Looking for the best Laguna Beach restaurants with a view? This beautiful coastal town in Southern California has a variety of stunning dining options with breathtaking waterfront views of the Pacific Ocean.
I grew up visiting Laguna Beach with my family, and was so excited to bring my boyfriend here for a weeklong stay earlier this year. Our oceanfront dinners in Laguna Beach are my favorite memories from the trip.
After weeks of doing my own research and planning, I’m thrilled to share my list of top Laguna Beach restaurants with an ocean view.
PS: Plan the perfect beachside trip to this stunning coastal city with The Ultimate Laguna Beach Travel Guide!
QUICK LAGUNA RESTAURANT GUIDE
- Best Overall: Larsen
- Best Rooftop: The Rooftop Lounge
- Best Happy Hour: Skyloft
- Most Affordable: Lost Pier Cafe
- Best Casual Spot: The Deck
- Best Brunch: Las Brisas
- Best Dessert: C’est La Vie
- Best Upscale Dining: Splashes
- Best for Live Music: The Cliff
- Best for Special Occasions: The Loft
The Best Laguna Beach Restaurants with a View
There’s nothing like a majestic sunset while you enjoy a delicious meal and a view of one of the best beaches in Laguna Beach.
At these Laguna restaurants, you’ll find dinner menus full of fresh seafood dishes like ahi tuna and hamachi crudo. Seafood lovers will be thrilled by the delicious food and sustainable practices.
You’re in for the perfect evening with any of these oceanfront Laguna Beach restaurants!
Larsen at Hotel Laguna
Of all the stunning Laguna Beach restaurants with a view, Larsen at Hotel Laguna is my favorite place to eat.
This is the perfect place for a magical sunset dinner right on the beach. The restaurant features impeccable design with a crisp, clean aesthetic, making it one of the more upscale yet affordable oceanfront restaurants in Laguna Beach.
The interior of Larsen is as breathtaking as the seaside view outside, with sleek, modern decor and an open kitchen. Large, arched mirrors hang in the dining room complimented by a neutral color palette with sleek black trim and pops of color from the gold velvet chairs. Who needs to eat when the eye candy is this delicious?
The menu is a fusion of California and European cuisine, with a focus on seasonal ingredients. The beverage menu is filled with craft cocktails featuring flirty names and fun flavors using a wide range of spirits from mezcal to rye. For the main course, I had the seabass and goat cheese mashed potatoes. It was an unforgettable meal! If you come for lunch, please try the Comte Bacon Cheeseburger and let me know how good it is!
TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN LAGUNA
- Luxury: Surf & Sand Resort – Stunning Ocean-View Rooms + Pool
- Balanced: Casa Loma Beach Hotel – Great Views + Rooftop Happy Hour
- Value: La Casa Del Camino – Charming Rooms + Casual Rooftop Restaurant
Las Brisas
Voted the top oceanfront restaurant in Laguna Beach, Las Brisas is the place to go if you only have one night in town. With its prime location in Heisler Park overlooking the beach, this restaurant offers beautiful ocean views of the Pacific from every seat on the outdoor patio. Make sure you take a quick stroll along the coastline before (or as!) the sun goes down.
The menu features a mix of Mexican classics and modern cuisine with yummy guac, fresh seafood, and world-class margaritas.
From my own experience, Las Brisas has the best brunch and happy hour of any Laguna Beach restaurant with a view! On weekdays from 3-6, you can enjoy yummy bites like tuna poke and discounted cocktails while the ocean breeze brushes your sun-kissed cheeks.
PS: This restaurant is right next door to one of my favorite boutique hotels in Laguna Beach, Casa Lomas. Check out the full post to learn where to stay in Laguna.
READ NEXT: The 10 Best Boutique Hotels in Laguna Beach
The Rooftop Lounge
Located on the rooftop of La Casa del Camino hotel, The Rooftop Lounge is a beachside restaurant that offers panoramic views of the coastline that are hard to beat.
My boyfriend and I loved relaxing here and enjoying the crispy fish and chips with a side of fresh ahi tuna.
Recent renovations and a new menu featuring small plates, craft beers, and handcrafted cocktails make this one of the best restaurants in Laguna Beach with a view. Rooftop Lounge is perfect for a relaxed afternoon lunch or an intimate night out with friends.
MOST POPULAR THINGS TO DO IN LAGUNA
- Private Helicopter Tour: You’ll never forget this view of over 30 miles of the most beautiful coastline in the world.
- Surf Lessons: Don’t miss out on the chance to learn to surf in one of the world’s best surfing destinations!
- Temecula Wine Tasting: A stunning wine country awaits about an hour from Laguna. This tour includes transport and lunch.
Lost Pier Cafe
Located directly on Aliso Beach, this casual beachfront cafe is the perfect spot to grab a quick bite during your beach day in Laguna. From tacos to burgers to smoothies, the menu has something for everyone. Plus, it’s super affordable- most items on their menu cost around $15.
It’s also a great place to wind down after a day in the sun. Lost Pier Cafe offers firepit rentals for $75/hour so you can roast marshmallows with the fam while the sun dips beyond the horizon. Talk about a perfect evening!
The Deck at Pacific Edge Hotel
With so many restaurants in Laguna Beach with an ocean view, it can be hard to choose, but you can never go wrong with The Deck. Also home to the slightly more upscale, Driftwood Kitchen, this spot is known for its laid-back atmosphere and oceanfront patio. Their menu features California cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. I absolutely loved the fish tacos, fresh oysters, and Laguna cioppino.
While parking was a bit expensive with only valet available, I would certainly return to The Deck for lunch or dinner. The location also offers beachfront cabanas for daily rent with an outdoor deck and indoor living room that are perfect for private parties and special events. Prices range from $850 to $3200 which includes food and beverages.
C’est La Vie
This charming French restaurant not only offers stunning ocean views but also an extensive menu ofclassic French cuisine. The interior is just darling with charming pink chairs and gold accents that round out the lovely French style. Perfect for a romantic dinner, large, open windows along the back wall offer a view of the ocean and let the fresh sea breeze flow through the gorgeous dining room.
From escargots to coq au vin, the dishes are prepared with care and attention to detail. C’est La Vie also boasts a weekend brunch and fantastic bakery with yummy quiches and drool-worthy desserts.
Splashes at Surf & Sand Resort
Of all the best Laguna Beach restaurants, this is another local favorite that’ll leave a lasting impression! Splashes Restaurant at Surf & Sand Resort is beloved by Orange County residents for its great service and stunning views of the ocean.
The menu features fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients- the lobster bisque is a true standout. Splashes also boasts an impressive wine list so you can sip the finest juice California has to offer. Come here for straightforward quality without any modern pizazz. Their fine dining classics and stellar views speak for themselves.
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The Cliff
This is another great restaurant in Laguna Beach with a view! The Cliff is a casual rooftop hangout with a chill, relaxed atmosphere. They offer music and live entertainment every night except Monday.
The menu is diverse, with everything from sushi to burgers to pasta, with plenty of good cocktails like zesty margaritas and refreshing mojitos. Enjoy a laidback dinner or stop here for an evening drink. The crisp ocean breeze won’t bother you a bit when you’re surrounded by heaters to keep you warm.
Skyloft
Skyloft is a popular restaurant and bar located in the heart of Laguna Beach. The oceanview restaurant is known for its live music, which takes place almost every night of the week and includes Wednesday jazz. The rooftop, Skybar, offers spectacular views of the sea, and food made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a range of options, including burgers, salads, seafood, and vegetarian dishes.
The atmosphere is lively and fun, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the drinks and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner or a night out with friends, Skyloft is a great spot in Laguna to kick back and enjoy yourself.
The Loft
Of all the best restaurants in Laguna Beach with a view, The Loft is certainly the most fine dining-esque. Located inside the luxurious Montage resort, The Loft boasts an upscale dining experience with a refined atmosphere, great for special occasions.
The menu features contemporary American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. This spot offers all-day dining with a stunning ocean view. The wine list is extensive, and the service is top-notch. Just be prepared to pay up.
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