of wandering. If you’re hitting the Laguna Beach Farmer’s Market on a Saturday, ducking into Lumberyard for lunch right after is honestly the perfect way to spend a weekend. The pub-style menu hits the spot — the fish and chips are a go-to. The vibe is easy and unhurried.
Best for: Casual lunch, post-Farmer’s Market Saturday, laid-back pub food
Oto Sushi
Oto Sushi is for the sushi lover who also cares about where their fish comes from. Every piece of seafood on the menu is sourced exclusively from MSC, ASC, and BAP-certified fisheries and Seafood Watch-approved suppliers — meaning only fish rated green or yellow makes it to your plate (I know, it’s confusing, but they’ll explain it to you if you ask!). It’s a genuinely thoughtful approach to sushi, and the quality shows. The interiors are sleek, and the overall experience feels elevated and intentional.
For starters, the Crispy Garlic Edamame and Vegetable Tempura are both great. For rolls, the Apollo Roll is a standout, and anything with Hamachi — especially the Yuzu-Truffled Hamachi — is a must.
Best for: A more upscale sushi experience, sustainability-conscious diners
Piatti Laguna Beach
Piatti is a newer addition to Laguna’s dining scene, and one we were genuinely excited about. We’d already fallen for their La Jolla location back when we lived in San Diego, so seeing it open here felt like a win. It’s a reliably good Italian spot with a warm, neighborhood trattoria feel. The Fritto Misto is a favorite starter, and for pasta, I always gravitate toward the Spaghetti Pomodoro or the Pappardelle Pesto. Round it out with a Piatti Spritz or a glass of wine, and it’s a really lovely evening.
Best for: Italian night out, a relaxed dinner with friends, or a date night
Rasta Taco
Rasta Taco was a happy discovery on a casual afternoon in South Laguna while we were waiting for our cat at the vet nearby — and it absolutely did not disappoint. It’s a casual, relaxed spot that’s perfect when you want something quick, fresh, and genuinely delicious without a reservation or a wait. The Carne Asada Bowl is what I ordered, and I was genuinely impressed — generous portions, great flavors, and exactly what you want for a laid-back lunch.
Best for: Casual lunch, a quick and satisfying bite, South Laguna visits
Seabutter Sushi
Seabutter is honestly one of my favorite sushi spots in all of Orange County — not just Laguna. If you love bold, dressed sushi with elevated flavor combinations, this is your place. The vibe is relaxed and fun rather than formal, which makes it great for a casual night out that still feels special.
For starters, Garlic Edamame, Veggie Tempura, and Shishito Peppers are all regulars for us. For rolls, the Salmon Truffle is one of my all-time favorites anywhere, and the Crunchy Onion Albacore, Kanpachi Yuzu, and Hamachi Jalapeño are all standouts worth ordering.
Best for: Dressed sushi rolls, a fun, casual dinner, sushi lovers who want bold flavors
If you’re deciding between Seabutter and Oto, Oto is the move for a more upscale, design-forward experience with a strong sustainability focus. Seabutter is where to go when you want incredible dressed rolls in a more relaxed, lively setting. Both are great — it just depends on the vibe you’re after.
Tango
Tango is a tapas-style spot that’s best enjoyed at lunch or as a drinks-and-appetizers situation rather than a full dinner. What makes it worth returning to is that the menu changes daily based on seasonal availability — so no two visits are the same and you genuinely won’t get bored. It’s a great spot to pop into after a walk along the beach, order a few small plates and a glass of something cold!
Best for: Lunch, tapas and drinks, spontaneous stops after a beach day
Laguna Beach has no shortage of incredible places to eat, and this list will keep growing as I continue to explore. If you’re visiting and need a place to stay, check out my guide to the best hotels in Laguna Beach for a curated starting point or search available hotels on Booking.com to compare options.
And if you’re exploring more of Orange County beyond Laguna, my Orange County guides and list of places I consider to be thebest coffee shops in Orange County are good next stops.
A few spots still on my Laguna Beach list that I’m looking forward to trying: