Driftwood Kitchen

4.5

1296 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Make a booking

2 people

25 Nov 2024

19:00

Booked 24 times today

Experiences are available.

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
Website
http://www.driftwoodkitchen.com/
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,

Location
619 Sleepy Hollow Ln., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
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

Experiences

Thanksgiving Buffet
US$40.00 - US$125.00 per person
28 Nov 2024 only
Join us for a special ocean front Thanksgiving Buffet, which includes: San Danielle Prosciutto, Roasted Autumn Vegetable salad, Little Gem Salad. Seafood on ice station includes: Mexican shrimp, crab claws, octopus salad, tuna sashimi. Carving stations include: Maple-Herb Roasted Organic Turkey, and Roasted Double R Ranch Prime Rib. Accompanied with Traditional Gravy, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, apple-fennel stuffing, Green Bean Casserole, Honey & thyme glazed carrots, cranberry sauce, Silver dollar rolls, creamy horseradish. Fish station offering, Ora King Salmon filet, Dungeness crab cakes. Kids station offering, Mac & Cheese, Chicken Fingers, Mini Corn Dogs and French Fries. The dessert station offering a variety of pies and cookies.

Popular dishes

DK SEAFOOD TOWER
maine lobster tail | crab | poached jumbo mexican shrimp | oysters on the half shell | spanish octopus ceviche | tuna tartare
- PetiteUS$90.00
- LargeUS$140.00
OYSTERS
selection of east & west coast | on the 1/2 shell | classic mignonette
- 1/2 dozenUS$24.00
- dozenUS$46.00
CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS & SHISHITO PEPPERSUS$19.00
yuzu aioli | soy balsamic glaze | togarashi *Vegetarian
MAINE LOBSTER FLAUTAUS$23.00
green bomba sauce | lime crema | pepino pico de gallo
CRISPY FINGERLING POTATOESUS$12.00
rosemary | pecorino romano | lemon zest | herb aioli
HAWAIIAN BIG EYE TUNA TARTAREUS$24.00
yukon gold potato terrine | shoyu | sesame | quail egg | yuzu creme fraiche | caviar
SALT COD CROQUETAS
Yukon gold potato | fennel | frisbee | green apple | yuzu kasha aioli
WILD WHITE SHRIMP SCAMPIUS$24.00
roasted garlic | lemon | vermont butter | herbs | focaccia
SPANISH OCTOPUSUS$21.00
bilbao chorizo | crispy fingerling potatoes | romesco sauce | chimichurri
GRILLED MONTEREY BAY CALAMARIUS$5.00
gigante bean salad | whole grain mustard & pancetta vinaigrette
TODAY'S SELECTION OF CURED MEATS AND ARTISANAL CHEESESUS$28.00
fig jam | whole grain mustard | marcona almonds | carnichons & bread
COLOSSAL PRAWN COCKTAILUS$24.00
bloody mary cocktail sauce | spicy remoulade

SOUPS & SALADS

CLAM CHOWDA
sea clams | applewood smoked bacon | fingerling potatoes | cream
- cupUS$8.00
- bowlUS$16.00
THE DRIFTWOOD WEDGEUS$18.00
baby iceburg lettuce | pecan smoked bacon | oven-dried tomatoes | point reyes blue cheese dressing | shaved red onion | breakfast radish
WHOLE LEAF GEM CAESAR SALADUS$18.00
creamy caesar dressing | reggiano | white anchovy | croutons with grilled chicken 26 | with grilled shrimp 30 | with ora king salmon 34
HEIRLOOM TOATOES & STRACCIATELLAUS$18.00
laudemio evo | trebbiano balsamic | creamy basil pesto
DWK CRAB LOUIE SALADUS$18.00
shaved iceberg lettuce | persian cucumbers | Campari tomatoes | jammy egg | louie dressing

LARGE PLATES

PAN SEARED NEW BEDFORD SEA SCALLOPSUS$56.00
roasted forest mushrooms | applewood smoked bacon | baby spinach | truffle potato puree | black truffle butter
GLACIER 51 CHILEAN SEABASS MISOYAKIUS$54.00
crispy sushi rice cake | soy braised shittake mushroom | grilled tokya negi | baby ginger | sake beurre blanc
LOBSTER SPAGHETTI CARBONARAUS$39.00
farm egg | pork guancale | grated parmesan romano | tarragon
CRISPY SKIN ORA KING SALMONUS$42.00
thai red curry | coconut milk | fingerling potatoes | swiss chard | peppers | onions | kaffir | lime | herbs
DOUBLE R RANCH FILET SURF & TURFUS$69.00
double R ranch filet | maine lobster tail | asparagus | whipped potatoes | bernaise
FISHERMAN'S STEWUS$45.00
fresh cuts of fish & shellfish | spicy tomato broth | garlic toast
BAKED MAINE LOBSTER THERMIDORUS$60.00
cognac | creme fraiche | asparagus | beech mushrooms | bearnaise | mixed baby greens
ROASTED SEASONAL VEGETABLES WITH ROMESCO & MINTUS$32.00
baby summer squash | snap peas | fingerling potatoes | asparagus | pea vines | fava beans | English pea pesto | mushroom escabeche | baguette
SNAKE RIVER FARM EYE OF RIBEYE STEAKUS$78.00
creamy kale | vidalia onion rings | DWK steak sauce
KANSAS STEAK OSCARUS$78.00
jumbo lump crabmeat | grilled asparagus | béarnaise
GRILLED NEW ZEALAND LAMB CHOPSUS$42.00
moroccan spice double cut chops | grilled vegetable tagging | farro tabouleh | harissa yogurt
GRILLED HALF MARY'S CHICKENUS$38.00
crushed yukon gold potato | roasted baby carrots | creamy chimichurri | natural jus

FOR THE TABLE

PARKER HOUSE ROLLUS$9.00
vermont creamery butter
MUSHROOMSUS$12.00
cremini mushrooms | bourbon | demi glace
ROASTED BABY RAINBOW CARROTSUS$12.00
honey | thyme | lebni
GRILLED BROCCOLINIUS$12.00
Calabrian chilies | lemon zest | pine nuts | crescenza cheese

What 1,296 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

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Driftwood Kitchen in Laguna Beach offers a delightful dining experience with "amazing ocean views" and "excellent service." Guests rave about the "delicious food," especially the seafood dishes like the Chilean sea bass and lobster carbonara. While some mention slow service during busy times, the "stunning coastal ambiance" makes it a memorable spot, particularly for brunch. Ideal for special occasions, the venue is known for its picturesque setting and attentive staff.

1,296 Reviews

J
Joy
Orange County
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Driftwood Kitchen in Laguna Beach offers a charming dining experience thanks to its breathtaking ocean views, which are easily the highlight of the visit. The restaurant itself is small, and we were seated indoors, but the ambiance remained cozy. The food was good—fresh and well-prepared—but nothing particularly memorable stood out. Service was standard, efficient but not exceptional. Overall, it’s worth a visit if you’re looking to enjoy a meal with stunning coastal scenery
Is this helpful?
D
Dennis
London
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great experience: server was welcoming and attentive; relaxed ambience with beautiful view; and generous portion of fish and chips, with well spiced fries!
Is this helpful?
B
Bill
Orange County
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful view and attentive service. Food was quite good
Is this helpful?
D
Dave
Orange County
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
The scallops were weird and mushy. The pasta was okay, but also mushy. The clam chowder was good. Ambiance was excellent. View very nice. Service fine.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 17 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
So yummy! Amazing service and everything was 10/10
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 17 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food with a breathtaking view! Staff was so nice also. I’ll recommend this place to everyone! I will definitely be back!
Is this helpful?
L
Lynn
Central Coast
32 reviews
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on 17 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is a wonderful restaurant overlooking the ocean with delicious food, creative menu & attentive staff.
Is this helpful?
D
Donna
Los Angeles
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on 17 November 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
My biggest complaint was the restaurant’s lack of flexibility on what we wanted to order. As a paying customer, they should accommodate my requests, as long as they are reasonable. I asked to add chicken to a salad-they said they don’t do that because they don’t want salads to turn into full entrees so clearly they don’t make enough $ on them. I asked for my wedge salad to be chopped-I was told no, the kitchen will not do that. These are reasonable requests that as a paying customer should be accommodated. Our waiter was nice and our service was good so I think it was restaurant management/kitchen rules and not the waiters fault.
Is this helpful?
W
Wendy
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 16 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service, excellent food, beautiful Views
Is this helpful?
A
Annette
Orange County
77 reviews
vip
3.0
77 reviews
Dined on 16 November 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Location and view, excellent. Food was disappointing.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

Driftwood Kitchen is rated 4.5 stars by 1296 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

25 Nov 2024

19:00

Booked 24 times today

Experiences are available.

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

Website
http://www.driftwoodkitchen.com/
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,

Driftwood Kitchen

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information

Thanksgiving Buffet

DK Seafood Tower

French Toast

GRANOLA CRUSTED FRENCH TOAST

SMALL PLATES

DK SEAFOOD TOWER

OYSTERS

CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS & SHISHITO PEPPERSUS$19.00

MAINE LOBSTER FLAUTAUS$23.00

CRISPY FINGERLING POTATOESUS$12.00

HAWAIIAN BIG EYE TUNA TARTAREUS$24.00

SALT COD CROQUETAS

WILD WHITE SHRIMP SCAMPIUS$24.00

SPANISH OCTOPUSUS$21.00

GRILLED MONTEREY BAY CALAMARIUS$5.00

TODAY'S SELECTION OF CURED MEATS AND ARTISANAL CHEESESUS$28.00

COLOSSAL PRAWN COCKTAILUS$24.00

SOUPS & SALADS

CLAM CHOWDA

THE DRIFTWOOD WEDGEUS$18.00

WHOLE LEAF GEM CAESAR SALADUS$18.00

HEIRLOOM TOATOES & STRACCIATELLAUS$18.00

DWK CRAB LOUIE SALADUS$18.00

LARGE PLATES

PAN SEARED NEW BEDFORD SEA SCALLOPSUS$56.00

GLACIER 51 CHILEAN SEABASS MISOYAKIUS$54.00

LOBSTER SPAGHETTI CARBONARAUS$39.00

CRISPY SKIN ORA KING SALMONUS$42.00

DOUBLE R RANCH FILET SURF & TURFUS$69.00

FISHERMAN'S STEWUS$45.00

BAKED MAINE LOBSTER THERMIDORUS$60.00

ROASTED SEASONAL VEGETABLES WITH ROMESCO & MINTUS$32.00

SNAKE RIVER FARM EYE OF RIBEYE STEAKUS$78.00

KANSAS STEAK OSCARUS$78.00

GRILLED NEW ZEALAND LAMB CHOPSUS$42.00

GRILLED HALF MARY'S CHICKENUS$38.00

FOR THE TABLE

PARKER HOUSE ROLLUS$9.00

MUSHROOMSUS$12.00

ROASTED BABY RAINBOW CARROTSUS$12.00

GRILLED BROCCOLINIUS$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is Driftwood Kitchen restaurant rated?

Is Driftwood Kitchen currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information