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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Laguna Beach

Authentic food spots

Made for those who seek out traditional recipes and refuse to compromise on the integrity of their meal.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
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Updated May 2026
01
Laguna Feasts Mexican Food image 1
Laguna Feasts Mexican Food image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with casual atmosphere and limited seating, including a notable outdoor area with heaters. Quiet vibe with no lines and a local feel. Features a salsa bar and offers authentic, generously portioned dishes at reasonable prices.

Simple menu offers authentic Mexican flavors with dishes like carne asada and shrimp tacos. Prices stay reasonable while service remains excellent.

Traditional Mexican dishes come with generous portions and authentic flavors. Service is fast and prices stay reasonable, making it a solid spot for hearty meals.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the authentic Mexican food, especially the tacos."

"I found the food here to be authentic and delicious."

"I loved the authentic flavors, especially the carne asada and shrimp tacos."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $1.99 each.

2

Cash is the preferred payment method; check options before visiting.

3

Expect generous portions that provide good value for the price.

02
Adolfo's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a friendly, family atmosphere and a miniature bar with sports TV at the entry. Offers beautiful outdoor patio seating surrounded by greenery, creating a relaxed vibe. Known for affordable, authentic food with generous portions and a strong local following.

True authentic Mexican cuisine shines through with tasty, affordable dishes. The flavors stay genuine and rich throughout the menu.

Food features authentic Mexican cuisine with piping hot dishes and fresh tortillas. The flavors are tasty and accessible, served with attentive and kind service.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and fresh."

"I loved the authentic Mexican cuisine here."

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and generous."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and free for customers.

2

There is ample seating both inside and outside.

3

The restaurant is dog friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

03
Hapi Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi restaurant with authentic Japanese vibe and cozy atmosphere offers fresh fish and innovative rolls. The space feels intimate and comfortable, with a chef visible at work and good music playing. Prices stay reasonable compared to nearby spots.

A Japanese chef prepares an authentic menu featuring nigiri, sashimi, and rolls. The place feels cozy and real, offering a genuine sushi experience.

Food here is authentic and fresh with excellent quality at relatively cheap prices. Staff are super friendly and service is very good.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and delicious."

"I found the sushi here to be truly authentic, with a Japanese chef."

"The food here is amazing and really fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating capacity.

2

Prices are affordable compared to other sushi spots in the area.

3

The restaurant has been family-run for 40 years, ensuring a consistent experience.

04
Piatti image 1
Italian restaurant

Elegant Italian restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with a charming patio featuring a fountain and protective umbrellas. Warm, inviting atmosphere suits intimate dinners and social gatherings, enhanced by attentive service. Design blends beautiful renovation with a welcoming vibe that feels authentic and refreshing.

Homemade pasta and unique dish combinations highlight the authentic Italian menu. The spot pairs this with an excellent wine selection and great cocktails.

Italian dishes stand out with fantastic flavors and attentive service enhances the dining experience. Outdoor seating features big umbrellas and a fountain, adding to the atmosphere.

People are saying

"The homemade Italian food, especially the Bolognese, is rich and comforting."

"The food here is fantastic, especially the pasta."

"The authentic pasta here is phenomenal, rich, and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to ensure seating, especially during peak hours.

2

Parking can be challenging; arriving early is advisable to find a spot.

3

The restaurant offers a happy hour with great pricing on food and drinks.

05
Asada Tacos + Beer image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor patio seating offers a nice atmosphere with a mix of classic rock music playing. Elevated seating inside is clean but can be affected by loud chair squeals. The place features good beer on nitro and great margaritas, creating a relaxed vibe for casual dining.

Authentic Baja fish tacos come with rich salsas and flavorful proteins. Pozole and queso fundido also deliver traditional flavors.

Food arrives fresh and hot with good portions and amazing quality. Dishes are well-seasoned and reasonably priced for a beach town.

People are saying

"I had some of the best tacos I've ever tasted."

"The food here is amazing and the portions are huge."

"The carne asada burrito was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers great prices on tacos, making it a popular choice.

2

Parking is available in the shopping center for easy access.

3

The restroom requires a code that is commonly known.

06
Rumari image 1
Italian restaurant

Old school Italian bistro with live serenade duets creates a romantic and cozy atmosphere. Tables sit close together, making the space loud and lively at times. Comfortable seating complements the classic, authentic vibe.

Italian dishes feature authentic flavors and top-notch quality. The food consistently delivers a delicious and genuine Italian experience.

Food features authentic flavors and excellent quality with standout dishes like beef Souvlakia and Greek Lamb Chops. Meals consistently deliver delicious and satisfying tastes.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and bursting with authentic flavor."

"The Italian food here is served by such welcoming and attentive staff."

"I found the authentic Italian food here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult during peak hours.

2

Reservations are required for outdoor seating due to limited availability.

3

The restaurant adds a 20% tip for parties of 10 or more.

07
Thai Brothers image 1
Thai restaurant

Small, cozy space offers a laid-back, local vibe with a quiet, intimate atmosphere. The restaurant often feels packed and bustling, creating a neighborhood gem experience. Expect authentic Thai flavors with generous portions and fresh ingredients.

Food offers authentic Thai flavors that match dishes found in Thailand. Some dishes deliver great flavors and a genuine taste experience.

Food comes fresh and authentic, matching the quality of service. Expect delicious Thai dishes made from scratch with authentic flavors that stand out by the beach.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned."

"I found the Drunken Noodles amazing, spicy, crunchy, and tangy."

"I found the food here to be truly authentic and full of great flavors."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but expect a wait during busy hours.

2

Parking can be difficult; consider arriving early or using public transport.

3

The menu features a wide variety of vegetarian options.

08
Adonis Restaurant image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean spot offers cozy outdoor patio with amazing ocean views and a friendly, inviting atmosphere that suits both casual lunches and special dinners. Seating is limited, focusing on an intimate experience with a cash-only policy.

Food bursts with authentic Mediterranean flavor and freshness. Falafel and fries taste genuine and well-prepared with care.

Food here is consistently fresh and flavorful with a Mediterranean touch. Meals come fast, are filling, and offer good value.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

"The Mediterranean food here has rich, well-grilled shawarma."

"The food here is so authentic, bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash-only, so bring cash or use the nearby ATM.

2

There is an ATM on-site, but it charges a $1 fee per transaction.

3

Seating is limited to stools, which may not be comfortable for everyone.

09
Pinafini image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Open concept dining room with stunning ocean views and natural light creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Spacious bar and motorized retracting roof patio add to the modern, airy vibe. Guests enjoy a beautifully designed interior paired with a lively yet relaxed energy.

Flavors stay true to authentic Mediterranean cuisine. This spot offers genuine dishes beyond the usual Mexican or taco options.

Food here is expertly prepared and bursting with flavor. Dishes include Italian pasta, Greek salad, spanakopitas, Lebanese creamy hummus, baba ganouj, filet kebabs, octopus, calamari, smelt, and fresh Branzino.

People are saying

"I thought the food was beautiful, fresh, and delicious."

"The Mediterranean food here has top-tier, super friendly service."

"The flavors here are so authentic, it's Mediterranean cuisine."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large parties to ensure seating.

2

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases.

10
Saigon Beach image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Casual Vietnamese restaurant with a cozy, homey atmosphere and a casual beach vibe. Outdoor patio and indoor dining offer clean, relaxed spaces. Known for phenomenal food like spicy lemongrass soup and pork banh mi, it attracts those seeking a chill spot for dining or takeout.

Crunchy bread stands out as an essential feature for an authentic banh mi sandwich here. The overall experience offers some authentic elements but does not deliver traditional Vietnamese flavors.

Vietnamese food stands out with big portions and consistently delicious flavors. The dishes deliver excellent taste that makes the drive worthwhile.

People are saying

"The banh mi here has a perfect, crunchy bread."

"I found the food here to be delicious and flavorful."

"The banh mi here is authentic, with perfect ingredients and crunchy bread."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a free lot on the north side of the building.

2

Prices are reasonable, with noodles starting at $13 and protein options for an additional $6.

3

All items are self-ordered, and utensils, sauces, and napkins are self-served.

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