My daughter took me to Studio Mediterranean at Montage Laguna Beach to celebrate my birthday on Sunday night, and we had an amazing time there. She made the reservation one week in advance. We arrived at 5:00 PM, the restaurant's opening time, and were seated after only a 4-minute wait. The restaurant's interior is exactly the style I love, elegant white décor, high ceilings with stylish lanterns, and beautiful windows and doors offering a gorgeous ocean view. They have both indoor and outdoor seating areas, as well as a beautiful bar. The moment you sit down, you immediately feel relaxed and ready to enjoy the experience. The food quality was outstanding! The Seafood Platter ($160/small) was absolutely amazing. It included six oysters, chilled prawns, Hokkaido scallop crudo, kampachi crudo, Maine lobster tail, and king crab. Everything tasted incredibly fresh and delicious. The Charred Octopus ($36) with saganaki sauce, spinach, and parsley cream was a very unique and flavorful dish. The Tableside Horiatiki Salad ($53) was refreshing and beautifully prepared. The Branzino ($62/lb) was absolutely delicious! Since the restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, I knew I had to try the Branzino, and it did not disappoint. It reminded me of the amazing Branzino I enjoyed during my trip to Greece. The Grilled Colorado Lamb Chops ($84) were surprisingly tender and flavorful. The Lemon Roasted Potatoes ($18) were great. For dessert, we tried the Baklava Ice Cream Sundae ($21), which was a very yummy and the Citrus Textures ($19), which was beautifully presented and delicious. For drinks, I ordered the Ares ($30) made with Siete Leguas Blanco Tequila, blood orange liqueur, hibiscus, citrus, and cherry wood smoke. It was a unique cocktail and a great addition to the meal. I have to say, there were no disappointing dishes and everything we ordered was excellent! The service was also outstanding. Our server Julia was friendly, professional, and very attentive. She gave us great recommendations and even surprised me with a complimentary birthday dessert. Her wonderful service truly made our dining experience even more memorable. Overall, I had a fantastic birthday celebration at Studio Mediterranean Montage Laguna Beach. With incredible food, excellent service, and a breathtaking ocean view, it is a perfect place for a special occasion. The price is on the higher end, but the quality and experience are worth it. I highly recommend it for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration. I will definitely come back and recommend it to my friends! read more

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WARNING... if you book a reservation for a special celebration for this restaurant, please have a backup plan as they cancelled my reservation and probably many others just one week before our reservation even though I booked it months in advance. I was hoping to leave a 5 star review because the view, food and service from our server Julia were all amazing and memorable. But I was disappointed in the management of this fine dining restaurant establishment... I booked a reservation for a party of 8 to celebrate my parents 50th anniversary. I made the reservation a few months ago. But ONE WEEK BEFORE our reservation I got a missed call and voicemail from the restaurant stating that they cancelled our reservation because of a last minute buyout. I was shocked when I got this voicemail because the dinner was only one week away. So I called them back and asked to move my reservation to the next day. I asked what management was going to do for this last minute change and inconvenience and they told me that management said they would "provide enhancements throughout the evening to make up for this". So we showed up to dinner today and I reminded the front desk what had happened and they had no notes about what happened to us. So I asked them to remind the manager what they told me about providing enhancements throughout our dinner. After a memorable meal and amazing service by Julia, we were so full so we were planning on passing on dessert and asked for the check. We got the check and nothing was compensated for by management. So I asked if we can speak to the manager. The manager came and seemed to have no idea about what had happened to us and was not apologetic at all and didn't seem to really care at all about our last minute cancelled reservation. He said he would check to see what happened and came back and said that they were going to give us free dessert... but we were already done with the our meal and had the check in hand. I said we were full and were planning on passing on dessert and asked what they can do for us. And the only thing he offered was free dessert. We asked if they normally offered free desserts for guests celebrating an anniversary and he said he didn't know that we were celebrating an anniversary, but that they would bring an anniversary dessert out along with other free desserts. So we ended up sticking around and eating tons of free desserts even though we told them we were full and were done. At a fine dining establishment, I would have expected more sympathy and attention from the manager from the start, not at the end of our meal after I had to ask to speak to him. Since the restaurant cancelled our reservation a week before our meal, it would have been nice for the manager to come and acknowledge what had happened once we arrived and provide some "enhancements" throughout our dinner as they promised. Instead, he completely lacked sympathy, didn't acknowledge what happened, was not apologetic, didn't even know what had happened to us, didn't even know we were celebrating my parents anniversary, didn't stop by once on his own before I asked to speak to him, didn't compensate anything from our meal after we said we were done and already had our check in hand, but instead brought out desserts that we didn't really want because we were full and were getting ready to leave. Julia is the saving grace of this restaurant and our meal. We still enjoyed our meal and had an amazing time celebrating my parent's anniversary. We didn't let the apathetic management ruin this special day and meal. Below is the voicemail they left us one week before our reservation date. "Good afternoon, Mr. Choi. I'm calling from montage, you're gonna beach dining reservations. This is in regards to your studio Mediterranean reservation for a party of, um, I'm sorry, uh, 5 PM for a party of 8 on Saturday, September 12. At this time, the restaurant does actually have a buyout, so we do have to relocate all reservations for that day. I'm happy to see if there's anything available at the loft restaurant for you for that same evening, or I'm happy to change the reservation to Sunday, September 13th. Um, at 615 PM. If you can please give us a call on 949-715-6420 once again 949-715-6420. This reservation will be canceled again due to the buyout, but happy to relocate you at the loft or studio Mediterranean, but on Sunday. Thank you so much. We look forward to welcoming you and hearing back from you. Goodbye." read more

Studio Mediterranean - They cancelled our reservation ONE WEEK BEFORE our meal to celebrate my parent's anniversary because someone did a buyout of the restaurant. - Mediterranean Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

The view here is seriously amazing, especially around sunset, and our server was honestly one of the best parts of the whole experience. Super sweet, attentive, and really helpful. I ordered the eggplant moussaka, but as someone who grew up eating Mediterranean food, I just didn't really like the flavor. Our server even offered to change it for me, which I really appreciated, but by then I had kind of lost my appetite. We also got the Maine lobster. It was good, but the portion was pretty small, especially for the price. This place is definitely on the expensive side. The cocktails were SO good though, probably my favorite part. I also loved the warm dates with pistachio -- such a cute little touch and actually really good. Overall, I'd give it a 7/10. The food was a little hit or miss for me and pretty pricey, but the view, cocktails, atmosphere, and service were amazing. read more

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We celebrated a birthday with a 5:00 PM reservation for three at Studio Mediterranean at the Montage Laguna Beach, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable fine dining experiences we've had. Our table offered an incredible panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, making it the perfect setting for a special occasion. The elegant Mediterranean-inspired dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the breathtaking coastline. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet relaxed, and as the sun slowly set over the ocean, the scenery became even more spectacular. Throughout the evening, the service was exceptional. Our server, Julia, was knowledgeable, attentive, and paced each course perfectly without ever making us feel rushed. Every staff member was friendly and welcoming. We ordered the following dishes: Honey Melon Lassi - (Wonderful) Julia noticed we weren't fond of our original hibiscus drink (forgot the name) and kindly replaced it with this. It was smooth, creamy, naturally sweet with fresh honey melon flavor, and the perfect non-alcoholic drink to begin the meal. Ares Cocktail - (Great) A well-balanced signature cocktail that was refreshing without being overly sweet. It paired very nicely with the seafood courses. Arnold Palmer - (Great) A simple classic done well, with perfectly balanced tea and lemonade that was especially refreshing on a warm summer afternoon. Tableside Horiatiki - (Wonderful) One of the highlights of the evening. This traditional Greek village salad was prepared tableside with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, olives, creamy feta cheese, and olive oil. Watching it come together made the experience even more enjoyable. Seafood Platter/Tower for Two - (Wonderful) Beautifully presented with an impressive assortment of chilled seafood. Everything tasted exceptionally fresh, and the house-made hot sauces paired wonderfully with the seafood. Charred Octopus - (Great) Beautifully grilled with a light char on the outside while remaining very tender inside, although I would have preferred it just slightly firmer. The smoky flavor complemented the natural sweetness of the octopus perfectly. Branzino by the Pound - (Outstanding) Expertly deboned tableside, the Mediterranean sea bass was incredibly moist, flaky, and naturally sweet. Easily one of the best branzino dishes we've had. We chose this preparation over the coffee-ground and sea salt version to keep the wonderfully crispy skin. Grilled Lamb Chops - (Wonderful) Cooked perfectly to our medium-rare request. Juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned, with just enough fat to add richness without feeling greasy. Lemon Roasted Potatoes - (Great) Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with bright lemon flavor and just the right amount of herbs. They paired wonderfully with the lamb chops. Baklava Sundae - (Wonderful) A creative dessert combining flaky baklava with creamy pistachio ice cream. The contrast of textures was delicious without being overly sweet. Citrus Textures - (Great) Light, refreshing, and the perfect palate cleanser after a rich meal. It paired wonderfully with the Baklava Sundae. Birthday Greek Donut - (Excellent) Freshly made Greek-style donuts drizzled with warm caramel. A thoughtful birthday surprise that was warm, delicious, and memorable. Coffee - (Great) Freshly brewed and a nice finish to an outstanding dinner. Overall, Studio Mediterranean exceeded our expectations. Outstanding food, exceptional service from Julia, an elegant atmosphere, and breathtaking Pacific Ocean views made this birthday celebration unforgettable. Our favorites were the Branzino, Tableside Horiatiki, Seafood Platter, Grilled Lamb Chops, and Baklava Sundae. While it's definitely a special-occasion restaurant, the overall experience made it well worth the visit. We left already talking about what we'd order next time and will definitely be back. A well-deserved 5-star experience! read more

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Shall we say...Breathtaking? This is the first word that comes to mind when I think of Studio Mediterranean. This restaurant is in a stunning location right by the beach, making it the perfect setting for a special occasion. We celebrated my best friend's birthday here on a Saturday evening with a group of 14. Since our party was so large, we were split between two adjacent tables, which worked out perfectly. As soon as you walk in, you're greeted by a beautiful bar to the right, with the main dining room opening up straight ahead. Beyond the dining area are doors leading to a grassy outdoor space overlooking the public walking path, with the ocean just beyond it. There were several smaller tables outside, but our group was seated indoors, which I assume was due to our size. The views alone are worth the visit, but the restaurant itself is just as impressive. The decor reminded me of elegant coastal restaurants you'd find along the Mediterranean or European seaside -- bright, sophisticated, and effortlessly beautiful. I happened to be seated at the non-drinking end of the table, so I can't comment on the cocktails or wine, but the food certainly didn't disappoint. Charred Octopus (7/10) -- The octopus was nicely charred and tender, with a pleasant smoky flavor. That said, I found it a little under-seasoned and wished it had a bit more depth of flavor. Trio Appetizer -- A great starter for the table. It's perfect if you want to sample a variety of appetizers, and everyone enjoyed sharing it. Branzino -- We ordered the regular branzino instead of the coffee salt-crusted version since our table had already ordered plenty of food. It was beautifully prepared, perfectly seasoned, and expertly deboned, making it incredibly easy to enjoy. The crispy skin was one of my favorite parts. Our friends at the neighboring table ordered the salt-crusted branzino, and while the tableside presentation was impressive, we noticed the skin was removed during service...which, in my opinion, is the best part of the fish! Steak -- One of my favorite dishes of the evening. It was cooked beautifully, seasoned well, sliced for easy sharing, and was a crowd-pleaser all around. Flank Steak (6/10) -- This was probably the only dish I wouldn't order again. The portion was much smaller than we expected, and while it wasn't bad, it just didn't stand out compared to the other dishes we tried. Sides -- We ordered the rice, charred broccolini, and potatoes, and honestly, all three were excellent. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be the charred broccolini. It paired wonderfully with both the branzino and the steaks and added a nice balance to the meal. One unexpected standout was the pita. This wasn't your typical thin pita...it was thicker, fluffier, and incredibly soft. It paired well with nearly everything on the table, and we ended up ordering multiple baskets because everyone kept reaching for more. Between the spectacular oceanfront setting, elegant atmosphere, attentive service, and delicious food, this was a wonderful place to celebrate a special occasion. While there were a couple of dishes I enjoyed more than others, the overall experience was memorable, and I'd happily return for another celebration. read more

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I'd give Studio Mediterranean 6 stars if I could. Truly an incredible dining experience from start to finish -- exceptional food, wonderful service (including the hosts), gorgeous ambiance, and the most magical sunset with sweeping ocean views from our table. We were lucky enough to dine outside during magic hour on our last night at the Montage, and it could not have been more perfect. Everything we ordered was outstanding. The Dover Sole was a WOW, as was the Snake River hanger steak. The Little Gem Salad is insane and an absolute must, along with the California Rice Mélange. We also loved the Pork Belly appetizer and Mediterranean Fries. And do not leave without trying the Greek Yogurt FroYo -- hands down our favorite dessert and the perfect ending to dinner. What really made the evening special was the entire experience: beautiful setting, attentive service, incredible food, and that unforgettable ocean sunset. If you sit outside, they have heaters and blankets once the sun goes down, which was such a nice touch. The interior is also absolutely beautiful. Definitely reserve a table in advance, and if you can time dinner around sunset, even better. Such a special, elevated dining experience. We were so grateful to spend our final evening at the Montage here and already can't wait to go back. read more

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My family and I came here to celebrate a birthday, and the attention to detail and quality of food was spectacular. I want to start out this review with a big shoutout to our server Julia, who was extremely attentive and personable! When I mentioned not liking a specific drink due to preference, she came back and gave me a free one on the house. She was also very friendly the entire night, coming to check in on us, giving suggestions, and bringing out a birthday surprise! She was the highlight of the evening. The food was equally as impressive. The seafood tower was incredibly fresh with each item paired well. The standout for the tower was the kampachi crudo. The charred octopus was delicious, but I definitely prefer a firmer texture. The horiatiki brought me back to my time in Greece, flavors spot on with the mediterranean theme. Our mains the branzino and lamp chops were both amazing. I'm glad we got the regular per pound branzino instead of full salt crust as the skin is kept on. The crispy skin paired with the tender fish created a texture and flavor paradise. The lamp chops were equally as impressive. Like Julia suggested, there was no gaminess and the fat was rendered well for medium rare. Finally, the deserts were delightful. Julia brought out a surprise greek style donuts which had a nice fluffy texture on the inside. We also ordered the baklava sundae and citrus textures. The baklava paired well with the donuts, but the citrus textures was so well paired. Everything all together for the citrus textures made it a masterful one biter. The overall experience at Studio Mediterranean was wonderful and I will definitely be coming back in the future! read more

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My husband surprised me with dinner reservations here to celebrate our first wedding anniversary, and it was such a beautiful experience! The restaurant is vibrant and seriously feels like something straight out of Santorini, with gorgeous ocean views, a beautiful lawn and landscaping, and an amazing atmosphere. The dress code felt like business casual to summer cocktail attire, so it's definitely a fun place to dress up a little without feeling overly formal. We sat outside under one of the heat lamps, which thankfully did not need to be on because it was already so warm out! We had some great people watching and incredible views of the beach from pretty much every direction. Our servers were on top of everything, extremely knowledgeable, and somehow made every single thing on the menu sound like an absolute treat. They even created a drink from scratch for my husband based on the type of alcohol he likes. It had mezcal and was strained through Greek yogurt along with a few other ingredients we unfortunately can't remember. It came out completely clear like water and was so unique! I had the Aperol cantaloupe spritz, which was refreshing, light, and perfect for a warm evening. We started with a breaded cheese appetizer that I cannot remember the name of, but it was a light dough with cheese inside and apricot jam. Definitely finger food and absolutely delightful. For dinner, my husband had the lamb chops and I had the dill salmon. If you love dill, the salmon definitely delivers because it is VERY dilly! The lamb chops, though, were our favorite. They were so tender, and the sauce was this perfect lemony, salty deliciousness that we could not get enough of. We finished with the pistachio ice cream baklava sundae, and that dessert is seriously to die for! I would honestly come back just for that. The restaurant also surprised us with little "Happy Anniversary" loukoumades, which were such a sweet touch, and yes, we ate every single one. Our bill came out to around $300 for the two of us, and they also covered the valet, which was nice. One little tip: when you first sit down, they ask if you would like still or sparkling water. We said still and received bottled water, but you can ask for regular tap water instead. Overall, we had an amazing experience and absolutely loved celebrating our first anniversary here. Beautiful setting, great service, delicious food, and such a memorable anniversary dinner! read more

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New Mediterranean gem at the Montage. It goes without saying, but the view is spectacular with ocean front dining (indoors and outdoors) that stretches for miles down. The indoor venue is also spacious decorated with a cream colored tone giving it a clean, and upscale vibe. Being it was during the Christmas season they had live music with a gentleman playing Christmas carols on the keyboard (not sure if this is seasonal or if they'll have live music on weeknights). To top it all off, the food was also very delicious. Wasn't looking to eat heavy so tried a few of their starter plates. And to our delight the were splendid. 1. Grilled dates: 1000/10. A must order. They were medrool dates with Spanish goat cheese (imported) and sprinkled with pistachio nut bites. Just the right amount of sweet and savory with some creaminess to each bite. Blew my mind. A must try and highly recommend. 2. Melitzanosalada: 100/10. Another must order. Mashed eggplant seasoned with garlic. Shallots, pomegranate seeds, roasted red peppers, parsley (chefs kiss). Comes with their house made yogurt pita (soft, fluffy, heaven) and seasoned veggie sticks. Sooo incredible. Another must try. Now they did also have an edamame hummus plate and ?tyrokafteri (feta) platter as well which I was interested in and would have ordered if with a larger party-sampling platter. 3. Charred octopus: charred octopus (generous amount) seasoned with a tomato sauce and spinach and parsley cream. This was good but felt it was on the slightly saltier side. Would give 7.5/10 4. Kampachi Crudo: fresh kampachi lightly seasoned with lemon and shallots, and topped with capers. Wasn't too bad but the other previous dishes just hit it out of the park so wasn't as keen on this last one. 7.5/20 Overall loved this place. The food, view, and the service was also excellent. Would definitely come back and highly recommend! read more

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Studio Mediterranean has officially become my favorite restaurant! As an I-Prefer Titanium member, I have always deeply appreciated Montage hospitality across their properties in Maui, Beverly Hills, and Newport, but Studio Mediterranean in Laguna Beach is truly in a class of its own. The ocean views are absolutely breathtaking. Enjoying the spectacular salt-crusted whole branzino gave me flashbacks to Santorini. It paired flawlessly with the crisp, mineral-driven Estate Argyros 'Atlantis' Assyrtiko blend. Every dish we sampled--from the charred octopus and perfectly seasoned broccolini to the heavenly fresh pita bread and delicious scallop crudo--was a showcase of true culinary art. What elevates this venue to world-class status is the immaculate service. Our server, V, was phenomenal, engaging us in fascinating conversation regarding WSET and CMS theory. Our server assistant, Jackson, was incredibly attentive; his presence and seamless execution are major assets to the Montage guest experience. We initially planned to move to the main lounge to study our wine materials, but the captivating vibe at the Studio kept us there all evening. We transitioned to the community table for more drinks, where bartenders George and Chase crafted several of our customized signature cocktails executed to absolute perfection. An exceptional establishment requires elite hospitality leadership. Deepest thanks to our host, Sean; our attentive servers, V, Sean, and Fabiana; our masterful bartenders, Chase and George; and the incredible management team led by Melia and General Manager Cecil Kepner. Melia, thank you so much for granting us a table with such an iconic view! We are looking forward to returning in a few weeks to celebrate an upcoming birthday. Outdoor seating to enjoy that beautiful night breeze and oceanfront sunset with culinary wine pairing would be greatly appreciated. We look forward to a dining experience co-curated by Gary Sullivan and the Studio beverage team. read more

The anticipated return of Studio Mediterranean did not disappoint. The setting is absolutely stunning and really transports you to the Mediterranean. Chef Dennis is from Greece and knows the cuisine. Expect amazing service and carefully crafted cuisine We enjoyed several different dishes and each was more delicious than the next This is definitely a special occasion restaurant available only to guests of the hotel for now and family and friends of the hotel. They will have a grand opening for the public October 10. read more

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Came here to celebrate my birthday last weekend. We had a great time. The food was very good, and the service was excellent!!! We got to sit outside, and the view was spectacular and very romantic. I loved this! read more

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After spending a relaxing afternoon at the beach and at the hotel, we decided to stop by the restaurant for dinner. It would have been beautiful to sit outside, but the sun had already gone down and the temperature dropped, so we chose a cozy indoor table instead. The staff was very nice and polite, although it did seem like they were a bit disappointed that we didn't order wine. There was a sommelier on site who even stopped by to ask if we were interested in non alcoholic options. We ordered the roasted eggplant, the grilled dates, and the melitzanosalata. Every dish was genuinely delicious and so well prepared. The dates were definitely unique. We really enjoyed everything and appreciated the quality of the food. However, waiting for the bill was a different story. It took longer to receive the check than it did to get our entire meal, and we weren't sure what caused the delay. It left the ending of the experience feeling a bit off compared to the rest of the evening. Overall, the food was wonderful and the ambiance was lovely, but a smoother finish would have made the visit even better. read more

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The best views of the ocean in town. Service was unmatched. You have to go!! Pricing is kind of nuts but still worth going once.

We had a mixed experience. While the drinks were genuinely excellent and a highlight of the evening, the food and service didn't quite meet expectations for a place like this. The black cod was disappointing, it had a jelly-like texture and lacked flavor altogether. The rice on the side was only medium quality and overwhelmed with too much garlic which made it hard to enjoy. Service also fell short. The red wine was poured carelessly and the glass wasn't cleaned afterward which is something you wouldn't expect at a restaurant of this caliber. Additionally the Prosecco was poured over the glass in a messy way, reflecting a lack of attention to detail. Overall, while the cocktails stood out, the food quality and service need improvement. read more

The fish was really good and very tasty, with excellent seasoning. The potatoes were outstanding as well. Our mocktail was a bit too sweet for my liking. The ocean view was spectacular, and the sunset added a beautiful touch to the evening. We visited for my girlfriend's birthday celebration, and most of the staff kindly wished her a happy birthday. We also ordered the lamb dish. However, after we finished sharing the fish plate, the server quickly cleared our table and brought the dessert menu along with a small birthday cake. We never received the lamb, and we chose not to say anything to avoid making a scene. Overall, we left not fully satisfied due to these oversights. Additionally, when retrieving our car from valet, several attendants stood around while I struggled to open the locked passenger door myself. Small details like these made a big impact on the experience. read more

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Came here without a reservation on a Friday night, and there was availability. What threw me off is that OpenTable requires you to put a credit card # down for the reservation and no shows/cancellations/modifications within 48 hours of the window will result in $75/per person fee. I have a 3 year old and I get antsy doing things like this in case she ends up sick or our plans change. Regardless, there was availability and we made it here. Valet parking is complimentary with restaurant validation so that was nice. The restaurant itself is beautiful and has coastal vibes and a bright atmosphere. The decor and ambiance are on point. The view is gorgeous overlooking the water but since we were here for a later dinner it was dark and we could not truly enjoy that aspect. We decided to sit inside because of the wind, but the restaurant is kind enough to provide pashmina throws to keep you warm and has plenty of heat lamps. The menu is vast, with lots of seafood options and some vegetarian options as well. For starters, I went with edamame hummus which was delightful. This was served with this ultra fluffy pita bread and some assorted veggies. So creamy and unexpectedly tasty. We both got drinks, my husband with a Figs from Plaka and i got a Meli Sour (Grey goose, aperol, canteloupe, honey, egg whites). I did like my drink. I went for the steelhead fish which was served with couscous and my husband went with the Branzino. We shared the rice and lemon potatoes. I think the rice was a bit dry, and not as memorable, so perhaps try another side dish next time. The branzino is charged by the pound, so keep that in mind for ordering some of the seafood dishes. We ended the night with a pavlova dessert, which was good as well and refreshing. I would definitely return here for a day time thing to enjoy the views and a variety of the other dishes, which all looked delicious. Service was wonderful and attentive as well. read more

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Unfortunately I didn't get to go so I'm sure the restaurant is fabulous but my experience with it hasn't been great. I called a week ago to make a reservation for my wife's birthday. When I double checked the reservation last night I realized whoever made it, made it for the wrong date. So I called immediately and am told nobody is available and will have to wait until the next day around 5pm to speak with someone. Our reservation was supposed to be for 6:15 so I felt uneasy about the situation. Ultimately they called me around 9:30am the day of the reservation to apologize and say there was nothing they could do. That was it. They offered to make a reservation for another night but my wife's birthday isn't on another night so that's a wrap on that. Doubtful we'll give the place another shot. read more

We had an absolutely stellar experience at Studio Mediterranean. We were lucky enough to meet the chef too. We were delighted by the attentiveness of all the staff, start to finish. We enjoyed great service, with a lot of intention & attention to detail. SM really went above and beyond to create the ultimate experience in fine dining. I absolutely loved the blend of Greek Mediterranean with a twist, like a California flare. Everything was presented in a beautiful understated manner, and incredibly savory. The decor and aesthetic is unmatched, and it was a welcomed surprise from the old Studio, that was closed for so many years. The chef has reimagined what Studio is. I truly appreciate all of the detail and thought that was involved. Especially with the build out itself, which was executed to maximize the absolutely stunning and sweeping views that only can be offered at the Montage Laguna Beach. Incredible place to go for a celebration, a romantic date, or a family gathering. Sitting at the bar is also wonderful, as is the lounge area. The food was truly delicious! It was very nice for me as a vegan to have plenty of options. The beans, salads, rice, dates, everything was spectacular. I look forward to coming back again very soon. Make it a whole evening by getting there before sunset, & enjoying the sunset views. Along with delicious food, you have an ambience and the general atmosphere that you can only get in this part of Laguna Beach. If you appreciate beautiful interior design, aesthetic, and architecture, this restaurant is for you. read more

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The food was absolutely delightful. We shared the black cod which was a dish id go back for. Roasted and chilled tomato dip was an amazing concoction of labne cheese and Mediterranean spices. Skip the zucchini fritters. They were far too moist and felt as if eating something not cooked. A fellow named Michael who worked there had such an attentive care for our comfort from the moment we sat down. Besides him, this place has work to do in regard to their customer service. At times, we felt forgotten about and no check in after main entree was served led to wasted side dish. Had to ask for bill, got tired of waiting for dessert menu. read more

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Studio Mediterranean at Montage Laguna Beach gave us a night to remember for our 20th anniversary. We started with the oysters -- hands down the best we've ever had. The spread trio was a hit too: flavorful hummus, adorable local veggies, and surprisingly good gluten-free pitas that didn't feel like a compromise. The Snake River flank steak with lemon roasted potatoes was cooked to perfection, and the sommelier nailed it with a cabernet that reminded us of our first trip to PlumpJack -- a nostalgic touch that made the evening even more special. To top it off, they surprised us with a dessert to celebrate our anniversary, and the moon put on a light show over the ocean that felt like it was just for us. Elegant, thoughtful, and unforgettable. read more

Studio Mediterranean - Ocean view - Mediterranean Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

We chose Studio Mediterranean to celebrate a birthday and specifically requested an ocean-view table when making our reservation nearly a week in advance. Upon arrival, we were told no ocean-view tables were available. When we asked why, we were told all ocean-view tables were fully booked. This explanation made no sense to us. If ocean-view tables cannot be reserved, then how could they already be fully booked? If they can be reserved, why was our request made a week in advance not honored? The situation left us feeling that our reservation was not handled fairly. Unfortunately, the experience became even worse after we were seated indoors. During dinner, I was bitten by an insect and my eye suddenly became severely swollen within minutes. We had to end our birthday celebration early and leave immediately. Extremely disappointing experience, especially for what was supposed to be a special occasion. read more

They did a lovely update to the Studio, which was why I was excited to take my husband here for his birthday. I called ahead to request a nice table and was instead seated next to the kitchen where "order" and "corner" were shouted loudly throughout the evening. Our table was really in a hallway - not a room - which was beyond disappointing. The food was excellent, but being that our table was so bad, I couldn't helped but leave disappointed. All for the privilege of paying top dollar. So much for being a local. read more

We went for the soft opening of Studio that reopened on Thursday. This is definitely a great addition at Montage with a delightful Mediterranean touch. Cecil Kepner and his crew have created a very welcoming setting with a very friendly and dedicated service staff. Our party really had a lot of fun. Their seafood is really the centerpiece of your culinary experience. With delicious oysters, the octopus, black cod, branzino cooked with salt. read more

Standing ovation for Chef Dennis and his amazing staff who makes dream meals a reality. From start to finish, this whole experience was delectable. From meze to main courses, we ate til we (thought) we could eat no more! Until... DESSERT. Don't miss out on the sweet treats at the end. Worth every calorie. We can't wait to come back and this time I'm bringing friends to ensure we can order the whole menu! read more

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Studio Mediterranean nails that perfect mix of coastal atmosphere, amazing food, and genuine hospitality. We stopped in on a whim and were blown away -- everything tasted so fresh and vibrant. The grilled branzino was perfectly cooked, the lamb skewers were insanely tender, and the spreads (especially the hummus and tzatziki) were next-level. You can tell they use high-quality ingredients and care about every plate they send out. read more

Studio Mediterranean is hands down my favorite restaurant in Laguna beach . Expetional food and service . The ambiance is equally great . If you are a Mediterranean food lover like myself, this is the spot for you . I celebrated my birthday here last week and I had great time . read more

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The food was not that great with a very limited menu. The service was good and very nice place inside the montage hotel. I would not come back. The hotel is very nice and peaceful read more

The ambience is lovely and service is amazing but I literally had the worst meal ever here. The steelhead was fishy, the Israeli couscous was slimy. I asked for them to exchange it for the eggplant but unfortunately it was cold and stringy. I'm sad because I really wanted to like this restaurant. Even the dessert disappointed. Sorry! Won't be back. read more

Such an amazing culinary experience the remodel is beautiful like California. We are greeted by the most amazing host Alessandra who made sure we had an excellent table with the view of the sunset. The environment service and food are one of the best fines in Orange County. Can't wait to go back read more

Studio Mediterranean - Sunset - Mediterranean Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

We eat out often and The Studio at the Montage is one of our favorite restaurants. It's perched high on the cliffs with the Pacific waves smashing below. On a good day you you can enjoy their fine dining while looking out at Catalina Island. The grounds are truly spectacular. The Food is Outstanding along with their "Five Star Service". Dee is their lead host and he is outstanding. He strives to make everyone feel comfortable and enjoy a wonderful dining experience. Dee is very personable, attentive and professional and he is what makes dining at the Studio Restaurant truly pleasurable. read more

Dining at Studio Mediterranean with a friend was an absolutely unforgettable experience. The food was delicious, light, and full of flavor -- every dish was fresh, perfectly balanced, and beautifully presented. We chose different plates and couldn't stop eating, as each bite revealed a delicate harmony of ingredients that reflected both creativity and precision in the kitchen. The setting is simply gorgeous, with a breathtaking view of the ocean and the most stunning sunsets that paint the sky every evening. The elegant yet relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect place to enjoy great food and conversation while soaking in the beauty of the coast. But what truly makes Studio Mediterranean stand out is the warmth of the service. The entire team -- from the server and bartender to the manager, host, and sommelier -- brings an authentic kindness and professionalism that elevate the whole experience. Their genuine hospitality makes every guest feel cared for and welcome, creating a sense of connection that's rare to find. If you wish to share a wonderful experience with family or friends, Studio Mediterranean is truly the place to be. A perfect blend of elegance, flavor, and heartfelt service -- unforgettable from start to finish. read more

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V was the most amazing guide for our dinner. He was so thorough and suggestive all night. He made my son's graduation celebration from college memorable for our party of 10. read more

The new restaurant is gorgeous and they did a fantastic job of adding light colors and the atmosphere is so welcoming! Our server was Awesome and the food was all extremely good. The only issue I had was an ordered a Belvedere martini and when I received the bill it was $62 and my wife ordered a Tito's martini and it was $21! If you are going to charge $62 for a drink you should let the customer know it before they order it please! Again the Hamachi Sashimi was FANTASTIC and table side Greek salad was DELICIOUS and our Durado was yummy too! read more

This place is a 10/10 for many reasons. I have been here twice and the food has been beyond incredible. My absolute favorite dish the first time I came was a lobster pasta dish which used flavor combos I never expected. Mouthwatering. I was sad to see it was off menu this time but happy to be informed they had the dish but with orzo instead. Excellent, mouthwatering, delicious. Service is wonderful. Staff are very knowledgable. Place is beautiful and Romantic Drinks are awesome and so creative I will drive back from LA for this great restaurant. My only request- please bring back the lobster pasta dish. read more

When Montage opened I held the first charity gala there (an event honoring Harrison Ford) and I held others in subsequent years (honoring Julie Harris and Barbara Eden). Also, I was part of a happy hour group that met monthly in its lobby bar & lounge. I've eaten there on special occasions, but last evening was my first time at Studio in probably twenty years. It was, as expected, an extraordinary meal in an unsurpassable location to view the sunset along the coast. Nothing less than impeccable service. We had the "catch of the day" (à la carte fish dishes sold by the pound) branzino (large enough to be shared) and the black cod meal (it is accompanied by rice seasoned with almonds and apricots)--both of those dishes were sensational, perfectly cooked, perfectly flavored. Our extra side of small potatoes was nothing special, but the side of pita bread we ordered was heavenly--unlike any we'd ever eaten before. We opted for the date cake for dessert (it has a sauce flavored with Kalamata olives)--it was not something we liked and though our server saw we had only taken a bite of it andoffered a substitute we were already full from our meal and declined. We were surprised and pleased to discover the dessert had been removed from our bill without our asking. Also, they handle the parking fees digitally, and the table server enters the claim number into the system which validates it (no charge if you dine there). It's a very high priced establishment but you do get what you pay for. read more

Studio Mediterranean - Branzino, black cod. - Mediterranean Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

*RACIST-DO NOT GO HERE* When my wife and I walked in, we were dressed nicely--definitely not like we had just come from the beach--but the host, Dee, told us they don't allow shorts and ask patrons to wear pants. I said no problem, and he told me he'd book our table for 15 minutes later so I'd have time to go back and change, which I appreciated. When we returned and got seated, I noticed the table next to us--a party of four--and one of the guys was wearing shorts. They were Caucasian, and although I found it odd, I brushed it off. About thirty minutes into our meal, Dee brought in a family of five--the mom, dad, and their three boys--all wearing very short shorts, and again, they were Caucasian. That's when it hit me: we were the only Asians in the restaurant, and I was the only one asked to change. It bothered me, but I kept it to myself. Later, when my wife wanted to take sunset pictures, I stepped outside with her and saw another Caucasian family already seated and eating, and one of the men was wearing shorts too. That's when I realized I was being racially discriminated against. For the first time in my life, I asked to speak to a manager, and when he came out, he kept trying to dodge the issue by making small talk and asking where I was from. I played along and asked for the check. At first, I was going to leave a $0 tip--only the second time in my life I've tipped below 18%--but my wife mentioned the server was really nice, so I added a 2 in front and left $20 instead. After we left and returned to our room, my wife realized she forgot her small white bag with her lipstick in it, so we both went back to the restaurant. We stood at the front check-in counter and asked if they had seen it--they had kept it for us and returned it. As we were standing there, I noticed another Caucasian couple being seated, and the man was wearing shorts almost identical to the ones I had on earlier. That's when I knew I had to leave this review. DO NOT come here unless you're okay with being racially profiled. The double standard was real, and the experience was disappointing. read more

Studio Mediterranean - Mediterranean Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Phenomenal dining experience! Upon entering the newly refreshed studio Mediterranean, we were kindly greeted by Sheridan, our lovely host for the evening and walked to "the best seat in the house". Turns out it possibly was the best seat in the house because we were facing the sunset on the outdoor patio, but still covered so the sun was not in our face. We were then in the hands of Sean our waiter for the evening. We left it up to him to guide us through the menu and he had fantastic recommendations and was able to accurately romanticize each dish that arrived as if he were the chef himself. Fantastic service Sean. And chef Dennis and his team had prepared each dish thoughtfully and deliciously. We especially enjoyed the salt and coffee crusted Branzino, charred broccoli with pecan tahini and the baklava sundae. The beverages from the Nico and the bar team were excellent and he even came table side to walk us through the ingredients and why they paired well to craft the perfect cocktails. From Claude with his exceptional wine knowledge, Jade keeping our table in perfect order and Axle masterfully preparing our table side Greek salad the team was amazing. Thank you to the manager Cecil and his team for a wonderfull 5 star dining experience.... And Cecil is a master at deboning a Branzino by the way read more

Everything was wonderful. From the staff and service to the food and decor . I would be remiss if I didn't mention the view... wow. read more

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GREAT Location, GREAT Ambiance, OUTSTANDING Service, EXQUISITE Menu & DELICIOUS Cuisine! The Staff were AMAZING with their Hospitality! Celebrated My Wife's Birthday & made for an unforgettable Evening! The Valet Parking Staff were Courteous & Professional. Thank You! read more