Driftwood Kitchen: Coastal Dining Above the Laguna Beach Surf

A premier oceanfront dining destination in Laguna Beach with stunning, unobstructed views of the Pacific.
Specializes in fresh, high-quality seafood and classic California coastal cuisine.
The "Stateroom" bar offers an impressive menu of craft cocktails with a view.
Valet parking is available, which is a significant convenience in a busy area like Laguna Beach.
The ambiance is bright and airy, reminiscent of a Cape Cod beach house, but can get noisy.
An ideal spot for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or a memorable meal after a coastal drive.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for sunset dining.
While pricey, the combination of food quality, service, and unparalleled location makes it a worthwhile experience.

The Perfect End to a Coastal Drive

The sun dips low over the Pacific, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The windows of your car are down, and the salty air whips through the cabin, a refreshing counterpoint to the purr of the engine. You've just spent the day carving through the winding roads of the Laguna Beach & Orange County Coast, a drive that’s as much about the journey as the destination. And now, as the day winds down, the perfect final stop awaits: Driftwood Kitchen, a gem of a restaurant perched on the cliffs of Laguna Beach, promising a meal as spectacular as the views.

The Driver's Arrival

Pulling up to Driftwood Kitchen is an experience in itself. After a day of gripping the wheel and navigating the stunning, yet demanding, coastal roads, the convenience of valet parking is a welcome luxury. Handing over the keys, you leave the car behind and step into a different world. The restaurant’s entrance, with its subtle nautical theme, hints at the coastal elegance that awaits within. The transition from the driver's seat to the dining table is seamless, a well-orchestrated welcome that allows you to shed the road and embrace the evening.

An Ambiance of Coastal Charm

The dining room at Driftwood Kitchen is a study in understated elegance. The decor is bright and airy, with a color palette that mirrors the sand and sea outside. The Cape Cod-inspired design, with its clean lines and natural textures, creates a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. But the real star of the show is the view. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer an unobstructed panorama of the Pacific Ocean, and the rhythmic crash of waves provides a soothing soundtrack to your meal. While the restaurant can get lively and a bit noisy, it only adds to the vibrant, celebratory feel of the place.

A Feast for the Senses

The menu at Driftwood Kitchen is a love letter to the sea. The focus is on fresh, seasonal seafood, prepared with a light and flavorful touch. Start your culinary journey with the DK Seafood Tower, a magnificent display of oysters, shrimp, and other ocean treasures. For the main course, the Pan-Seared Diver Scallops are a must-try, cooked to perfection and served with a delicate sauce that enhances their natural sweetness. Other standouts include the Grilled Spanish Octopus and the simply grilled Whole Branzino. For those who prefer turf to surf, the menu also offers a selection of high-quality meats, including a perfectly cooked Filet Mignon.

The Stateroom Bar: A Destination in Itself

Even if you're not staying for a full meal, the Stateroom Bar at Driftwood Kitchen is worth a visit. With the same stunning ocean views as the main dining room, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or a nightcap. The cocktail menu is creative and extensive, with a focus on classic drinks with a modern twist. The