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Best Southern American Restaurants in Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

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53 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Sapphire, Cellar.Craft.Cook restaurant
1. Sapphire, Cellar.Craft.Cook
4.7
Exceptional(1812)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Laguna Beach
Booked 38 times today
Sapphire, Cellar. Craft. Cook in Laguna Beach is a gem for seafood lovers, known for its quality and authenticity. Diners rave about the "incredibly fresh seafood" that consistently delights the palate, showcasing the expertise and passion of the culinary team. Guests are often wowed by the creative takes on fresh oysters and the perfectly cooked salmon, which are described as "savory and satisfying." The ambiance complements the dining experience, with outdoor seating offering picturesque ocean views that enhance the enjoyment of each dish. With attentive service and a commitment to excellence, Sapphire is a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts.
A photo of OPAH Restaurant & Bar restaurant
2. OPAH Restaurant & Bar
4.8
Exceptional(1622)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 22 times today
Opah Restaurant & Bar @ Town Center Aliso Viejo offers an exceptional American dining experience that truly stands out in the heart of Aliso Viejo. Renowned for its consistently great service and high-quality cuisine, this local gem impresses with its diverse menu and meticulous preparation, especially their seafood selections. Regulars rave about the "amazing hazelnut encrusted halibut" and the "delicious bacon-wrapped dates," showcasing authentic American flavors with a gourmet twist. The inviting atmosphere, enhanced by a cozy outdoor patio, makes Opah a favorite spot for both intimate dinners and lively gatherings. With glowing reviews praising the "phenomenal service" and "excellent experience on all points," Opah is a must-visit for anyone seeking stellar American cuisine.
A photo of Harvest restaurant
3. Harvest
4.6
Exceptional(2483)
Price: Very Expensive
• Southern american • Laguna Beach
Booked 48 times today
Harvest in Laguna Beach is a shining example of exceptional Contemporary American cuisine, where farm-to-table freshness meets culinary artistry. Executive Chef Kyle St. John crafts each dish with ingredients harvested from the restaurant's own half-acre Harvest Farm, making every bite a testament to quality and authenticity. Diners rave about the "incredibly fresh options" and "beautiful presentation" of the dishes, highlighting the chef's ability to infuse traditional American flavors with a contemporary twist. The stunning views of Aliso Canyon and the friendly, attentive service further elevate the dining experience, making Harvest a must-visit for anyone seeking remarkable Contemporary American fare.
A photo of Driftwood Kitchen restaurant
4. Driftwood Kitchen
4.5
Awesome(1369)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Laguna Beach
Booked 44 times today
Driftwood Kitchen in Laguna Beach offers an exceptional American dining experience that beautifully combines "fantastic seafood" with a breathtaking beachfront view. The establishment, praised for its "excellent service" and "delicious food," serves up a delightful variety of ocean-to-table dishes, including freshly shucked oysters and expertly prepared sea bass. The ambiance is described as "relaxing and refined," providing the perfect backdrop for enjoying the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Guests rave about the "attentive staff" and commend the restaurant for making special occasions truly memorable. Driftwood Kitchen's commitment to quality and authenticity makes it a standout destination for American cuisine lovers.
A photo of The Drake in Laguna restaurant
5. The Drake in Laguna
4.9
Exceptional(1527)
Price: Very Expensive
• Southern american • Laguna Beach
Booked 34 times today
The Drake in Laguna Beach is a seafood lover's paradise, celebrated for its “phenomenal” seafood dishes that consistently impress diners. This charming restaurant offers an exquisite blend of New American cuisine with a keen emphasis on fresh, flavorful seafood. Diners rave about the “outstanding” salmon and halibut, often described as “perfectly cooked” and “deliciously presented.” The Drake's commitment to quality is evident in every bite, with seasonal offerings that highlight the ocean's bounty. Alongside the delectable cuisine, the ambiance is enhanced by live jazz performances, creating a vibrant, memorable dining experience that is truly “special” and not to be missed.
A photo of King's Fish House - Laguna Hills restaurant
6. King's Fish House - Laguna Hills
4.7
Exceptional(4988)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
Booked 111 times today
King's Fish House in Laguna Hills is a true gem for lovers of authentic American cuisine, particularly seafood fans. Renowned for its "fresh oysters and seasonal catches," this establishment has been delighting patrons since 1997 with a menu that changes daily to reflect the freshest offerings. Diners rave about the "perfectly cooked and delicious" dishes, from the crispy fried shrimp to the flavorful sand dabs. The warm and inviting atmosphere, complemented by an attentive staff, ensures every visit is a memorable experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual meal, King's Fish House consistently delivers excellence in American seafood dining.
A photo of Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook restaurant
7. Ironwood, Cellar.Craft.Cook
4.7
Exceptional(2924)
Price: Moderate
• Southern american • Laguna Hills / Lake Forest / Foothill Ranch
Booked 46 times today
Ironwood, Cellar. Craft. Cook. in Laguna Hills is a haven for seafood enthusiasts, offering a menu crafted with the highest quality seasonal ingredients. Diners rave about their seafood dishes, with one guest exclaiming the halibut was the "best he ever had," while another praised the blue crab baked oysters as "oh so good." The restaurant’s commitment to freshness and authenticity ensures that each seafood dish is prepared meticulously, bringing out flavors that are both vibrant and true to the sea. With an inviting ambiance and stellar service, Ironwood promises an extraordinary dining experience for seafood lovers.
A photo of Larsen at Hotel Laguna restaurant
8. Larsen at Hotel Laguna
4.6
Exceptional(1574)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Laguna Beach
Booked 49 times today
Larsen at Hotel Laguna is a seafood lover's paradise nestled in the heart of Laguna Beach, where the ocean's bounty meets culinary artistry. With its prime beachfront location, this restaurant offers not just a meal but an experience. Diners rave about the "wonderful lobster roll" and the perfectly cooked "halibut-based fish and chips." The swordfish sandwich is another standout, praised for its "delicious and generous" portion. The freshness and local sourcing of ingredients ensure each dish captures the essence of the sea. Whether seated inside or on the patio with "amazing ocean views," Larsen promises an unforgettable seafood dining experience.
A photo of Selanne Steak Tavern restaurant
9. Selanne Steak Tavern
4.8
Exceptional(2832)
Price: Very Expensive
• Southern american • Laguna Beach
Booked 24 times today
Selanne Steak Tavern in Laguna Beach offers an unparalleled American dining experience that stands out for its impeccable quality and authenticity. Nestled in a charming historical home, this upscale casual restaurant delivers what one reviewer called "hands down the best steak house ever," surpassing even renowned names like Ruth Chris and Mastro’s. The menu is a testament to American culinary excellence, featuring the finest steaks, burgers, and small plates, all complemented by an extensive world-class wine list. Guests rave about the "amazing food" and "ultra attentive wait staff," ensuring every visit is memorable. Whether for a special celebration or a delightful evening, Selanne Steak Tavern promises a quintessential American dining adventure.
A photo of The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach restaurant
10. The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach
4.8
Exceptional(2083)
Price: Expensive
• Southern american • Laguna Beach
Booked 20 times today
Located in the picturesque Montage Laguna Beach, The Loft offers an exceptional American dining experience with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Celebrated for its creative take on American cuisine, the restaurant brilliantly combines California regional influences with classic American flavors. Guests rave about the "coffee crusted New York strip," describing it as "perfection" and a "unique and tantalizing experience." The service at The Loft is consistently praised as "stellar," with attentive staff making every visit memorable. Whether it's a special celebration or a casual outing, The Loft promises an unforgettable dining adventure that captures the essence of authentic American cuisine.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Cynthia
    Orange County •24 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Tasty jambalaya and burger. Friendly service. Good value.
    More info
    Tupelo Junction CafePrice: Expensive• Southern• Newport Beach
    •
    4.8
  • GarciaVIP
    Orange County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Beto was exceptional! Great service, great good. Definitely will be returning.
    More info
    Julep BreaPrice: Expensive• American• Brea / La Habra
    •
    4.8
  • Clifton
    Orange County •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Mar 4, 2025
    So much...so good! Great food and bar for watching sports.
    More info
    Sauced BBQ & Spirits - IrvinePrice: Moderate• Barbecue• Irvine
    •
    4.3
  • KenyaVIP
    Los Angeles •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Mar 3, 2025
    Located in Downtown Disney, Jazz Kitchen brings bold Creole flavors to life. The highlight of our meal was undoubtedly the shrimp and grits—the shrimp were perfectly seasoned, tender, and paired with creamy, buttery grits that practically melted in your mouth. The savory, slightly spicy sauce elevated the dish to something unforgettable. The salmon Caesar salad was fresh and satisfying, with perfectly grilled salmon and a tangy dressing. The crab & shrimp remoulade roll offered a refreshing, zesty bite, balancing the heartier flavors. To top it off, the staff brought out beignets for the birthday girl—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and a sweet end to the meal. Jazz Kitchen’s Creole offerings, especially the shrimp and grits, are a must-try for anyone visiting Downtown Disney!
    More info
    Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & PatioPrice: Moderate• Creole / Cajun / Southern• Anaheim
    •
    4.5
  • TenYears
    Orange County •6 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Mar 3, 2025
    The Sampler plate was perfect to try their different meats and sides. The Ribs were tasty where I didn't need to add any BBQ sauce (that's very unlike me). The Mac & Cheese was delicious and flavorful. The sweet potato casserole was wonderful and could have doubled as a dessert dish. Can't wait to come back to try their Smoked Dinosaur Beef Rib!
    More info
    Sauced BBQ & Spirits - OrangePrice: Moderate• Barbecue• Orange
    •
    4.3

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