Location: Laguna Niguel
Top Restaurants in Laguna Niguel
Top Things to do in Laguna Niguel
Where to Eat in Laguna Niguel: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Laguna Niguel is a suburban city in Orange County, California in the United States. The name Laguna Niguel is derived from the words "Laguna" (Spanish for "lagoon") and "Niguili" (the name of a Native American village once located near Aliso Creek). As of the 2010 census, the population was 62,979. Laguna Niguel is located in the San Joaquin Hills in the southeastern corner of Orange County, close to the Pacific Ocean, and borders the cities of Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo and San Juan Capistrano.
Things to do in Laguna Niguel
1. OPAH Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 236 reviews
At Opah Restaurant & Bar, we serve the finest fresh fish in Orange County. Carefully hand selected each day to deliver the best quality available. Come in and enjoy the menu created by Marc A. Cohen, One of the Best Chef's in Orange County. The menu is exquisite, featuring edible works of art, that look so good the could be on a magazine cover. Dont forget to try one of our signature Award Winning Martinis, or have some wine outside near the fireplace on the patio. We offer live music for our patrons on certain nights as well to add to the dining experience. If you wondering how we came up with the name Opah. It comes from the Hawaiian word for Moonfish, which was once viewed as Good Luck by fisherman, & often given away as a gesture of Good Will.
Reviewed By rayu - Laguna Niguel, California
After reading all of the glowing reviews, we tried Opah last night. A great disappointment! Starting with lousy service, tasteless bread, dry short ribs, coconut shrimp without coconut, having to ask for butter three times, we won't be coming back for dinner. However, the clam chowder was excellent! We may come back for a bowl of chowder and a glass of wine, but the overpriced tasteless meals? Forget about it.
2. China Moon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By Stephen E - San Clemente, California
Lunch for two with really fresh ingredients, helpful staff and a Chinese chef who knows traditional Chinese cuisine...all for $25 for two people. Wanton strips with a good spicy dipping sauce, followed by tofu and vegetable broth soup, 2 pork and vegetable Mu Shu pancakes with hoisin sauce on the side, washed down with a pot of good jasmine tea. Will be returning soon to check out the rest of the menu....surprisingly good and also very affordable . 10/10 so far for this little gem
3. Montage Lobby Lounge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 140 reviews
Reviewed By Ann B
I enjoyed my birthday at the Montage in Laguna. The Loft has good food and a nice atmosphere and the service was great. I was given a cute slice of cake which said happy birthday and it was delicious. The baked chicken and sausage was beyond what I expected and my overall experience was fabulous‼ The lounge is relaxing and cozy and I even picked up a few items at the gift shop. Everyone wished me a happy birthday and I picked a pack a post cards that were so beautiful.
4. Peppino's Italian Family Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Aliso Viejo is our fabulous Pizzeria, a place where you can get gourmet pizzas such as Pizza alla Giuseppe made fresh to order. We also carry a variety of specialty dishes created and served at this location only, such as the extremely popular Pasta Colorado. This location also has a patio for enjoyable outdoor dining.
Reviewed By Bridgetpianos - new jersey
I usually like this restaurant but I ordered the Lemon chicken with mushrooms and olives. I hated in . It had no flavor . It looked like soup. I was so disappointed. The pro was they have a nice patio in the back.i don’t think I will go back bread was good salad so so server was good.
5. Mangia Bene
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 143 reviews
Established in 1991 Mangia Bene Cucina has been a Landmark of Orange County for over 20 years. Although we've gone through some ownership changes, we still maintain the same recipes that have made us a "most" destination for many of South Orange County's residents as well as our new and exciting monthly dishes that are sure to impress you. From the classics like our Homemade Lasagna and Penne Sonato, to our very popular salads, like the Mangia Bene Salad with Grilled Chicken and Seared Ahi Salad, as well as our monthly specials, we are confident you will have a great experience dinning with us. Come see why we've been an Orange County landmark since 1991. Bring your family to our family restaurant and experience Fresh Italian like you never have before
Reviewed By JimW551 - San Clemente, California
We ate here with friends tonight. My wife and I had the Caesar Clads as a starter and then we each had the spaghetti and meatballs. Both meals were just OK. My friends wife had the sea bass and thought it was OK. My friend had the Chicken Parmesan and liked it. The wine was nice and the service was good. Very good garlic bread!
6. Nick's Laguna Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Nick's indoor/outdoor Laguna Beach venue features Classic American comfort food, crave-able bar snacks, plus unique cocktails & an extensive wine list. Located in the heart of Laguna Beach, our intimate 80-seat restaurant features a chic bar and beautiful outdoor patio. Our décor highlights several artistic touches, from inlaid abalone and oyster-shell accents to artistic mosaic tile floors. The Exotic wood-trimmed booths and hand-blown glass lamps along with warm tones of brown, blue and sand complement the exposed brick walls. Our exhibition kitchen showcases the talents of our passionate culinary team. Nick’s Laguna Beach has become a favorite in Orange County to dine, drink and escape.
Reviewed By alanroytbak - Fair Lawn, New Jersey
Excellent spot right near the Laguna Beach. Staff is very friendly here, my wife changed her mind on her side and they brought her a different plate. We had tuna tartar appetizer, which was amazing. I had the fillet mignon steak and my wife had the Chilean Sea bass. Both were great, we also had kids with us, they loved the burger and the Mac and cheese.
7. Delizie Ristorante & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Happy Hour from 4pm - 6 pm all appetizers 25% off, Monday - Friday. Well drinks 4.50, beer 3.50, glass of House Chard, Chianti or W Zin 5.00Salvatore Faso, proprietor of Mission Viejo's Piccolino Ristorante on Los Alisos Blvd, expands his innovative cuisine to South Mission Viejo with the opening of Delizie Ristorante & Bar. Delizie, literally "delights" in Sal's native Italian, opens in the location of the former Capriccio Restaurant at 25380 Marguerite Pkwy in Mission Viejo.Faso hopes to restore the historic ambiance of the Capricio Restaurant, which served patrons in this location for over twenty years. Delizie offers homemade pastas, imported Italian delicatessens served on butcher blocks, and the freshest fish and meats daily as well as an extensive listing of wines from California and Italy. Delizie also features a full bar and banquet rooms, available for private parties.
Reviewed By Pat B - Laguna Hills, California
My wife and I visited Delizie and we were pleased and have returned since.
The style is authentic Italian, and the service is impeccable. Clearly, the owner watches all tables and ensures that when a wine glass is empty, a water glass is low, that the waiter is there to fill that glass.
The Oso Buco (a special at weekends, apparently) is great. My wife enjoys pasta and she was pleased. We spoiled ourselves with a bottle of champagne, meticulous service and good food.
They have all meats - beef, chicken, seafood. The menu is broad.
Be sure to call for a reservation. I like the window tables - quiet and semi-private.
8. The Original Pancake House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By maitaimike2015 - Laguna Hills, California
With all of the choices for Breakfast one has in South O.C. I must include The Original Pancake House for its unique menu items, tasteful quality offerings, and excellent all around service. It is located in a little shopping center between Oso Parkway & the 73 Toll Road. Although technically in the Aliso Viejo Zip code, for first timers visiting here, it is near the Nellie Gail Ranch area of Laguna Hills. If you visit on a Saturday or Sunday morning, a wait of 45 minutes to an hour is not unusual. Even week days bring in a steady crowd. They do not take reservations, so if you have a large group meeting for breakfast, they only seat you when everybody is here.
The recently remodeled interior now has many multiple booths configured in the center with a few larger ones on the wall that can seat 8-10, a welcome change from the rows of small "tippy" tables that were a little too claustrophobic for me. A few of these are still scattered around to fill in space. The interior is bright, and the conversation level is on the louder side. The foyer is a little cramped with a counter were you pay and the area to wait has one bench to sit inside. They now have those little gizmos so popular with busy restaurants, that buzz and light up to let you know your up. Outside is area with more benches. The sparse decor has some horse racing motif (I think the owners have some historical connection). The restrooms are small but clean.
I have visited this location some 50-60 times in the 27 years I have lived here, and can honestly attest to the consistency of the food served over that time as always being of first rate quality. My usual go to items are the Continental Crepes that is served with "Hot Tropical" syrup that is to die for. Also, the Eggs Michael that may be exclusive to this location since it does not appear on the O.P.H. website menu. An egg & sausage patty with mushroom sherry sauce on an english muffin with super crispy potato pancakes, side of sour cream and applesauce to slather - oh yes!! I have also had the signature Apple Pancake as well, but I recommend it shared among the party as dessert. It is super tasty sweet and may come to the table bubbling hot. Let it cool. The Omelettes are huge, fluffy, and oh so tasty. I prefer the lunch version with chicken and spinach.
As always, it is the little things that make breakfast here great. If you like you bacon super crispy like me, they cook it perfect every time. The Orange Juice they serve tastes better than any place else I've tried period!! I have friends who echo that same opinion. The coffee is good but not spectacular. The German Potatoes are also an exclusive side dish. I order them with onions and well done to give them some more taste, otherwise they are a little bland. Also, If I order any style egg, it is always cooked right the first time-over easy is never over hard-thank you O.P.H.!
The service I have experienced over the years has been top notch, many of the waitstaff has been there awhile, A older German lady was my favorite server in the 90's, she since retired. On the recent morning I was there with a friend, the head hostess was leaving after 20 years. That says something about this place. When I had to remind our waitress once about my orange juice, she immediately brought me a large and only charged me for the smaller size. That is executing service the right way. Yes, when the bill comes it might suprise you. Ala carte items can add up quickly. But this was never meant to be a fast and cheap place to scarf down the first meal of the day. This is where you treat people you love and care about to exeptional food. This is about enjoying life, sharing memories. I have no qualms regarding price here, totally worth it !!
9. Baja Fish Tacos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By marc c - Mission Viejo, California
The line moves quickly and the food is served promptly as well. It's larger than I expected inside, so plenty of tables. There is a salsa bar to fill up on the sauces while you wait for your order. Had the enchiladas combo (good) chicken taco (very good) and a Ensenada fish taco (very good). The tacos were small for $3.50 each, but tasted great. We'll go back again.
10. Stacks Pancake House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By David Z - Denton, Texas
Order at the counter from an extensive menu offering both breakfast and lunch items then grab a seat in this fast casual restaurant. Portions are very large, quality is excellent and service is fast, friendly and efficient.Thank you for taking a moment to leave a review, David. I am pleased to know that you enjoyed the large portions, friendly service, great quality food, and extensive menu options! Be sure to stop in again soon. Best, Nixon Tanuwidjaja (Owner)
