Laguna Beach, nestled in South Orange County, offers a vibrant culinary scene that caters to health-conscious individuals and those seeking delicious, nourishing meals. From farm-to-table practices to innovative dishes, the city's restaurants prioritize fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. This guide highlights some of the best healthy restaurants in Laguna Beach, where "healthy" and "delicious" coexist in perfect harmony.
Jan's Health Bar: A Local Favorite
Jan's Health Bar is a beloved local establishment known for its commitment to providing healthy and hearty meals. By thoughtfully sourcing every ingredient, Jan's ensures that customers receive the freshest and highest quality food. The menu, largely unchanged for over 45 years, demonstrates that simple, fresh food never goes out of style.
Urth Caffé: Organic Delights and Creative Drinks
Urth Caffé has garnered a loyal following in Southern California for its organic offerings. Originally focused on producing coffee and tea, owners Hilla and Shallom Berkman have expanded the menu to include a wide range of healthy options. Don't miss their organic, creative drinks, such as the Honey Vanilla Latte (made healthier with almond milk) and the Rising Sun Boba, a matcha green tea, espresso, and dark chocolate-based energy drink packed with antioxidants. The extensive food menu features 100% natural ingredients and locally sourced sustainable products.
Starfish Laguna: Asian-Fusion with a Healthy Twist
Starfish Laguna breaks the mold of stereotypical "health foods" by delivering unique Asian-Fusion dishes that highlight ingredients and flavors from various Asian cultures. From vegetarian dishes like the Singapore Bamboo Roll and Sichuan Japanese Eggplant to pescatarian options like the Lobster Macadamia Roll and Chilean Seabass with Thai Green Curry, Starfish offers a diverse and exciting menu. Their Opium Happy Hour Menu (3-6PM daily) makes it an ideal spot for a date or group gathering. Be sure to try their Wok Fried Edamame, seasoned with togarashi, garlic, and sesame.
Active Culture: Natural Foods Café and Frozen Yogurt Bar
Active Culture is a family-owned natural foods café and frozen yogurt bar that serves conscious, affordable food with generous portions. The creative options and monthly-changing frozen yogurt flavors, along with a myriad of toppings, make it an ideal spot for satisfying sweet cravings in a healthy way.
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Zinc Café & Market: Vegetarian Delights and Gourmet To-Go
Zinc Café & Market is a neighborhood gem that offers a variety of options for those seeking quality and healthy food. The café features an all-vegetarian menu, while the market provides gourmet food to-go, specialty goods, and items that Zinc supports, making it easy to stay healthy at home.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach: Farm-to-Table Dining
The Ranch at Laguna Beach celebrates California's history of organic farming, brewing, and oenology. With outdoor patio seating offering views of Aliso Canyon and the golf course, the restaurant focuses on fresh-made food and drink, with many ingredients harvested from the on-property Harvest Farm. The menu changes seasonally, integrating fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Executive Chef Kyle St. John is passionate about farm-to-table cooking and uses local, seasonal ingredients to support Southern California farmers and fishermen.
Other Notable Options
- 230 Forest Avenue: This Californian restaurant, led by Executive Chef Marc Cohen, is known for its creative fusion dishes and fresh, high-quality ingredients. Standout dishes include the Caesar salad and sea bass, and the restaurant is lauded for its excellent service and ambiance.
- Sapphire, Cellar. Craft. Cook: This restaurant is committed to providing exceptional service, quality, and value, aspiring to perfect their craft and create emotional connections through cuisine.
- Fennel Kitchen and Bar: This contemporary Mediterranean restaurant offers an authentic, healthy, and vibrant dining experience, blending the flavors of the Mediterranean with Middle Eastern cuisine. The menu caters to diverse dietary preferences with traditional kabobs and vegetarian dishes.
- The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach: Located in the oceanfront resort, The Loft features panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and offers market-fresh, creative American cuisine with friendly, informed service. The menu reflects California regional cuisine with influences from the Americas, including roasted meats and seafood.
- Pinafini: Nestled along the stunning coastline of Laguna Beach, Pinafini invites guests to experience the vibrant flavors and rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean region. The warm, inviting ambiance features earthy tones, modern accents, and beautiful Mediterranean olive trees creating a serene escape. Our menu is a delightful journey through diverse Mediterranean cuisines, showcasing fresh, sourced ingredients. Diners can savor classic dishes such as a flavorful mezze platters, tender grilled kebabs, and fragrant tagines, all bursting with authentic spices and herbs. For the seafood lovers, we provide an extraordinary twist with mediterranean spices that will elevate, leaving your taste buds craving more with every bite. Our extensive wine list features selections from renowned Mediterranean vineyards, perfectly complementing the dishes. Pinafini does not only bring the essense of Mediterranean flavors to Laguna Beach but also creates a welcoming space for community and connection.
- Salerno by Chef Pirozzi: Salerno by Chef Pirozzi serves authentic italian cuisine, owned and operated by Certified Italian Chef Alessandro Pirozzi. It's menu consists of freshly homemade pastas such as Fettucini Alfredo, Black Ink Spaghetti & Clams, and Mamma's Meatballs, as well as authentic piattis Veal Parmigiana and Chilean Seabass. Salerno by Chef Pirozzi serves a variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages to complement each meal. This includes a wide selection of beers, wines, and now proudly offering a full bar! It is open during the dinner hour daily except Monday.
- OMK Japanese Omakase: We put all our heart and soul into a creative and unique experience. Our Omakase is a pre-fixed menu based on raw fish and shellfish. All ingredients come from Japan, prepared with Japanese techniques and elements. Our Omakase is a fine dining, intimate experience, prepared in front of our guests to highlight the integrity of our dishes.
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