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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Laguna Beach

Lunch spots

A lunch break that feels like a genuine pause in your day instead of a rushed transaction.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
230 Forest Avenue image 1
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Outdoor patio offers a calm and soothing atmosphere with laid back California chic style. Live music plays softly, allowing easy conversation without raising voices. Unique indoor artwork and romantic low lighting create a cozy, upscale yet casual vibe.

Food here is tasty and unique, with a menu that encourages ordering more than expected. Service is consistently excellent, making the dining experience stand out.

Offers an alfresco lunch experience on a lively promenade. Dishes like scallops and pistachio crรจme brรปlรฉe stand out during midday meals.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here serve amazing pasta and crispy rice."

"I thought the food here was excellent."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is the best I found."

Good to know

1

Booking a reservation is a good idea due to limited tables.

2

Reservations are recommended for busy times like weekends and holidays.

3

The restaurant is upscale but doesn't require formal attire.

02
Wigz Sandwich Shop image 1

Small sandwich shop offers friendly, laid-back atmosphere with outdoor seating including a serene back patio featuring a full bar and flowers. The space attracts a neighborhood crowd and provides views of the ocean, creating a relaxed vibe for eating and socializing.

Food shows clear quality care from the owner with good flavors and solid preparation. The patio offers a cute spot to enjoy meals and play games, adding to the dining experience.

Lunch features fresh beachside meals enjoyed right by the water. Meals come ready to eat, making it easy to dig in without fuss.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches here were some of the best."

"I loved their delicious sandwiches, especially the grilled cheese."

"This lunch spot serves up really tasty, fresh sandwiches."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy, especially compared to other spots in town during summer.

2

Wigz offers a veterans discount for those who qualify.

3

Trivia night happens every Tuesday, making it a fun weekly event.

03
Rebel Omakase image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small, cozy sushi restaurant offers a quiet, relaxing atmosphere with an intimate vibe. Sushi is incredibly fresh and presented with masterful plating, featuring standout dishes like creamy uni and rare fish varieties. Sake pairings complement the courses well, though options skew toward the high end.

Food features exquisite sushi with top notch service and exceptional sake. Dining offers a consistently incredible experience.

Lunch offers a small, cozy atmosphere with intimate seating. The price is around $220 per person.

People are saying

"The food here is an unforgettable, artful experience."

"I felt the passion behind every course and knew it was special."

"This lunch spot's sushi is exquisite and made to perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating capacity.

2

Lunch costs $220 per person, while dinner is around $350.

3

No sake or wine pairing options are available.

04
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 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.

Open even on holidays, this spot serves delicious Thai dishes for lunch. The food consistently comes out fresh and flavorful.

People are saying

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

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

"I had a delicious lunch here."

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.

05
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.

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.

Lunch offers a good selection with salads, appetizers, pizza, pasta, and sandwiches. The lunch special includes a full Caesar salad plus a choice of pasta or sandwich, served with quick service.

People are saying

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

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

"The pasta dishes at this Lunch Spot are large and well prepared."

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.

06
Montage Laguna Beach image 1

Resort hotel offers breathtaking ocean views and a serene coastal atmosphere with a mix of quiet luxury and warm, busy energy in the afternoons. Amenities include world-class spa facilities featuring indoor and outdoor pools with spectacular views. The setting attracts those seeking pure luxury and a relaxing, elegant getaway.

Food features excellent service and a setting with stunning views. The menu complements the atmosphere, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Outdoor seating offers a casual vibe perfect for a ladies lunch or a date. Servers like Mason and Adam provide timely, attentive service ensuring meals are prepared properly.

People are saying

"The ocean views here are stunning and breathtaking."

"The staff's attitude, attention, and personality made the Day Lounge great."

"The food here was excellent and delicious."

Good to know

1

Weddings and private events can cause noise disruptions from 7 PM to 11 PM.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers in the lounge.

3

The main pool is currently under construction and is closed.

07
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.

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

Lunch offers quick service and close proximity to work and the beach. Tacos and beer create a casual, satisfying midday meal.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot has delicious food and quick service."

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

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.

08
Harvest image 1
American restaurant

Dining room offers 360-degree views of a beautiful canyon setting, creating a relaxing and quiet atmosphere. Large outdoor patio features live music with heaters and blankets, enhancing the experience. Signature cocktails use high-quality liquors and homemade syrups, complementing the overall vibe.

Food features excellent flavor and perfectly cooked dishes like cream kale and NY strip. Drinks complement the meal well, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Friendly service stands out during lunch, making the visit welcoming. Outdoor seating on the patio offers a chance to relax and enjoy live music after eating.

People are saying

"The views here are absolutely beautiful and amazing."

"The food here is flavorful and well-presented."

"This lunch spot has beautiful mountain and ocean views."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on busy weekends.

2

Valet parking is the only option available at Harvest.

3

Harvest offers nightly specials that change regularly.

09
GU Ramen Taps & Tapas image 1
Japanese restaurant

Rustic Japanese restaurant offers cozy, low-key vibe with comfortable bar seating and an open window for street views. Atmosphere stays casual and chill with old school music enhancing the experience. Popular spot for casual dinners and business lunches, known for phenomenal ramen and vegetarian and vegan options.

Food offers amazing flavor and authentic taste with optional spice levels. Dishes come fresh and priced reasonably, delivering great quality and service.

Trendy and reasonably priced options suit business lunches, casual meetups, or dinners. The spot offers a nice setting for lunch or dinner with friends or family.

People are saying

"This ramen is the best I have ever tasted."

"I thought the food here was really good."

"This lunch spot's ramen is delicious and customizable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.

2

Parking can be challenging; expect to circle around for a spot.

3

Prices are affordable, making it a great choice for casual dining.

10
Surf & Sand Laguna Beach image 1

Resort hotel sits directly on the ocean with private beach access and stunning sea views from rooms and restaurant. Atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing, enhanced by the sound of waves and exclusive spa amenities like an outdoor whirlpool. Guests enjoy comfortable rooms with ocean breezes and a tranquil setting ideal for unwinding.

Food here is delicious and elegantly presented. Dining includes exceptional dishes paired with great drinks.

Fresh seafood and crisp wine create a standout lunch experience. Combo specials offer a chance to enjoy both the meal and spa services.

People are saying

"I loved the ocean views from the porch each morning."

"The food here is creative and amazing."

"This lunch spot has gorgeous ocean views right on the sand."

Good to know

1

The hotel is undergoing renovations, which may affect guest experience.

2

The pool, spa, and gym are currently closed due to construction.

3

The hotel is not ADA compliant, making it unsuitable for wheelchair users.

11
Anastasia Cafe image 1

Small cafe with cozy ambiance and friendly vibe offers pet-friendly indoor seating and a connected boutique with discounted clothing. Outdoor seating complements a relaxed atmosphere in a beautiful setting. Menu features unique breakfast items with fresh ingredients and thoughtful presentation.

Large portions deliver fresh and flavorful dishes with an aesthetic presentation. Food tastes healthy and satisfying throughout.

A casual spot perfect for lunch with a relaxed vibe. Offers simple dishes like an omelet paired with coffee, great after beach time or errands.

People are saying

"The food here tastes so fresh and is really flavorful."

"This breakfast was fresh, satisfying, and energized me."

"This lunch spot's fresh ingredients taste so satisfying and energizing."

Good to know

1

Anastasia Cafe allows dogs inside and provides water bowls for pets.

2

During the week, there are plenty of tables and no wait times.

3

Parking is available nearby, but may require a short walk.

12
The Rooftop Lounge image 1

Rooftop setting offers stunning ocean views with a laid-back beachy vibe that shifts from peaceful mornings to lively, crowded evenings. Comfortable seating with heaters and blankets enhances the experience during cooler times. Music plays softly, complementing the relaxed atmosphere.

Food comes with great service and the kitchen stays open late enough to order comfortably. Dishes pair well with amazing views, making the dining experience stand out.

Lunch offers a great mix of appetizers and drinks with excellent service. Tables along the railing provide a popular view, so reservations are needed even on weekdays.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the amazing, beautiful view of the water and sunset."

"The food here was really good."

"This lunch spot has amazing views and friendly service."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2 to 5 pm, offering discounted drinks.

2

The brunch menu changes around 3pm, so plan accordingly.

3

Parking is not provided; nearby lots charge $20.

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