Driftwood Kitchen (Laguna Beach, CA)

One of the most popular destinations for tourists and locals alike in California is the city of Laguna Beach. Why? It is beautiful and charming, plus the perfect beachside location means that there are amazing views everywhere you look.

That certainly applies to the new restaurant Driftwood Kitchen, which is located right on the water. Chef Rainer Schwarz developed a menu featuring the freshest and finest seafood, steaks, and hand-shucked oysters, alongside handcrafted cocktails. Let’s take a tour!

Driftwood Kitchen (Laguna Beach, CA) on The Episodic Eater

In addition to the al fresco dining on the outside patio, the beautiful Stateroom Bar is just lovely with classic cocktails, inspired by the location’s rich history.

High Tide Craft Cocktail

dikel 8 rye, fresh pineapple, ginger, lemon sour and mint

Northern Atlantic Halibut Filet

with potato and corn fricassee and English pea sauce

A beautiful and delicious fish that I would order over and over again!

Oysters Baked with Potato Coulis

with crispy squid ink and uni

The baked oysters were unlike anything I have eaten before. Typically, oysters are given either a citrusy or briny preparation, but this was much more earthy and comforting. The combination of flavors were perfect, and the presentation incited lots of “oohs” and “aahs!”

Cod with farro salad, watermelon and avocado-cilantro lime dressing

Beautiful and delicious!

Long Line Hawaiian Tuna Loin

with farro salad, watermelon and avocado-cilantro lime dressing

Summer Squash Blossoms

stuffed with Bellwether Farms ricotta cheese and a chunky heirloom tomato sauce with mint

My favorite of the night were the stuffed squash blossoms. I have a habit of ordering these at other restaurants and being disappointed. However, these were perfectly crispy and light with an amazing filling and an outstanding tomato sauce.

“Black and Blue” craft cocktail (on left)

Blackberries, blueberries, Cointreau noir, sparkling wine

Carrot Cake

with Cardamom Cream and Carrot Chip

I love carrot cake, and this absolutely hit the spot. Perfectly sweet and a subtle hint of the cardamom gave the dessert a more complex flavor.

Rocky Road

Truthfully, I have never been a fan of rocky road. However, this dessert totally changed my mind. This is one dish that I am eagerly anticipating on my return trip. Extremely delicious!

And on the way back home, I was treated to a perfect oceanside sunset after a fabulous dinner by the beach.

Next time I’m craving dinner with a view, I’ll remember the fabulous cocktails, entrees, and desserts I enjoyed tonight. Oh, and another after-dinner drink wouldn’t hurt either, especially when that means I can spend a bit of extra time staring out on the ocean!

Which cocktail would you choose first?

Driftwood Kitchen
619 Sleepy Hollow Ln
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-9707
http://driftwoodkitchen.com

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