They closed & now are the Landmark Steakhouse - food is getting mixed reviews, but the nightclub is hot hot hot right now...

Las Brisas is good for appetizers and drinks (on outside patio only). I really like their guacamole and chips. Great at sunset. Also, I recently dined at 230, at 230 Forest Ave. Highly recommended! Cheers!

Update
 

I contacted the concierge at the Montage just to see what they would suggest and received the following recommendations: French 75, Five Feet, Hush, Tabu Grill, Javiers and 230 Forest. Sounds like the resort is on the same page as everyone here, which is a very good sign. I will definitely try most of these places for either lunch or dinner. Thanks again for all your help!



ust as an update, I went ahead an contacted the Montage concierge and had them make reservations at Studio and Hush. I will leave the final evening open and make me decision at a later date.

i just had dinner at flemings the other day though its in newport beach. great steaks.

Thanks for the update Brenda. I really liked that place, but I guess it's now time to find a new favorite.

A couple of "locals" places no one has mentioned are Picayo (#1 Zagat rated) and Dizz's as Is.

Hey thanks LagunaBeach, I was actually looking for something local. Picayo looks really good. It sounds like the food is very good.

For a quick casual lunch, stop by Taco Loco on PCH.

3 words: Wahoo's Fish Tacos

Carmello's Closed
 

I believe that Carmello's (referred to above) closed about a year ago.

Wahoo's is good, Taco Loco is better. By miles. Give it a try next time you are there! ;)

I recommend the Blackened Calamari Tacos, or a Blackened Tofu Mushroom burger.

Wahoo's??? You're going to Laguna Beach for that??? OMG! You do realize that it's a fast food joint, right? I personally don't think it's all that great...you can get the same food at any baja style fast food chain like Baja Fresh or Rubio's.

I also don't recommend Javier's. It's a Mexican Restaurant and it's okay. Overpriced for the quality of the food they serve, but not bad...just not great either. Actually their other location at the Irvine Spectrum is better. The ambiance is nicer and the food even tastes better. If you want Mexican food in Laguna, do Las Brisas instead. I think they have a better ambiance and better food. Also, Miguel's in Foothill Ranch (about 15 miles inland) is much, much better, but that is quite a ways out of your way.

I like Cannons in Dana Point for Sunday Brunch. It's right on the coast and the food is great. Just south of Laguna Beach.

If you're in Laguna Beach, how about driving up the coast on PCH to Newport Beach? TONS of great restaurants there. I like Five Crowns in Corona Del Mar for steaks and prime rib.

Had a great dinner at Tabu recently. It's on South Coast Highway opposite the beach. Delicious lamb chops and scallops. Must reserve as it's small. You can sit at the counter to watch the action. Everything a la carte so not cheap.

Just as another update, I'm leaving on Friday for Laguna. I chose Studio and Hush and left the last night open. I'm really anticipating these restaurants and will write a review when I get back. Thanks again for all your advice.