8 Best Restaurants in Laguna Beach, Orange County and Catalina Island

Located in what used to be the Victor Hugo Inn, Las Brisas is a Laguna Beach landmark overlooking the ocean. The expansive patio offers spectacular coastline views as guests sip signature margaritas and Mexican cuisine with a California twist. Menu favorites include lobster Benedict for breakfast and during brunch, and whole grilled fish served with black beans, rice, salsa, and freshly made corn tortillas for dinner.

Located inside a historic 1934 home along Pacific Coast Highway, and named after one of the owners---Hockey Hall of Famer and six-time Olympian Teemu Selanne---Selanne Steak Tavern serves modern steak house fare paired with stellar Napa Valley wines. There is a cozy Carrara-topped tavern-style bar where bartenders make artisanal cocktails and martinis, and a formal fine-dining experience upstairs. Other dining areas include a bistro-style wine room and outdoor dining terrace with beautiful Moroccan light fixtures creating a dramatic evening setting. Entrees include succulent hormone-free steaks and chops. Filet mignon is served sizzling in an 8- and 12-ounce presentation. Other meaty highlights include an 8-ounce Wagyu flat iron steak, 14-ounce Prime Rib Eye, and signature 32-ounce Lord Stanley cut. All are served with seasonal marrow butter and a variety of side sauces. The chefs use the well-stocked on-site herb garden in a variety of dishes and for garnish. Save room for Monkey Bread made with brioche and walnut streusel, toffee sauce, banana compote, and rum raisin ice cream. 

Walk through an artist village to get to the Cliff Restaurant for 180-degree views of Main Beach and the Pacific coastline. There are multilevel dining patios to sit and enjoy hearty breakfasts Friday through Sunday, and coastal seafood favorites for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Firepits, outdoor heaters, and blankets keep diners warm when the marine air grows chilly in the evening. This is also a popular happy hour spot where people stay to enjoy the sunset and then remain for dinner.

Each morning this gelato shop, located in back of the charming Peppertree Lane shopping center, makes fresh small batches of artisanal gelatos and dairy-free sorbettos in a variety of appealing flavors.

This popular sunset view venue in South Laguna is at the top of Casa del Camino Hotel. Find a seat for sunset cocktails such as flavorful mojitos or a pomegranate martini. Menu items include a Mediterranean chop salad, crab cakes and ahi poke wonton tacos. Weekday Happy Hour has food and drinks for $10 or less, from 2 to 5 pm. 

This great coffee shop, located in a historic Craftsman-style building, is part gourmet pantry and part global dining adventure. It's a must-stop for your every picnic need.

A local favorite in the morning and throughout the day for organic heirloom coffee and hand-blended fine organic teas, Urth also serves health-conscious food as well as pastries outside on the charming garden patio looking out at the Laguna Art Museum across the street. For lunch and dinner, they offer a variety of salads, soups, bowls, pizzas, and signature sandwiches. Heartier fare includes a Mediterranean platter, Urth tamales, lasagna, and an Asian-style nori plum rice wrap. There is a children's menu, too.

It's always brunch time at his small Laguna Beach institution where you'll find reasonably priced breakfast-to-lunch (okay, brunch) items that include everything from signature quiches, poached eggs, and homemade granolas, to healthy salads, homemade soups, quesadillas, and pizza. All the sweets are homemade, including the megasize brownies. There are some gluten-free and vegetarian items, too, including a Zinc Rubenesque on rye bread made with beets. A large beverage menu includes lattes, lemonade, beer, mimosas, and red and white wines by the glass.