230 Forest Avenue

4.9

2822 Reviews

$30 and under

Californian

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 24 times today

Neighborhood gem
Great for outdoor dining
Good for special occasions

Don't be fooled by the crowds and the noise; they are all part of the scene here at Laguna Beach's sexy and intense 230 Forest Avenue. The lean deep room seduces you to the open kitchen, bustling bar, and concrete floors, creating a space that is part modern bistro, part martini bar, and part art gallery. It's the perfect spot to see and be seen, laid back Laguna-style. Executive Chef Marc Cohen is consistently recognized as one of The OC's top chefs. You'll be ready to award him a medal, too, after tasting his flashy-to-the-eye, tickle-the-taste- buds fusion appetizers and entrees. His dishes are often so stunning that they compete with the artwork on the walls, making for a thoroughly satisfying "artistic" experience.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Californian, American, Seafood
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 11:00 am–3:30 pm Dinner Daily 3:30 pm–8:30 pm
Phone number
(949) 494-2545
Website
http://www.230Forestavenue.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Marc Cohen

Location
230 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Neighborhood
Laguna Beach
Cross street
PCH
Parking details
There is metered parking all along Forest Avenue as well as several "pay" lots near by.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,822 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.9

4.9 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Orange County
Californian
South Orange County
Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

230 Forest Avenue in Laguna Beach is a top dining destination known for its "amazing quality" and "exceptional service." Diners rave about the "creative and delicious" cuisine, whether enjoying the relaxed outdoor patio or the vibrant indoor setting. With standout dishes like lamb chops and seafood specials, it's a must-visit culinary gem.

2,822 Reviews

T
Theresa
Orange County
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined today
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely delicious! Wonderful atmosphere. Delightful service. Had the halibut special and I can't say enough about how good it was!
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G
George
Chicago
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Delightful meal and experience. Carlos is a terrific waiter.
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S
Scott
Denver
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We just happened to go here randomly because a valet guy recommended it. The food was incredible. By far the best French onion soup ever!
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D
Dina
Orange County
54 reviews
vip
5.0
54 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We celebrated my friend's birthday at 230 Forest today. We sat outside on their beautiful patio and enjoyed the great weather and perfect food. We ordered fish tacos and the candied walnut and salmon salad. Pure deliciousness all around! The service was excellent and attentive. I have dined at 230 Forest since 1998. I love it every time! I highly recommend this Laguna Beach treasure.
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S
Stew
Orange County
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food. Served piping hot. Service excellent as well.
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A
Adam
Los Angeles
22 reviews
vip
4.0
22 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
We shared a bunch of starters and one main dish. The bread rolls were fantastic, bacon wrapped dates, brussels, all of it was enjoyable and we will be back!
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k
kathy
Orange County
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent meal drinks and service . Cozy and fun! Thank you
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M
Michael
Pittsburgh
71 reviews
vip
5.0
71 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This place is consistent, welcoming, lovely and the food is so much more. Our favorite place in Laguna Beach. Robbie is our waiter of choice and is attentive and really fun to be around. We always get the bacon wrapped dates. We love the burger and the chicken sandwich. The parker house rolls are fluffy and delicious. the truffle fries and the aioli should be illegal. The desserts are beyond yummy. From the decor to the location to the folks and for sure the food this place is a must visit while visiting Laguna Beach just steps from the ocean. Chef's Kiss!
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R
Randy
Orange County
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The service and food are outstanding. I started with oysters in the half shell and roasted Brussels sprouts. The oysters were extremely fresh and a great size. For my main, I had the braised shortribs on potato gnocchi, and it was outstanding.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Dublin
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing! 5/5 star experience. Service, food, ambience. I was able to hold an amazing conversation at the dinner table because the noise wasn’t overpowering, which I greatly appreciate. I couldn’t recommend this place more.
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FAQs

230 Forest Avenue is rated 4.9 stars by 2822 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 23, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 24 times today

230 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Additional information

Cross street
PCH
Neighborhood
Laguna Beach
Hours of operation
Lunch Daily 11:00 am–3:30 pm Dinner Daily 3:30 pm–8:30 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Californian, American, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
There is metered parking all along Forest Avenue as well as several "pay" lots near by.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Marc Cohen
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.230Forestavenue.com/
Phone number
(949) 494-2545

230 Forest Avenue

Make a reservation

Additional information

Menu

What 2,822 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is 230 Forest Avenue restaurant rated?

Is 230 Forest Avenue currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information