The Cliff Restaurant in Laguna Beach

 Stepping Out

By Michael “Mick” Webster

A Coastal Culinary Gem: The Cliff Restaurant in Laguna Beach

When it comes to dining with a view, few places on the California coast can compare to The Cliff Restaurant. Perched on the edge of the Pacific in the heart of the charming Laguna Village artist community, The Cliff offers not just a meal, but a full sensory experience—with 180 degrees of panoramic whitewater coastline serving as your constant companion.

Located at 577 South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, The Cliff is where casual elegance meets natural beauty. Whether you're stopping in for a leisurely lunch, planning a romantic evening under a coastal sunset, or hosting a special celebration, this venue checks every box. The restaurant’s open-air, multi-level patio invites guests to take in the salt-kissed breeze while sipping cocktails and savoring a menu that’s as impressive as the view.

Open seven days a week—excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas—The Cliff serves breakfast Friday through Sunday, with lunch and dinner daily. The seasonal menu showcases fresh, globally-inspired fare and local favorites, thoughtfully prepared and presented with flair. From crisp salads and coastal seafood to steaks grilled to perfection, every dish is served with a side of oceanic splendor.

Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., making it the perfect stop after a day of shopping at the surrounding many shops and galleries and boutiques in Laguna Village. But the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down. The Cliff comes alive with live music at the bar and fire pits six nights a week, creating a vibrant nightlife scene that locals and visitors alike won’t want to miss. During summer, the rhythm rolls on with live open-air music every night of the week.

So whether you’re a local looking for your next favorite haunt or a traveler seeking that unforgettable seaside moment, make your way to The Cliff. With world-class dining, unforgettable views, and the rhythm of the Pacific as your soundtrack, it’s more than a restaurant—it’s an experience.