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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

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94 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Truly Pizza - Dana Point restaurant
1. Truly Pizza - Dana Point
4.8
Exceptional(1189)
$$$$
• Pizzeria • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 191 times today
Located in the heart of the Lantern District in Dana Point, Truly Pizza is an artisanal neighborhood pizzeria where friends and family can relax and enjoy the fellowship of sharing pizza - the world's greatest communal food. Our outdoor garden design, rooftop wine experience and nurturing service style promote a welcoming sense of community by offering friends and neighbors a casual dining environment filled with personal touch points every step of the way. *We are an outdoor restaurant with patio & rooftop dining only. We provide blankets and heaters for guests*Please note 20% gratuity is added for parties of 8 or larger.
A photo of Larsen at Hotel Laguna restaurant
2. Larsen at Hotel Laguna
4.4
Awesome(1868)
$$$$
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 64 times today
Nestled in the heart of Laguna Beach, Hotel Laguna offers a charming laid-back luxurious experience like no other. Just steps from the sparkling sea, experience the best of Southern California views and chef-driven creations. The beautiful Larsen Restaurant is where Orange County comes together for fresh local ingredients and cuisine that captures the diverse flavors of the modern West. An inspired selection of California wines and refreshing craft cocktails offer the perfect pairing for every plate. At Hotel Laguna we translate the essence of warm, heartfelt hospitality...morning, noon and night!
A photo of The Drake in Laguna restaurant
3. The Drake in Laguna
4.8
Exceptional(1815)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Laguna Beach
Booked 48 times today
We offer seating in 3 spaces, including our Bar/Lounge, Dining Room/Chef’s Counter or Intimate fire-wall enclosed Patio. Due to space considerations, please contact us directly for tables of 6 or more guests.Live entertainment is performed nightly on the main stage in our Dining Room. Tables are by reservation only, for dinner. Hours of Music; Su/M/Tu, 5:30-9:30pm Wed/Thu 6-10pm Fr/Sa 6:30-10:30pm. Valet Parking $11 per vehicle. All Tables in Main Room or Patio, Th/Fr/Sa, are subject to a $10 per person Live music charge, on top of dinner tab. Our dynamic musical line-up of Jazz, R&B, Soul & Contemporary artists, provides an interactive yet intimate experience, in an elegant yet relaxed setting.The Drake features New American cuisine prepared by Award Winning Chef team Paul & Nick Gstrein. Seasonal offerings encompass an ever-evolving menu of unique small plates, steaks, chops, fresh seafood & desserts. Our curated Wine & Spirits selections serve to enhance the dining experience.
A photo of Tastes of Greece restaurant
4. Tastes of Greece
4.4
Awesome(422)
$$$$
• Greek • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 2 times today
Tastes of Greece – Authentic Greek Cuisine in Laguna Niguel, CAIndulge in fresh, homestyle Greek dishes at Tastes of Greece, a family-owned gem in the heart of Laguna Niguel. Our menu features traditional favorites like moussaka, souvlaki, lamb gyros, spanakopita, and fresh seafood, crafted with authentic Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere with charming indoor dining and relaxing outdoor seating, perfect for families, date nights, or gatherings. Pair your meal with a curated selection of fine Greek wines and end on a sweet note with our delicious baklava.Conveniently located in Crown Valley Plaza, we are dedicated to serving memorable meals with exceptional hospitality. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a casual lunch, or reserving a table for dinner, experience the finest Greek dining in Orange County. Reserve your table today and savor the flavors of Greece without leaving Laguna Niguel.
A photo of 230 Forest Avenue restaurant
5. 230 Forest Avenue
4.8
Exceptional(3029)
$$$$
• Californian • Laguna Beach
Booked 22 times today
230 Forest Avenue is the place to be, with its unique Californian cuisine and lively atmosphere. With rave reviews like 'Fantastic food, service and ambiance!', 'Food is always delicious' and 'Service is always top notch', this spot is a hit. The fusion appetizers and entrees, crafted by one of The OC's top chefs, are not to be missed. Plus, the modern bistro, martini bar, and art gallery vibe makes it a truly Californian experience. So, worth the drive, indeed!
A photo of Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar restaurant
6. Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar
4.8
Exceptional(163)
$$$$
• Italian • Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
Booked 4 times today
Owners Jordan and Creig Mullikin love to eat delicious food, drink great wine and be treated like family. They want every bite, every sip, every visit to be delicious and a treat. Our goal is to serve you fresh, homemade, and thoughtful dishes focused on our family's heritage and our customers' needs to make everyone feel like family at our neighborhood spot which sports a modern yet vintage vibe. We have a large outdoor patio that is both heated and covered. One of the more popular things here at Bricco is our live music Friday's and Saturday's with very talented singers and performers.
A photo of Selanne Steak Tavern restaurant
7. Selanne Steak Tavern
4.7
Exceptional(3088)
$$$$
• Steakhouse • Laguna Beach
Booked 47 times today
Selanne Steak Tavern, a Teemu Selanne-owned establishment in Laguna Beach, is worth the drive. With reviews praising its 'excellent food', 'stunning ambiance', and 'memorable experiences', it's clear this place is a gem. The menu offers everything from 'the absolute best steaks in Orange County' to 'great burgers' and 'salads'. Coupled with an 'extensive world class wine list', it's an experience not to be missed.
A photo of Salt Creek Grille Orange County restaurant
8. Salt Creek Grille Orange County
4.0
Excellent(728)
$$$$
• American • Dana Point / Monarch Beach
Booked 45 times today
Nestled along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, Salt Creek Grille proudly returns to the Dana Point community under new ownership. Our newly remodeled interiors and stunning outdoor patio exude elegance and comfort for unparalleled ambiance, setting the perfect stage for savoring our enhanced menu that features a true, wood-fired American steakhouse with a California coastal twist.
A photo of SOL Mexican Cocina - Newport Beach restaurant
9. SOL Mexican Cocina - Newport Beach
4.2
Awesome(4049)
$$$$
• Mexican • Newport Beach
Booked 43 times today
Our restaurants are inspired by the best of coastal Baja California: Warm, welcoming, friendly, inspired by old and new Mexican design. SOL's kitchens feature our unique spin on fresh, healthy, coastal Mexican food, lovingly made from scratch.
A photo of South of Nick's - San Clemente restaurant
10. South of Nick's - San Clemente
4.8
Exceptional(2307)
$$$$
• Mexican • San Clemente
Booked 62 times today
An essential stop in Orange County for Southern California Mexican Cuisine.South of Nick's Mexican Kitchen & Bar features Classic Mexican favorites, prime steaks and seafood with a So Cal twist. Fine Tequilas & Margaritas Our food and drink meets the highest standards of quality, freshness and seasonality and combines both modern-creative and traditional styles of cooking. Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Steve
    Orange County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Absolutely wonderful. Great restaurant super ambiance and the food was terrific. The Gluten Free pizza was the best thin crust to date! It was delicious, crispy and tasted like the pizza I grew up with in NY! I can’t give any higher compliment!
    More info
    Truly Pizza - Dana Point$$$$• Pizzeria• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    •
    4.8
  • SaharGold
    Orange County •11 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The place is under renovation- still open for business- we would have preferred to dine in after it’s done. Service was excellent. Delicious pizza and salads!
    More info
    Bricco Cucina and Wine Bar$$$$• Italian• Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel
    •
    4.8
  • Pat
    San Francisco Bay Area •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Service was good. Lobster ravioli with shrimp and vodka sauce was good but too much sauce meatball appetizer was delicious.
    More info
    Stella's$$$$• Italian• Dana Point / Monarch Beach
    •
    4.5
  • Patricia
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on May 28, 2026
    I live in Laguna Beach and of all the many wonderful restaurants there the Drake is always my favorite. It was my 80th birthday and we chose the Drake to celebrate that big year. I ordered the filet mignon and like so many other people comment it was the best I’ve ever ordered. We had a wonderful time and appreciate the complementary happy birthday dessert at the end. It was quite unexpected. The music was wonderful female vocalist knew the songs that we requested, and that added to the full joy of the dinner itself. I love this place. 
    More info
    The Drake in Laguna$$$$• Contemporary American• Laguna Beach
    •
    4.8
  • Adriana
    Los Angeles •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 27, 2026
    What really sets Nobu apart is the attention to detail and consistency in quality. The staff was knowledgeable, attentive, and happy to make recommendations, which made the experience even more enjoyable. I would highly recommend Nobu to anyone looking for a world-class dining experience. It’s the perfect place for a special occasion or simply an amazing night out. I can’t wait to return!
    More info
    Nobu Newport$$$$• Japanese• Newport Beach
    •
    4.7

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Aliso Viejo / Laguna Niguel

Discover a selection of must-visit eateries in South Orange County, specifically around Aliso Viejo and Laguna Niguel, that truly live up to the phrase "worth the drive." These restaurants are celebrated not just for their exceptional culinary offerings but also for the unique dining experiences they provide. From innovative dishes that showcase local ingredients to restaurants with breathtaking views that enhance your dining pleasure, every establishment promises a memorable meal. The dining scene in this part of Orange County is vibrant and diverse, catering to both casual diners and gourmet enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a quaint bistro tucked away in the hills or a bustling eatery in the heart of the town, the region offers a variety of settings and menus that reflect its rich cultural landscape. Patrons commend these restaurants for their commitment to quality, evident in the skillful preparation of every dish and the attentive service from staff. Each location not only meets the culinary expectations but also creates an atmosphere that makes every visit special. Ideal for food lovers seeking a truly distinctive dining adventure, these restaurants ensure that every drive, no matter the distance, is absolutely worth it.

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