Driftwood Kitchen

4.5

1299 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 29, 2024

8:30 PM

Booked 37 times today

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
Neighborhood
Laguna Beach
Cross street
Coast Highway and Cleo
Parking details
Valet
Public transit
Trolley stop Coast Hwy @ Cleo St, SB - Stop 14
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

DK SEAFOOD TOWER
maine lobster tail | crab | poached jumbo mexican shrimp | oysters on the half shell | spanish octopus ceviche | tuna tartare
- Petite$90.00
- Large$140.00
OYSTERS
selection of east & west coast | on the 1/2 shell | classic mignonette
- 1/2 dozen$24.00
- dozen$46.00
CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS & SHISHITO PEPPERS$19.00
yuzu aioli | soy balsamic glaze | togarashi *Vegetarian
MAINE LOBSTER FLAUTA$23.00
green bomba sauce | lime crema | pepino pico de gallo
CRISPY FINGERLING POTATOES$12.00
rosemary | pecorino romano | lemon zest | herb aioli
HAWAIIAN BIG EYE TUNA TARTARE$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 SCAMPI$24.00
roasted garlic | lemon | vermont butter | herbs | focaccia
SPANISH OCTOPUS$21.00
bilbao chorizo | crispy fingerling potatoes | romesco sauce | chimichurri
GRILLED MONTEREY BAY CALAMARI$5.00
gigante bean salad | whole grain mustard & pancetta vinaigrette
TODAY'S SELECTION OF CURED MEATS AND ARTISANAL CHEESES$28.00
fig jam | whole grain mustard | marcona almonds | carnichons & bread
COLOSSAL PRAWN COCKTAIL$24.00
bloody mary cocktail sauce | spicy remoulade

SOUPS & SALADS

CLAM CHOWDA
sea clams | applewood smoked bacon | fingerling potatoes | cream
- cup$8.00
- bowl$16.00
THE DRIFTWOOD WEDGE$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 SALAD$18.00
creamy caesar dressing | reggiano | white anchovy | croutons with grilled chicken 26 | with grilled shrimp 30 | with ora king salmon 34
HEIRLOOM TOATOES & STRACCIATELLA$18.00
laudemio evo | trebbiano balsamic | creamy basil pesto
DWK CRAB LOUIE SALAD$18.00
shaved iceberg lettuce | persian cucumbers | Campari tomatoes | jammy egg | louie dressing

LARGE PLATES

PAN SEARED NEW BEDFORD SEA SCALLOPS$56.00
roasted forest mushrooms | applewood smoked bacon | baby spinach | truffle potato puree | black truffle butter
GLACIER 51 CHILEAN SEABASS MISOYAKI$54.00
crispy sushi rice cake | soy braised shittake mushroom | grilled tokya negi | baby ginger | sake beurre blanc
LOBSTER SPAGHETTI CARBONARA$39.00
farm egg | pork guancale | grated parmesan romano | tarragon
CRISPY SKIN ORA KING SALMON$42.00
thai red curry | coconut milk | fingerling potatoes | swiss chard | peppers | onions | kaffir | lime | herbs
DOUBLE R RANCH FILET SURF & TURF$69.00
double R ranch filet | maine lobster tail | asparagus | whipped potatoes | bernaise
FISHERMAN'S STEW$45.00
fresh cuts of fish & shellfish | spicy tomato broth | garlic toast
BAKED MAINE LOBSTER THERMIDOR$60.00
cognac | creme fraiche | asparagus | beech mushrooms | bearnaise | mixed baby greens
ROASTED SEASONAL VEGETABLES WITH ROMESCO & MINT$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 STEAK$78.00
creamy kale | vidalia onion rings | DWK steak sauce
KANSAS STEAK OSCAR$78.00
jumbo lump crabmeat | grilled asparagus | béarnaise
GRILLED NEW ZEALAND LAMB CHOPS$42.00
moroccan spice double cut chops | grilled vegetable tagging | farro tabouleh | harissa yogurt
GRILLED HALF MARY'S CHICKEN$38.00
crushed yukon gold potato | roasted baby carrots | creamy chimichurri | natural jus

FOR THE TABLE

PARKER HOUSE ROLL$9.00
vermont creamery butter
MUSHROOMS$12.00
cremini mushrooms | bourbon | demi glace
ROASTED BABY RAINBOW CARROTS$12.00
honey | thyme | lebni
GRILLED BROCCOLINI$12.00
Calabrian chilies | lemon zest | pine nuts | crescenza cheese

What 1,299 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.

1,299 Reviews

D
Dennis
London
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Buffet was great: prime rib and seafood were outstanding. Service was attentive. Only disappointment was that desserts were very picked over (no apple pie) later in the service period.
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H
Hope
San Diego
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Thanksgiving was not a good value. Way too expensive and mimosas should have been included for that much $$$.
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B
B
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I’ve been dining at the thanksgiving buffet for the past 4 years and this year the food quality was fully upgraded to a 5 star. The buffet was beautifully set up, and the food was delicious, including the desserts. The staff was friendly and competent and kudos to management and the chefs. I will be returning next year.
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J
Joy
Orange County
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 6 days 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
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D
Dennis
London
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2024
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!
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B
Bill
Orange County
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful view and attentive service. Food was quite good
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D
Dave
Orange County
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2024
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.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 17, 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 November 17, 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!
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L
Lynn
Central Coast
32 reviews
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on November 17, 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.
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FAQs

Driftwood Kitchen is rated 4.5 stars by 1299 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 29, 2024

8:30 PM

Booked 37 times today

619 Sleepy Hollow Ln., Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Coast Highway and Cleo
Neighborhood
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
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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 reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

DK Seafood Tower

French Toast

GRANOLA CRUSTED FRENCH TOAST

SMALL PLATES

DK SEAFOOD TOWER

OYSTERS

CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS & SHISHITO PEPPERS$19.00

MAINE LOBSTER FLAUTA$23.00

CRISPY FINGERLING POTATOES$12.00

HAWAIIAN BIG EYE TUNA TARTARE$24.00

SALT COD CROQUETAS

WILD WHITE SHRIMP SCAMPI$24.00

SPANISH OCTOPUS$21.00

GRILLED MONTEREY BAY CALAMARI$5.00

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

COLOSSAL PRAWN COCKTAIL$24.00

SOUPS & SALADS

CLAM CHOWDA

THE DRIFTWOOD WEDGE$18.00

WHOLE LEAF GEM CAESAR SALAD$18.00

HEIRLOOM TOATOES & STRACCIATELLA$18.00

DWK CRAB LOUIE SALAD$18.00

LARGE PLATES

PAN SEARED NEW BEDFORD SEA SCALLOPS$56.00

GLACIER 51 CHILEAN SEABASS MISOYAKI$54.00

LOBSTER SPAGHETTI CARBONARA$39.00

CRISPY SKIN ORA KING SALMON$42.00

DOUBLE R RANCH FILET SURF & TURF$69.00

FISHERMAN'S STEW$45.00

BAKED MAINE LOBSTER THERMIDOR$60.00

ROASTED SEASONAL VEGETABLES WITH ROMESCO & MINT$32.00

SNAKE RIVER FARM EYE OF RIBEYE STEAK$78.00

KANSAS STEAK OSCAR$78.00

GRILLED NEW ZEALAND LAMB CHOPS$42.00

GRILLED HALF MARY'S CHICKEN$38.00

FOR THE TABLE

PARKER HOUSE ROLL$9.00

MUSHROOMS$12.00

ROASTED BABY RAINBOW CARROTS$12.00

GRILLED BROCCOLINI$12.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is Driftwood Kitchen restaurant rated?

Is Driftwood Kitchen currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information