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Driftwood Kitchen, Laguna Beach, CA

Driftwood Kitchen

4.5
4.5
1309 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood

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2 people
19:00
Booked 12 times today
  • Great for scenic views
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for brunch
Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom bar is a casual restaurant that serves ocean-to-table fare next to a lovely waterfront view. Helmed by executive Chef Rainer Schwarz, the menu showcases an eclectic selection of seafood dishes that highlight the diversity of the Pacific. Menu highlights include hand-shucked oysters, salmon, octopus, swordfish and lobster, prepared with nothing but the finest and freshest ingredients. Driftwood also offers alternative menu items for landlubbers, such as dishes made of chicken or steak.

Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom Bar is open all through the week. In addition to its dinner menu, the restaurant serves brunch 7 days a week between 9 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. The airy dining room is a great place to enjoy a casual business lunch or a fun outing with friends. Driftwood Kitchen also boasts a bar, open from 9am - 10:30pm everyday.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Californian
  • Hours of Operation
    Daily 9:00 am–2:15 pm Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (949) 715-7700
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Rainer Schwarz
  • Catering
    The Driftwood Private Room is just upstairs of the Driftwood Kitchen and State Room Bar, and offers sparkling ocean views. Inspired by the historical charm of the building, the rich dark hardwood floors and paneling, grey tufted chairs and bay windows, this ambiance offers a very private setting for your business or social gathering.
  • Private party facilities
    With unobstructed views of the Ocean, our unique ocean front property offers a spectacular location for special events and weddings of many styles and sizes. We are able to customize each of our unique spaces to accommodate birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, corporate gatherings, weddings ceremonies and receptions, or a day at the beach,
  • Area
    Laguna Beach
  • Cross Street
    Coast Highway and Cleo
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Public transit
    Trolley stop Coast Hwy @ Cleo St, SB - Stop 14
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Farm to Table, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan

What 1,309 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Driftwood Kitchen, perched beachside, offers "amazing views" and "excellent service." Guests rave about its "delicious seafood" and "attentive staff," making it ideal for special occasions. While some mention noise levels and pricing, the overall experience, highlighted by memorable sunsets and fresh dishes, consistently delights its visitors.

1,309 Reviews
  1. CeCe

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Unfortunately, our Christmas dinner was ruined. Three of us received our meals and our son's girlfriend didn't get hers, so we all had to wait for her food and ours got cold in the meantime. When they finally brought her lamb it was burnt. She didn't want to say anything so she was trying to eat it, but it was inedible. We had to send it back and then she was without food again which was very awkward. Our son's ribeye was also pretty crispy and the top was like shoe leather. He couldn't even cut through it and finally cut the top off. It was really embarrassing because I chose the restaurant and this was the first time we were going out with our son's girlfriend. The manager ended up comping part of the meal, but obviously that could not make up for a ruined holiday dinner. We will try somewhere else next time. Too bad because we had enjoyed this restaurant in the past.

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  2. Mary

    Las Vegas

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service! Lobster Carbonara is outstanding! Amazing views! Bar area with fireplace is a must enjoy moment.

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  3. Rachael

    VIP

    Denver

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Driftwood Kitchen boasts a stunning location with breathtaking views, but unfortunately, the experience fell short in several critical areas. For a high-end, expensive restaurant, one would expect exceptional service and accommodation, particularly for guests with dietary restrictions. My dad, who has strict dietary needs, was only offered a tiny side salad with cucumbers and tomatoes—something that could have easily been turned into a more substantial meal with minimal effort. When we asked for a larger option, we were rudely told no, which felt dismissive and unkind. Additionally, the food itself was a disappointment. The fish and chips were completely unappetizing; if I had wanted an entire fried fish, I would have ordered that specifically. There was no prior indication that the dish would arrive as an overwhelming whole fish on the plate, and it was both off-putting and poorly executed. Driftwood Kitchen is in desperate need of a revamp, not only in the kitchen but also in its approach to hospitality. A restaurant of this caliber should excel at making all guests feel welcome and catered to, especially those with unique dietary needs. Sadly, that was not the case during our visit.

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  4. Joanne

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was good, would love another vegan option for the brunch. Place was nice, views were great!

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  5. michael

    VIP

    Dallas

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Based on the reviews, I was expecting much more. Unfortunately, the food was subpar, and we found the menu quite difficult to select options that we would enjoy. We were also anticipating a more formal experience, but instead walked into screaming babies and dogs sitting at the tables with other patrons.

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  6. Charles

    Orange County

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 December 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    The food and service was great. One individual who was dining in may have had too much to drink and was extremely loud and somewhat provocative but not in the restaurants control.

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  7. Krista

    Los Angeles

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on 9 December 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Sunday night was very quiet. There was only 1 other couple.

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  8. Michelle

    VIP

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 1 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of my favorite places to eat in Laguna. Stellar location and direct beach access.

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  9. Leslie

    VIP

    Los Angeles

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on 30 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful brunch on a beautiful day in Laguna. Perfect spot

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  10. Govanny

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 29 November 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was very bland and overpriced for what we got. I understand you have a great view but the food is mediocre

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FAQs

Driftwood Kitchen is rated 4.5 stars by 1309 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 12 times today
Google Map for Driftwood Kitchen

619 Sleepy Hollow Ln., Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Coast Highway and Cleo
  • Area
    Laguna Beach
  • Hours of Operation
    Daily 9:00 am–2:15 pm Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Californian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet
  • Public transit
    Trolley stop Coast Hwy @ Cleo St, SB - Stop 14
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Rainer Schwarz
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Farm to Table, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan
  • Phone number
    (949) 715-7700
  • Catering
    The Driftwood Private Room is just upstairs of the Driftwood Kitchen and State Room Bar, and offers sparkling ocean views. Inspired by the historical charm of the building, the rich dark hardwood floors and paneling, grey tufted chairs and bay windows, this ambiance offers a very private setting for your business or social gathering.
  • Private party facilities
    With unobstructed views of the Ocean, our unique ocean front property offers a spectacular location for special events and weddings of many styles and sizes. We are able to customize each of our unique spaces to accommodate birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, corporate gatherings, weddings ceremonies and receptions, or a day at the beach,
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