Laguna Beach, a coastal town about an hour south of LA, has lots to offer – stunning beaches, art galleries, shopping and tons of restaurants. There is a wide selection of dining options in town but, every time I visit, there are a few dishes I have to have!
1. Avocado Toast — Zinc Cafe & Market
While avocado toast has become widely popular in California, this is my hands down favorite avo toast so far! The bread is toasted just right and topped with a thin layer of butter. Then, after a layer of fresh, thinly cut radish, there is a heap of delicious avocado. And, sprinkled on top is fresh dill and some sea salt!
Also, if you are a fan of matcha like me, you will love their matcha lattes!
2. Banzai Bowl — Banzai Bowls
For a healthy breakfast or afternoon snack, grab an acai bowl and head to the beach! These bowls are delicious – you have the option to pick acai or pitaya (my personal fav!) as your base with tons of fruit and topping options like shaved coconut, bee pollen and honey.
3. ‘A Study of Eggs Benedict’ — Sapphire
Sapphire has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants – the outdoor patio is spacious with a partial view of the ocean and heat lamps + blankets for colder evenings. The staff is amazing and their menu is innovative and ever-changing, which is one of the reasons I love to order ‘A Study of Eggs Benedict’ for brunch – the preparation of the eggs and ingredients changes every so often and I love to switch things up!
Not to mention all of their other brunch items are amazing (hello, buttermilk pancakes with ricotta cheese). Dinner is just as good with an excellent drink menu (very tasty martinis!).
If you are looking for something on the go, head to Sapphire Pantry next door for your coffee needs as well as gourmet cheese and wines and some light menu options (breakfast tacos and kobe beef burgers to name a few).
4. Sexy Truffle Sashimi (and pretty much the entire menu!) — 242 Cafe Fusion Sushi
Where to even begin with 242 Cafe Fusion… the sushi is out of this world delicious! Chef Miki creates original and inventive sushi rolls and flavor combinations that are unlike any others I’ve had before. Many of the sushi dishes are inspired by nature and Laguna Beach – with rolls like ‘Laguna Canyon’, ‘Emerald Bay’ and ‘Gives You Energy.’ Be aware that there is no soy sauce here.. and that’s because you won’t need any as the dishes are already so flavorful!
The restaurant is small but cozy and is located right on Coast Highway with a view of Main Beach. Stop by for dinner on a weeknight or plan to arrive early on a weekend evening to avoid the crowds!
5. Gelato — Gelato Paradiso
You’ll smell Gelato Paradiso before you even see it! Located in a little alley way between shops on Coast Highway, this gelato shop is somewhat hidden. The smell of their homemade waffle cones wafts down the street bringing in plenty of passersby – but don’t worry the line moves fast! They have a huge selection of flavors as well as sorbet options.
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