Luxury Restaurants of the World: The Cliff in Laguna Beach

The Cliff
Location: Laguna Beach, California
Address: 577 South Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 9:00pm & Saturday & Sunday: 8:00am -9:30pm
Food Type: Breakfast & Brunch, Italian, Seafood, Excellent Cocktails, Dinner
Price: $50 per person
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Reservations: Not Required
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Special Diets: Vegan, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Pescatarian

The Cliff Restaurant was one of the most memorable places we ate in Southern California, because it not only had incredible food and fantastic staff, but a breath taking 180 degree view of the ocean waves rolling in, nearby Catalina Island, and what looked like some dolphins jumping out in the water! The sun began to set just as we sat down and were handed our drinks, so we had an incredible show as the sun sparkled and played over the rolling waves. The Cliff had several levels of dining available for guests to enjoy the view, and was located near an interesting indoor/outdoor artisan market called Laguna Market, which we explored after dinner (it was the perfect place to pick up a non-touristy, meaningful souvenir!).

We dressed casually, I wore a sundress and sandals, and Robin wore chino pants and a polo, and we fit right in with the other diners. I didn’t see anyone dressing super casually, which was surprising for a beach town famous for its surfers, so we were glad we always dress up for dinners out. The air was a bit chilly, and when a waiter noticed that I was cold, he wheeled over a fire lamp to keep me warm, which meant so much to me and made my dining experience even better!

Their menu was expansive and included appetizers perfect for sharing, fresh seafood, an assortment of pasta options, salads, plenty of delicious drinks, which change with the seasons. The Cliff also serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch, but we visited for dinner and loved watching the sunset! Our meal consisted of a shared Ahi Poke (which was SO fresh and delicious!), a Cheese and Fruit Plate, I had the Pear Gorgonzola Salad, and Robin loved his Fish & Chips. I had a drink that was blue with an orange wedge, which is their signature cocktail and it was out of this world! I wish I could remember the name of it, but the waiter said it’s their only blue drink, so if you love rum and fruity drinks like I do, I can’t recommend that cocktail enough!

Everything we had was delightful, and the incredible views and helpful wait staff made our meal at The Cliff one we will always remember. I can’t recommend this restaurant enough, so I hope if you’re in the area you’ll stop in to try it for yourself!

xAnnie Fairfax
aka @AnnieWearsIt
@AnnieFairfax

Explore the World with Me:

Complete Traveler’s Guides: Baden-Baden, Germany | Beverly Hills | Carmel, IN | Chicago| Colmar, France | Grand Rapids, MI | Greenland | Heidelberg, Germany | New Orleans | New York City | Niagara Falls | Querétaro | Rome | Toronto| Traverse City, MI | Tucson | Tulum | Vatican City | Venice | West Hollywood |

Luxury Hotels of the World: Amway Grand Plaza: Grand Rapids | Casa de la Marquesa: Querétaro | Der Kleine Prinz: Baden-Baden | Grand Hotel: Mackinac Island | Hotel Monteleon: New Orleans | Hotel Walloon: Walloon Lake | Radisson Blu Aqua: Chicago | SchlossHotel HugenPoet: Essen | Titanic Chaussee: Berlin | Townsend Hotel: Birmingham| Weber’s Boutique Hotel: Ann Arbor | Zamna: Tulum |

Luxury Restaurants of the World: Barrel Back: Walloon Lake | The Cliff: Laguna Beach | Gracias Madre: West Hollywood | Hinoki & the Bird: LA | Kin Toh Treehouse in the Jungle: Tulum | Kitchen Table: Tulum | Ladurée Paris |  Matcha Mama: Tulum | Moon Juice: West Hollywood |  Prost Wine Bar & Charcuterie | The Real Coconut:Tulum | Rosa Negra: Tulum | Sushi Grand: Mackinac Island | What to eat Grand Hotel Mackinac Island | 10 Best Places to Grab a Drink on Mackinac Island | 15 Best Places to Eat in Grand Rapids | 20 Best Places to Eat in Tulum | 50 Best Places to Eat in Michigan |

Festivals,  Landmarks, Museums, & Adventures: Art Gallery of Ontario | Anila Quayyum Intersections |  Castles in Schwarzwald (Black Forest Germany) | Detroit Institute of Arts | Exploring the Mayan Ruins of Tulum | The Getty | Heidelberg Castle | Mountain Climbing in the Black Forest | New York Fashion Week | NYFW rewardStyle Rooftop Party | Roman Colosseum | Snorkeling Inside Gran Cenote Tulum | Toronto’s Castle: Casa Loma | Pyramids of Cobá |  Tulip Time Festival in Holland | Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrors |