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    The Cliff Restaurant

    3.8 (4.4k reviews)
    Open • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    The Cliff Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    THE CLIFF RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - The Cliff Restaurant

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    Reviews With Photos

    Raven R.

    This is a beautiful restaurant overlooking the beach. I would recommend going around sunset to enjoy it. Staff is friendly and helpful. We got the cliffhanger to drinks, bruschetta to start, and the fish, shrimp, and fries for our entree. Cliffhanger- This has a cruzan mango rum base with mango puree, blue curacao, and lime. The mango flavor is dominant with a fresh, citrus undertone. Sweet and refreshing! Bruschetta- Juicy tomato with chopped fresh basil layered with mozzarella cheese. Drizzled with balsamic reduction and served on crispy crostini. Fresh and light. Fish, Shrimp and Chips- The seafood was fresh. Batter was tasty and everything is fried to perfection. Served with crispy fries. Perfect dish for a seafood craving. Great experience overall!

    Menghai T.

    I came here for dinner and got the carbonara($34) and it came out in about 25 mins. The pasta was cooked good and served with an Alfredo sauce. It had some lump crab meat and shrimp. A good view with pretty solid food! Staff were friendly. Overall, a good view with solid food to support it! Food(50%): 8.0 Staff/service(25%): 7.0 Value(25%): 6.5 Overall: 7.4/10

    Menu (June 2026)
    Christal M.

    I can't believe I never knew about this beachside restaurant in Laguna until now. It's a great spot to take in the beautiful ocean views while you eat. It's Laguna so parking can be difficult but it's possible to find metered parking on the nearby cross streets if you don't mind walking a little. We opted to use their valet parking but it's $6 per hour. The restaurant is surrounded by cute shops and there's an area where they have live music on certain nights. There are a decent amount of tables outside with umbrellas for shade. If you come for happy hour on a weekday, it's only available in the upper area by the bar. We came on a Tuesday for happy hour (3- 6pm), so cocktails were $2 off and starters were half priced. They don't have that many cocktails to choose from, so I just got their red Seasonal Sangria ($16). It didn't come in a wine glass which was a little odd but it was fine. We shared their Shrimp Ceviche ($23) and Bruschetta ($19). The ceviche was okay but the bruschetta was excellent. They also had taco specials (I assume because it was Tuesday) so they were $4- 5 à la carte. I tried the Mahi Mahi and Shrimp tacos and surprisingly really liked them. The Mahi Mahi tasted fresh and so did the corn tortillas. I would definitely come back for Taco Tuesday and anytime I'm looking to dine with an ocean view.

    The view
    Francoise S.

    The view is lovely. The service is friendly, and it's a dog friendly restaurant. Win win. My burger was delicious... how can you go wrong with that. The French dip was horrible. No flavor, no presentation. Absolutely not worth it. I wanted to complain, but my husband didn't have the energy. So he suffered through it. Total cost: Total was $89.40 including tip. A cliff burger cost $27.00 and the French Dip was $33.00. Soft drinks were $4.95. Note to self...Next time, share a meal, and share a dessert. Then it will be worth it.

    Yucca plant blocks the sunset view
    Steven B.

    Roast beef dips were very dry and chewy Supposed To be an hour wait so we ordered a cocktail and after about 20 minutes they had our table ready but seated it right where a yucca plant is located that totally blocked the sunset Service was fast

    View from the table
    Jessica C.

    The waitress was super friendly and the food was great! Maybe a little on the pricy side for what you get - I laughed a little at the $14 hot dog on the menu. I got the bruschetta to share and the pear Gorgonzola salad. The former was fine and the latter was really excellent. I shared some of the bread pudding bites and those were also really delicious, crunchy on the outside and custardy in the middle, a really interesting take on bread pudding that I loved. The view is amazing and it was the perfect spot for dinner while watching the sunset!

    Tatiana M.

    Great location & great service! The food was really good. We just had the burgers, but they were good I definitely want to come back & try more of the menu.

    Surfin Cowboy
    Larry H.

    We ordered the Surfin Cowboy $26.00 A 1/2 lb wagyu patty topped with melty pepper jack cheese, crispy bacon, onion rings, and tangy BBQ sauce on a brioche bun. And Macadamia Chicken $33.00 Succulent chicken breast crusted with macadamia, with a delicate champagne cream sauce and garnished with fresh mango and papaya. The views are great at this restaurant. It was super sunny which made it hot but, the server accommodated us and put up the umbrellas which made it comfortable. Another person in our party dinner was not satisfactory so the server took it off our bill. This was really appreciated and unexpected. Great place to enjoy if you want to eat outside.

    Hanging out with family & friends
    Alicia C.

    Great place To come with awesome views. Relaxing and causal. Pet friendly & the shop people are really nice.

    John P.

    The Cliff is a special place in Laguna Beach. The restaurant and bar have the most spectacular ocean views you can find in SoCal. If grabbing a great meal and cocktail while watching a glorious sunset is what you're looking for you should run to the Cliff when you're in Laguna Beach. Sorry I didn't get shots of the actual restaurant but the sunset distracted me. We had a delicious shrimp cocktail with our top shelf margarita. It was perfect. They added a float of Grand Marnier and Mezcal on our Cliff Margarita and it was amazing. The service was some of the best I've had in a long time. Jose our server was a blast and provided great recommendations for us. They were very open to some of our custom cocktail requests. They're all about creating a great experience while enjoying incredible views. Go to the Cliff if you're in Laguna or Newport. It will be memorable. Salute @thejohnnycocktail

    Fish $ Shrimp Combo
    David K.

    The Cliff is one of those spots you bring friends and family to when you want to show off what Laguna has to offer. With breathtaking ocean views, it's the perfect setting for an amazing dinner date or a casual lunch with friends. The food is just as impressive as the scenery, and the staff is incredibly kind and they graciously offered plenty of recommendations which everything they suggested was phenomenal. There's onsite parking (valet for $6) or street parking right in front. Plus, there are plenty of shops and bars nearby if you want to hang out before or after your meal, and the beach is just a few blocks away. Ps. Make sure to check them out for breakfast as they have an amazing menu to pick from.

    Spicy chicken sandwich
    Michael S.

    My wife and I had a nice mid-week sunset dinner here during a freak heatwave in February! You can park on the street, but PCH was so busy, we happily paid the $6/hr for valet. The menu is simple but has a variety of options, including a menu for pets. I had a spicy chicken sandwich with fries and it was pretty good (but not amazing). My wife had a 1/2 turkey sandwich and small clam chowder (both good). We saw lots of people here just for drinks and appetizers. Considering the view and location, prices were very fair. Service was friendly and quick, but not memorable. But let's be honest, you're not coming here for an elevated dining experience -- you're coming here for the stellar vista! Perched on a cliff between Main Beach and Thalia St., you have clear views of Laguna Beach and out to Catalina Island. If you're visiting from out of town, this is the quintessential SoCal experience you shouldn't miss.

    Club sandwich

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    9 days ago

    Food is average to above average with great ocean patio seating. Service good with views making up for any shortcomings.

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    2 days ago

    Really bad service bad . Don't go this place if you don't want to ruin your beach day .

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    23 days ago

    If you want good food and a great view this is the spot! Staff is great and cares about the costumer!

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    2 months ago

    Great view of the beach. Fast service and we only ordered tacos and beer for a little afternoon snacks.

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    13 days ago

    One of my favorite restaurants when we visit the beach!! Love just about everything they have on the menu. Ocean views are amazing as well!

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    Page 1 of 111

    The Cliff Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Cliff Restaurant

    Hi can we get a table tonight for 6 people around 7pm? We're here from the UK.

    They don't take reservations

    How to make reservations for Saturday for 8?

    They dont accept reservations but allow you to join the wait list on the website. I'd suggest a few hours before trying to join just to see how long the wait is for your party and then readjust your join time to come as close to your time as… 

    Hi, Would you be able to accommodate 12-14 on a Wed for lunch? We'd love a view table(s) on the patio!

    Yes, you can call day of 1 hour prior to arrival, we will add you to our waitlist

    Can i come solo for music and dinner?

    Yes just make a reservation to insure a place to sit!

    Are the concerts outdoors or indoors?

    Our live music is played outdoors at our fire pit theater. There are three fire pits, cocktail tables and an outdoor bar where our live music is played seven nights a week. Our main bar is indoors adjacent to where the band plays. We offer full food… 

    Are there outdoor heaters?

    Yes all over the patio

    Is their shading for rain?

    There are large umbrellas over the tables

    For breakfast, do you serve, gluten-free toast, pancakes, or GF waffles? Also, do you serve hashbrowns?

    Last time I was there two weeks ago for breakfast, they did NOT have any Gluten Free options. They only serve breakfast potatoes, no mention of hash browns on the menu.

    Company from AZ today I want to take them there for dinner?

    I would show up a little early from when you want to go and when you're close enough to the restaurant you can check in on Yelp. It'll hold your place in line. When you get there I suggest walking over and asking if they have anything available.… 

    Are dogs welcomed?

    No they aren't

    Do you accept reservations for lunch days in advance? Or is it just the "Get a table" button on Yelp for same day visits?

    It's first come first serve but you can put your name in on their website in advance.

    Do you have gluten-free pancakes, French toast, or gluten-free waffles?

    We do not offer pancakes and our waffles and french toast are not gluten free.

    Is this place ADA compliant?

    We are ADA compliant on both the restaurant and event venue levels. We have a side entrance with a very gradual ramp to the restaurant dining terrace and we have a wheelchair lift for the event venue.

    Do you serve, gluten-free pancakes, waffles, or French toast?

    Yes, they do

    When are dinner hours?

    After 5pm

    Is there parking there?

    Yes, either valet or public parking structure within walking distance.

    What are lunch hours?

    After 11:30 am

    What is the parking situation ? Cost? Free? Validation?

    Valet parking $3/hr! There's no validation.

    Hi, I left my wallet during brunch today. Can you help me find it? My full name on my ID will be inside the wallet: Abhyudit Bisht

    I would definitely give them a call or head over there right when they open, they may not check their Yelp daily.

    If I put myself on the waitlist days in advance, will I know in advance of what time I should arrive or will I be notified the day/morning of the day I want to come there?

    Yes you will know in advance

    View All 89 Questions

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    Order the burger and it came with potato chips and ketchup. No fries because no fryers for them…read more Air fryer would have been a good solution for these guys. No more ciopino so we ordered the ahi poke. Was good. This place is set to close September 7, 2026 to make room for the new hotel setup. So sad to see this place close down as the location and vibe was so nice! Food was ok. Not the best, but okay. And they had a bar too! Byeeee if we don't meet again and thank you!

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    237 Ocean Avenue - My favorite patio!!!Patio+Palomas+Empanadas=Heaven!

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    We came on NYE. There was music happening at 9pm, but we…read morecame early and missed it. That was our fault. We were the only ones there. The experience was all over the map. The owner served us initially, and he was really friendly and funny. We ordered a bottle of wine, and some cocktails. We put in some salads and an appetizer, they were really really good. But after that, our server (the owner we were told) left, and another server introduced himself. The new server was inattentive. He sat chatting with the other servers at the bar, leaving empty glasses and empty plates on the table. We had to flag him to come back to fill water. Having been myself in the service industry for years, my biggest pet peeve is when servers sit and chat where you can see them, and when they do come, they don't do a sweep and take care of things on the table. We had to put our empty glasses and trash on a side table. It was weird. The bolognese had hardly any meat in it. It was mostly tomato and onion. I've been to Argentina. Meat is a staple. Also weird. We ordered dessert and after waiting for 5-10 minutes, the server came back and told us they were missing crucial ingredients to make it. The owner came back at the end and was really gracious, but all in all, I think the execution was lacking. The service was not great. The food was 3.5/5 I love to support small business, perhaps we will try again another night.

    First beer release from 237 Ocean. I'm a beer guy so love that they're making their own beer now…read moresince I remember coming here when it was a brewery. It's definitely been upgraded with higher end furnishings and a farm-to-table menu. The servers and staff are always friendly and welcoming and do their best at getting to you when it's busy. We love the various types of seating with some family-style seating as well as outdoor couches and chairs to watch the people go by.

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    The Saloon - Facing PCH - Next to Nicks

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    My guy and I went here after having dinner at a location nearby. I didn't feel like ending the…read morenight, so we decided to find a spot for drinks. We initially wanted to go to another place, but the line was too long and we didn't feel like waiting. We walked a few doors down and found this spot. When we ordered our drinks, I immediately noticed that the two bartenders looked agitated for whatever reason. It was as if they both didn't want to be there. No smiles, just angry faces, like they didn't want to be there. I read the other reviews and totally agree with the ones that mentioned the same thing. We still stayed for a while longer and ordered a few drinks. At one point, my guy and I were standing and talking at the bar, practically chest to chest, because it was a little crowded. This blonde guy who apparently was supposed to be a bouncer came right in between us to put away a glass at the bar. I thought it was rude and unusual of him to do that when there was actually room behind my guy or me for him to do that. Yeah, I won't be coming here again and don't recommend. Three are plenty of much better bars in Laguna Beach where the staff are friendly and the vibe is awesome.

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    The Saloon - The motto says it all ... it's the real deal here.

    The motto says it all ... it's the real deal here.

    The Saloon - Bar shot

    Bar shot

    The Saloon - Great gear!!

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    South of Nick's - Tres leches

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    South of Nick's - Bar area with chips and dip

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    South of Nick's - Mini Soft Taco Platter; carnitas, roasted chicken, al pastor, and steak

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    The Sandpiper Lounge - Bar

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    Last Sunday was my first and not my last! Brad the bartender is the absolute sweetest man ever!! Me…read moreand my girlfriend stood for 3hrs just having the best time ever. Great conversations along with getting offered tacos!! Best dive bar in Laguna by far Can't wait to come back!!

    Ackphft! Seriously?! I just read a pile of the one star reviews for the Sandpiper and felt I…read moreneeded to put in my two cents. First point is that many of the complaints are true. Yeah, some of the folks who work there or have worked there are, quite frankly, not exactly coothe. They might say stupid and offensive things. Yep. True. And yeah, the place is a dive, which is a positive. Smells like mold/mildew? I didn't experience that but could be. You've lived in your posh cliffside house too long to know what a place with character is like. The Sandpiper is both great and crap at the same time. The latter is part of what makes it great! The booze is of low to average quality. The music is variable. The scene...great! This is where the locals hang out and they are as varied and entertaining as one could want. (Dennis Rodman used to come in from time to time as well.) Brad is awesome. And Chuck. I haven't been to "The Dirty Bird" in quite a while as I moved out of Laguna and so it's a bit more of a hike to get there..does Chuck (the owner) still drop by frequently? He used to work behind the bar nightly. Fantastic guy. No, that's wrong. He's more than fantastic. The Sandpiper is a jewel of Laguna and I hope it's around long after I'm gone. (Dude who's pissed he was kicked out at 1:45am...you're seriously upset over that? Oh boy.)

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    The Cliff Restaurant - tradamerican - Updated September 2026

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