I’m missing home a bit – mostly the food (veggie-friendly Kosovo cuisine is rather redundant), but also, ya know…my family and beach too so thought I’d chit chat about home. Though Laguna Beach is a tiny little town, it is chalk full of amazing spots to grab a bite or a drink. These are my more frequented spots.

For Quick Eats:     

The Stand – This place is fully vegan but don’t let that dissuade you. The menu is absolutely massive and you cannot go wrong. Depending on my mood I go for one of the soups, the veggie quinoa burger, the tamale plate, or the veggie rice bowl and always always finish up with a pineapple or mango soft serve.

Active Culture – Another place with a tremendously varied menu. The bagel sandwiches are fantastic as is the Evolution Bowl. The shakes and Acaii bowls are killer as well.

La Sirena Grill – This little hole-in-the-wall Mexican “fast food” place is fabulous and always rammed. You cannot go wrong with your order but heads up…the burritos are massive. Closed on Sundays.

Urth Caffe – Coming soon (or maybe it has opened in my absence?). You really can’t go wrong with anything on this menu! Fresh, light, and delectable salads, sandwiches, quiches, etc.

Gelato Paradiso – This little gem is in one of the cutest spots in Laguna – Pepper Tree Lane. Oh, also the gelato tastes as if you were in Italy.

For Drinks and Apps:

Mozambique – This spot boasts of a multi-level, multi-vibe set up. Downstairs is for proper sit down dining, the second floor is for live music and bar atmosphere, and the roof? Cocktails and ocean views of course. I usually go for the top floor.

Rooftop Bar – This is another hot spot so it’s often quite busy, but if you can nab a table it’s a great spot for cocktails and apps with stunning views.

Sapphire – I love popping in here for a cocktail. The bartender knows how to make a proper sidecar martini. They are also always experimenting with new drinks!

Selanne – Technically it’s a fancy steak house, but I go for the cheeseboards and wine. Oh, and the interior design isn’t too shabby either.

The Deck – Whilst working here turned me off a bit because it gets absolutely rammed on the weekends, you still can’t beat the location and food. I love the hummus plate (ask for half pita, half veg), the cheese board, the ahi poke, the grilled cheese and the kale Caesar (add salmon). Top that off with a silver surfer cocktail and you’re golden.

For Sit Down Meals:

Zinc Cafe – The breakfast, the lunch, the fresh orange juice, the baked goods!! All of it. I particularly like the veggie Mexican scramble. Be advised – they close before dinner time.

Tommy Bahama Bar and Grill – He sells more than shirts, guys! When the wait at Nick’s is too long I always come here. The ahi quinoa salad is fantastic as is the cheese board. They always have amazing live acoustic musicians, as well.

Driftwood Kitchen – Owned by the same person as The Deck, it’s a slightly up scale answer to The Deck’s bar vibe. Though the lunch and dinner menus don’t offer much by way of vegetarian options, I always looked forward to getting breakfast at work. The French toast, egg white omelette, and berry yoghurt bowl are ace.

Las Brisas – Everyone loves breakfast here, but I usually just go for the killer guac and chips with a side of skinny margarita.

Penguin Cafe – For some good old fashion American diner fare this is the place. It’s a bit dumpy but is a Laguna Beach institution and it oddly has an ocean view out the back door.