Driftwood Kitchen

4.5 (1776)

$31 to $50

Seafood

619 Sleepy Hollow Ln., Laguna Beach, CA 92651

About this restaurant

Great for scenic views
Charming
Good for special occasions

Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom bar is a casual restaurant that serves ocean-to-table fare next to a lovely waterfront view. Helmed by executive Chef Rainer Schwarz, the menu showcases an eclectic selection of seafood dishes that highlight the diversity of the Pacific. Menu highlights include hand-shucked oysters, salmon, octopus, swordfish and lobster, prepared with nothing but the finest and freshest ingredients. Driftwood also offers alternative menu items for landlubbers, such as dishes made of chicken or steak.

Driftwood Kitchen and Stateroom Bar is open all through the week. In addition to its dinner menu, the restaurant serves brunch 7 days a week between 9 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. The airy dining room is a great place to enjoy a casual business lunch or a fun outing with friends. Driftwood Kitchen also boasts a bar, open from 9am - 10:30pm everyday.

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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Seafood, American, Californian
Hours of operation
Daily 9:00 am–2:15 pm Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(949) 715-7700
Website
http://www.driftwoodkitchen.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Resort Casual
Executive chef
Rainer Schwarz
Catering
The Driftwood Private Room is just upstairs of the Driftwood Kitchen and State Room Bar, and offers sparkling ocean views. Inspired by the historical charm of the building, the rich dark hardwood floors and paneling, grey tufted chairs and bay windows, this ambiance offers a very private setting for your business or social gathering.
Private party facilities
With unobstructed views of the Ocean, our unique ocean front property offers a spectacular location for special events and weddings of many styles and sizes. We are able to customize each of our unique spaces to accommodate birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, corporate gatherings, weddings ceremonies and receptions, or a day at the beach,

Location
619 Sleepy Hollow Ln., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Neighborhood
Laguna Beach
Cross street
Coast Highway and Cleo
Parking details
Valet
Public transit
Trolley stop Coast Hwy @ Cleo St, SB - Stop 14
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

SEASONAL FRUIT BOWL$14.00
ORGANIC GRANOLA$12.00
seasonal berries | vanilla yogurt
SCOTTISH SMOKED SALMON BAGEL$24.00
heirloom tomatoes | avocado | micro cilantro
LAGUNA BEACH OMELET$26.00
jumbo lump blue crab | jack cheese | cilantro | lime green onions | avocado-tomatillo salsa
EGG WHITE OMELET$25.00
baby spinach | roasted mushrooms | piquillo peppers heirloom tomatoes | red onion | avocado | manchego
ORGANIC EGGS$21.00
skillet potatoes | nueske's bacon or country sausage | choice of toast
DK BENEDICT$22.00
nueske's ham | hollandaise | skillet potatoes with steak 28 | with crab cake 29
STACK OF BLUEBERRY PANCAKES$18.00
caramelized hazelnut butter | vermont maple syrup
FRENCH TOAST$18.00
granola crusted | caramelized hazelnut butter | mixed berries | vermont maple syrup
STEAK AND EGGS$29.00
grilled new york steak & eggs | chimichurri sauce
AVOCADO TOAST$23.00
soft poached egg | grilled corn | heirloom tomato | breakfast radish | cotija | whole grain toast
MAINE LOBSTER HASH$36.00
lobster meat | asparagus | potatoes | red chili hollandaise two poached eggs
GRILLED PRAWN & STREET CORN CHILAQUILES$26.00
spicy ranchero sauce | cotija avocado | tortilla chips | fried organic egg | crema | tajin

LUNCH PLATES

CLAM CHOWDER
sea clams | applewood smoked bacon | fingerling potatoes | cream
OYSTERS
selection of east & west coast | on the 1/2 shell | classic mignonette
- 1/2 dozen$24.00
- dozen$46.00
CHEF'S SELECTION OF CURED MEATS AND ARTISANAL CHEESES$27.00
fig jam | whole grain mustard | marcona almonds | carnichons & bread
SHELLFISH PLATTER$60.00
main lobster tail | king crab | jumbo prawns | oysters | bloody mary cocktail | miignonette | spicy remoulade
WHOLE LEAF GEM CAESAR SALAD$18.00
creamy caesar dressing | reggiano | white anchovy | croutons with grilled chicken 26 | with grilled shrimp 30 | with ora king salmon 34
CRISPY FRIED BRUSSELS SPROUTS$15.00
balsamic reduction | marcona almonds | dried cranberries | parmesan | mint lebni
DRIFTWOOD FRIES$13.00
hand-cut kennebec potatoes | herb aioli
MAINE LOBSTER FLAUTA$25.00
green bomba sauce | lime crema | pepino pico de gallo
SPANISH OCTOPUS$21.00
bilbao chorizo | crispy fingerling potatoes | romesco sauce | chimichurri
DWK FISH & CHIPS (served after 11am)$30.00
icelandic cod | modelo especial beer batter | old bay fries | dill and fried caper tartar sauce
BEACH BURGER$21.00
aged vermont cheddar | bacon | arugula | tomato | chipotle aioli | brioche bun | kettle chips *make it a hangover burger with fried egg and avocado +5
GRILLED KING SALMON SANDWICH$26.00
sesame pickled cucumbers | avocado heirloom tomato | daikon sprouts | sambal aioli | brioche bun
BELGIAN ENDIVE SALAD$19.00
prosciutto di parma | stracciatella | vin cotto | crushed pistachios
ROASTED BEET SALAD$19.00
tuscan kale | baby gem | radicchio | sugar snap peas | shaved asparagus | avocado | gigante beans | breakfast radish | baby heirloom tomatoes | pepitas | green goddess dressing
STEAMED SALT SPRINGS MUSSELS$28.00
prosecco | nduja (pork) | garlic confit | blistered tomatoes | garlic focaccia
DWK DUNGENESS CRAB LOUIE SALAD$26.00
shaved iceberg | persian cucumbers | campari tomatoes | jammy egg | louie dressing
MAINE LOBSTER ROLL$42.00
butter poached lobster meat | herb aioli | brioche roll | DWK slaw | house make pickle
BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP$14.00
toasted sunflower seeds | duck confit | lemon creme fraiche | pumpkin seed oil
FAROE ISLAND SALMON$32.00
fingerling potatoes | corn | piquillo pepper | spinach | cherry tomatoes | romesco sauce
Cantaloupe & Stracciatella$17.00
stone fruits | candied kumquat | basil mousse | lemon chervil | 10 year balsamic
SPICY FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH$21.00
corn flake crusted | jalapeno poblano aioli | poblano pepper | gem lettuce | pepperjack cheese | kennebec fries

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Driftwood Kitchen.

4.5

(1776)

4.4Food
4.5Service
4.6Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Driftwood Kitchen, now closed, was cherished for its "amazing ocean view," "wonderful and delicious" food, and warm service. Guests loved the "blueberry pancakes" and "sea scallops," while dining against the backdrop of the surf. Despite mixed reviews on service consistency, the "exceptional dining experience" left lasting memories for many.

1,774 Reviews

E
Emily Gold
New York City2 reviews
5.0
Dined on September 8, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
the service was excellent we received amazing service from all the wait staff and hostess!
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L
Larry
Orange County4 reviews
3.0
Dined on September 7, 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Our 1st lunch here for my wife's birthday after having a great dinner at the same location several months ago. We expected crowds on Labor Day due to people wanting to see the big surf created by hurricane marie. Lunch was a somewhat of a let down. We were seated promptly at a table without a view of the coast. The waiter served us but never came back to ask if our meal was okay or if we wanted refills on our drinks. The food was okay but the overall experience could have been better. I think there are options in the area for lunch with a better view and better service.
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S
Sheldon Gold
Los Angeles20 reviews
5.0
Dined on September 7, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Gorgeous views of the surf at high tide with 10 foot swells! Went back for breakfast this morning on the deck. Sadly closing permanently today after many decades. Another gem lost to “progress.”
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J
Jose
Orange County3 reviews
5.0
Dined on September 7, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We love the relaxing feel on the Driftwood Kitchen and the beautiful ocean view. The service was great by our waitress Kim and the rest of the staff, the food is wonderful and delicious, Chef Javier Sanchez is doing amazing dishes with a beautiful presentations for guests to enjoy.
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E
Ed Gold
Orange County3 reviews
5.0
Dined on September 6, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food great service great location waves huge surfers out on the second to last day. Will miss this place a lot!
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D
David Gold
San Francisco38 reviews
5.0
Dined on September 6, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Really great brunch menu. The tomatillo sauce was outstanding. Good portions and great drinks!
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D
Debra
Orange County14 reviews
5.0
Dined on September 5, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A delightful experience. We went for breakfast that they continue serving until 2.15pm. That in itself was great. Then the food was outstanding with a varied choice of breakfast entrees. I opted for blueberry pancakes which was not only delicious but the real deal. Fresh blueberries were baked into the dough and they also offered fresh blueberries on the plate. My friend chose Eggs Benedict with ham. We were both delighted. Service was very friendly and accommodating. But on top of all of that, there is the magnificent icean view! Bravo & Thank you Driftwood Kitchen! 🙏
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C
Cooper
Denver1 review
1.0
Dined on September 5, 2026
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
I ordered and was charged for the surf and turf plate. only the steak came out, I didn't want to complain and didn't realize till after I was charged for lobster tail I never received. The staff was very rude and rushed us out of our table.
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J
Jean
Washington DC11 reviews
5.0
Dined on September 4, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Watching the sunset from the restaurant was terrific and added to the overall dining experience
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K
Karla
Orange County7 reviews
2.0
Dined on September 1, 2026
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
Driftwood Kitchen is closing in a little over a week, and they don’t seem to care. The food was tasteless. The $42 salmon seemed like a frozen portion from Costco and was overcooked and dried out, and had maybe a teaspoon of pineapple salsa (which was finely choooed pineapple with a couple small pieces of red bell pepper and lacked flavor) The chicken was ok, not great, not bad, the best part was the mushrooms, and the mashed potatoes were flavorless. The Parker house rolls must have been frozen, and were dry and hard in the middle. The best things we had were the Brussel sprouts and the sticky toffee cake. To top it off their payment system went down and it took another 30 minutes to have the server hand write the bill, and we paid in cash, otherwise the option was to leave our credit card information. Service was incredibly slow and the restaurant was only 1/3 full. Our server was very nice, and I don’t fault her. I think they are short staffed. With only a week remaining for them to be open, I would skip it, and take your money elsewhere for a good dinner.
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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Seafood, American, Californian
Hours of operation
Daily 9:00 am–2:15 pm Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(949) 715-7700
Website
http://www.driftwoodkitchen.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Resort Casual
Executive chef
Rainer Schwarz
Catering
The Driftwood Private Room is just upstairs of the Driftwood Kitchen and State Room Bar, and offers sparkling ocean views. Inspired by the historical charm of the building, the rich dark hardwood floors and paneling, grey tufted chairs and bay windows, this ambiance offers a very private setting for your business or social gathering.
Private party facilities
With unobstructed views of the Ocean, our unique ocean front property offers a spectacular location for special events and weddings of many styles and sizes. We are able to customize each of our unique spaces to accommodate birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, corporate gatherings, weddings ceremonies and receptions, or a day at the beach,

Location
619 Sleepy Hollow Ln., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Neighborhood
Laguna Beach
Cross street
Coast Highway and Cleo
Parking details
Valet
Public transit
Trolley stop Coast Hwy @ Cleo St, SB - Stop 14
Additional
Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

FAQs

Yes, Driftwood Kitchen offers outdoor seating: guests frequently sit on the patio or deck to enjoy oceanfront brunches and sunset views.

Driftwood Kitchen's clam chowder is a standout, guests repeatedly praise it as rich and flavorful, and it appears on the menu.

Driftwood Kitchen feels airy and casually elegant, an ocean-facing dining room with lots of windows, a narrow outdoor patio for sunset seating, and a cozy bar/lounge area.

Resort casual is the guide, think comfortable, neat attire rather than formalwear; many guests do dress up a touch for anniversaries and sunset dinners.

Any day, Driftwood Kitchen serves brunch seven days a week (9:00 am–2:15 pm), and guests frequently praise its brunch and patio.

Portions at Driftwood Kitchen are often generous, guests commonly note hearty brunch servings and shared plates that were more than enough for the table.

Yes, Driftwood Kitchen's balcony and patio ocean views make it a lovely choice for date night, and several guests report memorable anniversary and sunset dinners there.

For the most dramatic visit, plan dinner around sunset to enjoy the ocean view from the patio or balcony; for a quieter meal, Sunday mornings and weekday brunches tend to be calmer. Driftwood serves brunch daily from 9:00–2:15, and many guests single out sunset dinners for the view and experience.

Yes, Driftwood offers a special Thanksgiving Buffet experience with chilled seafood, carving and action stations, a kids station, and a dessert station.

Yes, Driftwood is family-friendly: it offers a kids menu (reviewers note children enjoying it) and the Thanksgiving Buffet even includes a dedicated Kids Station.

Yes, Driftwood Kitchen has a full bar (the Stateroom Bar) and guests mention cocktails, Bellinis, mimosas, champagne and wine during their visits; the bar is listed open daily 9:00–10:30 pm.

How FAQ content is generated

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Driftwood Kitchen

About this restaurant

Permanently Closed

There’s more to explore

Dining areas

Additional information

BREAKFAST PLATES

SEASONAL FRUIT BOWL$14.00

ORGANIC GRANOLA$12.00

SCOTTISH SMOKED SALMON BAGEL$24.00

LAGUNA BEACH OMELET$26.00

EGG WHITE OMELET$25.00

ORGANIC EGGS$21.00

DK BENEDICT$22.00

STACK OF BLUEBERRY PANCAKES$18.00

FRENCH TOAST$18.00

STEAK AND EGGS$29.00

AVOCADO TOAST$23.00

MAINE LOBSTER HASH$36.00

GRILLED PRAWN & STREET CORN CHILAQUILES$26.00

LUNCH PLATES

CLAM CHOWDER

OYSTERS

CHEF'S SELECTION OF CURED MEATS AND ARTISANAL CHEESES$27.00

SHELLFISH PLATTER$60.00

WHOLE LEAF GEM CAESAR SALAD$18.00

CRISPY FRIED BRUSSELS SPROUTS$15.00

DRIFTWOOD FRIES$13.00

MAINE LOBSTER FLAUTA$25.00

SPANISH OCTOPUS$21.00

DWK FISH & CHIPS (served after 11am)$30.00

BEACH BURGER$21.00

GRILLED KING SALMON SANDWICH$26.00

BELGIAN ENDIVE SALAD$19.00

ROASTED BEET SALAD$19.00

STEAMED SALT SPRINGS MUSSELS$28.00

DWK DUNGENESS CRAB LOUIE SALAD$26.00

MAINE LOBSTER ROLL$42.00

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP$14.00

FAROE ISLAND SALMON$32.00

Cantaloupe & Stracciatella$17.00

SPICY FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH$21.00

Review summary

Dining areas

Additional information

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Laguna Beach Chef Rainer Schwarz, Co-Owner of Driftwood Kitchen, Dies in Dana Point Car Crash

Driftwood Kitchen Marks 10-Year Anniversary with Seasonal Ocean-To-Table Menu in Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach Guide Highlights Driftwood Kitchen Among Top Local Spots

FAQs

Does this restaurant have outdoor seating?

What is this restaurant's stand-out or favorite dish?

What's the ambience/atmosphere like in this restaurant?

What is the dress code for Driftwood Kitchen?

What is the best day to go to Driftwood Kitchen?

What are the portion sizes like at this restaurant?

Is this a good pick for date night?

When is the best time to go to Driftwood Kitchen?

Does this restaurant have any specials deals or experiences?

Is this restaurant kid-friendly?

Does this restaurant serve alcohol?

Permanently Closed