230 Forest Avenue

4.8

2882 Reviews

$30 and under

Californian

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 11, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 23 times today

Neighborhood gem
Great for creative cocktails
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 2,882 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.6Value

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 offers "a remarkable fine dining experience," blending sophisticated ambiance and culinary artistry. Praised for "outstanding food, superb service, and inviting atmosphere," it is a favorite for both locals and visitors. The attentive staff and gourmet dishes make it "a must-visit" destination for any occasion.

2,882 Reviews

T
Tyler VIP
Tahoe18 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
230 Forest is always great! We love coming here when in Laguna Beach.
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F
Frank VIP
Orange County13 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was fine , a very enjoyable evening. The cocktails and the food were great and prepared and served in a timely & attractive manner.
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D
Deborah VIP
Las Vegas39 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 27, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
My reason were coming back was five years ago. I ate here and their oysters were out of this world with a pomegranate vodka gratin on top. They were just as good this time and I thoroughly enjoyed them.
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t
timothy VIP
Los Angeles43 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 23, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My wife had the spicy tuna (sans the extra jalapeno pepper on top) and I had the candied salmon salad - both were fabulous. Every time we come here we have to have our go to cocktail - the Ruby Rickey...so good. When we are in Laguna, this is a great place to stop in for a meal
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L
Linda VIP
San Diego17 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
This is a great spot in Laguna! Try the prime rib sandwich- it’s amazing! Staff if wonderful too!
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S
Susan VIP
Orange County17 reviews
4.0
Dined on February 19, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Filet mignon excellent, and also enjoyed the day boat scallops.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County1 review
5.0
Dined on February 18, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The halibut special is my very favorite fish dish ever! It never disappoints!
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A
Alice
Orange County11 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of our favorite restaurants at Laguna beach. We enjoyed every visit.
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J
Jeannie
Los Angeles4 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 16, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Best dinner. Can't believe we had never been before this evening. Wonderful experience. Thank you to our amazing waiter - Jorge ... and the manager on duty this evening. Excellent. Everything was amazing. O
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A
Andrew
Nashville1 review
5.0
Dined on February 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food and service was amazing! Food came out hot and fresh. I will definitely come back when I’m in town. I think the oysters could’ve had something spicy with the topping it had. Service was fast!
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FAQs

230 Forest Avenue is rated 4.8 stars by 2882 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 11, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 23 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 2,882 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